Andrew Ritchie pattern tri-folders
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#27
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No, I would call that a bi-fold with an extra hinge. The ideal would be not having a hinge in the main beam or triangle (if there is one). If you look at the bicycle as a structure, the wheels are its supports. The bi-fold is like a beam spanning wheel to wheel with a hinge in the middle. Structurally, that is the worst spot. For cost of production and practicality, it may be the best spot. Can you overcome that shortcoming? Yes. The only folder I had that was a bi-fold that was stiff was the Raleigh 20. it was way heavy, had a huge fold, and it had an antique threading system. I had had two Dahons. Both were relatively cheap and both way too flexy. I had two Moultons. I liked them, but they are not folders. On balance, I do like front wheel shocks (just my opinion but too much compromise). My current 20" bike is a Xootr Swift. I love the ride, but the fold is huge. That is its only downside. Later this year I will try another folder, maybe a bi-fold.
The ChangeBike does have a design that isn't too bad a compromise (esp the flat bar version), stiff turning joint (maybe even over spec'ed for my weight).
It can use a standard 26" or 27.5" fork depending on model.
Not the smallest fold, but in reality, it occupies a imaginary space when folded that is really more or less the same as a 20" folded bike.
#28
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For me the cleverest solution is the one of the Birdy: no additional folding axle, one piece main frame, the front and rear suspension axles are also the one used to fold the bike.
#29
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#30
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Yes, larger fold but only slightly larger.
The above picture is an old one of a Birdy I.
The Birdy has been improved step by step and the current Birdy is only slightly bigger than the Brompton.
The above picture is an old one of a Birdy I.
The Birdy has been improved step by step and the current Birdy is only slightly bigger than the Brompton.
#31
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That said, nothing 'tucks' the wheels better than the Brompton when folded, so width wise, its still the neatest and most narrow.
Its really all about compromises and what one prefers and decides what he/she can accept more of.
I am not big nor heavy and to me a bi-fold bikes work well enough and can be lighter on the wallet too.
I can also appreciate the compact fold of the Brompton (though I really dislike the poseur cult that is built around it ); also I am willing to sacrifice some fold compactness for good gear spacing, better efficiency with other folding bikes
Birdy/Tyrell IVE type fold is a reasonable compromise to me too (and the middle ground really depends on where is middle for the user)
#32
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#33
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Birdy factory folded dimensions: 61x33x72cm
Just like for the Brompton, the folded length of the Birdy depend of the saddle mounting.
Both bikes have a seatpost with an offset (on the Brompton, the offset comes from the pentaclip).
With the offset to the front, the folded length is smaller than with the offset to the rear (the same apply for the folded height of the Brompton that also depends of the pentaclip adjustment)
.Birdy seatpost with offset to the front:
Birdy seatpost offset to the rear
The Dahon Curl has (or had ? at least some models had it) a clever folding saddle mounting system that reduces the folded size.
Just like for the Brompton, the folded length of the Birdy depend of the saddle mounting.
Both bikes have a seatpost with an offset (on the Brompton, the offset comes from the pentaclip).
With the offset to the front, the folded length is smaller than with the offset to the rear (the same apply for the folded height of the Brompton that also depends of the pentaclip adjustment)
.Birdy seatpost with offset to the front:
Birdy seatpost offset to the rear
The Dahon Curl has (or had ? at least some models had it) a clever folding saddle mounting system that reduces the folded size.
Last edited by Jipe; 12-31-21 at 05:19 AM.
#34
my nice bike is at home
This guy figured out a pretty good fold, takes a few ingredients from Bromptom but has 20' wheels, so better on those Belgian cobbles.
Nice guy, he was VERY impressed w/ mi Ti-Swift folder.
https://www.ahooga.bike/
Analog model looks good to me, there are also two models w/ electric motors.
Nice guy, he was VERY impressed w/ mi Ti-Swift folder.
https://www.ahooga.bike/
Analog model looks good to me, there are also two models w/ electric motors.
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BMC Race Machine / BMC Team Machine / Rossin Record / 80's Pinarello Traviso / Merlin MTB / Raleigh "Folding 20" / Ti-Swift (!)
Erikson w/C&C couplers / Trek's: 2300, 1200, 990 / Jamis 'Sputnik'
BMC Race Machine / BMC Team Machine / Rossin Record / 80's Pinarello Traviso / Merlin MTB / Raleigh "Folding 20" / Ti-Swift (!)
Erikson w/C&C couplers / Trek's: 2300, 1200, 990 / Jamis 'Sputnik'
Last edited by kraftwerk; 01-10-22 at 07:42 PM.
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Brompton just announced the T-line bike claimed to be the "Brompton reinvented".
If this claim is true, it should be more that a Brompton with a titanium frame like the existing titanium Brompton clone.
If this claim is true, it should be more that a Brompton with a titanium frame like the existing titanium Brompton clone.
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This guy figured out a pretty good fold, takes a few ingredients from Bromptom but has 20' wheels, so better on those Belgian cobbles.
Nice guy, he was VERY impressed w/ mi Ti-Swift folder.
https://www.ahooga.bike/
Analog model looks good to me, there are also two models w/ electric motors.
Nice guy, he was VERY impressed w/ mi Ti-Swift folder.
https://www.ahooga.bike/
Analog model looks good to me, there are also two models w/ electric motors.
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Paul Pinigis
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Paul Pinigis
Owner of Origami Bicycle Company
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#37
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#39
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Another Andrew Ritchie pattern tri-folder, branded 'Harry Quinn'. The ebike version is interesting.
#40
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#42
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This guy figured out a pretty good fold, takes a few ingredients from Bromptom but has 20' wheels, so better on those Belgian cobbles.
Nice guy, he was VERY impressed w/ mi Ti-Swift folder.
https://www.ahooga.bike/
Analog model looks good to me, there are also two models w/ electric motors.
Nice guy, he was VERY impressed w/ mi Ti-Swift folder.
https://www.ahooga.bike/
Analog model looks good to me, there are also two models w/ electric motors.
Last edited by 2_i; 01-11-22 at 04:47 PM.
#45
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Front fender provides no protection to the drive train and I too find having to remove front wheel to fold being much less practical. Probably not a big issue for whose who don't need to fold it every day but occasionally. Interesting concept.
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#47
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I don't see removing the front wheel a detriment. On the contrary I feel a lot better leaving my Chameleon unattended in the vestibule area of the train while I grab a comfortable seat for the ride and store the tire in the rack above the seat.
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