Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Folding Bikes
Reload this Page >

Folding Bike Cargo Solution

Notices
Folding Bikes Discuss the unique features and issues of folding bikes. Also a great place to learn what folding bike will work best for your needs.

Folding Bike Cargo Solution

Old 04-16-21, 01:03 PM
  #1  
Inisfallen
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Inisfallen's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 95
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 46 Post(s)
Liked 57 Times in 29 Posts
Folding Bike Cargo Solution

In a lot of ways, a folding bike is the ideal solution to my situation. It's small, and folds up and fits in a closet at home, which is a major factor when one is sharing a New York City apartment with a wife and three children. It folds up and sits next to my desk in my office (when I go in to the office these days). It lets me almost totally avoid the subway.

The downside is carrying capacity.

So I put one of these on:


Works perfectly. The basket pops on and off the mounting easily, yet stays on securely, even when loaded. And the mount remains on the bicycle and doesn't interfere with folding (at least on my Giant Halfway -- I can't say it would work with every folding bike).

So I can ride the bike to the grocery store, carry the basket into the store, fill it with groceries, pay, put it back on the bike, and ride home.

Perfect. I wish Wald would make a basket that's a bit bigger and compatible with the same mount, but otherwise, it's perfect.
Inisfallen is offline  
Likes For Inisfallen:
Old 04-17-21, 09:00 AM
  #2  
reppans
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: New England
Posts: 792

Bikes: Brompton M6R, Specialized Tricross Comp, Ellsworth Isis, Dahon Speed P8

Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 325 Post(s)
Liked 19 Times in 16 Posts
This where Brompton’s shopping cart mode really shines - 15sec conversion; no need to lock-up outside; frame mounted so no impact to handling/steering. For larger/heavier loads, add a Burley Travoy with good backpack - 30sec conversions; fully hand-carry/hike-able for stairs, subways, etc. and both can still be wheeled-while-folded (one in each hand).
reppans is offline  
Likes For reppans:
Old 04-17-21, 09:32 AM
  #3  
linberl
Senior Member
 
linberl's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 3,460

Bikes: Trident Spike 2 recumbent trike w/ e-assist

Mentioned: 25 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1321 Post(s)
Liked 374 Times in 288 Posts
My Dahon Uno has a super light rear rack and I can use panniers or a trunk bag. I use my Travoy with the Bike Friday pakiT. But for small super light shops (loaf of bread, etc.). I just take a nylon backpack that zips into it's own pocket and open it up and use the hang tab on the top over the ahead stem. Because of the longer drop to the front wheel, it hangs off the bars and doesn't get in the way at all. I always have one of those with me because you never know -- I was out riding last week and accidentally found a bakery that had a rhubarb tarte that looked wonderful. On the BF, no way to bring it home, but I popped open the little nylon backpack sack, set it inside, louped the hang tag and took the side straps over the ends of the bars and it balanced perfectly on top of the bars and ahead stem the entire ride home! Was delicious, too =). Having one of those bags tucked away means I can ride without bags unless I am intentionally shopping and still grab a quick lunch or treat to take home. They're really versatile.
linberl is offline  
Likes For linberl:
Old 04-18-21, 10:53 AM
  #4  
Inisfallen
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Inisfallen's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 95
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 46 Post(s)
Liked 57 Times in 29 Posts
Originally Posted by reppans
This where Brompton’s shopping cart mode really shines - 15sec conversion; no need to lock-up outside; frame mounted so no impact to handling/steering. For larger/heavier loads, add a Burley Travoy with good backpack - 30sec conversions; fully hand-carry/hike-able for stairs, subways, etc. and both can still be wheeled-while-folded (one in each hand).
Absolutely, and I'd love a Brompton.

On the other hand, bang for buck is a factor too. I got my bike used for $100, and the basket and mounting bracket cost me about $40.
Inisfallen is offline  
Likes For Inisfallen:
Old 05-21-21, 09:53 AM
  #5  
BlackWhite
Junior Member
 
BlackWhite's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2021
Posts: 14
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Nice job! Incidentally, I have tried that brand of folding bike - their design is so smart! They have them at a few bike shops in San Francisco, and also at the Oakland Museum. I'm inspired to see the way my Dahon fits from the smart. Having a way to keep it from flopping around would be fantastic, and you've produced a brilliant solution!
BlackWhite is offline  
Old 05-21-21, 08:46 PM
  #6  
Nyah
QR-disc must die!!!
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Shenandoah Valley, Northern Virginia.
Posts: 703

Bikes: '99 Trek 520, '20 Kona Sutra (FOR SALE 48cm), '21 Simon-Bikes mini-velo and a chromoly-framed folding bicycle with drop-bars and V-brakes, that rolls even while folded.

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 397 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 199 Times in 147 Posts
I just got a Tern Loader G2 rack for my Dahon Speed. Before I saw it
in person, I wasn't sure that it would allow me to use panniers without
my heels hitting them. Now I'm pretty sure that this won't happen and
that this rack is going to work great for me. For utility, I strap a wire
basket to my rack. Unfortunately that blocks my ability to fold
the bicycle. Still though, this setup is super handy. I been bringing
my non-folding bicycles into stores with me since the pandemic started
so, I can do that with this one too. So thumbs up on the Tern Loader G2.
I'm glad that I chose it instead of the heavier, longer, more
expensive Tern Cargo Rack.

Now I need a low rack (close to the fender) for the front.

What can I do with the Dahon luggage socket? Are there any low racks for
it that have a nice, flat area which I can strap a Wald 137 basket to?



Nyah is offline  
Likes For Nyah:
Old 05-22-21, 04:02 AM
  #7  
kayakindude
Full Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: New England
Posts: 433

Bikes: 1987 Cannondale SR600/BioPace, 1991 Cannondale Road Tandem,1994 Giant Iguana MB, 2009 Airnimal Chameleon, 2016 Dahon Vybe C7A

Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 121 Post(s)
Liked 100 Times in 63 Posts
Originally Posted by Nyah

What can I do with the Dahon luggage socket? Are there any low racks for
it that have a nice, flat area which I can strap a Wald 137 basket to?
Buy a Brompton block adapter for the front stem mount and gain one of the great advantages of their bag systems at a non brompton price.

Have a Brompton bag on my Dahon for the last 3 years for commuting.
kayakindude is offline  
Likes For kayakindude:
Old 05-22-21, 03:07 PM
  #8  
Jipe
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,513
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 783 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 233 Times in 198 Posts
I am afraid that it won't be possible to use a front bag with a drop bar,it will hit the bag !
Jipe is online now  
Old 05-22-21, 03:59 PM
  #9  
Nyah
QR-disc must die!!!
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Shenandoah Valley, Northern Virginia.
Posts: 703

Bikes: '99 Trek 520, '20 Kona Sutra (FOR SALE 48cm), '21 Simon-Bikes mini-velo and a chromoly-framed folding bicycle with drop-bars and V-brakes, that rolls even while folded.

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 397 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 199 Times in 147 Posts
Originally Posted by Jipe
I am afraid that it won't be possible to use a front bag with a drop bar,it will hit the bag !
That's correct. It would have to be a low rack.
Nyah is offline  
Old 05-22-21, 07:25 PM
  #10  
Reddleman
iti biking
 
Reddleman's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Aotearoa
Posts: 185

Bikes: Tern Link D8, much upgraded

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 93 Post(s)
Liked 88 Times in 50 Posts
Tern luggage truss with a basket of your choice by Rixen and Kaul?
Reddleman is offline  
Old 05-25-21, 03:52 PM
  #11  
tcs
Palmer
 
tcs's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Parts Unknown
Posts: 8,580

Bikes: Mike Melton custom, 1982 Stumpjumper, Alex Moulton AM, 2010 Dawes Briercliffe, 2017 Dahon Curl i8, 2021 Motobecane Turino 1x12

Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1645 Post(s)
Liked 1,785 Times in 1,041 Posts
Originally Posted by Jipe
I am afraid that it won't be possible to use a front bag with a drop bar,it will hit the bag !
One of a couple of reasons that nearly all touring bikes fix the rack/bags to the forks or use a handlebar bag.
tcs is offline  
Old 05-25-21, 05:43 PM
  #12  
Winfried
Senior Member
 
Winfried's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Paris, France
Posts: 2,494
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 566 Post(s)
Liked 116 Times in 98 Posts
But then, does it make sense to use a drop bar on a folder with 20" wheels, when a flat bar (+ bar ends) à la S on a Brompton can take a frame-mounted bag in the front without affecting steering much?

Winfried is offline  
Likes For Winfried:
Old 05-25-21, 10:37 PM
  #13  
Nyah
QR-disc must die!!!
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Shenandoah Valley, Northern Virginia.
Posts: 703

Bikes: '99 Trek 520, '20 Kona Sutra (FOR SALE 48cm), '21 Simon-Bikes mini-velo and a chromoly-framed folding bicycle with drop-bars and V-brakes, that rolls even while folded.

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 397 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 199 Times in 147 Posts
Originally Posted by Winfried
But then, does it make sense to use a drop bar on a folder with 20" wheels, when a flat bar (+ bar ends) à la S on a Brompton can take a frame-mounted bag in the front without affecting steering much?
Yes, because the setup that you're comparing to the drop-bars has, among others, a major safety disadvantage. Imagine yourself going fast and then having to change your grip position within a split-second in order to apply the brakes.
Nyah is offline  
Old 05-26-21, 07:16 AM
  #14  
Winfried
Senior Member
 
Winfried's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Paris, France
Posts: 2,494
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 566 Post(s)
Liked 116 Times in 98 Posts
Going fast in the city on a folder with 20" wheels?

Besides, it has bar end shifters.
Winfried is offline  
Old 05-26-21, 09:49 AM
  #15  
Nyah
QR-disc must die!!!
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Shenandoah Valley, Northern Virginia.
Posts: 703

Bikes: '99 Trek 520, '20 Kona Sutra (FOR SALE 48cm), '21 Simon-Bikes mini-velo and a chromoly-framed folding bicycle with drop-bars and V-brakes, that rolls even while folded.

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 397 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 199 Times in 147 Posts
Originally Posted by Winfried
Going fast in the city on a folder with 20" wheels?
Having to change your grip position in order to slow down is a bad idea, anywhere.


Besides, it has bar end shifters.
Bar-end shift-levers, what of it? Those are not a safety detriment in any way.
Nyah is offline  
Old 05-26-21, 03:36 PM
  #16  
Winfried
Senior Member
 
Winfried's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Paris, France
Posts: 2,494
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 566 Post(s)
Liked 116 Times in 98 Posts
They are since you have to take one hand off the handlebar to change gears.

Brifters would make more sense.
Winfried is offline  
Old 05-26-21, 11:16 PM
  #17  
Nyah
QR-disc must die!!!
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Shenandoah Valley, Northern Virginia.
Posts: 703

Bikes: '99 Trek 520, '20 Kona Sutra (FOR SALE 48cm), '21 Simon-Bikes mini-velo and a chromoly-framed folding bicycle with drop-bars and V-brakes, that rolls even while folded.

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 397 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 199 Times in 147 Posts
Originally Posted by Winfried
They are since you have to take one hand off the handlebar to change gears.

Brifters would make more sense.
You are comparing a momentary gear-shift - to riding in a grip position that has both hands unable to reach the brakes.
Nyah is offline  
Old 05-31-21, 02:44 PM
  #18  
lwylie
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 18

Bikes: 2007 Bike Friday NWT

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10 Post(s)
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Originally Posted by linberl
. I just take a nylon backpack that zips into it's own pocket and open it up and use the hang tab on the top over the ahead stem. Because of the longer drop to the front wheel, it hangs off the bars and doesn't get in the way at all. ....I popped open the little nylon backpack sack, set it inside, louped the hang tag and took the side straps over the ends of the bars and it balanced perfectly on top of the bars and ahead stem the entire ride home!

What a great idea! Linberl, what brand of backpack do you use? And could you share a photo of the setup? I have a Sea To Summit packable nylon backpack but the "hang tab" looks too small to fit over my BF's stem.
lwylie is offline  
Old 05-31-21, 02:53 PM
  #19  
linberl
Senior Member
 
linberl's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 3,460

Bikes: Trident Spike 2 recumbent trike w/ e-assist

Mentioned: 25 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1321 Post(s)
Liked 374 Times in 288 Posts
Originally Posted by lwylie
What a great idea! Linberl, what brand of backpack do you use? And could you share a photo of the setup? I have a Sea To Summit packable nylon backpack but the "hang tab" looks too small to fit over my BF's stem.
They're both cheap little nylon bags, not bought specifically for this purpose. I think I even got one free for some promotion.

linberl is offline  
Old 05-31-21, 06:45 PM
  #20  
lwylie
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 18

Bikes: 2007 Bike Friday NWT

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10 Post(s)
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Thx! I see the Gonex one on Amazon for $14 so will order one. Can always use another packable pack.
lwylie is offline  
Old 05-31-21, 08:13 PM
  #21  
wesgreen
Full Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 223
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 80 Post(s)
Liked 36 Times in 28 Posts
Pletscher makes a fantastic rack for 20" bikes. Worth every penny, imo.
wesgreen is offline  
Old 07-05-21, 09:37 PM
  #22  
mellavellum
Newbie
 
Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: Brooklyn
Posts: 3

Bikes: Dahon Speed 9

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by Nyah
So thumbs up on the Tern Loader G2.
I'm glad that I chose it instead of the heavier, longer, more
expensive Tern Cargo Rack.
That is one slick Dahon Speed! Beauty. Thanks for the thumbs up review of the G2 rack.
Can I ask what fenders those are? I've been looking for a set compatible with 2" big apples.
mellavellum is offline  
Old 07-06-21, 03:30 AM
  #23  
Jonesandrew
Junior Member
 
Jonesandrew's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 84
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 48 Post(s)
Liked 11 Times in 7 Posts
Originally Posted by wesgreen
Pletscher makes a fantastic rack for 20" bikes. Worth every penny, imo.
Could you post the URL for this? I can't find it on their website.
Jonesandrew is offline  
Old 07-06-21, 06:49 AM
  #24  
tcs
Palmer
 
tcs's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Parts Unknown
Posts: 8,580

Bikes: Mike Melton custom, 1982 Stumpjumper, Alex Moulton AM, 2010 Dawes Briercliffe, 2017 Dahon Curl i8, 2021 Motobecane Turino 1x12

Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1645 Post(s)
Liked 1,785 Times in 1,041 Posts
...frame mounted so no impact to handling/steering


Because of wheel flop, adding weight to the front of a bicycle has to impact handling/steering. It's physics. The weight speeds up the turning moment. Adding the weight to the fork/handlepost rather than the frame increases the steering's moment of
inertia, which slows down the turning moment and thereby counteracts the effects of the weight.
tcs is offline  
Old 07-06-21, 07:00 AM
  #25  
tcs
Palmer
 
tcs's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Parts Unknown
Posts: 8,580

Bikes: Mike Melton custom, 1982 Stumpjumper, Alex Moulton AM, 2010 Dawes Briercliffe, 2017 Dahon Curl i8, 2021 Motobecane Turino 1x12

Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1645 Post(s)
Liked 1,785 Times in 1,041 Posts
Originally Posted by Winfried
They are since you have to take one hand off the handlebar to change gears.
Just to clear this up for anyone who reads this thread: using bar end shifters , the bar is gripped with the thumb+index finger+middle finger while the shift is actuated with the heel of the hand and the ring finger+small finger. One of the advantages of bar end shifters is the hand remains firmly in control of the
steering while shifting.
tcs is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.