Help - 20" Wheel Folding Bike

gtRTSdh

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I've been asked to make suggestions to a friend for a 20" Wheeled folding bike (to fit easily in a Skoda Fabia), I know nothing, could anyone help at al with any suggestions, I think £400 is probably the max. Tall chap at at least 6ft and approx. 16st.

On a separate note, I'm not sure how much less work there is folding a bike up than removing the front wheel of a full sized bike?
 
gtRTSdh":3jit9ae6 said:
I've been asked to make suggestions to a friend for a 20" Wheeled folding bike (to fit easily in a Skoda Fabia), I know nothing, could anyone help at al with any suggestions, I think £400 is probably the max. Tall chap at at least 6ft and approx. 16st.

On a separate note, I'm not sure how much less work there is folding a bike up than removing the front wheel of a full sized bike?

I know precious little about them. But my brother has used them for some years, and he swears by Dahon.
 
I *think* Dahon are no more, at least in the uk. Story went something like, importer got p155ed off with factory not paying warranty claims.

I've had several: one was a Boardwalk which was badged as a Raleigh. It was ok but the standard wheels weren't up to the job (kept breaking spokes) so switched for some bmx rims.

The other was really nice; dual suspension, can't remember what it was called. It got nicked.

Also had Cadenza with 26" wheels which was ok but heavy and the welding was pretty rough as I remember.

Don't assume a 20" wheel folder will go in the boot of your Fabia. They're bulkier than they look.

Folding can be a bit of a faff but done in less than 20 sec with practice. And greasy fingers.

You may be forced to get a Brompton to fit in the Fabia. I really don't rate them but the rest of the world (particularly London commuters) think they're God's gift. Just because it's backwards compatible and made in uk, doesn't make it special in my book. They ride like sh1t IMHO. Scary and wobbly.
 
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Raleigh are now the Dahon distributor in UK as of 2012. My local Raleigh dealer has them in, so might be worth a peek if there's one near you..
 
Just to point out, I wasn't recommending them, per se - just that my brother has had a couple, and therefore gone with repeat business (after one got nicked) and also got one for his wife. They're used way overseas, though, but don't think they're particularly any cheaper in China.
 
Bromptons are over rated but they are good, tough, reliable folders with about the best fold going. I've toured on one and you get used to the twitchy handling which most small wheelers have. Another good one is the Birdy folder but both them and Brompton can only be had for £400 and under second hand. Best to look up http://www.atob.org.uk/folding-bikes/fo ... -guide-uk/ for all your folder advice.
 
Osella":2i99767d said:
Raleigh are now the Dahon distributor in UK as of 2012. My local Raleigh dealer has them in, so might be worth a peek if there's one near you..

You sure about that? Nothing folding is shown on Raleigh website:

http://www.raleigh.co.uk/ProductType/Pr ... t=14&pr=32

Mind you, it is 2013 now so maybe they ditched them?

Not saying you're wrong (one of my "Dahons" was badged a Raleigh), but just wondering where the info for them is held.

I *think* the UK importer that used to have the Dahon contract moved over to Kansi bikes - pretty much the same thing with a few minor differences. The 'BMX' folding bike looks interesting! Mag wheels!

http://www.foldingbikes.co.uk/583/kansi.aspx
 
Found another of my past rides, a Pacific Reach.

http://www.pacific-cycles.com/

Been modified a bit now. Biggest weakness was me carrying lots of luggage, and therefore working rear shock too hard. Folding was OK but I'd say better for occasional fold rather than every day.

I seem to remember front brake was susceptible to seizing up due to getting wet, too.

I can't find a UK seller for these at the moment. I got mine 2nd hand but did try a new one at Avon Cycles, Bath (they don't stock Pacific anymore).
 
grogee":tsqshrg8 said:
Osella":tsqshrg8 said:
Raleigh are now the Dahon distributor in UK as of 2012. My local Raleigh dealer has them in, so might be worth a peek if there's one near you..

You sure about that? Nothing folding is shown on Raleigh website:

http://www.raleigh.co.uk/ProductType/Pr ... t=14&pr=32

Mind you, it is 2013 now so maybe they ditched them?

Not saying you're wrong (one of my "Dahons" was badged a Raleigh), but just wondering where the info for them is held.

http://dahon.com/mainnav/contact-dahon/ ... utors.html
 
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