Is there such a thing as a cool folder?
- Thread starter choppstar10
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Birdy.
Suspension at both ends. Standard, modern parts, including cassettes and V-brakes etc. Handles well. A slight faff to fold. Not quite as small when folded as a Brompton. An urban hooligan machine. Not cheap.
Bromptons require a lot of modifying (Brompton optional extras $$$) if you're tall. Combined with the small wheels, the limited gearing becomes a pain. Lots of energy-sapping flex everywhere. Many non-standard components. Non-functioning brakes. Awful cornering. Terrifying in the wet. No options to upgrade to Vs or better gearing.
But fantastic folding mechanism. And the best luggage system anywhere - Period.
Suspension at both ends. Standard, modern parts, including cassettes and V-brakes etc. Handles well. A slight faff to fold. Not quite as small when folded as a Brompton. An urban hooligan machine. Not cheap.
Bromptons require a lot of modifying (Brompton optional extras $$$) if you're tall. Combined with the small wheels, the limited gearing becomes a pain. Lots of energy-sapping flex everywhere. Many non-standard components. Non-functioning brakes. Awful cornering. Terrifying in the wet. No options to upgrade to Vs or better gearing.
But fantastic folding mechanism. And the best luggage system anywhere - Period.
I ride a Brompton when I have to take the train. They ride better than any of the other folders I tried before parting with my cash. There's no doubt about it you look like an utter prat on the things but there's something about them that stops you caring. They are really good fun to ride. The small wheels makes them feel a bit twitchy for the first 20 yards but after that they're fine. Give one a go, you'll not regret it. They've also been in production for 20 years so a retro design in my book.
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I have a 1990 folding Rudge MTB, it folds at the seat post down tube.
True Temper tubes and just about any groupset you care to think of would fit.
heres a really cool SS conversion:
http://www.grinderbikes.com/rudge_01.jpg
True Temper tubes and just about any groupset you care to think of would fit.
heres a really cool SS conversion:
http://www.grinderbikes.com/rudge_01.jpg
cce":qsqyyq7y said:
They still do it. I've ridden one and it is the closest thing to a non-folding bike in terms of ride quality imo. At just over 20lb in weight it's not too heavy either.
As for Bromptons I don't see the point. Not only do they have 16" wheels they are far more expensive than an equivalent spec of another make. The Giant has 20" wheels, so it will be slightly bigger when folded, but you have a far wider choice of tyres that are more easily available. The Giant also has an aluminium frame whereas the Brompton is made of steel (unless you want to spend a lot more) so weight-wise they are about the same. You also don't have the annoying folding mechanism that the Bromptons have (if you lift the bike up the back swings down, which is annoying when you have to lift them up a curb or something). Add to that the fact that the Giant has cartridge bearing hubs then the Giant is the better bike imo.
BSA Paratrooper folding bike
This is a true retro folding bike!
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll ... otohosting
This is a true retro folding bike!
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll ... otohosting
When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
(Puts on Crocodile Dundee voice)
"Call that retro? Nah, this is retro..."
But what a brilliant design! How many current bikes weigh 15lbs?
There's lots of interesting designs, but they all look rubbish. I like Moultons myself - the idea that one set the speed record for an upright bike really amuses me - but I think if you're going to have one, you just need to accept that kids will laugh at you, and get on with it. I think if you need a folder, the Brompton is the best thing going.[/url]
"Call that retro? Nah, this is retro..."
But what a brilliant design! How many current bikes weigh 15lbs?
There's lots of interesting designs, but they all look rubbish. I like Moultons myself - the idea that one set the speed record for an upright bike really amuses me - but I think if you're going to have one, you just need to accept that kids will laugh at you, and get on with it. I think if you need a folder, the Brompton is the best thing going.[/url]
inglepingle
Dirt Disciple
As far from Retro as it could be, but the coolest folder i've ever seen is this;
http://www.mezzobikes.com/d10.php
16" wheels but i've tried one and it rides really nice, and folds up really small, easy as pie.
http://www.mezzobikes.com/d10.php
16" wheels but i've tried one and it rides really nice, and folds up really small, easy as pie.
TheGreenRabbit
Retrobike Rider
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Crell":f1vdg9y7 said:
Both are good bikes i meet a couple of people who have toured and raced on the Airnimal, I meet a guy who was cycaling accross the US on Bike Friday. might just be as close to a real bike in terms of performance.
