It’s a bit of a wheely wand being tipped back with the long fork. Once I’ve corrected the a2c and my weight isn’t quite as far over the rear I think it’ll be better.
I might have posted the last version on here, it had much longer chainstays. I think shortening then will j have made it a lot more chuckable, more like a bmx.
An interesting older design from a local builder. Radical Cityflitzer. The "Z" in the name probably points to the fact this was for the German market. I found one on Kleinanzeigen today.
So here's airnimal#2, to accompany my free bus pass.
Airnimal#1 was too bent
I've had a lot of folders pass through stock over the years, including the better riding riese&muller, airnimal, bike Friday, plus endless bromptons, tern, dahon, bickerton in several eras, strida, Cresswell...
And the airnimal undoubtedly rides the best for my height and use.
Its currently got triple road chainset, 9 speed Shimano mechanical discs, drop bars, STIs
Initially it rode ok - I.e. better than most folders.
Once I'd shortened the stem 10mm, adjusted bar and saddle angle and position, now scorches along, only a little twitchier than a 700.
1st fold takes maybe a minute:
My plan is to OneBy it - as this will remove the exposed f.mech and reduce chainring size.
I'm going to use Shimano Cues 1x10 hydro.
I chose 10 over 11 - the Advantage of slightly closer ratios and a 50t big sprocket are undermined by price and simplicity, and wheel size...I might want a 44t sprocket, but the groupset is available only up to 42.
I chose hydro over mechanical as its nicer to use, carries more value forward and only costs an extra £15 trade.
I don't mind the extra complexity here - I prefer better braking on these Welsh hills - I fix mechanical and hydraulic brakes all the time and won't claim mechanical are more reliable.
Sadly the LH lever isn't uk stock til Feb, but I should have the rest tomorrow
this was dropped off for emergency repairs at my workshop at the weekend - Dahon Dove - not really suitable for people of European stature or weight but impressively light construction. It is however very compromised in terms of clearances and general practicality - I managed to get brakes working aok - despite the fact the wheel rims are so tiny it really needs curved brake blocks. I also had a real workout replacing the (14" narrow tyres) inner tubes and there is no room to get a proper tyre pump connector onto the valves! when you apply the brakes the wheels lock and it doesn't really slow down much, the freewheel sounds like a high pitched angry wasp stuck in a bag of crisps. good for public transport though. weighs 7kg.
this was dropped off for emergency repairs at my workshop at the weekend - Dahon Dove - not really suitable for people of European stature or weight but impressively light construction. It is however very compromised in terms of clearances and general practicality - I managed to get brakes working aok - despite the fact the wheel rims are so tiny it really needs curved brake blocks. I also had a real workout replacing the (14" narrow tyres) inner tubes and there is no room to get a proper tyre pump connector onto the valves! when you apply the brakes the wheels lock and it doesn't really slow down much, the freewheel sounds like a high pitched angry wasp stuck in a bag of crisps. good for public transport though. weighs 7kg.View attachment 1019724
Airnimal sadly being returned, due to massive stress marks and bendy tubes:View attachment 1004309 View attachment 1004313
This is on the underside, the join between the main frame tube and the downtube
I suspect some kiddy has tackled some huge drop-offs...