Folders! Foldable bicycles, minivelos and demontables

[novocaine]

I’m building myself a demontable/suitable and got it rideable enough to the other day.

This fork is too long so will be tackling that soon.

Nice.

 

[Lucidone]

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.

I really liked the fork you made for your Mayfair BTW - look forward to more updates on this one.

 

[grantoury]

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.

https://www.m-gineering.nl/mindexg.htm

https://www.kleinanzeigen.de/s-anze...aempft-wie-moulton-am-rad/3166343616-217-3374

 

[bikeworkshop]

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, endless bickerton, tern, dahon, bickerton in several eras, strida,
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

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

Why is the main tube not straight? Is that contraction from brace weld?

 

[pwebb]

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.

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

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

That's dinky