Folding bike owners?

[deeaimond]

the bromptons are beautiful, but also very expensive no?

[papaver]

the bromptons are beautiful, but also very expensive no?

Don't know the prices in other countries i'm afraid... but I think it's about the same price range as Bike Friday.

[LindieLulu]

Hi

I currently have three folders, a Sherriff (cheap 3 speed), a Brompton and a Dahon Jack. my everyday machine is the Dahon but it is a real pain to fold, (I had an Epresso before it which folded easily) but the Jack needs someone stronger than me! I use the Brompton if I am making a train journey.

The Sherriff seemed like a good idea at the time but its gearing is far too low.

Lindie

[wildeny]

I have a KHS T3 (27 speeds). Its folding mechanism isn't as smooth as Dahon, but I like its compact size and specs.

I had ridden on it from the bottom to 3275 m in altitude.

[shootingstar]

I have a KHS T3 (27 speeds). Its folding mechanism isn't as smooth as Dahon, but I like its compact size and specs.

I had ridden on it from the bottom to 3275 m in altitude.

Actually about 8 yrs. ago, a Dutch cyclist visited us and stayed over night here. She was cycling around the world with her panniers, etc. It included some mountainous areas. She had a Brompton.

A month ago, I found out one of my sisters and her hubby bought folding bikes for themselves simply because they wanted a 2nd outdoor activity to do for the times when they bring along the folding kayaks... all in the car.

[LindieLulu]

Hi

I live in Torquay, Devon in the UK, we have hills here (in fact nothing but hills!), I live on the 4th floor and there are no elevators, but carrying the bike up the stairs is not the problem, its simply so stiff to fold and its takes a great deal of effort, being in my mid 50s I am perhaps not quite as strong as I once was.

Lindie

[Geonz]

I have a Dahon because I wanted a folder and that's what the LBS that does my service has. I ride enough that I wasn't goign to be happy on the Speed D7, the most popular model; when I tried the P8 with the highest gear a little higher, and pieces parts in the gears that simply went to gether better, I was much happier. I really like it for being able to toss it in a car, and it handles well enough to keep up with a group ride if it's not a hammerfest. (I also use it for dropping off bikes at the bike shop 'cause I don't have a car. I can put it on or in my Xtracycle and go to Champaign Cycle and drop the big redthing off and ride away. New employees are inevitably amused )
I *love* the fat tires on the potholes and paths, too.

[Rosie8]

Thanks everyone for your input. This gives me lots to think about. All of you are so helpful in pointing out advantages and such for different folders and their purposes.

Every winter, my biking falls off because of the sloppy mud. Even though I live in the high desert of AZ, it gets cold here in December and January - sometimes down around 17 F. Cold can be tolerated, but not the muck during the days (usually sunny even if only 30 F.) I was thinking about buying a new indoor exercise bike or joining a gym for a few months, but I'd really rather bike outdoors.

I could keep on loading my regular bike into the car, but as I'm approaching 60years old, not sure how long I'll want to keep doing that.

Guess I might have to see if any dealers carry folders. Flagstaff and Phoenix are 2 hours away and might have some in stock. Thanks again.

PS - Geonz, my car mechanic always laughs at me when I pull my bike out of my car to ride home while it's being serviced. They have a free ride courtesy car but don't travel on dirt roads!