Folding bikes - Brompton, Dahon, Mezzo etc - recommendations and chat

[Ted Striker]

25.5??? Your case is 13.8 × 27.1 × 34.6 in according to the site. Edit: I think you mean 90 cm, which is 32.4 inches? How did you find out about that 'rule'? Do you know which airlines tolerate it?

I have couplers on my frame and have twice made a 26 x 26 x 10 'case' from cardboard and gaffer tape. I got no hassle from the airline but it wasn't very satisfactory because it was too crushable. I never worked out a way of bracing it. I tried to make some S&S-style mushroom things

but they really needed a sheet of plywood above and below to do much good.

How long does packing/unpacking take you, and do you use one of the methods on the S&S site?

Lovely bike btw.

You're right about the dimensions/rule though to further confuse us both, 90cm (/2,54) is 35.43in, so my case would theoretically fit.

Can't remember where I heard about the rule tbh, maybe here http://www.britishairways.com/travel/bagchk/public/en_gb# (click the 'size and weight of baggage allowances' link if the section isn't expanded). and Easyjet here https://getsatisfaction.com/easyjet/topics/outsize_hold_bags (reply is by an employee) looks on a similar line. Like all things though, you're at the mercy of the guys/girls at the check in desk.

It take a fair while to pack/unpack, though tbh it's so immensely satisfying I don't begrudge it at all! To think I can take my favourite bike away from home without (much) hassle is awesome and makes me feel all A-Team/James Bond!

To be honest, it sits (and will sit) in my garage for 99.9999% of it's natural life (and I'm not sure I can do Paris Roubaix next year ). I'm based in W10, if you ever want to borrow it (or view it etc), you're more than welcome to

 

[ShiftyBagLady]

which reminds me, how are your gear skills now? ShiftyBagLady?

Gear skills are better, it's the braking that I need to work on...
I've got it down to one mishap per ride: bumps, grazes, bruises, scratches, scabby knee but nothing major apart from that fractured wrist
My consultant suggested that I might not be the sport for me

 

[ShiftyBagLady]

Help please.
I bought a Brooks flyer women's saddle which the man in the shop said would definitely fit a brompton but now tht I've finally managed to get the old saddle off I can't get the fucking thing on. It seems as through the rails are too narrow or something. D I need a pentaclip? I have looked at pictures of pentaclips online and they look exactly the same as the thing that's already on there so I do I need to get it or what?

 

[Ted Striker]

I'd be surprised if you have to...It would literally take seconds to fit the saddle on if you could take it to a bike shop?

 

[ShiftyBagLady]

Thanks TedStriker, your post did prompt me to go into a local bikey place who directed me towards their workshop so I went home and my stubborn pride prompted me to try again (without my son's supervising and supposedly helpful suggestions) and this time I did it. Hurrah.
Had to take the clip off the bike and then put it back on so an you lot look at it and tell me if it looks right? It feels good and tight and already just sitting on it I can feel it is far more comfortable and a better fit for my arse

 

[chandlerp]

I picked up this bad boy a few days ago and so far so excellent. Mind you, for £770 you would think they'd be able to spell performance on the saddle.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/prismcomputing/sets/72157634664677183/

 

[Bob_the_lost]

Can someone tell me why this bike is shit? I worry I might buy one otherwise...
http://m.tesco.com/mt/www.tesco.com/direct/hopper-20-folding-electric-bike/215-7386.prd

 

[Dougal Dodo]

It's from tesco, nuff said.
Always spend as much as you can afford on a bike. If you buy something cheap and nasty it could put you off
cyclng for life. Bromptons are superb (said as a tall person).

 

[ShiftyBagLady]

. Bromptons are superb (said as a tall person).

Well I"m a small person and I love mine too

 

[AnIdiot]

This might be a silly question, but I can take my brompton for a service at any bike shop, right?

 

[Ted Striker]

Yep definitely...There might be a slight advantage going to a Brompton dealer. (eg Condor?) tho generally if you can't service a Brompton you probably can't call yourself a bike mechanic

 

[ShiftyBagLady]

This might be a silly question, but I can take my brompton for a service at any bike shop, right?

I was at a Dr BIke thing last week and the guy gave me the card for a bike shop in Battersea where there's a guy who knows everything about Bromptons and might be able to do you a knowledgeable service. I'm not sure if he does them but I thinkhe does. I'll dig the card out if you're interested.

 

[ShiftyBagLady]

I got myself a folding basket for my bike today, it's awesome and I won't get a sweaty back on long rides now. Hurrah.
Quite strange though not being able to see the front wheel and when I turn the basket stays still..it's a bit disorientating. BUt I"m sure I'll get used to it. The best thing about it is that they only charged me half price for it by mistake. RESULT
I was thinking of getting a bigger hybrid bike so that I could do much longer rides easier but, on balance, the advantages of a folder outweigh those of bigger wheels.

 

[AnIdiot]

I was at a Dr BIke thing last week and the guy gave me the card for a bike shop in Battersea where there's a guy who knows everything about Bromptons and might be able to do you a knowledgeable service. I'm not sure if he does them but I thinkhe does. I'll dig the card out if you're interested.

Thank you, although I actually managed to find somewhere and got her serviced yesterday Finsbury Cycles on Seven Sisters Road, they were very good!

 

[cybertect]

Five years with my Brompton now and I'm still very happy with it.

I've treated myself to some Ergon GP1 grips, which are distinct improvement on the standard foam ones.

 

[LeslieB]

Possibly a silly question but are all the sub £200 folders you see advertised at this time of year equally bad?

 

[chandlerp]

I would imagine so. I bought a raleigh one before the dahon and it was appalling

 

[LeslieB]

I would imagine so. I bought a raleigh one before the dahon and it was appalling

Ok, thanks. I did wonder if the Raleigh ones were a bit better, but I guess the name means very little these days.

 

[LeslieB]

Sorry to double post. What do folk think of this one?

Dawes Diamond 2011 Folding Bike 600015 : Bikes | Mountain Bikes | Road Bikes| Winstanleys Cycles

 

[hash tag]

A great programme about Bromptons on the BEEB last week ( shame about the presenters ) and really helps to highlight why to buy a Brompton.
Hand built, British, great quality control and the best folder there is Bicycles, Series 2, Inside the Factory - BBC Two

( confused about threads having a sticky that haven't had a post in yonks ).