Recommend me a lightweight folding bike

Bogof_Babe

Hi, does anyone have a folding bike that fits these two criteria... must be lightweight (so that a slightly built woman can carry it up a flight of narrow, steepish stairs) and must fold really small?

I'm looking for one to keep in our flat, which has very little storage for such things. We did buy one on impulse, but when we got it to the flat it was far too big even folded, and too hefty to carry up the stairs. It was more for taking in the boot of a car rather than storing in a cupboard. I'm sure I've seen people with the sort of thing I want, but haven't liked to ask them where they got them.

I know we are looking at the top end of the price range here, but figure it would be worth it, and ultimately save on bus fares into town!

Any suggestions gratefully accepted - oh and where to obtain the bike would be helpful too.

spiro

When I travel by train into London the most common folding bikes are Brompton, they appear to fold into a size not much bigger than the wheel (don't know about weight) but new they are EXPENSIVE!

This site http://www.foldingbikes.co.uk/ seems to show most makes/models.

mchale

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/products/products/267307/folding_bikes_tested.html

Bogof_Babe

Thank you both for the prompt replies. Have had a quick look at the links but will study properly later - just going out now (on foot again lol).

I really fancy that Brompton 9.1kg one for its lightness and compactness - looks ideal. A bit 'gulp' at the price, need to decide if I'd get enough use out of it to justify the investment.

vikingaero

Pop into Halfrauds and try out the Apollo and Dahon ones. The Bromptons are generally priced north of £1k and you may find that the weight of the Apollos and Dahons are OK.

ericonabike

As with the old saying about IBM - no-one ever got sacked for buying Brompton! They win in the folding dept over every other model, as the fold mechanism means they are not muchbigger than the wheel when folded. But they are expensive - my Dahon Presto Lite doesn't fold quite as small but fits easily in a train luggage compartment. Now discontinued, but their Curve model is similar. Well worth a look [and a fold, a ride and a carry!]

Bogof_Babe

We asked at "Halfrauds" :rotfl: before buying the last one, but all the assistants were about 14 and none of them knew anything about them.

Would be good if there was some high street store where you can try them out in the store before committing loadsa money. All the "best" ones seem to be generally mail order only. Or that might be because I live in the sticks.

attila_

I have a mezzo d9 foldimg bike as i preferred it over the brompton. It rides a lot better and is much much cheaper. You can pick up a d9 for 300 quid.

Its also a lot more stylish than the aged looking brompton.

The onlybdown side is that its 10.5kg but it does have rolling wheels to trolley it about.....

Keith

I've got a Brompton, the entry level S2L will probably be fine and new £700ish and they retain the value.

Middle aged look? Try the look when the cheaper Dahon snaps it's stem and you fall into the road. Not just on my bike but a widespread problem.

The Apollo is huge.

You need to find an Evans Cycle Store (not the womans clothes shop - Don't confuse the 2 as I did, then phone them ask for service and when the person is confused thank them for being so helpful!" they have a try before you buy.

To add, I've had my Brompton since last Autumn, I've covered about 1600 miles on it and it's a great bike. Yes, it's a big outlay, but if you use it daily like I do it pays for itself. I would consider the money I spent on a Dahon Speed a waste if Evans hadn't kindly refunded me after I was nearly crushed when it collapsed.

Arg

How about an ABike.