Going to give cycling a go!

diedrefw30

Can anyone recommend a fold away bike that is not as expensive as the Brompton?

Sgt_Pepper_2

Apollo cost from £99.

cardinalbiggles

Second hand Brompton, you will get them pretty cheaply and far better than any Apollo.

Weird_Nev

cardinalbiggles wrote: »

Second hand Brompton, you will get them pretty cheaply and far better than any Apollo.

Sadly, second hand bromptons are way overpriced (as are new ones IMO)...

Try Dahons for a modern lightweight folding alternative, again second hand to really keep prices low..

custardy

why are you going folder?
Is it for storage,train or what?

savageHK

I have a Brompton and would recommend it 100%. It folds small and is the only folder guaranteed to be accepted on all trains (others can fall foul of the size restrictions, although I've yet to see a train inspector whip out a measuring tape); the fold is really neat and tidy, and the bike itself is very well made and it is possible to get spare parts for it without any hassle.

I know the initial cost seems expensive, but it's worth seeing if you can spread the cost (often bike shops do some kind of 0% finance deal) and/or if you can get it on the cycle to work scheme (although the tax breaks there have become a bit less exciting now, but again if nothing else it's a way of spreading the cost). For me, it was a simple cost comparison of c. £520 a year for the bus ticket vs (at the time) £700 odd for the bike, and the bike is still going strong over 3 years later. I got mine on the cycle to work scheme as well so paid less than £700 when all's said and done.

In any case, more information about why you need a folding bike rather than a full size will enable us to give you a bit more info!

rev_henry

savageHK wrote: »

I have a Brompton and would recommend it 100%. It folds small and is the only folder guaranteed to be accepted on all trains (others can fall foul of the size restrictions, although I've yet to see a train inspector whip out a measuring tape); the fold is really neat and tidy, and the bike itself is very well made and it is possible to get spare parts for it without any hassle.

I know the initial cost seems expensive, but it's worth seeing if you can spread the cost (often bike shops do some kind of 0% finance deal) and/or if you can get it on the cycle to work scheme (although the tax breaks there have become a bit less exciting now, but again if nothing else it's a way of spreading the cost). For me, it was a simple cost comparison of c. £520 a year for the bus ticket vs (at the time) £700 odd for the bike, and the bike is still going strong over 3 years later. I got mine on the cycle to work scheme as well so paid less than £700 when all's said and done.

In any case, more information about why you need a folding bike rather than a full size will enable us to give you a bit more info!

Is a Brompton £700 list price?! :eek:

savageHK

rev_henry wrote: »

Is a Brompton £700 list price?! :eek:

It depends on the specs you want, but yes, easily. Latest pricelist is £700 for the single speed version (more for different gear options)...

cardinalbiggles

Weird_Nev wrote: »

Sadly, second hand bromptons are way overpriced (as are new ones IMO)...

Try Dahons for a modern lightweight folding alternative, again second hand to really keep prices low..

Don't think you can buy Dahons new any more since the company split and the UK market was to get a brand name change?

discplayer

Am sure I saw Dahons in Evans in London last week.

Dave_C_2

If it's for commuting, you may qualify under the cycle to work scheme

Dave