Folding Bikes? Size?

[vvill]

Some are one size fits most, some are available in a range of sizes. Depends on the model/manufacturer.

At TJROW I talked to a tall guy from SF on a Tern (perhaps a D7) – he was very happy with it.

Weight can also have an impact. Some performance folders have max weight limits.

[thecyclingeconomist]

From what I understand and have owned: stock folders from mass makers like Dahon usually have just one size, and you simply identify your appropriate seat-post and steer-tube heights and set them their when assembling. Here’s the quote from Dahon’s guide: “As a general rule, our 16” models are ideal for riders 4’6” – 6’2” tall, 20” models for riders from 4’10” – 6’4”, and 26” models for riders from 5’4” – 6’2”.”

Bikes from custom makers like BikeFriday will take into consideration your specific preferences, and your size into consideration, but still, most of it comes from your own adjustment. BikeFriday also has stock fits, but they are measured to have the same effective geometry as road bikes, so you simply order the size you would normally.

I have a 1960s full-steel Bianchi folder, and it doesn’t fit me no matter how far I set the seatpost and stem out… but it sure is fun to ride around on my clown bike…
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[Greenbelt]

I just asked Laurie. With Dahons, she said you can adjust handlebar height and grip tilt, saddle height and fore-aft position. She said it might be tricky to sub out saddles, though, on some of the models, and I forgot to ask about swapping out pedals (seems unlikely).

[vvill]

I have a modified version of this http://www.swiftfolder.com/ which is also available in a mass produced build under license by Xootr http://www.xootr.com/folding-bicycle.html

The Xootr website claims you can make it fit from 5 feet to 6 feet 7 but I’m a bit skeptical of that range. One of my favourite things about it is that most of the parts are standard. Rims are 406 (same as BMX, recumbent, other folders) and the stem/handlebar, BB, drivetrain, pedals, hub spacing, etc are all bike industry standard. The seatpost and fork are not although some people have made mods that let them use road bike carbon seatposts and even 650c carbon forks. There is steel disc brake version of the frame too. http://hpm.catoregon.org/?page_id=214

The only things I don’t like about it – 1) braking doesn’t work that well (I’m using road levers on mini V brakes – standard MTB/hybrid levers would give more than adequate cable pull though I think) and 2) it’s a little harsh on certain bumps – like tree roots on the Custis, because of the small wheels (if I fitted larger slick tires, around 40-50mm, I’m sure it would be more comfortable without sacrificing too much speed). As far as a folding bike goes though I think it’s awesome. The Bike Friday would probably outclass it but it also costs a fair bit more.

[5555624]

@Greenbelt 34599 wrote:

I just asked Laurie. With Dahons, she said you can adjust handlebar height and grip tilt, saddle height and fore-aft position. She said it might be tricky to sub out saddles, though, on some of the models, and I forgot to ask about swapping out pedals (seems unlikely).

I’ve got a full-size Dahon Matrix, about eight years old, and can swap out the saddle and pedals. (The saddle iteself is not a problem when folding, but you might need to adjust the height.)Of course, the full-size ones only fold in half and although you can (or could) get a backpack-style case, it’s not the way to carry it. It’s very easy to fold and stick in a trunk or the back of a station wagon, though.

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[Author]

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