hunt for a folding bike – part 3
I have had some good advice and comments for the last couple of posts and I appreciate everyone for taking time to clarify the thoughts. In this installment, I am looking to directly compare a few bikes I had the opportunity to test ride. Note, for sake of sensible comparison, I am looking at bikes in the same price range.
Bike Friday Tikit:
The Tikit is a pretty innovative bike in terms of folding and has got a sizable online following for all the thought that has gone into its design. There are number of places discussing its merits and problems and I shall refrain from repeating it here. The tikit is to be bought bare-bones and we will have accessorize it. that means additional cost but also means that one has an option to decide the best additions in terms of lights etc…
I personally like the fact that the racks (optional) on tikit allow for fitting the ortlieb back rollers and one can setup fenders without much trouble. The designers have thoughtfully included a handle to help in rolling the bike but I found that rolling on one wheel needs considerable strength on ones wrist. It is doable and pretty maneuverable but tiring on the hands none the less.
I like the fact that tikit has a wide gearing range (I like to take it easy on hills) and primarily uses non proprietary components – which means I can get it serviced and fixed at nearby bike shops.
Additionally, the tikit looks very clumsy after the fold but it is a tradeoff that one has to accept. If fold size is prime consideration, you should give tikit a miss.
Brompton:
There are a few models from brompton that more or less have similar geometries and have a 3 or 6 sped setup. The 3 speed is more affordable and would be great for city riding. The best thing going for brompton is its fold. it folds up like a little puppy and takes up such little space, I can probably take it into a crowded train and no one would complain. Additional small wheels on the rear rack (optional) make it a breeze to move the bike around when folded. Probably the neatest way to push around a folding bike
I would not comment on the folding speed as it is realistically not too long. But the compactness of fold mans that there are a few knobs to twiddle and one should be aware of the sequence. Also it means that it is difficult to fit a large rack and expect it to fold small. So full size panniers are not an option. But brompton makes really nice handlebar bag that can be fit on the bike to carry stuff.
Further, most of the components are proprietary to brompton (including the bag). I am sure the products are designed for durability and great that brompton is willing to custom design components to support their design. The problem I have with custom components is that I will have to rely on one source for replacements / repairs. Realistically speaking, bicycles are robust and do not need much attention, so this criticism is not too relevant.
A 3 speed drive train is simple and reliable but it also means that there is probably less chance of easing up during tough climbs.
Dahon Speed TR:
Dahon has a number of models to choose from and the variety can be a killer in choosing an option to analyze. After looking through the options, I suppose a good version to compare would be the Speed TR. Note Dahon makes a number of bikes that are very reasonably priced and are probably flooding the folding market (after the Chinese / Taiwanese rock bottom price models). The comments on the speed TR may or may not relate to other Dahon models.
The new model speed TR comes with numerous useful accessories. It has factory fitted fenders (SKS) and racks. Racks can take full size ortlieb’s ( I have to try them on to see if there is any heel strike though). Comes with Front racks too and a nice thoughtful attachment to put on handlebar bags (can put a Ortlieb!) Additionally, it has kick stands and even a dynamo. Additionally, it also has front and rear lights. These are pretty thoughtful add-ons for a utility bike. All my bikes run these accessories and my Foldies would too (eventually).
The flip side is that Dahon’s have a lot of custom components. The same comments as Brompton’s apply. Personally, I think the brompton has more style but to me it is usually function over form. The speed runs 24 speed gearing and it is wide (like tikit).
The speed TR has a more simple fold compared to the rest of the Dahon (skip a few steps) and you need not adjust the handle bar after unfolding. Rolling is fine but as Vik mentioned elsewhere, it will roll in only one direction. But a 2 wheel roll (compared to a 1 wheel roll) means that your hands don’t strain much. Not as elegant as brompton bot not as straining as tikit.
The size after folding is not as clean as Brompton (difficult to match brompton’s elegance) but it is smaller than the tikit. Couple of design quirks exist but I suppose all bikes have their own set.
I will tabulate the outcome of the review in another post. This is just food for thought.
Related posts:
September 15th, 2008 16:53
Hi Nat
Ah yes, function or form. The thing about the Brompton (and yes, I am biased cos I ride a Brommie), it really does have a good balance of both function and form. While most if not all the thousand over parts of the bike are proprietary, the bike is very well made and rarely acts up over the years so getting after sales service (replacements or repair) is rare. It is high on function as it serves well as a very reliable commuter bike, like an Energiser bunny that goes on and on…And I love my Brommie shopping bag, it’s like a bottomless pit that amazes even the aunties at the dry market.
The other thing about the Brompton that differentiates it from the others is that while the bike design is inherently old, it remains easy and convenient to get replacement parts even after a few years. This is important and often not considered by many would be folding bike owners.
The UK factory has had Brommie owners come to them after 5-8 years to ask for parts! For those who owned the 1970s Brompton (the first 30 Bromptons handmade by Andrew Ritchie in his London flat), the factory actually exchanged their bikes for a new one. A Brompton museum is being designed to showcase the early Brommies.
Have you tried the Birdy bike? It is a strong sturdy ride!
September 15th, 2008 19:35
I like the Brompton personally. I think it has a nice personality and looks good folded or not. Anyone with the budget and specific need for riding around town should give the Brompton all their attention. I have not ridden the birdie (Will love to try it out next time I head to diginexx) but the price I suppose is more steep.
My intention was to be objective in my research and the mention to custom parts was not to say it is bad but just that one has to take note. I did not make it clear but with your comments, readers can get a more informed view on the situation of securing parts.
Reality is that good components last a long while regardless of who makes it and that should b kept in mind rather than bashing any specific choice made by the bike builder.
I am heading out of country for a couple of weeks and I hope to have made a decision on the bike by then. Will see you guys soon
September 30th, 2008 15:28
Like all bikes, Brompton included, they are ALL subjected to wear and tear. Therefore, excellent and committed back up service is absolutely essential. The Brompton will suffer from worn cables, especially near the BB due to folding, and will require replacement eventually.
The Brompton’s strength lies in its compact folded size and comfortable ride. Weaknesses include poor brakes, limited gear range and fixed riding position due to its handlebar design. It also uses far too many propriety parts unlike the BF Tikit. Dahon is also guilty here but less so.
Vivian is right in that factory back up is impt. Problem is sometimes, the local dealer can be quite incompetent and unable/unwilling to rectify the problem. Worse still, they have no commitment to customer satisfaction and are downright rude.
So at the end of the day, choose not only the bike that suits you, but also the people backing up the bike carefully.
I own the Brompton, the tikit and several Dahons and there is no perfect bike.
October 2nd, 2008 11:44
Al: Appreciate your comments. I have not had much time to write essays as I was on vacation ( vacation from my blog too).
I ride non folding bikes regularly and as it is with most good machines, little greasing, occational cleaning etc., generally tends to keep things running in ship shape. I expect folding bikes to be similar asking for a bit more attention on the joints.
During my trip, I visited Bike Friday in Eugene and have a good appreciation for their friendliness and the way they work. I would call them organic and have a strong preference for their products. The Travel tikit seems like a great option for touring with its wide gearing range. But it does come with a high price tag.
Like you mention, there are no perfect bikes but good compromises exist.
I regularly read your blog and think it is a great site for people who wish to know the versatility of folding bikes.are
October 5th, 2008 17:30
Hi Nat,
I too visited the BF factory last year in Eugene and share yr impression abt their friendly and professional service. Who served you? I took the tikit for a 2 hr test ride around the small city and UO campus (I’m a Duck) and went home with a bike in a bag
A cheap way I did to make the std tikit into a “touring” one is to fit a dual chain ring, a $30 job. But fitting on a FD is difficult. I just change manually as the smaller chain ring is strictly for steep climbs.
http://lovethefold.blogspot.com/2008/06/climbing-tikit-for-30.html
All the best on your search for the “perfect” foldie. Thank you kindly for your generous words on my blog.
October 5th, 2008 23:17
I enjoy your adventures and hoping to make mine larger in time to come. Your stories are inspiring.
I have read the story of you changing the front chain rings and is a nice trick to make the tikit more friendly on the climbs. Am expecting the travel tikit to be able to address the gearing off the shelf. When I test rode, the mechanism of hub gearing + rear sprockets seemed like it worked well. Very much like the dahon speed TR in terms of the ride…
I did spend a few hours trying out different models but unfortunately due to the high demand, they did not have any in stock in my size, bummer. Otherwise, it is highly likely I would have walked out with a small parcel too
I think I will paying a visit to the local dealer soon to check out and once my wallet allows, should be plonking down my $’s too…
October 6th, 2008 23:12
I’m sure they will gladly welcome you with open arms. I used to enjoy visiting them when they first started business in Dec 06.
Perhaps it would be prudent for you to test ride the tikit against the Brompton, and the TR before you sign on the dotted line. The TR while not as elegant nor compact offers an incredible gear range (21″ to 114″) for similar price, and I dare say a better ride (20″ Big Apples) – thus IMO, a more ideal tourer. But if its commuting you want, then the tikit is my first choice.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zW5ALx_XjyM&feature=related
David Lam’s excellent & fair comparison on the tikit vs Brompton. Bet you’ve seen this already! But just in case
Happy shopping!
October 7th, 2008 09:12
Yes I have and thanks. You tube is a great resource to do couch researching…
If I have to narrow down to a commuter-tourer, it would a tikit / Speed TR. Neither is perfect but they get the job done very well.
Appreciate your comments as always.
October 7th, 2008 11:32
O yes, I forgot to say that if you wanted a cheaper version of the TR, the Speed 8 does the job decently too. Retails for $1200 or so with Big Apples included. I like Dahon for its ability to carry panniers easily with its $70 rear Touring Rack as well as front rack if needed. Enough heel clearance. Tikit will soon have a front touring rack only.
http://www.thingsasian.com/stories-photos/22956
http://www.dahon.com/us/speedp8.htm
October 7th, 2008 15:12
Got that. I think apart from wider gearing, Speed TR has a few nice touches:
Ergon grips,
Good pedals,
Built in Racks (Front and rear – though I think front is a mild overkill)
Hub Dynamo (I have reservations on the reliability though) + lights.
I think if touring is clear need, speed TR seems to be a better value overall compared to the p8.
As always, appreciate your inputs – my initial idea was not to debate the choice of particular bike but to help a friend of mine to go through the thought process for choosing and buying a bike. At some point, it gets specific to models I guess and you inputs are mighty useful…
October 8th, 2008 13:44
Hi Nat. Have you considered Swift folders? They have a huge following in the US and have just arrived in Singapore.
http://www.xootr.com.sg/
I’ve learned from Mr Brown that he has the chance to try it before he left for the US and its impressive. I havent ridden it so will save comments till I’ve done so.
October 8th, 2008 17:19
My primary need for bike is for covering longer distances… That’s why I am contemplating a folder that I can rely on for multi day tours. My commuting needs are in the order of 15-20 Km one way and I might stay off public transport.
Though it is a very plausible use case for many people to go multi modal for commuting, that is not what I regularly do. My current bikes (LHT and a trek XO) work extremely well for my case and for multi day trips across the causeway.
I am considering reliable folders so I can reduce hassle during flight (I am looking at your trip to lake toba) – I suppose paying high baggage charges for a week trip is some thing I would like to avoid.
I have heard of the Xooter but it does not really fit into my needs well.