Folder Choice

[Rob]

Some years ago I spent 18 months commuting to Hove (actually).   I used a Brompton (the old L3 model) to get to and from East Croydon and to the office at the far end.   I sold the bike when work kept me in London all the time.

It looks like my new role will involve a few days away from home each week and a bit of commuting to and from client sites.

I would like another folder to give me the flexibility.   I would like a Brompton as the folded item is the most compact, but I always found the ride a bit too upright and twitchy for my liking.   I hope to be able to get extra rides in whilst away from home.

Should I consider an Airnimal, a Bike Friday or one of the Dahons ?

Any advice gratefully received.


Rob

[Luke]

The bike Friday and the Airnimal are both designed to pack down small, usually with some level of dismantling, rather than quickly fold. Nether is really ideal for multi-modal use.

The dahon range folds quickly and unlike the other two, the wheels etc remain part of the folded package. They've a good range of models, and are reasonably priced too. Probably more suited to your needs. 

[Furious]

Have you tried the Mezzo?
I have one. I like it. 

[outwith]

Have a look at the Bike Friday Tikit.  Doesn't fold as small as a Brompton, but it folds very quickly and I thought it was easier to manoeuvre when folded.  Easier to wheel and fine to carry (and lighter than a steel Brompton).  And much better to ride: agile but not twitchy at all.  Might be a bit limited in luggage options, but it can take a front rack on one side.  I wanted something for occasional mixed-mode journeys, possibly to places with hills at the other end.  I went to look at Bromptons as well, but I went for the Tikit in the end.

[no97trap]

Have you tried the Mezzo?
I have one. I like it. 

Another vote for the Mezzo D9. Slightly larger folded than the Brompton, but folds/unfolds in a tenth of the time.

[LittleWheelsandBig]

Birdy?

[Zipperhead]

Another vote for the Mezzo D9. Slightly larger folded than the Brompton, but folds/unfolds in a tenth of the time.

Really (I'm serious, not taking the *iss), I normally find that I fold/unfold my Brompton in less than 15 seconds, normally 12 or 13.

What's a typical time for the D9? I ask out of curiosity only.

[Furious]

Another vote for the Mezzo D9. Slightly larger folded than the Brompton, but folds/unfolds in a tenth of the time.

Really (I'm serious, not taking the *iss), I normally find that I fold/unfold my Brompton in less than 15 seconds, normally 12 or 13.

What's a typical time for the D9? I ask out of curiosity only.

I think 1/10th is a tad optimistic... I can usually fold/unfold mine in 15-20 seconds.
Although, with practice, it is possible to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/azcBd6q0VfE&rel=1" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/azcBd6q0VfE&rel=1</a>.

[Frenchie]

I love my Dahon, a Helios P8, now Mu-P8. They fold okay (but not as small as the Brompton) and offer a much better ride than the Brompton. I ride mine to work but also on 50 Mi and it is a whizz. It does not climb that well though (I like pushing a high gear) but you can spin your way up well. The frame is quite stiff I find and they can be pushed reasonably well on undulating terrain. I think it wiould offer a good compromise for the two activities you describe, which are similar to mines.

[Zipperhead]

I think 1/10th is a tad optimistic... I can usually fold/unfold mine in 15-20 seconds.
Although, with practice, it is possible to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/azcBd6q0VfE&rel=1" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/azcBd6q0VfE&rel=1</a>.

ooh, that's impressive!

[duncan]

You get used to the ride on the Brompton - I've ridden three 200k audaxes on mine so far this year...

[LittleWheelsandBig]

I've ridden three 200k audaxes on mine so far this year...

An Israeli did PBP on his last year.

[fruitcake]

Your evaluation of the Brompton (too upright, twitchy) is exactly what I thought of the Brompton S.  I preferred the 'leant forward' posture on the Mezzo.  What I now have is a Dahon MU P8 since I put ride above folded package size.  For a lower priced MU P8 buy the Kalkhoff Pro Connect F8.

Brompton S: £900
Mezzo: £650
Dahon MU P8: £500
Kalkhoff Pro Connect: £400

[no97trap]

Another vote for the Mezzo D9. Slightly larger folded than the Brompton, but folds/unfolds in a tenth of the time.

Really (I'm serious, not taking the *iss), I normally find that I fold/unfold my Brompton in less than 15 seconds, normally 12 or 13.

What's a typical time for the D9? I ask out of curiosity only.

Bear in mind that I live in the Midlands, where folders are still quite unusual. Whenever I see people with Bromptons they do seem to take a hell of a lot longer to fold/unfold than my Mezzo.