We use a brompton and its brill easily the best folding bike around, yes they are expensive but worth every penny, the advantage that brompton has: we have the 3 speed version and have had the gear ratios lowered because sheffield is very hilly and the standard gear ratios would make riding really difficult (hubby rides 10 mile round trip to work daily and often uses brompton)
My hubby bought a folder 2 weeks ago, he's been riding bikes for 40+ years and has toyed with the idea of a folder for about the past 6-7 years.
Anyway he did plenty of homework and was just about settled on a Brompton, but then tried one in the shop-the fact that the back wheel just flicks up and isn't held in place by anything other then the rider's wait put im off it.
He then saw a Raleigh Boardwalk, which he bought. It isn't as compact as the Brompton, but it folds just as quick and the handlebars are adjustable and with out paying £500+ for a Brompton you don't get this facility. He is rally chuffed with it and will ride 20 miles on it come back and say how much he loves the bike.
Anyway happy cycle shopping!!
------------- There are no strangers in camping, just friends you haven't met yet!
He then saw a Raleigh Boardwalk, which he bought. It isn't as compact as the Brompton, but it folds just as quick and the handlebars are adjustable and with out paying £500+ for a Brompton you don't get this facility. He is rally chuffed with it and will ride 20 miles on it come back and say how much he loves the bike.
I think this bike is a rebaged Dahon - can anyone confirm?
------------- Big Bunny
Robens Valley Lodge & Cabanon Pyramide 6 "... kids you distract the bear, while I run to the car...."
Quote: Originally posted by Big Bunny on 18/09/2005
I think this bike is a rebaged Dahon - can anyone confirm?
At first look the Raleigh does look similar to say the Dahon Helios, but if you look carefully there are lots of subtle differances, the chainwheels and steering column angle for instance.
Maybe its either a copy, or made by Dahon to Raleighs spec ?
If I had just wanted a folding cycle, for weekends away etc, then I would probabbly of opted for a Dahon, they are quite a bit cheaper than the Bromptons.
But the Brompton folds small enough to go in the luggage racks on a train or in between the seats without sticking out, I cant that being so easy with a 20" Dahon. In addition the Brompton folds with the messy oily chain bits on the inside of the package so that you can carry or stow the folded cycle without the risk of yourself, other passengers or seats etc getting covered in oil.
A lot of cycle frames come out of the same few factories in the far East these days and are assembled over here, so you will find that some bikes from different companies look very similar.
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Topic: Folding bikes?
