May 22
joethomasBrompton folding bikes Brompton folding bike, Brompton in nyc, folding bike
A couple of years ago, I had a conversation with a colleague of mine about how we got to work in midtown Manhattan. He’d said he lives in south Brooklyn and comes in most days on a folding bicycle. ‘No way!’ I said. He explained that the route he took was about 18 miles and he made the trip in and home most working days. It sounded a little far out to me because I’d been used to getting into work every day by walking to the subway, getting to my stop and then walking several blocks like just about everyone else.
Sounded like a cool thing to do, but just so far away from the norms of getting around that I’d been used to after 20 years of city life. Last year, with our new baby, my wife and I decided it was time to search for more living space outside the city. Our 610 sq ft 1 bedroom suddenly felt much smaller. I quickly learned that finding a decent home at a price we could afford within walking distance of the Metro North train is very difficult. We finally found a home we really liked, but it was definitely not within walking distance of the train, and parking permits could only be obtained through an annual lottery system. Out of necessity I decided to commit to bicycle commuting. I was very concerned that the idea wouldn’t work. How would I take my office clothes in? What about sharing the streets with rush hour auto traffic? What about taking my bike on a train every day? What about fickle weather patterns?
Folding bike commuting: where to start?
The colleague I mentioned directed me to NYCeWheels, and showed me the Brompton bike online. It looked very cool. I had a visit one day after work, and demoed one. Before heading outside, I remember thinking it wouldn’t feel like a real bike, more like a novelty. I’d been amazed at how solid it felt with its steel frame, how nimble it was. It accelerated quickly and felt natural below me. I decided to customize my Brompton, and ordered a P-type with a raw lacquer finish. I’d also thought a six speed made more sense in my situation, since I would be riding every day on a mixture of hilly suburban routes, midtown rush hour traffic, and long flats on the Hudson River Greenway. I was glad I made that decision, as I found myself using the full range of gears every day.
I eagerly waited for my order to arrive from London, as my wife had been dropping me off at 6:30 AM every day, baby in car seat, picking me up in the evening. When it finally arrived, I took my first bold step in commuting on a Brompton folding bicycle. 2 miles down a long hill to the train. On the train, the folded Brompton bike fits beautifully on the luggage rack above the train seats. For safety, I attach it to the rack with a bungee cord.
Folding bicycle commuting in the thick of NYC
Once at Grand Central, I took my planned route west on 43rd st to the Hudson River waterfront green-way path. I was a little nervous, as I’d need to make my way through the frenetic midtown rush hour traffic. Taxis, delivery trucks, pedestrians walking in random directions, and other cyclists can be quite intimidating when you’re dealing with them on a bicycle for the first time. Once used to it though, it’s one of the most liberating experiences you can imagine on city streets. I truly understood the Brompton Bicycle philosophy of freedom by way of personal transport.
Once on the greenway, it’s a 3.5 mile ride to the office at downtown. At my building, I fold it up, put its saddle cover over it, and head to the office.
I use the C Bag handle to pull the parked Brompton through the building.
The Brompton seems to be made for this type of mobility. Brompton accessories are just as impressive as the bike is, and just as well thought out. The C Bag clips on to the mounting block on the front of the bike. It carries my lunch, my 15″ laptop (protected with a rigid reinforced frame), and my coffee and water with no extra burden on me. The rack sack in the rear easily carries my office clothes and all the gear I need for changing weather patterns. The tire pump fits to the rear part of the frame in a very unobtrusive way. The head and tail lights also stay out of the way. The rear rack makes it easy to move the Brompton folding bike around while it’s parked. If James Bond had a street bike, this would be it.
A successful Brompton bike commute!
On the way home, the 6 speed Brompton dutifully handles the steep climb up that I took down during the morning, and gets me home safe and sound.
During my first week, it took some time to get used to folding and unfolding the bike. I remember feeling very humbled while I struggled to remember the steps to fold the bike on the train platform at the end of the first day. It was somewhat amusing to passers by. After the first couple of weeks though, I could fold or unfold it easily in under a minute blind folded.
That’s about it for my introduction to folding bicycle commuting, specifically on a Brompton. In a follow up post, I’ll write about the gear that makes it possible for me to commute in all types of weather year round. In the meantime, don’t take my word for it, check out the Brompton folding Bicycle for yourself.
May 08
Jack R.Tern Folding Bikes folding bike, Tern folding bike, Tern Verge X30h, Verge X30h, X30h
Today I took the Tern Verge X30h on a test ride. “Just don’t hurt yourself,” my roommate and co-worker, Peter, laughed, “that bike is FAST.” Then I thought he was joking. I don’t now.
The Verge X30 rides like the wind!
The Tern Verge X30h is by far the fastest folding bike I have ever ridden. At just under 23 lbs the X30h feels like you’re riding air. Normally, when I come to a stop light, I jump forward off of the seat and rest my foot on the right pedal in anticipation of the green light, but, with the X30h, even the weight of my foot was enough to make the bike creep forward, as though the bike wanted to speed off right out from under me.
The Verge X30 has a light touch!
When I realized how responsive the bike is, my roommate’s playful warning began to take on a new light. The Tern Verge X30h is a serious piece of equipment, and should not be taken lightly. Because of the small ultra lightweight frame, the X30h is very sensitive to your every movement.
Can the Tern Verge X30h hack it with a road bike?
Most people think that, when it comes down to it, no folding bike can really compete with a high performance road-bike. But with the Tern Verge X30h it’s a bit of a different story. The combination of a light weight frame, low to the ground handlebars, and a 30 speed shifter, really makes the Verge X30h competitive with any other bike on the road.
As I was pedaling the Tern Verge X30h up the Central Park bike path nearing 87thth street I came shoulder to shoulder with a hardcore biker, decked out in professional gear, and riding hard. Thinking I would see what the X30h could do, I kicked it into a high gear and launched in front of my unknowing adversary with a satisfying burst of speed.
I managed to keep ahead of him for about 20 blocks before he overtook me on the downhill stretch that loops west around the top of Central Park, but I knew I never could have kept that pace going on another folding bike.
The Tern Verge X30 took my breath away!
I finished my ride breathless, half from excitement, and half because I’de been pedaling like a mad man trying to keep up with that road biker. No question about it, the Tern Verge X30h is FAST. Definitely, if you can, come by the shop and try out the Verge X30 or another amazing Tern folding bike for yourself!
Until next time
Jack
Apr 19
#1 folding bikerOther folding bike category Dahon MU P8, fold up bike, folding bike, Tern Link D8, Tern Verge X30h
Alright everyone it’s time to talk about frames and handlebars. No not those protective cases that we see in museums, or the Colonel Sanders mustaches that we all know and love, I’m talking about top tubes, seat posts, and hinges—Hydroformed 7005-AL with smooth TIG welding and DoubleTruss technology.
That last bit I copied off the info brochure for a Tern Verge X30h that I was test-riding. I have no idea what “DoubleTruss technology” is, but it had a nice ring to it and sounds as impressive as the Tern Verge X30h actually is.
A folding bike that looks like a road bike?
Unlike many folding bikes that I have ridden, the Tern Verge X30h’s frame and handlebars allow you to remain very low to the ground. In contrast to a bike like the Tern Link D8, which has Y shaped handle bars that rise almost to shoulder height, the Verge X30h is designed more like a traditional road bike, with low riding handlebars that curve forward and then down like a mountain goat’s horns.
These lower-riding handlebars allow you to bend your torso forward when you ride, minimizing wind resistance. This, coupled with a frame that only weighs 22.7 pounds, allows for a much faster ride!
Other fold-up bikes have T shaped handlebars
Where the Tern Link D8 sports the raised Y handlebars and the Tern Verge X30h goes the route of the mountain goat, other models, like the Dahon Mu P8 have flat T-shaped handlebars more in the style of a mountain bike.
While the true road biker might scoff at the T-shaped handlebars, I actually think they have a few advantages over the afore mentioned models.
Unlike the Y-handlebars, the T-bars remain relatively low to the ground so that, if you choose to, you can lower your body into the wind and decrease your resistance. On the Tern Link D8, I was forced to sit so upright that I always felt like I was battling the elements. On the Dahon Mu P8, when the wind gets rough I simply lower by body, grab that T-bar by its center and, whammo, I’m off.
Standing up on a Folding bike?
While the T-bars are low to the ground, they are still elevated enough that it doesn’t feel awkward to stand up when you need that little extra torque on a hill. Often, when I’m using a bike with handlebars that drop forward, I feel great when I’m sitting but always a little unsteady if I ever need to stand up. This could just be my lack of experience on road bikes, but hey, bikes should be designed to accommodate pros and amateurs alike!
Come by a folding bike shop sometime and test ride some bikes! See which handle bars are the best fit for you!
-Jack
Apr 04
#1 folding bikerBrompton folding bikes Brompton bike, brompton bike touring, Brompton folding bike, folding bicycle, folding bike
Well, this is it. The Brompton has arrived and I am excited. I can hardly wait to open the box and I can’t believe how small it is. Can there seriously be an entire bicycle in this small box? I guess that is one advantage I see to a folding bike before I even get the box open, it truly is compact.
First Impressions on my Brompton
My first reaction after unpacking the Brompton, will I ever figure out how to fold and unfold this bike? I was thinking to myself, how can this folding bicycle perform like my full size bike. First things first, I need to see how to unfold it and then we will put it to the test. The instructions were great and as it turns out, unfolding the bike wasn’t that difficult, you just need to get all the steps in the right order and it is effortless. I would also discover that even if you get the steps in the wrong order, Bromptons are so well made that it would be tough to mess anything up. Great to know if you are not so mechanically inclined.
As I unfolded the bike I realized just how fine the craftsmanship is on a Brompton folding bike. You can tell that they are handcrafted by people who take pride in what they do. On to the important stuff, the comfort, the ride, and how does it handle.
The Brompton Folding bike is very comfortable
I received the M6R which has 6 gears, front and back fenders and a rear rack as well as a front cargo block. I love the lines of this folding bike, it is very sleek and almost, dare I say, sexy looking. The Brompton was surprisingly comfortable from the first moment I sat on it. I actually think it is more comfortable than my full size bike. The M-style handlebars give me a more upright position in the saddle and that will make for more comfort on a longer ride.
Use the Brompton to charge your gadgets!
This particular Brompton came equipped with a Shimano dyno hub and some really awesome lighting. For those of you that don’t know what that means, this awesome technology lets me turn my pedaling into power for the lights and for the Biologic ReeCharge as well. The ReeCharge will allow me to charge my iPhone as I pedal down the road. Both of these things can be done simply by plugging in to the front hub and off I go. I like the idea of leaving no carbon footprint and using the effort I put into pedaling this new folding bike to power my phone and lights.
My Brompton goes the distance
How does it ride and handle, well to be honest, I haven’t taken any great distance yet. I have ridden it mostly around the neighborhood and I love it. Not only does it feel like I am riding a full size bike but I think the folding bike actually handles better. Shifting on the Brompton is a bit different but actually in a good way. I don’t need to worry about pedaling to shift to the next gear. I am interested to see how that plays out on the hills. I am currently in some pretty flat country so I will let you know when I get to test it out on my first climb.
The best part is still the compact size of a folding bike, the Brompton being, what I believe is, the most compact model. I’m excited to see where this bike will take me! Already I have had a great time on my Brompton folding bike and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a great bike that provides a great ride!
Mar 22
#1 folding bikerDahon folding bikes Dahon Ciao!, Dahon folding bike, folding bicycle, folding bike
If you’re looking to get into cycling, but have felt comfortable swinging your leg over the seat of a bike, the Dahon Ciao D5 might be the perfect bike for you. It has all the portability and functionality of a Dahon folding bike, but with a unique frame design that makes getting on the bike a lot easier, and a whole lot more comfortable.
Dahon Ciao folding bicycle
To start, the Dahon Ciao D5 is built around sturdy 20” wheels, which keeps the bike nice and low to the ground, but also gives a smooth and comfortable ride compared to similar folding bikes with smaller wheels.
Ciao D5 has a reliable Sturmey Archer hub
For climbing hills and zipping around town, the Dahon Ciao D5 has a lightweight 5 speed Sturmey-Archer internal hub, which makes the shifting system virtually maintenance free. The range of gearing is large enough to get you up most any hill during your commute, or when you’re just out riding on the board walk or bike paths through the park.
The comfort you feel when riding a Dahon Ciao D5 is the same as you would expect form any other Dahon folding bike. You get a rock solid aluminum frame, just like other models, and even with the the low-hinge design, this bike can handle city streets and cracked pavement with ease. You’ll feel very comfortable on this bike with the BioLogic Ergo grips and BioLogic Como saddle.
Dahon Ciao is fully loaded
The Dahon Ciao D5 comes with lots of extras, as well. An included rear rack is perfect for hauling a small bag of groceries from the corner market, or a small stack of books from the library. The front and rear fenders will keep you dry if you happen to get caught in a rain shower or splash through some puddles. The chain guard will keep your pant legs clean, and the Dahon Double stand kickstand makes for easy parking when you arrive at your destination.
When you’re doing riding, you can fold the Dahon Ciao D5 in less than 20 seconds. With the bike fully folded, it is a compact 13.3 inches deep, 28.9 inches tall, and 25.7 inches wide. At that size you’ll be able to stow it in your back seat or trunk with ease, or just pick it up and take it on the subway, train or bus with hardly any fuss at all.
Ciao folding bike perfect for leisure
In all, the Dahon Ciao D5 is the perfect folding bike if you’re looking for the ultimate in comfort when riding along the boardwalk, the bike paths and leisurely trips to the market. With the equipped rear rack and fenders you’ve got a bike that is made for everyday riding, and with the low, step-through design of the frame, this is a great folding bike that you’ll be comfortable riding for years to come.
Ready for the ride of your dreams, then check out this awesome folding bike: the Ciao D5!
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A couple of years ago, I had a conversation with a colleague of mine about how we got to work in midtown Manhattan. He’d said he lives in south Brooklyn and comes in most days on a folding bicycle. ‘No way!’ I said. He explained that the route he took was about 18 miles and he made the trip in and home most working days. It sounded a little far out to me because I’d been used to getting into work every day by walking to the subway, getting to my stop and then walking several blocks like just about everyone else.
I use the C Bag handle to pull the parked Brompton through the building.
