Let's start off with Bike Friday. I love what they are doing up there in Oregon. They make belt drive folding bikes that have great reviews. My only problem is that they are pricey. Yes, I know you pay for what you get, but when it is bike #5 it is hard to shell out 2 grand for a bike that is more of a curiosity than transportation.
Tern makes some nice folding bikes. However, there is not a belt drive in the bunch.
Brompton has an almost cult like following, but again, they are not into belt drives.
So, I have decided to look at the low price folding bike leader, Dahon. The Mu Uno is showing some promise. Check out this video. Not that it is a great bike with great components, but the price is right considering I'll be making significant modifications to the bike. The other good news is that the frame does not have a chain stay, so there is no issue with getting the belt drive through the frame.
- Remove the front brake to give it a nice clean look
- Replace the handlebars with bullhorn bars
- Put on a tan Brooks B-17 saddle with matching bar tape.
- Eventually upgrade the wheels.
Next step? Find some place to buy one. I may have to go on-line. Folders are not popular or even existent in Utah.
What would be the purpose of a folding bike? Space issue at work? Two grand is a chunk of change to drop on a bike that gets you to and from work when you might have a bike in the garage that can do that for you. Is 2k for the base model and then more $ for uogrades?
ReplyDelete