20" folding bike suggestions?

[morphix]

Another quick post... on a personal note this time.. I've had a long-standing knee problem diagnosed this week as osteoarthritis of the knee. It's got so bad the last week I can hardly walk and have to use a stick (and I'm only 40!). Because of this it looks like I won't be able to continue using my 26" folding e-bike sadly. It's just too heavy for me to manage with the stairs to my flat. In fact, it's probably what damaged my knee or made the condition worse.

Anyway I've been thinking for a while about getting and converting a second bike with 20" wheels but had trouble finding one suitable. Does anyone have any suggestions? Perhaps there are some new models or makes people have spotted? I'm looking for something super-light and minimal. Doesn't even need gears. Only thing I can think of at moment is the Dahon Uno. I rather like the Downtube bikes too, but there UK distributor is a bit sketchy and doesn't respond to e-mails and hasn't updated his website for sometime.

I'm certainly not going to let the osteoarthritis stop me enjoying riding so it's now a priority to find a suitable bike...don't want to miss out on the summer rides! As it's going to be my main bike now, I'm willing to spend a bit more than I planned to before... I guess my budget will run to £500.

 

[eddieo]

Have a look at my recent thread " best folding bike" as we are after a folder as well. I went to London show and tried a few yesterday and I may well buy the wisper alpino as it is a nice bike. I guess you would prefer a throttle.....

One bike that caught my eye is the 8Fun folder on ebay @ £600. I think it looks a very good bike for the money. most in this price range pretty awful IMO

8Fun 20"Aluminium Electric Folding Bicycle Bike-20F01BL | eBay

 

[morphix]

One bike that caught my eye is the 8Fun folder on ebay @ £600. I think it looks a very good bike for the money. most in this price range pretty awful IMO

8Fun 20"Aluminium Electric Folding Bicycle Bike-20F01BL | eBay

I agree those 8Fun bikes on ebay look not bad at all and fantastic price. I'm looking to do a self-build again though as I prefer my own kit and want something a bit lighter than the 8Fun if possible..I think it's about 20kg which is only a kg lighter than my 26" bike!

 

[eddieo]

I dont think you will get anything lighter then Jerry's Bromptons, but these probably cost nearer 2k. You like me want a 20 inch wheeled bike. Most Dahon weight approx 10kg and adding a kit will bring it up to 16 -18 kg. none of these options are going to be anything like £500, unless I have misunderstood and you are talking about the bike. I would look on Gumtree/ebay for a nearly new, as many buy, dont use and then want to get rid....

 

[morphix]

I dont think you will get anything lighter then Jerry's Bromptons, but these probably cost nearer 2k. You like me want a 20 inch wheeled bike. Most Dahon weight approx 10kg and adding a kit will bring it up to 16 -18 kg. none of these options are going to be anything like £500, unless I have misunderstood and you are talking about the bike. I would look on Gumtree/ebay for a nearly new, as many buy, dont use and then want to get rid....

Basically I'm looking for a non-electric bike suitable for converting, which should weigh around 10kg or ideally a bit less. I'm willing to spend up to £500 on just the bike (excluding the kit+battery).

To keep the weight low on conversion I will use a smaller battery and put the battery and kit in a handlebar bag which is easily removable, which is what I have on my current 26".

I know Bromptons have a lot of fans on here, but I'm not one. I hate the look of the bikes and think they're over priced. Yes, I know they're well designed and hold their value, but still, not for me. I also prefer 20" wheels.

 

[eddieo]

20 inch wheels + Big Apple tyres = HEAVEN

 

[cwah]

The Dahon Uno is an excellent choice. Lightweight and clean. I almost purchased this one until I decided that the Brompton is the only bike suitable for my need.

For the lightest kit possible, you can either:
- Buy a Goldant motor kit:
The total kit weight less than 2 kg. You can see the thread here:
http://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/electric-bicycles/11035-new-super-light-tongxin-motor-design-kit.html#post132848

You won't go very fast however, probably 15mph max and you need to pedal.

- Or a second option is to buy Kepler friction drive:

Endless-sphere.com • View topic - Kepler Friction Drive System (sale thread)

It will have similar weight (2kg), it's probably going to be cheaper: 500$ for the complete kit. You just need to add the battery. It's very plug and play, you won't have to lace a wheel and you'll be able to plug it into any bike.
It also has the potential to go much faster (45kph max)

However, it's much more noisy, it's not as stealthy and doesn't work very well when it's raining.

 

[jerrysimon]

I know Bromptons have a lot of fans on here, but I'm not one I hate the look of the bikes.....

Heresy!! lol!!


This would make a nice conversion. Pashley Fold-IT no longer made but had a nice steel frame and well built. I think if you want light then it will have to be a Dahon.

eBay - The UK's Online Marketplace


I have one and use it for riding into town unassisted. It has been modified with Moulton suspension forks. Has a Big Apple on the back.

Regards

Jerry

 

[Kudoscycles]

Please try our new Kudos Secret model,weighs 18 KGs,price £725.00 incl transport bag,it has a throttle which may be important to you. We balanced the performance and range with a 220 watt x 36 v system and 8 Ah battery. It is very nippy and nice ride. Just unloaded 140 units so stock no problem. I think it looks smart in black but also available white n silver.
Hope that is of interest.
Dave
Kudoscycles