Commuting conundrum

[themutiny]

I have been investigating the feasibility (or otherwise) of doing my horrible commute by train/ebike. As a result of the demise of the guard's van, I realise that the only way that this will work is if I get a folder. Since the economics dictate that it will entail a 32 mile daily cycle, including Reigate Hill, I don't think a standard folder would be acceptable, and therefore I must look at an e-folder.

Since this is an area that I am completely unfamiliar with, I would be very grateful for any advice offered.

I have to say that the ease of folding, together with rideability of the bike are my primary concerns. I am leaning towards a Tonxgin/Brompton conversion, and initial research has yielded the following:

Brompton Nano Electric

From an economic perspective, battery costs aside (I may even be able to use my existing Cytronex batteries with a bit of Heath Robinson) I reckon the outlay could be recouped in 9 months. The effect on my sanity would be worth double that.

Cheers for any advice

regards,

Nick

 

[JohnD]

Do you need the bike at the far end?

Do you need the bike at the far end?

I bike to the station then lock the bike in my rented bike locker - but I can walk at the far end

 

[themutiny]

Unfortunately yes. It is 7 miles to the train station this end, and 9 miles at the other end. I think both stations have lockers, but equally I think there is a waiting list. I couldn't countenance leaving my Cannondale all day without a locker, and although I could probably leave my cheap unpowered road bike at the other end, the thought of 9 miles including Reigate Hill doesn't really appeal. I have considered driving this end, but the issue of Reigate Hill and the long slog up the A217 at the other end on an unpowered bike doesn't appeal, plus it alters the economics considerably. What I really need is Southern Trains and Southwest trains to have a cycle policy like First Great Western. Since I don't believe in miracles, I have to consider a folder..

 

[flecc]

The Nano Brompton is certainly the most portable and practical e-folder around Nick, but it is a 16" wheel bike so that and lowish gearing makes 32 miles a day a bit daunting.

The new Wisper 806fe 24 volt version is only a little heavier at 19 kilos and has the benefit of 20" wheels and twin chainrings so there's a decent 91" top gear as well as plenty of low gears. I've never ridden it though, so you'd need to try it out. It's range on 24 volts 9 Ah would cope with the one way 16 miles comfortably, but it would need a recharge for the return. There's also a 36 volt version due in a month now, but the weight would rise no doubt.

Then there's the 36 volt 9Ah Izip Via Mezza from 50cycles, weight given as 20 kilos, not quite as high gearing but looks ok.

Otherwise it's mainly the cheapish Chinese folders, all too low geared for any serious distance of cycling.
.

 

[themutiny]

The Nano Brompton is certainly the most portable and practical e-folder around Nick, but it is a 16" wheel bike so that and lowish gearing makes 32 miles a day a bit daunting.

The new Wisper 806fe 24 volt version is only a little heavier at 19 kilos and has the benefit of 20" wheels and twin chainrings so there's a decent 91" top gear as well as plenty of low gears. I've never ridden it though, so you'd need to try it out. It's range on 24 volts 9 Ah would cope with the one way 16 miles comfortably, but it would need a recharge for the return. There's also a 36 volt version due in a month now, but the weight would rise no doubt.

Then there's the 36 volt 9Ah Izip Via Mezza from 50cycles, weight given as 20 kilos, not quite as high gearing but looks ok.

Otherwise it's mainly the cheapish Chinese folders, all too low geared for any serious distance of cycling.
.

Thanks Tony.

I'm not very keen on small wheeled bikes - I don't even much care for 26" unless for off-road. I dont much care for the 50 cycles offering, not least because the link still refers to 'quando'. I do like the look of the Wisper though. My only concerns would be how easy it is to fold and unfold. As for the range, unless Reigate Hill flattens the battery, I'm pretty sure it is at least possible that I could do it without recharging (bearing in mind that the return journey will be downhill all the way). My only other thought is does it fold small enough to comply with the train company's draconian cycle policy?

Regards,

Nick

PS David - where might I try one of these? I live near Portsmouth

That would be emsworth car and cycle - Doh!

 

[eddieo]

why not drive far enough in to park in an area with free parking. Carry bike in car or on rack....and bike the rest of the way. Or am I missing something

 

[themutiny]

Well one of us is

I have a 130 mile round trip, and all trains terminate at London where the cycle policy effectively dictates that I can't take a full size bike on the train. The hindhead roadworks are making my life a misery (they are around 25 miles from my house, but the queues start at 20 miles out), so I was considering train/bike as an alternative. If I were to follow your suggestion, I would have to park at Liphook, and cycle the other 45 miles each way. Not really viable?

 

[eddieo]

Well one of us is

I have a 130 mile round trip, and all trains terminate at London where the cycle policy effectively dictates that I can't take a full size bike on the train. The hindhead roadworks are making my life a misery, so I was considering train/bike as an alternative. I don't see what you are getting at.

you live Portsmouth and work central London? why not drive into south London, park for free and ride the last 10 miles or so miles into London....

 

[themutiny]

No - I live in Portsmouth and work in South London. This involves 40k a year mileage, but more importantly the Hindhead Tunnel roadworks are making the commute a total misery. Unless I leave at the crack of dawn, they can take nearly an hour to negotiate. Since they are at the 'southern' end of the commute, your otherwise reasonable suggestion doesn't work.

 

[eddieo]

Phew.... got there in the end!

 

[themutiny]

Indeed. So what do you think/know of the 806? I know you are a Wisper fan...

 

[monster]

your going to need a large battery, but its do-able. a 600wh battery would let you do 32miles. if you can charge at work then this would be the best solution. otherwise i would go for an even larger battery e.g. 1000wh. always buy more battery than you need because it protects against premature ageing.

 

[themutiny]

I do have four ezee batteries with a parallel arrangement that could in theory allow me to do the whole commute on e-bike, however at an avg speed of 17mph, it would take me nearly four hours each way, plus I would need to get three additional chargers for the return journey. Factor in a 10 hour working day, nearly eight hours commuting and 6 hours sleep, that would not be much of a life

No, I think an e-folder is probably the way to go. With the constant increases in fuel costs, it also makes the most economic sense IMHO..

 

[eTim]

Think outside the box, buy a normal sized ebike and have it fitted with a couple of S&S couplings, turns it into an instant folder, have a bag made with a zip and it's just a large piece of cargo to carry on the train, with practice I reckon you could get the folding, bagging and reassembly down to 2-3 mins.

Let me google that for you
http://www.sandsmachine.com/spec_ssc.htm

 

[jerrysimon]

I have to say that for folding small/light and carrying etc EBrompton can't be beat. Carrying my 14kg EBrompton in one hand and my 3kg (with just 2.3Ah battery and controller in it) is hard enough from the front door at work into my office. I would say this is the absolute max weight/size you would want to carry. Carrying anything bigger or heavier on a train/platform I would have thought would not be comfortable and could be a lot of hassle.

That said it is a large commute you have and you would need a decent battery 8Ah min I reckon and even then maybe have to charge it at work.

PS I think you could get the wieght of the EBromton down a little more but it will cost!

Regards

Jerry

 

[eddieo]

Indeed. So what do you think/know of the 806? I know you are a Wisper fan...

BIG Wisper fan You would need to see and try it to make sure folded it is manageable on a train journey. I have a few 20 inch Dahon folders and would not fancy commuting with them...BUT! if needs be, I think it is possible.

I see bromptons flying around London and have often been surprised at their turn of speed, but for two long rides at either end I dont know..........Think you would quickly get fed up

If the wisper folded is not to heavy and fits in a suitcase size bag its got to be your best bet......Try and borrow one for a test

I am sure David would welcome another Ezee convert

EDIT

Just looked at some pics of the wisper folded. OK its nearly 20kg but looks a neat enough package and in a bag I think it could work.......

 

[Tex]

i take my wifey's nano-brompton down to the ferry to cross sydney harbour that way when i'm not feeling up to the bike-traffic jam on the sydney habour bridge. apart from the pink frame its a great mixed-commute solution

 

[jerrysimon]

My commute is 5.25 miles each way mainly across a town centre which is wonderful. I have a few longer stretches but agree not sure if I would want to cycle 30 odd miles each way.

I guess you get into the zone though when you do.

My decision to go with the Brompton was not for a mixed commute, but because I like being able to store it in my office then at home time I get my gear on carry it to the front door, flick it up and ride off. No hassle of going to bike sheds, heavy locks etc etc.


Regards

Jerry

 

[themutiny]

Hi

Just to clear up the confusion, it is 7+9 both ways, so 32mile a day in total, not each way. Given the way that it is broken into manageable chunks (and with the ability to recharge at work), I am leaning towards the Brompton. The benefit of the larger wheels on the Wisper being offset by the difficulty of loading on and off trains, particularly as I will have to change.

 

[jerrysimon]

I am leaning towards the Brompton. The benefit of the larger wheels on the Wisper being offset by the difficulty of loading on and off trains, particularly as I will have to change.

Ah that does not sound so bad

So far I have just gone into work, banks and the post office with it. If I was on a train/platform I certainly would not want anything bigger/heavier.

PS with that milage one way you might get away with two 36v, 2.3Ah, A123 packs and then charge at work for the return journey. My home made single pack weighs just under 1Kg.

I would say given your requirement weight is the key factor in your decision.

Regards

Jerry