How I chose my folding bike
It's been only two weeks since I first started commuting with my new bike, so I may be over enthusiastic saying I'm ecstatic about it! Long story short - I got a Brompton.
As a kid, I used to ride everywhere with my bike and was proud of my disproportionally developed quads. They shrunk back over time... Gila and I always knew we should get bikes for fun and travel but never went through with it. So, now that I did - I hope to help you guys with your decision through my experience and process.
My checklist
Storage
There was no way I'd leave a locked bike outside the house. Let alone in the street or anywhere in Tel Aviv. Bike thieves are skilled and equipped. The alternative, having to drag a full sized bike up a flight of stairs and letting it take up precious space, is no good either. Me likes pretty apartment.
Folding bikes are the way to go, saving up space and easy to carry around. I'll go for that.
Portability
I'm into comfort and I despise driving to work in rush hours. Bus bad, train good and it's only a 20 minute ride to the station.
The bike, though, has to be comfortable enough to carry around the station. I want to be able to move with ease and even take the stairs if I so wish.
Another important feature is the ability to be neatly tucked away near a seat. I've seen many riders forced to stand by or sit uncomfortably beside their ill-folding bikes. Also, I want the flexibility of deciding whether to take a bus or hop in a car, so the bike must be compact enough to fit any situation.
Weight
I know I'm going to have lift the bike often so every kg matters. This rules out the electric bikes for me (which rules out dry shirts...). I can tough it out with 10kg.
A good ride
The road and it's endless obstacles (scram pedestrians!) require fearless maneuvering. It's crucial to be able to stand, bike hop, adjust speed, quick brake and a have a smooth ride. Which means, a standard frame, big wheels, wide tires, disc brakes and shock absorbers. Good luck with all that!
Contenders
Strida
I first raised a brow at a co-workers folding bike. The Strida 5. I'm drawn to clean and smart engineering and this bike totally lit a spark. It's got a very unorthodox.. well, everything! The frame is triangular, looking quite clown-bicycle-ish. The fold is quick and vertical and allows rolling on the wheels instead of carrying it. The chain is also grease-free. No seller in IL but you may find second hand ones for under 500$.
The ride though was less impressive. The frame won't let you change your stance and do some essential moves. It's just too limiting for my taste.
IF Mode
Scouring the web I encountered the amazingly designed IF Mode. It folds neatly, unfolds very quickly, looks futuristic and is full sized. But, it's incredibly costly running at 2600$. Yikes.
IF Reach
Then, I found out about it's brother - the IF Reach. Genius design, sporty look, 18 speeds and quite cheaper. I was in love... it's perfect! But, no seller in IL. Available for overseas order though there will be at least an 18% increase over the original 2060$ price. I'm putting a pin in it.
Dahon
Most local shops offer Dahons. They're much cheaper, priced at 500-800$. But from what I gather, they're not a quality ride. And what's for sure - they don't fold up nicely and are simply not comfortable to carry around. No thank you.
The winner - Brompton
On the next post I'll be going on and on about the Brompton and why it won me over. Stay tuned!
