I'm planning a round the world trip with my wife riding Folding Bikes. Has anyone done or currently doing so?
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Folding Bike - has anyone done multi-country long trips?
пт, 2022-02-18 03:53
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Folding Bike - has anyone done multi-country long trips?
I hosted a couple who are cycling around the US. They started on the west coast. I hosted them near Philadelphia. They are now in the south cycling back to the west coast. They are riding Bromptons. The woman's instagram account is "suuusogo". You can message her there and say that Hiatt told you about her. Their plan is to cycle the world after doing a tour of the US.
My partner and I are planning to ride through the UK on Bromptons in June. I've put a post on the FB page and will put one in this forum with more details. Good luck!
Yes, however my folding bike is a grown up one, it's pretty much a road bike. https://www.changebike.com/df-702w
I find the performance of folding bikes varies so extremely, it's hard to say it'll work with folding bikes in general. WIth Bromptons I definitely wouldn't do it, with Birdy I might.
I've done a 120km trip @20km/h on a bromton (regretfully on the standard gel saddle; get a good leather immediately). Very light packing. I dont recommend it for longer tours where you plan to pedal for full days especially if the road quality vary. Because besides the tires being pretty stiff w.r.t. vibrations, the drivetrain also is very close to the ground and prone to catch dirt and stones. This cause my chain to come off frequently, and having to stop to inspect/remove stuff is both a tedious and greasy job. Mine has 3 gears and I was pretty much feeling uncomfortable with my cadence troughout and wishing for something between 2:nd and 3:rd gear.
I can see it being suited for light pedaling trips, like between hostels along a river in the netherlands, and it's excellent for city exploring on hybrid trips with some parts bus/train. It's front bag is sturdy and carry plenty weight w/o affecting stability much, but no pannier make it a difficult to also bring tent and cooking supplies.
Hi! I'm not sure why you want to use folding bikes, but I would not recommend it. I can imagine they are heavier and may require more maintenance. I have toured 12,000 miles in the last 5 years and I have never met anyone who tours on folding bikes. Even if you wanted to ride trains alot of trains fit regular bikes. Have fun!
Hi! I'm not sure why you want to use folding bikes, but I would not recommend it. I can imagine they are heavier and may require more maintenance. I have toured 12,000 miles in the last 5 years and I have never met anyone who tours on folding bikes. Even if you wanted to ride trains alot of trains fit regular bikes. Have fun!
I've ridden my Bike Friday in 25 countries, with advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages:
*Fly in case as standard luggage, no extra charge
*When using case as a trailer, can take ANY form of transportation, TGV, bus, taxi with 15 minutes to quick fold and pack
*Easy to take into lodging, so less theft exposure
Disadvantages:
*Slight weight disadvantage vs. standard touring bike. Just do not compare it with a 15# unloaded road bike. However, you are touring, so speed is less important.
*Worse on rough roads, as the 20" wheels on bike and 12" wheels (when towing case as a trailer) are slow on soft surfaces, rough surfaces, and cobble stones.
*Touring with the trailer vs. Panniers (have done both with this bike) poses challenges on narrow passages/paths. Also the trailer adds weight, about 9# net difference (13# vs. 4#) but offers great flexibility when you pick up supplies, etc. I keep my gear in a duffle. So travel with the duffle, remove the bike from the car on arrival, assemble, put duffle in the case, and ride away.
Not all folders are the same. Some are merely shopping bikes designed for 20 mile or less trips. Do your own research. I have largely kept to paved roads and some trails/bike paths. If you plan on expedition-like terrain, forget the folder unless it an handle wide tires. My Bike Friday lacks the clearance but weighs less than a fit tired option.
We've always used our big tourers, but oddly we'll soon be doing a 5 week trip in from HCMC - Bangkok on our Dahons. I've modified the gearing and back rack for riding. We're only doing hotels and couldn't really imagine the full gear on these. They have the 20" wheels as opposed to smaller ones.
They only weigh 4kg less than our English made Thorns with Rohloffs but the upside is that we're only doing shorter distances on flat terrain, with room every night and no cooking.
Here are 2 other that tour on Folding bikes. Bike Fridays
https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?doc_id=24683
These 2 use Dahons
https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/directory/?o=3d2&user=cytak22&v=13
Tim Towers on his Bike Friday
https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?doc_id=14156
We've hosted a couple who had cycled from Switzerland to Oslo in Norway; apparently they continued to North Cape and into Finland and Eastern Europe afterwards. So it's possible. But each spare part they needed on the way, they had to order it on internet, even the tires, as Bromptons are not common everywhere.
i have done self contained month long touring on my bike friday new world tourist folding bike. (camping mostly). i use panniers instead of conversion bike case for travel because of drag. i ship or store case at destinations. good results. strong and sturdy. i do not get into loose sand or mud much. small tires cannot handle. good luck.
Hi,
great idea! I am currently traveling with my Brompton folding bike for six months through Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, Singapore, Mexico (city) and now Chile. It has great advantages if you wanna be very flexible, both with flights or with public transport. Sure, the weight you can carry with you is limited. But I would give it a try with a test drive, to see if it will be fun for you! If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.
Hi! I did it already couple of time's :) In Hungary around Balaton Lake and then to Gyor .And last Mai from Passau(Germany) to Vienna(Austria). That was fantastic :) This year plan also one really long trip-from Florence in Italy to Zalaegerszeg in Hungary :) Let's roll!