I have just been to London testing out a few folding bikes. Had a try of the Birdy and the Airnimal. I preferred the Birdy as the Airnimal seemed to have too short a distance between the handlebars and the saddle and also it seems to have a more clumsy fold. All I have to do now is to save up and get the touring version of the Birdy. I was very impressed with the ride quality of both the Birdy and the Airnimal in that it was very smooth and it seemed almost effortless to get going and to accelerate. Seemed a lot easier than my current mountain bike, but the only way to be sure is to try the Birdy out on my actual commute. I can now see what Simon Brooke means when he says test a decent conventional bike before thinking about electric assist. If it turns out to be easier to ride on my commute then I will give serious consideration to selling my car, as I have just been hit with a 580 pound service bill and I can't help thinking it is turning into a huge money sink.
I have just been to London testing out a few folding bikes... I will give serious consideration to selling my car, as I have just been hit with a 580 pound service bill and I can't help thinking it is turning into a huge money sink.
Turning into? A car is and will always be a money sink. You buy one you lose money, you service one you lose money, you get rid of one you lose money. You go a long way in one you lose money. I am even losing money on mine now whilst it is standing still doing nothing. Sometimes I wonder why I bother, but the alternatives require just a little bit too much organisation for me. :-( -- Phil - three bikes, two rideable; one Birdy one Road Bike.
