Test-riding a folding bike

Nick Kew said:

OK, this has been on the wishlist for some time. Now I want a folding
bike, by the very latest in time to take it with me to a conference in
May[1].

I have two LBSs. Either of them can order a folder. But neither have
a stock that would enable me to test-ride. Ideally I'd like something
that rides like a tourer (on-road, at least) including luggage capacity,
copes OK with hills (Dartmoor, where I live), and is no hassle to take
on public transport. I really don't fancy buying mail-order:
a test ride first is far too important.

Is there anywhere I can go - accessible from near Tavistock - that
actually has folding bikes in stock and available for test-riding?

[1] Xtech 2005, Amsterdam, where I will be speaking on the subject
of Apache as a native platform for XML applications on the Web.

Get thee up to Avon Valley Cycles behind Bath Spa Railway Station. They
have the most comprehensive stock of folders of all types that I know.
http://www.foldingbikes.co.uk

Tony

On Sat, 19 Feb 2005 18:18:14 +0000, Tony Raven <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

Nick Kew said:

Is there anywhere I can go - accessible from near Tavistock - that
actually has folding bikes in stock and available for test-riding?

Quoted message said:

Get thee up to Avon Valley Cycles behind Bath Spa Railway Station. They
have the most comprehensive stock of folders of all types that I know.
http://www.foldingbikes.co.uk

Seconded - AVC supplied my Dahon Speed TR. They were very friendly,
trusted me to let me testride without having to leave a deposit, and
the bloke who served me was very knowledgeable. A couple of questions
stumped him, but rather than bluff the answer, he checked with the
mechanics.

Bike was checked over and ready for me to take away within a couple of
hours - Just long enough to wander around Bath and have a nice lunch.

Rich x

--
Jesus was apparently betrayed by 8.3% of his disciples.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Nick Kew said:

Is there anywhere I can go - accessible from near Tavistock - that
actually has folding bikes in stock and available for test-riding?

The Bike Shed in Exeter has a range of Bromptons in stock (and allow
test rides) - there is a branch in Credition - but I'm not sure whether
they stock Bromptons.

http://www.bikesheduk.com/main/index2.asp - follow contact us link

Kirby

Anyone know which are the best (value) foldable bikes around - most people
seem to use Brompton on my train.....

"Kirby James" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Nick Kew wrote:

>Is there anywhere I can go - accessible from near Tavistock - that
>actually has folding bikes in stock and available for test-riding?

The Bike Shed in Exeter has a range of Bromptons in stock (and allow test
rides) - there is a branch in Credition - but I'm not sure whether they
stock Bromptons.

http://www.bikesheduk.com/main/index2.asp - follow contact us link

Kirby

David Wood said:

Anyone know which are the best (value) foldable bikes around - most people
seem to use Brompton on my train.....

What do you mean by best value? Best for what? There is a wide range
of different folders with different strengths and weaknesses and what is
best in any particular circumstances can be different. Brompton's are
at their best if you are a train commuter and doing shortish distances
around not too hilly places. For something for long distances, that you
are not taking on packed rush hour trains, you might choose an Airnimal
or a Bike Friday or a Birdy. Horses for courses and all that...

Tony

On Sat, 19 Feb 2005 21:20:20 +0000 (UTC) someone who may be "David
Wood" <[email hidden]> wrote this:-

Quoted message said:

Anyone know which are the best (value) foldable bikes around

That depends on what value you put on various factors. The A to B
Magazine web site has a good comparison of most such bikes.

--
David Hansen, Edinburgh | PGP email preferred-key number F566DA0E
I will always explain revoked keys, unless the UK government
prevents me by using the RIP Act 2000.

David Wood said:

Anyone know which are the best (value) foldable bikes around - most people
seem to use Brompton on my train.....

You can generally have a folder which is nice to ride OR quick to
fold but not both. AIUI Brompton are quick to fold.

--
Jesus was apparently betrayed by 8.3% of his disciples.

Richard Bates said:

You can generally have a folder which is nice to ride OR quick to
fold but not both. AIUI Brompton are quick to fold.

They are also great fun to ride - a bit like driving a mini (old style)
there is just something grin inducing about riding one especially in
traffic.

Tony

David Wood said:

Anyone know which are the best (value) foldable bikes around - most people
seem to use Brompton on my train.....

Depends what you want to use it for. For sheer foldability, the Brommie
still rules the roost. When I bought a folder, I was looking for
something comfortable over longer distances while being compatible with
all trains. I settled on the Dahon Speed TR (www.dahon.co.uk). You can
find my "initial impressions" review here

http://notonmywatch.blogs.com/not_on_my_watch/2005/01/dahon_speed_tr_.html

I did 50 miles on mixed terrain (roads & tracks) just after Christmas
without any problems.

On Sat, 19 Feb 2005 18:18:14 +0000, Tony Raven <[email hidden]>

wrote in message : said:

Get thee up to Avon Valley Cycles behind Bath Spa Railway Station.

Thirded (or however many we've got to by now). A nice test ride along
the Bristol-Bath trail awaits, with lunch at one of the many agreeable
pubs along the way. Hang on, I'll get my bike...

Don't forget to wave to Danny as he passes :-)

Guy
--
"then came ye chavves, theyre cartes girded wyth candels
blue, and theyre beastes wyth straynge horn-lyke thyngs
onn theyre arses that theyre fartes be herde from myles
around." Chaucer, the Sheppey Tales

In message <[email hidden]>

Nick Kew said:

Is there anywhere I can go - accessible from near Tavistock - that
actually has folding bikes in stock and available for test-riding?

Bromptons do take quite a bit of getting used to. (handle bars seem very
wobbly at first) so a short test ride might put you off. After the first 20
miles they feel equal but different.

Paul.

--
CTC Right to Ride Representative for Richmond upon Thames

Nick Kew said:

Quoted message said:

Thirded (or however many we've got to by now). A nice test ride along
the Bristol-Bath trail awaits,

Quoted message said:

What's the good of that? Need at least something like up Combe Down/
Claverton Down, to see how it pedals on the up, and whether it feels
stable at speed on the downhill.

Trust me, it is not very hard to find a hill in Bath ;-)

Quoted message said:

But anyway, it looks like Bath is the best answer to my question.
Bad timing though: my local connection in Bath emigrated in December.

Bah!

Guy
--
May contain traces of irony. Contents liable to settle after posting.
http://www.chapmancentral.co.uk

88% of helmet statistics are made up, 65% of them at CHS, Puget Sound