Folding bicycles

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Tim M
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Folding bicycles

Post by Tim M »

Any advice on which brand/model of folding bicycles would be best for DA40? We are looking for two light weight adult sized bikes that would best fit in the cargo space available in our DA40XL. Many of our destinations don't have courtesy cars and even rental cars are sometimes a challenge.
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Thomas
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Re: Folding bicycles

Post by Thomas »

Hi Tim,

we have two Dahon Bikes, they easily fit in the back, one in the baggage comp (standard) one on the back seats. Secured with the baggage net and the other with the back seat belts and an extension belt from the baggage net attaching points.

here are our bikes: (at a trip to Montpelier southern France)
http://flightaware.com/photos/view/8348 ... tes/page/1

Here is the Dahon HP
http://www.dahon.com/bikes/2010/mu-p24 - that’s mine
http://www.dahon.com/bikes/2011/mu-p8 - that’s my wife Silvia`s, she liked the white color

Last year we fitted an electric motor from BionX
http://www.bionxinternational.com/bionx ... t-systems/

thomas
Thomas Bienz DA40-180 40.337 D-ENMA (sold 08/2022)
Home Airport LSZC Buochs Switzerland
Tommy
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Re: Folding bicycles

Post by Tommy »

My wife and I both have Bromptons and couldn't be happier.
Here's the Aviation Consumer review.
http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/exclusi ... 875-1.html
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Eric N
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Re: Folding bicycles

Post by Eric N »

We have two Dahon MuSL folders which weigh just over 18lb each, in their nylon carry-bags. We have taken them in our DA40 on quite a few trips and find them comfortable and stable to ride, easy to fold/unfold without tools. These models are available with fenders (mudguards) and racks if you desire, but we went for lightest weight and small folded volume. The 20" wheels are a good compromise between rideability/stability and folded size. Components are excellent quality (mostly SRAM brakes and shifters, Schwalbe tires/wheels). If you might be in the vicinity of SE CT (KGON) you can try one on the road!
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Gary
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Re: Folding bicycles

Post by Gary »

I have two Swiss Bike folding bikes and they both fit (barely) in the back seat of my DA40 in soft bike cases and wrapped in furniture blankets. The 26" wheels are better in my opinion than the tiny wheel folding bikes. I got one from a bike company and the other from Aircraft Spruce.

They don't make my bike anymore. It has a frame similar to this bike but has a front shock and fatter tires: http://www.montaguebikes.com/crosstown_ ... _bike.html

http://www.montaguebikes.com/folding-bike/
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Jean
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Re: Folding bicycles

Post by Jean »

Tommy wrote:My wife and I both have Bromptons and couldn't be happier.
Here's the Aviation Consumer review.
http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/exclusi ... 875-1.html
I had a test ride on a Brompton and I was surprised how well they do given the wheels' size. It rides like a full size bike.
40.446, G1000, KAP 140, Hartzell Metal
Tommy
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Re: Folding bicycles

Post by Tommy »

Jean wrote:
Tommy wrote:My wife and I both have Bromptons and couldn't be happier.
Here's the Aviation Consumer review.
http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/exclusi ... 875-1.html
I had a test ride on a Brompton and I was surprised how well they do given the wheels' size. It rides like a full size bike.
That was one of my first impressions. A very solid feel to the ride and surprising maneuverability for their size. A piece of cake to fold up. Definitely not cheap. The welds on the frame are so good they verge on artistic.
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Jean
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Re: Folding bicycles

Post by Jean »

Tommy wrote:
Jean wrote:
Tommy wrote:My wife and I both have Bromptons and couldn't be happier.
Here's the Aviation Consumer review.
http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/exclusi ... 875-1.html
I had a test ride on a Brompton and I was surprised how well they do given the wheels' size. It rides like a full size bike.
That was one of my first impressions. A very solid feel to the ride and surprising maneuverability for their size. A piece of cake to fold up. Definitely not cheap. The welds on the frame are so good they verge on artistic.
Really not cheap: same price as a fuel pump. :mrgreen:
40.446, G1000, KAP 140, Hartzell Metal
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Chris
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Re: Folding bicycles

Post by Chris »

Jean wrote:Really not cheap: same price as a fuel pump. :mrgreen:
Much more reliable, though.
Chris
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Lance Murray
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Re: Folding bicycles

Post by Lance Murray »

http://www.bikefriday.com

Made in the USA.
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