Bikes on Boat

[Rob Koryn]

Does anyone have one of the "Marine" type folding bikes, made specifically for boats? I'm thinking of surprising my husband with one and was hoping for the benefit of someone's experience!

 

[Terry Arnold]

Dahon bikes

We have a pair of the older folding 3 speed Dahon bikes with 16" wheels that are kept on our H 33 down below. In their cases they are about like a medium piece of luggage, easily handled. As a bike, the small wheels are quickly forgotten except when a child sees you on one and calls out look at that cool bike! After the initial shock, the small wheels are pose no significant riding penalty but do provide a definite benefit not only in storing but also in carrying provisions as there is such a large distance from handlebar to front fender and from back luggage rack to seat level that truly amazing amounts of gear can be transported, slung over the handle bars in a sack or lashed down on the rear luggage rack. I'm at the end of a really long pier and it really cuts the time coming and going. Lastly, they bring back to an old guy the feeling of freedom that a bike brought to a 12 year old.

 

[Tim]

BIKES

Rob (that's a VERY strange name for a woman!!!) There was a good review of folding bikes in a recent issue of Practical Sailor Magazine. I cannot locate mine or I'd give you the issue date and synopsis. There are several manufacturers of folding bikes although Dahon is the largest and best known. While I don't own one (yet) myself, here are a couple of points to ponder when you make your decision: 1. Are the bikes going to be stored above or below deck? If above, you really need one which is protected from rusting (aluminum frame....don't forget the chain. It will rust VERY fast!) 2. What kind of riding will you do? If you plan to stay on roads w/ flat surfaces, you can get away with a single or 3 speed bike w/ the small wheels that Dahon offers. If you plan to go further afield, then you will need one with more gears (12 minimum) and larger wheels more similar to those found on mountain bikes. 3. Do you anchor out or use marinas? Bike weight is a big deal if you have to heft them to/from a bobbing dingy and then on to a dock! There are other considerations, not the least of which is price, but I think I hit the high points. A search of the web will find several bicycle retail sites, and if you narrow the search to folding bikes, I think you will be able to use that info to make a good decision for both you and your husband. Good luck and happy riding!Tim (SV "TIDE")