Folding Bikes

[Bob S]

I have a pair of folding bike on our boat. I finally scrapped the WM 199.00 special I bought 4 years ago. I had to replace the front tire due to too many spokes breaking and the chain falling off the rack and totally messing up the chain guard. The other is a Schwinn Loop that is a little too heavy (32lbs) but build solid. It stood up well until my stepson was riding a little too fast down a hill to a boat ramp and ended up in the ocean. I love the Dahon Mariner but at $600 x 2 it's a little steep for us. Has anyone been happy and can recommend an aluminum framed bike that stands up to a marine environment?

Thanks
Bob

 

[Johnb]

We have 2 aluminum Dahon's on board, a steel one stashed at a friends house in England and one at home.

All are good and have been much used. The lesser weight of the aluminum (about 12 pounds I think) is a big difference when you are muscling that awkward shape up the companionway and into a dink or whatever, trying not do damage.

As far as corrosion goes, the steel vs aluminum does not make much difference because they all have plenty of steel components, including the front forks. I have taken care to prevent rusting and over 11 years it has paid off - no problems. We also keep them below, out of the sun.

There are now so many choices it is bewildering but one thing is, I feel safe on a Dahon, like it is not going to suddenly fail and dump me. Also we have used the heck out of them and they keep going, the one in England for about 20+ years now.

 

[MrBill_FLL]

I don't have 1st hand experience, but have been eyeing the citizen bikes.

-no affiliation

http://www.citizenbike.com/catalog.asp


I did pick up a razor lux A5. which I love, but doesn't have the cargo capacity or range of a bike... (blue model gets a kickstand)

http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-16...gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=CP2D6MWP6McCFcQqHwodzT0AQQ

 

[gettinthere]

If you scrapped a Port Runner II West Marine bike, you just threw away $400!

The Port Runner II is on recall. I bought mine in 2010, on sale for $199. Just took it back to West in July and they credited me $420. They had my record of the original purchase. No cash back, a gift card.

We bought 2 of the citizen 24/7 folders. 24" instead of 20". Bigger wheels make a difference and with this particular model, we did not find much difference is size for the way we store them.
Too early to tell how well they will hold up. First thing I did was hose em down with T-9. They seem OK, not spectacular but just fine. I expect them to provide good service for a reasonable time. I think they were $350 each, a lot less than some out there and better made than the cheapy bikes weve seen. Middle of the pack?

We made vinyl storage bags for them and lash them to the rail.

 

[JVB]

I have been coveting a bike from downtube.com because they seem more roadworthy than the competition. Price is high !

 

[JVB]

I am referring to the one with bigger wheels and Spring suspension.

http://www.downtube.com/Full-Suspension-Folding-Bike-p/9fs.htm

 

[All U Get]

A friend from Maine loaned us two Dahons over this weekend with the thought we would use them while cruising. One night and I took them back. Those things will reach out and bite you. They also eat line and take up space. Maybe on a bigger boat.

All U Get

 

[Doug4bass]

We LOVE our Montague 26 inchers. But we are on a 38' boat. Carried one in my 27 v berth though....

 

[Bob S]

Geeze Geetinthere, you just ruined my day :cry:. Yea I paid $199 for their bike and another $45 at a local bike shop trying to straighten the front wheel after loosing a few spokes. Then another 45 bucks buying a new wheel after loosing a few more spokes. It started loosing spokes on the back wheel too. Finally lost the chain bending the chain cover making it impossible to ride. I got so aggravated I took the front wheel off and threw it in a dumpster. There are so many bikes out there it's crazy. I looked at the Brompton and Bike Friday, custom built at a premium for those bicycle fanatics. They really are beautiful pieces of equipment but a little pricey for me. The Dahon Mariner is around 600 but I liked the Downtube also at $699
http://www.downtube.com/Folding-Bike-Suspension-Fork-Shimano-Nexus-8sp-Hub-p/8h.htm

I think the rack and fenders are a must. I like to be able to store my backpack with cloths, beach towel and whatever other paraphernalia I might need and I hate getting caught in rain without fenders. A good bike should last a long time, I hope!
Thanks for all the replies.

 

[gettinthere]

Sorry Bob. I almost didnt post that, fearing the worst. Didnt mean to rub salt in it.

 

[Bob S]

You didn't. You are one of the lucky ones that pursued it. That was a good return for your investment.:dance:

 

[Bad Obsession]

I have two older Dahon bikes. Steel (heavy), single speed, but they work well. They are over 8 years old and I have used them a lot when cruising.

I wish that they were lighter but I will deal with it. Having gears seems like something more to cause issues than good. Where I ride is mostly flat.

 

[capta]

We would love to have some sort of transport like bikes, but frankly, I'd be terrified to ride bikes, mopeds or scooters on any island down here, other than on Terre-de-Haut des Saintes, where we do rent scooters, often.

 

[CarlN]

+1 on Downtube.

I've had one for four years. Very strong. Rides great. No rust to speak of (it is kept in a deck locker that is reasonably dry but exposed to the salt air.)

The $249 model on their web site looks pretty attractive if the others are too expensive.

http://www.downtube.com/