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Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Ask a Mustachian => Topic started by: rubybeth on March 11, 2019, 07:16:39 AM

Title: Folding or other commuter bike rec?
Post by: rubybeth on March 11, 2019, 07:16:39 AM
We're down to one vehicle after our oldest vehicle bit the dust last week, but decided we'd try being a one car family for a while, especially as we are going into spring/summer and my husband had the goal of walking or biking to work once it warmed up (Minnesota).

Wondering if anyone has any recommendations for a men's commuting bike. My husband likes the idea of a folding bike, though they are more pricey, he could bring it into his office for security. His last bike was stolen (he works near a treatment center so theft is always going to be a concern). If a regular bike is your suggestion, any tips on locks we could get to deter theft would be appreciated too. Would be willing to spend more on a folding bike than on a regular commuter. His last bike was a relatively inexpensive used one, nothing fancy.
Title: Re: Folding or other commuter bike rec?
Post by: Dr Kidstache on March 11, 2019, 07:33:52 AM
I have a Tern folding bike that is brilliant. Rides better than my full-size hybrid commuter bikes ever did. Mine has an 11-speed internal hub but I don't think they make the same model anymore. It's similar to this one:
https://www.ternbicycles.com/us/bikes/473/link-d7i
Title: Re: Folding or other commuter bike rec?
Post by: honeybbq on March 12, 2019, 02:01:56 PM
Are there no alternatives for storing his bike inside?
When I bike commute I bring my bike into the office.
Alternatively, there are "secured" areas that basically are a bike rack with a fence around it and a lock that is shared.
Also he could look into bikes with a quick release seat post and front wheel to make the bike less attractive to thieves.
Title: Re: Folding or other commuter bike rec?
Post by: rubybeth on March 13, 2019, 07:06:54 AM
Are there no alternatives for storing his bike inside?
When I bike commute I bring my bike into the office.
Alternatively, there are "secured" areas that basically are a bike rack with a fence around it and a lock that is shared.
Also he could look into bikes with a quick release seat post and front wheel to make the bike less attractive to thieves.

He's asked about that, and other than his office, there isn't a space for this. It's an older building with limited space that is maximized for use (think medical clinic). There's definitely not room in his office for a standard bike. I think he was thinking the folding bike would be easier to stash in his office as well as bring along in a vehicle if he was able to catch a ride either to or from work.

A quick release seat and front wheel is a good consideration--we can look into that. His previous bike was just a used model he found for cheap, so it didn't have any features like that. But we could invest in that.
Title: Re: Folding or other commuter bike rec?
Post by: KCM5 on March 13, 2019, 07:24:43 AM
I have had a Brompton for a couple of years and use it daily to commute. Perennial Cycle in Minneapolis sells a lot of them - you might be able to find one used. Anyway, its super reliable, folds small. I have the version with 6 gears (internal 3 speed hub plus two speed derailleur) and dynamo lights - it has everything I want in a bike. Plus it fits under my desk at work and I fold it to put it in the car daily.

Brompton is probably the most expensive folding bike manufacturer. I just really liked them, so got a used one. But Tern also makes good quality ones - there are probably others as well.

The little wheels freak me out when I accidentally hit a pothole (a hazard this time of year) much more than normal sized wheels. But other than that it rides like a normal bike - maybe a bit zippier?

Edited to correct bike shop name!
Title: Re: Folding or other commuter bike rec?
Post by: rubybeth on March 13, 2019, 08:55:02 AM
I have had a Brompton for a couple of years and use it daily to commute. Perennial Cycle in Minneapolis sells a lot of them - you might be able to find one used. Anyway, its super reliable, folds small. I have the version with 6 gears (internal 3 speed hub plus two speed derailleur) and dynamo lights - it has everything I want in a bike. Plus it fits under my desk at work and I fold it to put it in the car daily.

Brompton is probably the most expensive folding bike manufacturer. I just really liked them, so got a used one. But Tern also makes good quality ones - there are probably others as well.

The little wheels freak me out when I accidentally hit a pothole (a hazard this time of year) much more than normal sized wheels. But other than that it rides like a normal bike - maybe a bit zippier?

Edited to correct bike shop name!

Thanks! We are close to Minneapolis and go there often, so we'll check that out. Potholes are a definite hazard here. A good chunk of husband's commute is a path with sidewalk. After his bike was stolen, he did try using his longboard for a while but the sidewalk is pretty uneven which made for a very bumpy ride. On a bike, it wasn't a problem.
Title: Re: Folding or other commuter bike rec?
Post by: Boofinator on March 13, 2019, 09:00:52 AM
I have a cheaper foldy: Downtube. As long as the ride isn't too long, it's a fun bike to ride. Keep in mind it is slower than a standard road bike due to seating position and tires, so anything over a 5-mile commute I'd seriously try to figure out how to make a road bike work for your husband's situation.
Title: Re: Folding or other commuter bike rec?
Post by: rubybeth on March 13, 2019, 10:23:48 AM
I have a cheaper foldy: Downtube. As long as the ride isn't too long, it's a fun bike to ride. Keep in mind it is slower than a standard road bike due to seating position and tires, so anything over a 5-mile commute I'd seriously try to figure out how to make a road bike work for your husband's situation.

It's less than 2 miles.
Title: Re: Folding or other commuter bike rec?
Post by: Boofinator on March 13, 2019, 11:19:46 AM
I have a cheaper foldy: Downtube. As long as the ride isn't too long, it's a fun bike to ride. Keep in mind it is slower than a standard road bike due to seating position and tires, so anything over a 5-mile commute I'd seriously try to figure out how to make a road bike work for your husband's situation.

It's less than 2 miles.

Sounds perfect for a foldy.
Title: Re: Folding or other commuter bike rec?
Post by: Laserjet3051 on March 13, 2019, 11:49:40 AM
I'm not a fan of folding bikes. That said, I concur with the above posters that investing in a low-price used bike where he can remove the seat and front wheel (and bring them into his office) will, in combination with a good bike lock) deter theft. I do this all the time with my expensive bikes. He could also double down and remove BOTH wheels and bring them inside.
Title: Re: Folding or other commuter bike rec?
Post by: LadyMuMu on March 13, 2019, 11:53:14 AM
For a less than 2-mile commute, I'd buy the ugliest used bike you can find that will fit the bill. Spend more on the lock than the bike and remove the seat when not in use. I'd put unicorn stickers on it for good measure.
Title: Re: Folding or other commuter bike rec?
Post by: meghan88 on March 13, 2019, 03:18:25 PM
For a less than 2-mile commute, I'd buy the ugliest used bike you can find that will fit the bill. Spend more on the lock than the bike and remove the seat when not in use. I'd put unicorn stickers on it for good measure.

Yep!  Get a used junker online, but also get a good lock:  U-locks are the best, and sometimes you can find those used online as well.  Surface rust is always nice, in addition to the unicorn stickers.
Title: Re: Folding or other commuter bike rec?
Post by: Freedomin5 on March 13, 2019, 05:24:10 PM
Bikes get stolen here all the time. I use two U locks — one to lock the front wheel to the frame, and one to lock the back wheel to the frame. Then you can just take the seat with you.
Title: Re: Folding or other commuter bike rec?
Post by: Beardog on March 16, 2019, 01:44:18 PM
I've had two Dahon folding bikes and liked them both.  I bought them both on CraigsList.  I bought a folding bike primarily because they can be brought on a train or inside a bus at any time of day.

But I agree that buying the ugliest beater bike you can find, painting it some awful color, and using that is another good option.
Title: Re: Folding or other commuter bike rec?
Post by: Playing with Fire UK on March 17, 2019, 03:03:45 AM
Day-glo pink is good for visibility and anti-theft.