| In the U.S., Montague bikes are sold by Schwinn, which just went
bankrupt. I don't know what means about their future.
The bikes have been popular with police forces, as they can fold the
bikes to fit them in the trunks of their patrol cars. I assume that
means they are fairly rugged. They are full sized bikes, so should
give a decent ride.
Commuters tend to prefer the DaHon folding bikes, which fold into a
smaller package, allowing them to fit under train and bus seats. These
are small wheeled bikes, though, so the ride is not the same as a full
sized bike.
Ken
|
|
The November '92 issue of Bicycling has a short story and photo on the
new "Bike Friday" , manufactured somewhere in California, I think.
It claims to offer both rideability and portability (esp; free airline
transport). The photo doesn't dispute that: 20" wheels, proper seat and
drop handlebars, what looks like proper reach (no top tube),
and perhaps a 53 or 54 large chainring to help counter the effect of the
small wheels. Let me know if you want a photocopy.
See also 1703.0 - 1703.6 in this conference.
|
| There's a Sweedish folding bike that just appeared around here. It
looks like a good deal for commuters. Here's one review (not by me).
Ken
========
Date: Fri, 14 Aug 92 10:30:47 PST
From: John Ciccarelli <jciccare@signum.mv.us.adobe.com>
Message-Id: <9208141030.A02027@signum.adobe.com>
To: bikecommute@bike2work.Eng.Sun.COM
Subject: MicroBike folding bicycle
At last Tuesday's "Bikes On CalTrain" hearing, I saw a remarkable
Swedish folding bicycle called "MicroBike". It looked like a great
way to do away with long walks on each end of a transit commute.
Specs:
* 18 pounds, anodized aluminum. Small (10"?) wheels. Somewhat
similar to the DaHon small-wheel folders, but considerably lighter and
much more compact when folded. It could easily stand (when folded)
between your legs or beside you on a bus. With the rear mudguard
retracted, it rolls on its wheels even when folded.
* Folds and unfolds in 5 seconds into approximately 10" x 10" x 48"
(eyeball estimate from what I saw; the brochure doesn't have the exact
size and I forgot to ask). The frame is trapezoidal; the
square-section top tube and "bottom tube" fold "scissor-style" near
their midpoints. The folding joints are protected by rubber bellows.
* 2-speed automatic gearing, activated by back-pedaling. The brochure
says "the normal low gear ratio allows the MicroBike to be pedalled
comfortably at 10-15 mph. The second gear increases the ratio by
36%.". Kevlar drive belt -- no oil or grease.
* optional rear rack takes standard-size bike accessories, is easily
removable, yet does not impair folding action if left in place
* optional carry bag, wheel reflectors, front briefcase hook, front
shopping basket
* price: $350. Available in the SF Bay Area through Rodegard
Associates, 510-652-4449, fax: 510-652-4761.
|