"IT'S IN THE BAG!"
SUPPLEMENT
Since "It's in the Bag!"
(IITB) was published in May 1996, there have been a number of new
developments
in the world of portable cycles. Very little additional information has
come to
light regarding the history of earlier models, so this supplement will
just
summarise some of the major new models and modifications to existing
models
which have taken place between then and now - January 2001. As in the
main
book, this supplement concentrates on machines which are, have been, or
are
expected to be available in the UK market. To keep up to date with all
developments in the folder world, we strongly recommend that you
subscribe to
the excellent magazine A to B (the source of much of the information in
this
supplement) and join The Folding Society, which has a substantial web
site and
produces a free newsletter which is emailed to members every 2-3 weeks.
Details
are in the "Additional Information" section at the end of this
supplement.
Prices shown here are either those
at the time of launch, or are current prices (January 2001). Since
prices can
vary over time, and between different retailers, the figures given
should only
be regarded as approximate.
Airframe
The Airframe, which was described
on pages 92-94 of IITB, had a fairly short production run, but it was
reported
in the February/March 2000 issue of A to B magazine that a new version
had been
designed, broadly similar to the old one, but with many detail
improvements,
and that it was hoped that it might go into production. As yet this
does not
seem to have happened.
Airnimal
The
Airnimal Chameleon first
appeared at CycleFest in 1998 under the simpler name "Animal", but
was not launched until mid 2000, by which time it had this new name and
some
fairly small design changes. This is primarily a fast road bike which
can be
folded - performance is given priority over folding. It has an
aluminium frame,
rear suspension and carbon fibre front forks - an aluminium front fork,
with
mudguard bosses and mountings for a front rack, is available as an
optional
extra. The rear triangle features the widely used hinging system with
an
elastomer to provide suspension - two grades are currently available,
hard and
medium. However, this rear triangle is unified - the bottom bracket is
built
into the triangle, so that chain length does not alter during
suspension
movement. The rear triangle swings
under the bike when the bike is folded; before doing this the front
wheel is
removed and after folding the back wheel slots into the space in the
front
forks previously occupied by the front wheel. The seat post is removed
and the
seat mast is folded down to complete the first, simple fold. If a more
compact
package is required, the bars may be removed, the front fork can be
removed,
and the rear wheel can be removed. A case is available for transporting
the
machine in the fully folded state (no trailer arrangement is provided
for
towing the case), and a soft bag is also available which allows the
bike, minus
wheels, to be treated as carry-on luggage for air travel - the wheels
are then
consigned in a wheel bag to the baggage section. Wheels are size 520
('small'
24 inch). As standard the bike comes with derailleur gears (9-speed),
triple
chainwheel and dropped bars. The majority of the components in the
standard
specification are Shimano 105 series. Two frame sizes are available,
differing
only in length, and rider size is otherwise catered for by a wide range
of
handlebar stems and seat posts. Although the 520 wheel size is not
thought of
as common in the UK, Airnimal list 8 tyres available in this size, and
stock
three of these themselves.
Extras include mudguards, front and
rear rack (the front one can only be used with the optional aluminium
'touring'
forks), case and carry-on luggage bag and wheel bags. At launch the UK
price
was about £1200.
Bernds
The Bernds was launched in 1997,
and is a 406 (20 inch) wheeled folder with rear suspension of the type
used by
many other folders - rear fork assembly hinged by the bottom bracket
and
pressing against a suspension block at the top. It has a rather short
wheelbase, and curved rear forks. Sachs/SRAM 3 x 7 gears are usually
fitted,
and braking is via dual pivot calipers. Optional extras include front
and rear
racks. For folding, the back wheel swings under the frame in the usual
way, the
front wheel is swung round through 180 degrees and the handlebar stem
folds
down - a fairly quick operation, though not especially compact when
folded. The price is £799.
Bike Friday
The Green Gear range of foldable
cycles remains aimed at those requiring a high performance ride rather
than a
fast, compact easy fold. They are
highly capable machines well suited to touring and fast riding, but
less
appropriate for a rail commuting journey if folding is required every
day, or
several times a day.
Detail specification changes are
made to the Bike Friday range on a regular basis. These primarily
affect the
component selection and price. Most Bike Friday models are custom
built, using
three frame sizes and a variety of seat posts and handlebar stems to
achieve a
suitable fitting for the rider. The early New World Tourist (NWT),
Pocket
Rocket and Pocket Llama remain in
production, largely unchanged - the NWT and Llama have gained V-brakes.
Since
1996 a number of new solo models have been introduced using a form of
rider
suspension - the seat post is mounted on a long angled titanium beam
(length
and other characteristics chosen to suit user size and weight), which
suspends
the riders body but not the bicycle itself. The Air Friday sports model
was the
first to use this system, but without any front suspension. Like the
Pocket
Rocket, the Air Friday uses the 451 sized wheels. The Air Glide model,
aimed
more at touring users, has a sprung handlebar extension, giving some
cushioning
to the rider's hands, arms and shoulders, but not suspension in the
conventional sense. The Air Glide, like the NWT and Pocket Llama, uses
the 406
sized wheel. Most recent has been the Air Llama, aimed more at off-road
and
touring use, fitted with full front suspension. Prices vary
considerably
depending on model and components, from a NWT from around
£1000 to the top
models at around £3000.
Bike Friday Airglide. Photographs by Chris Dent
A number of standard (ie non-custom
built) models have been announced, though not all have gone into
production.
Currently this sector is served by the Metro model. Prices depend on
components, but are typically around £700.
Green Gear, the manufacturers of
the Bike Friday, have always been keen tandem supporters, and the
original
Tandem Two'sday has been supplemented by a cheaper Family Tandem, which
as the
name suggests is also designed for small riders such as children in the
'stoker' seat. As well as the Family tandem, there is also a Family
Triple
Traveler, with seating for three. An additional limited production
racing
tandem is now listed in the latest catalogue, the Twin Air tandem. It
incorporates the titanium suspension beam of the other Air models.
Recently
tests are reported to have started on a tandem/solo model - the centre
section
can be removed when riding solo, and refitted when riding tandem. This
model is known as the Q
"T"andem.
The
Sat R Day is a folding short
wheelbase recumbent model, available with either under or over seat
steering,
and fitted with 349 (16 inch) wheels.
All Bike Friday models, including
the tandem and recumbent, have a fairly simple basic fold after which
the
machine can be bagged and carried easily in a car boot, or on a train.
Unusually a hard case is also available into which the machine can be
packed
for air travel, and a trailer is available so that the case can be
towed behind
the bike. The trailer folds into the case along with the cycle for air
travel.
Tandem models use two cases, which piggy-back together for towing. Air
models
separate so that the whole machine can be packed into a bag which is
classed as
carry-on luggage for air travel.
Birdy
The Birdy range was launched by
Riese & Muller just after IITB went to press. Although
ostensibly a German
design, the machines are built in Taiwan, and it is generally believed
that the
manufacturers have had some input into the design.
There are four models, the name
representing the specification and colour. The Green uses a 7-speed
Shimano
Nexus hub gear and hub brake; it originally was fitted with a belt
drive, but
now has a conventional chain. The Red is a standard derailleur set-up,
with a
single chainwheel and 7-speed sprocket set. The Blue has the Sachs 3x7
gearing.
Finally, the top model is a more highly specified derailleur model,
with a
superior grade of gears, brakes etc. This was originally known as the
Elox
(anodised aluminium finish), but this model had now become the Black,
and has
gained a extra gears - 9-speed instead of 7. All models have the same
basic
frame - aluminium, with full front and rear suspension. The rear
triangle
pivots and uses an elastomer for suspension - 3 grades available and
easily
changed by the user to suit rider weight and riding style - and also
forms the
first part of the folding process. In normal riding a catch prevents
the rear
hinging down, for example when carrying the bike or lifting it over an
obstacle. The front suspension, which incorporates an anti-dive
characteristic,
provides good insulation from the road, without bouncing excessively.
It too
hinges in such a way as to form part of the folding process.
Folding the bike is quite quick and
easy, if not quite as neat as a Brompton. Folded, the bike can be put
into an
optional bag or rucksack for carrying. Being aluminium, it is
reasonably light,
although when fully equipped the difference between this and a Brompton
is not
all that great. Optional extras include mudguards, two types of rear
rack, a
front rack (only available and fittable to bikes made after the middle
of
2000), carry bag, rucksack, an optional comfort stem (higher and
shorter reach,
and adjustable, and standard on the Green), and a small bag which can
be slung
under the main frame to carry small items (attached by Velcro straps,
but if
full it must be removed for folding). The wheel size is 18 inches - not
especially common in the UK. 3 tyres have been produced especially for
the
Birdy, but none have been beyond criticism on grounds of high rolling
resistance etc. Other 18 inch tyres are available from other
sources, but choice in the UK is
rather limited, and none can be classed as high performance road tyres.
The
Birdy provides a very smooth ride, close to the best Moulton standards,
has a
less upright riding position than the Brompton (with the standard, as
opposed
to the comfort stem, many people find it too stretched) and is
reasonably
portable, though not as neat as the Brompton, and its luggage system is
less
suited for quick removal than the Brompton.
Prices are around £700 for the Red,
£800 for the Green, £870 for the Blue and
£1130 for the Black. A prototype with
a titanium frame has been seen, and it has been reported that this may
go into
production, although the same sources suggest that there is no saving
in weight
over the standard aluminium-framed models.
Bridgestone
See Moulton below.
Brilliant Bicycles
See Pashley below.
Brompton
Brompton upgraded their models
early in 2000, the new versions generally being referred to as Mk III
Bromptons. The changes are limited to components, with new handlebars,
improved
brakes, stainless steel spokes, rear mudflap etc. The folding left
pedal
becomes standard, rather than an extra on the L3, L5, T3 and T5 models.
There
are also two new tyres which carrying the Brompton name, one with and
one
without a puncture-resistant Kevlar belt. Although each change is minor
in its
own right, the overall result is a significantly improved machine. A
new model,
the Companion, with no mudguards and without some of the upgrades,
including
the folding pedal, has been added to the range, at a reduced price.
With the
demise of Sturmey-Archer Brompton will need to make some further
changes to fit
an alternative gear, but details were not available at the time of
producing
this supplement. As well as changes to the bicycle itself, some new
accessories
have become available, including an improved pump and an alternative,
larger,
touring front bag. The colour range has been extended, and a special
edition
was also produced in CTC (Cyclists Touring Club) colours. The new, low
specification, C model is prices at £353, the L3 is
£441, the L5 £515, T3
£539 and the T5 is £613.
The Brompton is also made under
licence by Neobike in Taiwan, but the agreement limits sales to the Far
East.
The Neobike version is generally similar to the UK manufactured one,
but with
some differences in components and no front luggage mounting (one of
the best
features of the UK design!). Some also claim that it is not as well
made as the
UK version, though prices are significantly lower. Neobike have shown a
prototype in which the frame is made of aluminium, but this has not
gone into
production.
See also SP below.
Cresswell
See Pashley below.
Daewoo
A very short wheelbase machine
which relies on the resultant compact dimensions for its portability -
the
frame itself does not fold. The short wheelbase results in some dubious
handling characteristics, and the machine is no longer available.
Dahon
Dahon introduce new models fairly
regularly, many of which also appear under other names (eg Ridgeback).
Despite
the fact that Dahon models are quite popular in many parts of the
world, they
are not as common in the UK. Amongst the newer machine now available,
using 20
inch (406) wheels, are the Boardwalk and Helios models (successors to
the
Tailwind models, which were quite popular). Derailleur gears are
normal, with
V-brakes now fitted to some models. Folding is via a hinge in the
centre of the
frame, and the handlebars fold down in the usual way (originated by
Dahon -
many other manufacturers pay a licence fee to Dahon to use this method
of
folding). The Boardwalk model, with 7-speed derailleur gears, mudguards
and
rear rack, is priced competitively at £299. We have not
researched all the
Dahon-based products which appear under other names, but Raleigh sold a
version
of the Tailwind as a Rudge, and they now sell the Boardwalk as a
Philips.
Dawes
Although portable cycles have
regularly appeared carrying the Dawes name, and often with the model
name
'Metropolis', they have usually been badged versions of other products
- eg
Dahon.
Giant Halfway
During his period with Giant, the
highly innovative designer Mike Burrows contributed to a number of
designs. One
of these has now appeared, somewhat modified from his original design,
as the
Giant Halfway. Cantilever wheels are used (a single fork blade), and 20
inch
(406) wheels are fitted. The frame folds via a central frame hinge, and
the
handlebars fold down, a simple and reasonably quick process, although
the
folded machine is rather bulky. Folding pedals are fitted as standard.
The gears
are 6-speed derailleurs (a single speed model is also available), with
a rather
limited and low range (36 - 78 inches). Mudguards and a rear rack are
fitted as
standard. The price is £475 for the 6-speed model,
£425 for the single-speed.
Montague
Montague have produced a number of
additional folding mountain bicycles with conventional sized (26 inch)
wheels,
some of which have full front and rear suspension. The folding
mechanism
appears generally to be similar to that of the Bi-Frame described on
page 121
of IITB, the folded size being fairly bulky. There is now a second
range of
Montagues based on a single 'fat' beam, rather reminiscent of the Klein
MTB.
Prices in the UK are usually around
the £600 mark. Montague designs have formed the basis for a
number of products
carrying other badges, including some car manufacturers.
Moulton
The models in the AM range have
altered slightly, notably the original AM7 (later 8), Jubilee etc
models which
used the larger diameter tubing are no longer available, but the
narrower gauge tubing
models such as the Jubilee L and GT are still available. Models fitted
with the
7-speed Sturmey-Archer hub gear were available for a time, but with the
demise
of Sturmey-Archer, future plans for hub geared models are uncertain at
present.
The AM-Wolber tyres went out of production in 2000, and a new
Bridgestone tyre
was introduced in September 2000. At least one other tyre in this 369
(17 inch)
size is expected to become available during 2000.
The APB range has seen some minor
model changes and some special editions. Most of the changes affect
only the
components used (derailleurs, 21-speed dropped handlebar models etc),
but two
new models with non-separable frames have been added to the range - the
idea
being to reduce weight and cost, and to avoid the range being perceived
as
'just' folding bikes. The fx8 is an 8-speed version of the fixed frame,
using a
conventional derailleur, but with all braze-ons to allow multiple
chainwheels
or hybrid gearing (such as the 3 x 7) to be fitted. The fx4 is another
fixed
frame model, but with 4-speed automatic Shimano hub gearing,
electronically
controlled with manual override. The fx80 is a sporting version of the
fixed
frame, and includes chromed forks and hydraulic brakes.
The New Series (NS) Moulton was
introduced in April 1998. This uses an improved front suspension, based
on
rubber in torsion, with no conventional bearings and sliding parts to
cause
front suspension stiction. The rear suspension now includes a form of
"Hydrolastic" suspension, air being used to control the operation,
and the air pressure can be adjusted to alter performance. The frame is
superficially similar to the small-gauge AM frames,
though with a number of differences in detail
design and construction. The frame splits in the middle as with AM
models, but
the rear triangle (a unitary type, with the bottom bracket within the
pivoting
rear triangle) can be removed and the front fork/suspension can also be
removed
for more compact storage and transport - not a fast operation though.
Fully
separated, two NS models can be fitted between the back of the front
seats and
the back seats of a Mini car. The NS models use 406 sized wheels
(sometimes
referred to as 20 inch), but short drop brakes and narrow mudguard
clearances
limit the tyre choice to only the Continental GP - a high pressure,
high
performance narrow road tyre rated at up to 120psi. Components are
mostly the
top range Shimano Dura Ace, with a single chainwheel and 9-speed rear
sprockets, ranging from 10-32 teeth. Factory machines have unusual
'Mosquito'
handlebars, but dealer assembled models can have more conventional
bars, and
can also be fitted with a double chainwheel.
The Speed (code named Pylon)
Moulton is a new model in the NS series, launched in September 2000.
The main
section of the frame referred to as a seat tube, and normally a single
large
diameter tube, is replaces with a space frame structure, rather like a
pylon in
appearance - hence the code name. At the top is a short length
of large-diameter seat tube to support a
conventional seat post and saddle. Carbon fibre front forks are used,
and the
rear suspension is modified to use a rubber bush bearing. This bush
appreciably
reduces road noise by acoustically decoupling the rear triangle from
the main
frame, and it also eliminates any possibility of bearing seizure.
Although the
main frame does not separate as on the normal New Series, the front and
rear
fork assemblies can be removed, and in this form it will even fit into
the
diminutive boot of an MG F.
The
first fruits of the
collaboration agreement signed between Dr Moulton and the Japanese
company
Bridgestone received a first showing in Japan in 2000 - the Bridgestone
Moulton. This looks superficially like an original 1960's Moulton, but
is
completely redesigned, with radically different front and rear
suspension. A
9-speed derailleur gear, with rather close ratios, is fitted. 17 inch
wheels,
the same size as on the AM range of Moultons, are used. Late in 2000
Michelin
(who own Wolber) ceased producing the 17 inch AM tyre, but Bridgestone
are now
producing a tyre in that size for the Bridgestone Moulton and the AM
range.
With the increased sales expected following the launch of the
Bridgestone
Moulton, other tyres of this size may now appear on the market. The
aluminium
frame of the Bridgestone Moulton separates in a similar way to the
original
Moulton Stowaway. The new model is not yet available, and is not
expected in
the UK until the second quarter of 2001.
Panasonic
Panasonic
have produced two models
for the Japanese market, but they are not on sale in the UK. The
Traincle 6500
model is interesting as it uses a titanium frame to give a claimed
weight of
just 6.5 kg (14.3 pounds), in single speed form and without mudguards.
It
folds, not especially quickly, into a reasonably compact package, and
this and
the weight make it highly portable, though the single gear and short
wheelbase
limit its suitability for longer rides.
14 inch wheels are fitted, and weight reduction even extends to special
lightweight tubes in the tyres.
Pashley
Cresswell were taken over by
Pashley in 1999, and all manufacturing was transferred to Pashley's
Stratford
on Avon location. The Fold-It and Micro models remain in production,
though
with a number of minor detail changes to the design and specification.
They are
differentiated from the other Pashley models in being sold under the
Brilliant
Bicycles name. The Moulton APB models have also undergone a number of
detail
changes, and with the demise of Sturmey-Archer some further changes to
the
range can be anticipated. The basic APB design remains unchanged,
though an
additional, non-separating, model has been introduced, which is
slightly
cheaper and lighter than its separating cousins. On all models, the
front forks
and seat tube now use 531 tubing, and braze-ons are included to allow
the owner
to change the gearing to Sachs 3 x 7, multiple chainrings etc. A
special
edition non-separating model, known as the fx80, was launched to
coincide with
the celebrations following Alex Moulton's 80th birthday - only 80 will
be
built.
Peregrine Bicycle Works
The PBW is made in the USA, and is
not readily available in the UK at the time of writing. It is aimed at
the same
type of market as Bike Friday models - primarily higher performance for
riding,
but less portable than machines like the Brompton. Some models sport
full front
and rear suspension.
Raleigh
Raleigh have marketed a number of
Dahon-based machines - see Dahon above. Note that the RSW Compact
referred to
in IITB was designed, at least partly, by John Dolphin. He was the
designer of
the collapsible miniature motorbike created by Station IX of the
Special
Operations Executive for use by agents dropped into occupied Europe
during
World War 2. Designed at Station IX's HQ in Welwyn Garden City, it was
known as
the Welbike and was an ancestor of the civilian Corgi.
Skoot
The Skoot is described as "The
unique cycle which transforms into a case". The central 'frame' section
is
in the form of the case, into which the rest of the machine folds,
leaving
auxiliary wheels exposed for rolling the package along. The
single-speed chain
transmission is fully enclosed by the case. The appearance is unusual
to say
the least, and the case/frame is available in a number of striking
colour
schemes. Since the case forms the central frame, it lacks the
step-through
frame of a normal small wheeler, and thus could not readily be ridden
by ladies
in skirts. The exceptionally small wheels, single gear and other
features do
not make it immediately appealing to the experienced cyclist, though
the paper
specification and styling might appeal to some people. Note that
despite some
stylistic similarities, this machine is not related to Felix Byrne's
Skoot as
featured in the book.
SP
Steve Parry is a cycle enthusiast
who has in the past done many modifications to his own Moultons, and
modified a
Birdy to take 20 inch (406) wheels. In 1999 he turned his attention to
the
Brompton, and produced a higher specification version with a Shimano
Nexus
7-speed hub gear, V-brakes, a suspension handlebar stem and lightweight
seat
pillar. Since then Steve has developed several variations on this
theme, but
now using either a single speed gear or derailleur gears. As
specifications change
very frequently, and machines are built individually to owners'
specifications,
it is difficult to give details of the machines, but models have
included an
ultra-light single speed, two speed, seven speed derailleur and 12
speed with
double chain rings. A suspension handlebar stem arrangement gives a
more
comfortable ride and less flexing of the stem on most models, and
V-brakes and
a light weight seat pin are also usual features. Steve has also built a
version
in which he removes the frame hinge, and when folded the bike is then a
long,
very slim package, intended for taking advantage of overhead luggage
space on
train, which is usually little used. As we went to press, we heard that
Steve
had spread the standard Brompton rear forks, making fitting of standard
rear
hubs easier, although at the expense of a slightly increased width when
folded.
Strida
The Strida was one of the most
striking designs of folder, but was out of production for some years. A
new
Strida II was introduced in 1998 The design is broadly similar to the
original
models, but with many detail improvements. As with the original model,
it is
most suited to short journeys, as the single gear and the riding
position are
far from ideal on longer rides. Folding is quick, but the resultant
package is
quite large, and will not fit behind the seats of most UK trains. The
price is
£335.
Strutt
The 20 inch (406) wheeled Strutt
Meteor appeared during 2000. The frame hinges at the junction of the
'Y' frame,
and the bars are turned through 90 degrees, both operations requiring
an allen
key - simple, though not quick, to fold, but quite bulky when folded.
Sachs 3 x
7 or 'pure' derailleur gears are used, and V-brakes are standard. The
wheelbase
is relatively short. Price is £849 for an 8-speed derailleur
geared model, or
£899 for the Sachs 3 x 7 geared version.
Tactic
The Tactic Panache was introduced
in 1998, and is aimed as a competitor for the Brompton. It has an
aluminium
frame, with a longer wheelbase and consequently a rather less upright
riding
position, making it more suitable for larger riders - handlebar height
can be
adjusted, and the saddle height has more adjustment than on a standard
Brompton
(though Brompton offer a longer seat pin as an option, or a telescopic
one). It
folds in the centre of the frame, but is less compact when folded than
a
Brompton, and folding is also slower. Mudguards are fitted, and there
is a rear
rack as standard, but no equivalent of the optional quick release
luggage
system of the Brompton. Sturmey-Archer hub gears have been used,
although with
the demise of Sturmey Archer some changes may be expected in the
future. The
wheels are the 305 16 inch size, which is smaller in diameter than the
349 16
inch used by machines such as the Brompton and Micro. Tyres available
in this
size tend to be rather wide and not capable of such high pressures as
the 349
size, resulting in higher rolling resistance. The Tactic has no
suspension
front or rear, the larger width balloon tyres serving to compensate to
some
extent, but probably at the expense of increased rolling resistance. It
is
available in 3-speed form at £399 or in 5-speed form at
£489 (note that the
demise of Sturmey-Archer may affect models and prices).
Additional Information
A to B
19 West Park, Castle Cary, Somerset
BA7 7DB. Tel: 01963 351649.
email: a2b@onetel.net.uk
Web:
http://www.a2b.care4free.net
The Folding Society
44 Paganel Drive, Dudley. West
Midlands DY1 4AY. Tel: 01384 256173.
email: mike@foldsoc.co.uk
Web:
http://www.foldsoc.co.uk
Acknowledgements
Thanks are due to the various
manufacturers for providing data and pictures. Back numbers of A to B
magazine
have also been an invaluable source of information. Thanks are also due
to many
owners of these and other folders for additional information, and in
particular
Dick Hanson and Chris Dent, who provided machines and photographs.
First Edition: 25 February 2001
Copyright (C)2001 Ferrets Anonymous
