BikeBiz

Folding Bikes

With City congestion charges set to rise again and MPs calling for car taxes to increase based on CO2 emissions, it’s no wonder that many commuters are looking to ditch their cars. Public transport is often a far from ideal solution, with trains packed and buses often being delayed due to increasing traffic.

BikeBiz looks at the bicycle of choice for those sensible enough to bypass the mayhem...

ZED

ZED cycle frames are manufactured in the UK at the design and assembly centre on the Scottish border.The City-8 is aimed at the cyclist who requires a solid reliable commuter or touring cycle. It is furnished with Sturmey Archer, eight-speed hub gears, carbon front forks to take either mechanical disc brakes or V-brakes on the front wheel. A suspension seat post, alloy handlebars and quick-release detachable pedals also feature.The City Sport is aimed at those who want a sportier looking bike. The model is fitted with Shimano Ultegra SL components, including crankset, front and rear derailleur, brake calipers, ten-speed cassette and chain, as well as Shimano's ten-speed gear shifter. Flat handlebars, MKS pedals and an alloy seat post complete the set-up.Both can be folded in less than 40 seconds into a very flat, low-profile form, which will fit into the car boot.

Montague and SwissBike

Montague Bicycles (UK) are now offering the full range of foldable Montague and Swissbike branded models, previously only available from Montague (USA).As exclusive distributors for the UK and Eire, Montague Bicycles has a seven-model range of unique, full-size, folding bikes on offer to IBDs direct from their showroom and warehouse based in Hampshire. The range is split between two brands: the original Montague brand features four bikes, with prices ranging from £395 to £575 and includes the military influenced Paratrooper model. The recently introduced Swissbike branding focuses more on a ‘lifestyle’ image and has three distinct models priced from £495 to £1,650 at retail.The army influenced Swiss Bike features 24-speed EZ Fire Plus rapid fire shifters and a front disk brake.All frames in the range are built from 7005 series aluminium to give a lightweight package, (under 30lbs) – ideal for transportation and a stiff and nimble ride when unfolded.

Scott

Scott’s extensive bag range is headed by the bike Transport Deluxe and Classic bike transport bags.The Deluxe Triathlon has padded protection stiffeners, which give the bag a rigid shape, as well as mesh pockets for carrying items such as helmets and shoes. Retail price is £179.99. The softer ‘Classic’ is a slightly smaller bag offering protection but without the rigid appearance, which makes it easier to fit into more compact spaces such as a car. Retail price is £74.99.Both bags are made of 600D Poly and feature shoulder carrying straps, prominent Scott branding and a stitched business card pocket for efficient luggage identification.

Polaris

The compact EVA bike pod, launched in the summer of 2006 comprises a rigid EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) moulded case, which has a high impact strength and good tear/abrasion resistance. The Bike Pod is moulded to fit most road, touring and mountain bikes in a secure ‘locked’ in position to reduce damage while in transit. The bike wheels lock in position using built-in quick release skewers, while industrial strength zips keep the case sealed shut. Strong, integrated wheels sit on the base for easy transportation. For those taking their bike abroad, the case conforms to all major airline baggage handling restrictions.

Hotlines

The Passport folding mountain bike from Lapierre is ideal for sports enthusiasts who wish to take their bikes across all terrain. The full suspension Passport's shock disconnects from the seat tube with a simple quick-release, allowing the seat and chainstays to fold up and tuck under the frame's down tube.The bike fits into its own travel case that is compact and easy to handle. Assembly takes just a few minutes and no tools are required to get the bike rolling. High-end components lace a patented folding frame, while front and rear suspension make the bike suitable for off-road use, as well as commuting. The Passport retails at £1,499.99.

Airnimal

Airnimal Europe has added the ‘Pacific Carry Me’, a compact, yet comfortable folding bike, to its portfolio. The range includes the road-going Chameleon, a bike good enough to be ridden to a bronze medal in the world triathlon championship, yet, like all Airnimals, able to be quickly folded for transport or storage or packed in a case for airline flight. The Pacific Carry Me represents something of a departure for Airnimal. Focussing more on foldability and easy portabilty than ultimate ride quality, the CarryMe still gives a very acceptable ride. It is also ideal for keeping in the office, car, boat or caravan for quickly unfolding and nipping to the shops or pub. Retail price begins at £259.

Avenir

The Avenir folding bike bag provides a quick and easy solution to transporting 16 to 20-inch wheeled folding bikes.Side carry handles and an adjustable shoulder strap make this bag ideal for those always on the move.Waterproof zips seal the bags contents from the elements, while a front pocket provides storage for smaller items such as tools and accesories.The bag folds neatly away into the integrated pocket for quick and easy storage, and comes complete with side carry handles and shoulder strap.

Massi

The PVC Massi bike case from Massi comes complete with two inbuilt wheel and spares bags. A six-point closure mechanism, a combination lock, as well as a key lock keeps the bike secure, while straps stop the bike moving within the case. Padding on the interior prevents paint scratches occuring.The case measures 42-inches wide, by 21-inches tall, by 11-inches deep.Retail price is £215.00 and the case can be ordered via Casa Masferrer or www.massi-cm.com.

Hot Wheels

The ladies specific, Summer 'Bella' is available in blue or pink shades. The mudguards, rack and carrying bag come as standard. The Bella features an aluminium frame, 20-inch wheels and a quick release hinge for convenient storage and transportation.Equipped with six Shimano gears, this bike has no trouble picking up speed when passing gridlocked traffic.With its bold colours and and striking graphics the Bella is ideal for the female commuter.The folding bike retails for £269.99 and includes a free, Summer-branded carry bag.

Dahon

In 1983, Dahon introduced the very first Dahon folding bike. Twenty-five years and over 2.5 million bicycles later, Dahon celebrates a quarter century of championing the cause of green mobility. Ten of the commemorative Mu XXV models will be available via Fisher Outdoor. A Puro M7 magnesium frame takes centre stage and is dressed in custom 25th Anniversary components from FSA, Shimano, Schwalbe, Kinetix and Kore. Another highlight of the range, is the all-new Matrix MTB. The model is a versatile bike that will take on multiple terrains. On tarmac, lock out the fork and you can hammer away efficiently. For 2008, Dahon has given the Matrix a brand new frame featuring LockJaw folding hinges. When locked down, the hinges are incredibly strong, yet virtually invisible.Shimano disk brakes make for excellent all-weather braking, while a Dahon F.I.T. stem offers 50mm of adjustment for a custom riding position.

Ammaco

The Ammaco Senic has a uni-sex, low step-through frame, with a lockable quick-release mechanism. The bike features uni-crown forks, Shimano six-speed gears, with micro shift changer, V-brakes, as well as a folding stem, meaning this bike can be packed away to a tiny size. Mudguards and a carry bag are included. Two colours, champagne and blue, are available.Additionally, the 20-inch Commuter model features a grip shifter, V-brakes, chrome mudguards and a storage rack.

Cannondale

The Cannondale 'ON' is the first rideable prototype to come from the ‘Quantum Leap Project,’ which began back in 2004.A foldable, co-moulded carbon and aluminium main-frame houses internal cable routing and provides fixing points for the newly developed ‘Righty,’ urban-specific, single-sided HeadShok suspension fork. Cannondale’s Case-Closed Drivetrain Technology provides clean, user friendly, maintenance free, internally geared performance with unique aesthetics.

Raleigh

The Raleigh Parkway Lite is upgraded from the original, entry level, Parkway model to use a lightweight AIRLite alloy frame, Sturmey Archer three-speed internal hub gears and a lightweight, alloy, component package. These upgrades make the ride more responsive and the bike easier to carry around.Also in the range of Raleigh folders is the Boardwalk series, consisting of both the Boardwalk and the Boardwalk Lite, a more road specific bike, using Dahon licensed folding technologies.

Bronx

The Velo-City has been designed to resolve transport problems due to city congestion. An aluminium frame makes it lightweight, weighing in at only 11kg. It can be folded and bagged in a matter of seconds. 20-inch alloy wheels and six-speed Shimano gears make for a leisurely ride, on-road. The other features are folding pedals, folding stem, a comfort saddle, rear carrier and a carrying bag. The Bronx Velo-City retails for £229.99.

Land Rover

The Land Rover City Lite is a 20-inch wheel, alloy-folder that weighs around 12kg. A patented folding system from Dahon is used in order to compact the bike in minimal time. Frame and handlebars fold and the seat post and handlebars are quick-release for further size reduction.Highlights include Shimano six-speed gears and a supplied bike carry bag. The package retails at £279.Also from Land Rover is the City Elite, a 26-inch wheel alloy folder that weighs in around 14 kg. Mountain bike styling and component parts increase its off-road capability. This model has one central folding hinge, a patented folding system from Dahon and an additional rigidity enhancing connection on the short top tube. Alloy handlebars and stem help to keep the weight down. Big volume semi-slick tyres mean it rolls quickly on tarmac and adds comfort on rougher surfaces. Suspension forks and Shimano18-speed gears make this an extremely versatile and useful bike.The bike is supplied with a bike carry bag and retails at £329.

Mezzo

Since Mezzo was first launched to the public as a standalone product, the British-designed, award-winning folder has become a popular choice in the folding bicycle market.Its major selling point is that does not fold on the main frame like many other bikes on the market, folding instead on a pivot close to the bottom bracket.Mezzo bikes have no fiddly catches and are made of toughened aluminium, with an anodised finish, so the surface won’t rust or scratch. The new range has a variety of colours – silver, black, blue and gold. A standard, compact rear luggage bag and a sturdy shoulder carry bag come with the bike, so the owner can carry the Mezzo on the shoulder when it’s folded down.Mezzo models come with four or nine gears and are priced around £645.

Giant

The 2008 Giant folding bikes feature ALUXX aluminium frames, Shimano gearing and the ability to fold the bike completely in less than one minute.The Giant 'Halfway' folding bike features Shimano's Revoshift seven-speed shifters and a monoblade fork. A 'Halfway Lite' will also be available in Spring for £325, retail price.Also available from this Month is the 'Clip' folding bike, available in black or white. The bike will be launched at the Giant dealer conference this month.

PowaCycle

PowaCycle's Puma LPX is built around an aluminium frame and at 18kg this is one of the lightest electric-folding bikes around. Puma LPX is Lithium Polymer powered, with a range of 25 to 33 miles of power assisted cycling on a single charge. Puma LPX packs neatly away folding to just 84cm by 70cm by 50cm. It is priced at £599 (retail).Like other PowaCycle models, Puma LPX offers riders three modes of operation - power assisted pedalling, six speed cycling and throttle power.