Comments on: ★ Looking at getting a bike http://jonathanstegall.com/2008/08/26/looking-at-getting-a-bike/ culture, design, spirituality Fri, 27 Apr 2012 17:02:56 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v= By: siouxgeonz http://jonathanstegall.com/2008/08/26/looking-at-getting-a-bike/#comment-339 siouxgeonz Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:12:56 +0000 http://jonathanstegall.com/?p=384#comment-339 I have a Speed p8 and I'm very fond of it. I test drove the 7-speed and the gear ratio didn't get hefty enough for me, but I'm a renowned masher so that might not apply. However, overall the 8 felt like a better bike - more likely to handle the kinds of miles I put in - so I'm glad I went for it. Couple of friends got the Mu with its 24 speeds; one of 'em, like me, didn't like how it felt going down steep hills. However, we don't *do* steep hills unless we go out of town (this is very very very flat territory :) ) so it could be just not being accustomed to it. I have a Speed p8 and I’m very fond of it. I test drove the 7-speed and the gear ratio didn’t get hefty enough for me, but I’m a renowned masher so that might not apply. However, overall the 8 felt like a better bike – more likely to handle the kinds of miles I put in – so I’m glad I went for it. Couple of friends got the Mu with its 24 speeds; one of ‘em, like me, didn’t like how it felt going down steep hills. However, we don’t *do* steep hills unless we go out of town (this is very very very flat territory :) ) so it could be just not being accustomed to it.

]]> By: RideTHISbike.com http://jonathanstegall.com/2008/08/26/looking-at-getting-a-bike/#comment-338 RideTHISbike.com Wed, 27 Aug 2008 03:36:25 +0000 http://jonathanstegall.com/?p=384#comment-338 Jonathan, Full Size Bike That Folds The Espresso is a full size bike that folds. If that's what you're looking for, look into the Montague CX. Like the Espresso, it also has 21 speeds but the CX has additional notable features. First, the frame is the same as is on the Paratrooper (a bike built for the military to use on the battlefield) so it's tougher than the Espresso. Second, the seat post has a suspension built in for comfort and a comfort saddle. Third, the handlebar height is adjustable. Forth, the front wheel uses a patented quick release that requires no fiddling to lock - just CLICk it in and close the lever. Montague CX: http://ridethisbike.com/products/Montague/Montague_CX-folding_bike.htm Mid Size Folding Bikes For the money, DownTube makes better products than Dahon. Look at the model 8H. Like the Speed D7, it has 20" wheels and a rear carry rack; however, the DownTube offers an 8 speed internal hub drivetrain that's far lower on maintenance and will shift at a dead stop. The 8H also has a front suspension. Micro Folder If you're keeping the bike in your trunk and using it only on short rides, a micro folder might be a better choice as it will free up precious space for other things. The most economical that I recommend is the E-Z Pack. Weighing in at 22.5 lbs, it's quite light; yet, it handles better than a variety of mid size folding bikes. The bike is outfitted with a dual crank drive train that ups the gear ratio to provide pedaling similar to a full size bike but it's a single speed. A more elegant and even lighter choice would be the CarryMe Dual Speed; however, at $695, it's probably out of your price range. Larry Jonathan,

Full Size Bike That Folds
The Espresso is a full size bike that folds. If that’s what you’re looking for, look into the Montague CX. Like the Espresso, it also has 21 speeds but the CX has additional notable features. First, the frame is the same as is on the Paratrooper (a bike built for the military to use on the battlefield) so it’s tougher than the Espresso. Second, the seat post has a suspension built in for comfort and a comfort saddle. Third, the handlebar height is adjustable. Forth, the front wheel uses a patented quick release that requires no fiddling to lock – just CLICk it in and close the lever.

Montague CX:
http://ridethisbike.com/products/Montague/Montague_CX-folding_bike.htm

Mid Size Folding Bikes
For the money, DownTube makes better products than Dahon. Look at the model 8H. Like the Speed D7, it has 20″ wheels and a rear carry rack; however, the DownTube offers an 8 speed internal hub drivetrain that’s far lower on maintenance and will shift at a dead stop. The 8H also has a front suspension.

Micro Folder
If you’re keeping the bike in your trunk and using it only on short rides, a micro folder might be a better choice as it will free up precious space for other things. The most economical that I recommend is the E-Z Pack. Weighing in at 22.5 lbs, it’s quite light; yet, it handles better than a variety of mid size folding bikes. The bike is outfitted with a dual crank drive train that ups the gear ratio to provide pedaling similar to a full size bike but it’s a single speed. A more elegant and even lighter choice would be the CarryMe Dual Speed; however, at $695, it’s probably out of your price range.

Larry

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