Ridgeback Stowaway, Buzbike

minck

A previous, old thread mentioned the Ridgeback Stowaway as a possible contender for Brompton's position as #1 quality folding bike -- it looks quite similar, but one contributor actually got on one and described its ride as being so far back, he felt he was riding a unicycle.

Well, we're probably likely to see a lot of bikes that look almost identical to this Ridgeback Stowaway (http://www.ridgebackbikes.com/bikes...esid=22&index=2) in the near future, a few other bicycle brands have released products that look like they are based on the same frame. The Buzbike (http://www.buzaglo.nl/buzbike.html) has gotten an excellent review in a Dutch magazine, which even said it would ride well in long distances, and is available for as low as about 400 euros -- look, frame looks identical, though different fork and handlebars. The Montare Commuter (Montare's site doesn't yet have it up - a dealer: http://www.fietsplezier.be/fietsbe/...t%5Fid=Commuter) then looks identical to the Buzbike, at 350. Frame geometry looks the same, and no special seat affixed at the back -- a good chance these will have the same "unicycle" feel as the Stowaway, especially for tall riders. However, at such a low price, and at least satisfactory ridability, I'll guess we'll be seeing a lot of these soon. Seem to have been recently introduced.

Ridgeback has previously got frames from Dahon, and Dahon is probably one of the biggest folding frame produces for other brands -- however, this frame doesn't show up in their assortment.

Just a pity they didn't copy Brompton's geometry a little more, to get more of that stable ride feeling. Brompton should really license their own frame to a producer that doesn't rely so much on handwork so more people can enjoy these lovely things.

Anyone knows who makes the Stowaway - Buzbike - Commuter, any more experience with these thingies?