One can push that one step further and disassemble a non-folding bicycle and put it not in a case
but in a cheap grommeted polyfiber tarp, available in most hardware stores for USD5 to 10, depending
on size. I wrap everything in no less than two large rolls of duct tape. The tape holds everything
together inside the tarp and then goes liberally all around the outside of the tarp. The tarp
functions as a ground cloth or lean-to or windbreak or whatever during the tour. At the destination
airport one reuses the tarp and the two additional large rolls of duct tape. Both the tarp and the
tape are cheap, light, have many uses, and can be had in fancy colors if one is so inclined.
I have used this packing technique in both North America and Africa and never had a problem
with breakage.
"Andrew Webster" <
[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
[email protected] (Znaya) wrote in message
news:<
[email protected]>...
> <cut>
> >
> > I read
http://www.nordicgroup.us/fold/ and there were two bikes which called my attention.
> >
>
> > 1. Kira Backcountry (
http://www.kiracorp.co.jp/EG/pro/Foliding.html) It's japanese and it has
> > 26" wheels (i've been told that 26" and 28" wheels are better for extensive touring...)
> >
> > 2. Montague Urban At the bottom of
http://www.nordicgroup.us/fold/ , in "My opinions" the author
> > says he selected this bike for extensive touring and it is very comfortable, although when
> > folded it's bigger than several other bikes. He also says that Gaerlan GT20 would be the best
> > choice but... i believe its wheels are too small...
> >
> These both use essentially the same folding strategy (indeed, the frames may be the same) -
> with the rear triangle attached to an oversized seat tube which acts as a sleeve over the
> "real" seat tube.
>
> I have some, but limited, experience of this sort of bike. Being essentially a "real" bike they
> will give a more comfortable riding position, but won't fold neatly enough to carry easily onto a
> bus like a Brompton (where the messy bits fold inside and the folded package stands up unaided,
> and is small, less than 2 ft long by 2ft high).
>
> The bikes you suggest would certainly need a bag, and may need further disassembly when folded to
> protect vulnerable bits like the chainwheel. For touring, adding a rack will prevent complete
> folding (unlike a Brompton, where the rack acts as a stand for the folded bike).
>
> Although at first sight a good compromise, you may well discover that these bikes have only small
> advantage over disassembling a non-folding bike and packing it in a bike box (many available and
> acceptable for air travel).
>
> When on cycling holidays I always take a "proper" bike. It may mean being a bit more organised
> over making cycle reservations on trains etc, but doesn't usually present insurmountable
> obstacles.
>
> Your web site reference is excellent, but with folding bikes particularly, there is nothing like
> trying them out to see if they meet your requirements (which may have as much to do with how easy
> they are to fold and carry as how well they ride).
>
> Best of luck in your quest.
>
>
> Andrew Webster
