Flying with my Bike to Asheville, NC

Asheville, NC is one of my favorite towns in the states. Everyone is buying houses in Asheville including President Obama. Asheville is special for many reasons; it is close to the best east coast wastewater kayaking on the Chattooga. It is also close to some of the best hiking in the states, it does not get hot in the steamy summer months, and is home to two of the coolest College campuses UNC Asheville, and Warren Wilson College. The Downtown has an eclectic mix of an old artsy town; there are not too many cities like this in the South. There is a good reason so many celebrities are moving there.

Recently I was in the market for a house in the Asheville area however I lived 10 hours away. I searched online and found a great deal on a log cabin home just north of Asheville, not far from UNC Asheville.  I got a flight and brought my Downtube full size folding bikes with me in a soft suitcase. I jumped on an early flight to Asheville. We landed at11 AM leaving me plenty of time to see the house and hang out at UNCA one of the coolest college campuses in the western hemisphere!

I was going to take a taxi but there was bus service at the airport. The best part it only costs $1. So I unpacked my bike from the soft suitcase and collapsed the soft case onto the rear rack. I attached it with one bungee. On the plane I had my bikepacked in the suitcase, but once I arrived I have the suitcase packed on the bike, this is a great concept for traveling. I never considered doing this before, it just worked out on this

I got on the bus and I was complimented on my bike by everyone. I guess you could say I made a lot of friends on the ride. I had to transfer busses to get to UNCA campus. I biked to the house from there. Unfortunately it was half log cabin. The house was in poor condition, so I did not buy it, but I still had plenty of free time to play. So I biked back to UNCA for the evening until my 8PM flight.

Got back to airport took the soft case off the rack, put the bike inside. Checked it in and was home in no time. No baggage fees no hassles.  I thought to myself this is the way to fly. I was completely self-sufficient, and it cost me about $20 on food and transportation to spend the day biking around UNCA, and downtown.

On my next trip to Asheville I will take an extra day to stop in Biltmore Estates which is private estate and tourist attraction in Asheville. I will also book a trip on the Chatooga with wildwater at http://wildwaterrafting.com/rafting/chattooga-river-rafting/. Make sure to book the Chatooga section IV, it will blow your mind.

Multi mode transportation with a bicycle

Cycling to work is a great way to get fit and save money on gas. Many people cycle while using their boat or RV to help with transportation and assist with personal fitness. Below we will discuss different to use your bike with other forms of transportation.

1. Car and bike: This is a great option for people travelling on unsafe routes, or individuals living very far away from their destination. Ideally one would drive close to their destination, and then use the bike to finish the trip. Driving can help make the ride manageable, while cycling is faster within major metropolises and minimizes parking delays. Cars can complement bikes, and vice versa. For this type of transport you can use any type of bicycle.

2. Bus and bike: Buses can be used with bikes just like cars. This is a great option for riders in big cities with dependable bus service. Some cities have a limited number of bike racks on the front of buses.

Standard bikes are a great option here, as long as there is space on the racks. Folding bikes are better because they are always allowed inside the bus, which is especially important when the bike racks are full.

3. Train and bike: This is an ideal option for cities with subways or regional railway. Logically they are like buses; however they are more comfortable and much faster. Standard size bikes are normally not allowed on trains, but most trains allow folding bikes. Bicycle bags are always a good idea to hide your bike on trains, to minimize the risk of problems.

4. Boat and bike: This is a method of transport if you travel by boat and anchor at a dock. Folding bikes are the standard choice for boaters since space is a major issue. Normally men get bigger 20” wheel folding bikes and women prefer the smaller 16” wheel folders. Normally boaters travel to restaurants and shopping via bicycle. For security they can fold their bike and place it in a shopping cart while in stores.

Boaters always prefer internal hub bikes with belt drives to minimize corrosion issues, and to keep the bike safe in rough seas. They also prefer having bicycle carry bags to protect the bikes from the elements.

5. RV’s and bike: Space is a limited resource in RV’s, hence most buy folding bikes. RV’ers prefer internal hub bikes, because they are simpler to operate and they are maintenance free. Everything moves around inside an RV’s when they are moving, hence bicycle carrybags are important for RV’ers to keep the bikes safe and secure.

6. Airplanes and bike: Space is extremely limited in small aircrafts, hence they always prefer folding bikes. Both 20” and 16” wheel folding bikes fit in the baggage compartment in small airplanes (such as Cessna).

Folding bikes can fly on commercial airlines with no issues. 16” wheel bikes can fit in regulation sized suitcases and 20” wheel models can fit with minor accommodations. There are some soft suitcases which collapse and can be carried on the bicycles once you reach your destination.

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Folding Bicycles for Sale on the Internet

The folding bike market is normally broken into segments by wheel size. We will examine each segment listing the positive features ( pro ) and negative features ( con ) of each.

A. Full Size Wheel Folding Bikes:
The main brands in this segment are Dahon and Montague. The Dahon Jack is one of the most popular choices due to its low cost and excellent component package.

Pro:   

1. They feel like a normal bike, mainly because they are a normal bike that happens to fold in half.
2. They are smaller than a standard bike so they are more portable.
3. They are relatively cost effective compared to some small wheel models.
4. They use standard parts so they are easy to upgrade or fix.

Con:

1. Although they are smaller than standard bikes, they are still big and bulky.
2. You need to select the proper frame size to fit your body. Hence purchasing online may not be a good option.
3. They are heavier than standard bikes due to their folding nature.
4. B. 20" Wheel Folding Bike:
5. The main brands are Dahon and Downtube. The best cost effective choice is probably the Downtube Nova at $299, while the Downtube 9FS with 9 speeds and full suspension is the best bang for your buck.

Pro:

1. They are small enough to pack for airplane,  boat , or RV use.
2. Prices are reasonable with a wide range of possibilities.
3. Lighter than normal bikes because they are smaller.
4. Smaller wheels are more efficient than bigger wheels under 16mph.  Hence this bike is faster on hills and flats.

Con:

1. Many low quality folders with 20" wheels can confuse buyers.
2. They are slower decending downhill.
3. Some models may need a little disassembly to place in regulation size luggage.
4. Some models use proprietary parts.

C. 16" and 18" Wheel Folding Bikes:

The main brands are Brompton and Downtube. The Brompton is a great choice; however at a $1200 price we feel the Downtube mini is better. It is lighter than the Brompton and has a better component package (and it costs less than half as much).

Pro

1. Most are super compact and can fit in regulation sized suitcases without disassembly. Some even fit in overhead bins on airplanes.
2. They are very light due to small size.
3. They are cool looking and you are guaranteed to make plenty of friends riding one.
4. These are little rockets on hills and flats due to higher efficiency of the smaller wheel.

Con:

1. These cost much more than 20" wheel folding bikes.
2. Parts are harder to replace because the size is not standard.
3. Proper gearing is very difficult to configure on small wheels.
4. Less possibility for upgrades due to lack of parts. Especially relevant is the lack of 16" wheel suspension forks.
5. The ride is stiffer than big wheel bikes due to smaller frames which absorb less shock and small wheels also absorb less shock. Hence the rider absorbs more of the road shock. Overall we have to say the Downtube 9FS full size folding bikes is a great choice. It’s comfortable, folds compactly, has a racing quality drive train and costs only $550.

   

Full Suspension Folding Bikes in the Market

I wanted to make a list of full suspension folding bikes in the market and list all the features. The biggest problem with folding bikes on the market is comfort, nowadays almost all bikes are made from aluminum which is a very stiff metal. Folding bikes have a smaller frame with smaller triangles, hence they are stiffer, and the wheels are smaller hence they absorb less shock. In short folding bikes have a comfort problem, once this problem is addressed the bikes can be utilized just as full size bikes with the additional super compact storage possibility.

Unfortunately there are not many quality full suspension folding bikes. There is a huge number of cheap poorly designed and manufactured Chinese made models, I will ignore those in the article. There are only four quality options for full suspension folding bikes and it may be going down to three, Go Bike is in financial trouble again. Regardless I will do a comparison of the below bikes with a #1 vs #2 and #3 and #4, them the winners meet up for the overall crown of.

1. Dahon Jetstream is a mature bike that has been in the market for nearly 10 years. It is lightweight, folds compactly, and has a quality 8sp derailleur drivetrain. It also has an interface on the head tube for a bag system. Disc brakes are standard and adjustable rear shock is included. Overall a nice bike and it retails for $1349

2. Birdy is manufactured by Pacific Cycle and was released into the market in 1995, hence it is a mature product. The suspension design is solid and comfortable. Drivetrains can be configured during purchase but the base model comes with Shimano 8sp derailleur based system and retails for about $1500. The Birdy is the smallest and lightest folding full suspension bike on the market

3. Go Bike was introduced into the market in the early 2000’s, hence it is a mature design that evolved for many years. It was very popular in Japan due to its style and comfort. They retailed for a little over $1000, however they are no longer available in the USA market, and it is unclear if they are still selling in Japan either.

4.Downtube 9FS was introduced ten years ago. It is the only 9sp full suspension bike that retails for under $1000, retail price is $549. It has matures over the last decade and now includes disc ready wheelset, bag & rear rack interfaces, and preload adjustable suspension in front and rear.

#1 Jetstream vs #2 Birdy

A. Price: Both bikes are in the same price range $1349 Jetstream vs $1500 Birdy.
B. Weight: The Birdy is much lighter at 25lbs vs 26.5lbs for the Jetstream.
C. Component quality: The stock drivetrains are very similar, however the Birdy is customizable, while the JetStream is not.  However the Jetstream comes stock with disc brakes.
D. Folded size: The Birdy is smaller than the Jetstream due to smaller 18” wheels and a super cool fold.
Winner of this round is the Birdy.

#3 GoBike vs #4 Downtube

A. Price: The Downtube retails for $549 while the GoBike is over $1000, which gives the Downtube a big edge.
B. Weight: The GoBike weights 28.5lbs while the Downtube is at 27lbs.
C. Component Quality: The Downtube has a better 9sp drivetrain vs 8sp, and comes with disc wheels and adjustable suspension.
D. Folded size: The folded size is very close, almost the same.
Winner of this round is Downtube.

Now for the final comparison #2 Birdy vs #4 Downtube

A. Price: The Downtube retails for $549 vs $1500 Birdy.
B. Weight: The Birdy is much lighter at 25lbs vs 27lbs for the Downtube.
C. Component quality: The Downtube has a nicer 9sp drivetrain, disc wheelset, adjustable suspension, and frame interfaces for bag systems, pumps, and racks. 
D. Folded size: The Birdy is smaller than the Downtube due to smaller 18” wheels and a super cool fold.
This round is a tie 2-2, however we will use price as the tiebreaker, hence theDowntube wins.

Disc brakes on folding bikes, do they make sense?

Today folding bikes are much better than those in the market ten years ago. In today’s retail market it is hard to buy a “bad” folding bike. We will assume everyone has a nice folding bike for the purposes of this article.  We will discuss disc brake upgrades and when they make sense on folding bikes. We will also compare the cheapest folding bike in the USA that is 100% disc ready, the Downtube 9FS (MSRP $549).

Disc brakes are a very popular upgrade however they are not for everyone.  To use disc brakes you need to have disc hubs (6 bolt are standard) and disc tabs on the fork and rear frame to install the caliper. Very few bikes under $1000 have disc tabs on the frame and fork, even less have disc hubs. There is one, the Downtube 9FS folding bike, which is 100% disc ready with disc hubs, tabs on the fork & frame, and it even includes cable routing for the housing. Bikes that do not include disc hubs will require a wheel upgrade that will cost around $250, a fork upgrade will run over $100, and the disc brakes will run about $100 per wheel. Therefore the financial cost of disc brake install is normally over $550, the Downtube 9FS does not require any component upgrades, it is 100% disc ready at $549!

Most riders do not need disc brakes. Rim brakes on machined sidewall rims stop bikes very quickly (not so quickly on non-machined rims since the brakes slip). The machined sidewall gives the brake pads a rough surface to bite down on, making the brakes super-efficient. Additionally disc brakes have some risk; once the rotors are bent the brakes will squeak with every revolution, which is extremely annoying. Rotors are more likely to bend on portable folding bikes, since the risk increases every time you fold your bike. Therefore most customers should stick with the cheaper V brakes with machined sidewall rims. Do not settle for non-machined sidewall rims, they do not allow the brakes to engage properly because the brake shoes will slip on the rims surface.

Riders that live in mountainous environments require disc brakes. On long windy mountainous descents rim brakes will melt from the heat generated by using them for a long period of time (they never get a chance to cool). Once they melt you will not have any brakes, hence you can either engage your brakes on the descent and they will melt by the bottom or risk not using them on the descent so they will operate at the bottom of the mountain.

I lived in the Virgin Islands in 2003 and lived on just such a mountain.  Usually, I chose to not engage my brakes until I really needed them at the bottom. This was a dangerous daily commute, and I would highly recommend disc brakes be used in any mountainous terrain. Volcanic islands and big hills in the Rocky's and Appalachian mountains require disc brakes. Otherwise stick with the rim brakes, they will save you money and you will be much happier with the quiet results long term. If you decide to go with disc brakes take a look at the Downtube 9FS folding bike it is the best disc ready folding bike in the USA, and retails for under $550.