You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
Ok, so at first glance this has been done to death....but....having scoured the forums I can't find quite what I'm looking for so thought I'd see if any of you fine folk could offer some advice.
Situation as follows:
- Haven't owned a bike since I was a teenager (10-15 years ago!)
- New journey to work means I'm keen to cycle to the train station to save time. I only need to go from my house to the station and back, no requirement to take it on the train
- Looking for a folding bike as the old garage in our house has been converted to a room and I'll have to store it inside the house. If it's small, then it won't get in the way as much. Needs to be easy to fold on a daily basis as a result
- Journey to station is just over a mile (easily walkable, but am looking to save time). Mostly flat, some uphill.
Generally it seems everyone would say "get a brompton", BUT - that doesn't seem to apply if I'm planning on leaving it at the station during the day as it seems likely it'll get nicked....
So, what else? Have seen some good looking options from Tern, but again I'm assuming if it's a folder, people are recommending not to leave it at the station?
I think my question boils down to: Is there any sensible way to have a folding bike and leave it at the train station from 8-7 5 days a week?
Thanks for any input,
Chris
if you are going to leave a bike outside at the station for 60 hrs a week - is it really going to be much worse to store it outside at your house? I'd be looking at something single speed (so little to rust) if the hills aren't too big.
You just need an old hack bike off gumtree or something- the cheaper the better as long as its servicable,speak to Local bike shop if they have anything cheap lock it and leave it outside
If you want to rebuild a folder outside your front door, put on cycling hat/trouser straps ride then lock up at station, I don't see you saving more than a four or five minutes on a mile trip. Can you keep a cheap bike outside at home, probably out front as any faffing locking up back gates is more time lost? Then use a D-lock with a frame mount or sling a cable/chain lock over the handlebars. Any faff time at all and you will be as quick walking.
Get up 5 minutes earlier and walk fast!
I had a similar situation recently. 50 quid eBay special with mudguards locked to a lamppost outside the house / station. Wasn't bothered if it was nicked and nobody was bothered to nick it.
Definitely saved time and I occasionally doused moving bits (of the bike) with some spray 3 in 1 oil for maintenance. Did a year no problem. Lots of jealous looks as I scooted past fellow commuters who were walking.
Something like a Dahon Jack as it looks fairly normal (26inch wheels) and not very flashy as it is matt black paint - so less likely to get nicked.
Hijack alert - I'm flogging a Mezzo folder if it's of any interest?
[url= http://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/fs-mezzo-d9-folding-bike-1 ]Linky Here[/url]
Thanks for all the quick replies - much appreciated.
The cheapo option chained up is one way to go - problem is I've not really got anything to tie it to near the house. Will have a think about it when I go home, maybe I could sink a peg or something into the (small) drive and concrete it in. Also need to persuade my wife she wants to look at a rusting bike in the front garden, 🙂
The walking fast option is the current plan! Just would prefer to spend less than 15 mins each way, and arrive less warm.
Will also take a look at the Dahon and the Mezzo suggested.
If you have a front garden you could get a ground anchor or one of the tiny (waist high) bike shed things. There are some super expensive secure sheds but in your case you could just get a cheap thing. Not much bigger than a couple of wheelie bins.
Or just get a scooter!
You still see the IKEA folding bikes on ebay from time to time, the ones they gave all their staff for Christmas a few years ago. Or else get the £169 Decathlon one.
You'll probably want to strip most of it and thorough pack all the bearings with proper thick grease so it'll withstand being left in all weathers, but it should do the job. Else just a cheap hack bike in the front garden as said.
A mile though, I'd just walk. Get an adult scooter to save a few minutes if you have no shame.
You have no back garden?
I'd just walk too, especially when its cold, dark, raining as then you've got additional faff of lights/gloves/waterproofs etc.
Even the cheapo Terns/Dahons are a few hundred quid, which is more expensive than you'd want for a station bike.
You could go right down to those 150 quid folders, but they are even worse than the 80 quid Supermarket bikes and probably wouldn't last a year of daily folding. All those hinges cost money and wear out.
I'd say, walk or normal hack bike.
Matt - Yes, we have quite a large back garden - problem is there's no direct route to it since the previous owners converted the garage, i.e. you have to go through the house.
Walking isn't a huge issue, it's just a bit boring and if I can shave some time off the commute, I'd like to. Sounds like it might be more pain than it's worth.
P.S. No chance of an adult scooter!
Heelys? Or whatever they are called. Shoes with wheels in the heel...
Go outdoors are doing a folder for £100 from 18/3/13 not great but it does the job.
when I had a medium walk at either end of my commute a microscooter was the obvious solution.
don't buy a Bickerton!
Heely's?!?!
Shame on you.....
😉
some of those rollerblades with detachable blades so you can use them as normal boots when you get to work.