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Hello,
I am currently a third year student at Queens University Belfast studying Mechanical Engineering. This year we have been given the group project to research, design and manufacture a folding bike. As market research I have created a small survey (8 questions) to gain some knowledge on what some people think on their folding bicycles. Please do not hesitate to take the survey if you do not a folding bicycle, just answer what you would be looking for if you were to purchase one!
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/22VQM33
Many thanks
Matthew Hyndman
Done!
My other half has a Tern, and she always said it was a bit of a pain to carry/lug round the station in its folded up state.
From having had to carry it up stairs in it unfolded ready to ride state, that is also a bit awkward cos of the weight distribution and the small wheels.
Always liked the look of the Decathlon/BTwin Tilt but its even heavier than a 'normal' folder.
Also done - and my comments are similar - needs to be light enough to carry when folded.
done.
However, I'm not sure what meaningful results you'll get from this survey, except to know what people who already own a folding bike have spent on it.
You don't ask about transport modes, storage, mudguards, whether ease of folding or cycling speed is important, luggage capability or availability of bespoke spares (or not).
Sorry.
Agree with aP, though I tried to add a few comments
Lightness is key for me (if I ever replace my folding boat-anchor - was bought used incidentally and well below your lowest range). I'd expect any commuter to want mudguards.
I think most folders are overbuilt, though that's probably the cheap way to do it. Nice light 20 inch wheels with 1.5-2 inch tyres FTW !
Light weight is going to cost £££. I thinkmaking it easy to carry is key - Brompton is a PITA in one hand, if there was an integral shoulder strap or something it would be way easier.
Mind you making a lighter Brompton wouldn't be hard, just more expensive or far Eastern.
The folding bike seems to be one of those stock projects for Universities:
Take a Brompton - try a new geometry; give it belt drive; try make it lighter / cheaper / smaller etc.
Dahon Curl - a classic case of trying to make something just different enough - so that it avoids patents.
Break too far from tradition and it becomes horrible to ride like the Sinclair mini-bike or Strida
I have an ancient Schwalbe folder. Single speed, coaster brake, integrated lock through spokes. Simplicity, but v.heavy.
actually, wot al says:
a well-designed shoulder bag would probably be better than a new bike design