Got a apollo tuck folding bike (birthday present) In the process of changing the ashtabula (waighs a ton) for a bottom bracket (when I work out what size I need). Putting on a Brompton 50t chainring. Going to swap the front forks for alloy or
Carbon fibre. Should make the bike a bit lighter and feet not going like windmills
You’ll never make it light. I have a btwin that I made fixed wheel and added drop bars, an alloy post and flite Ti saddle. It’s still heavy! Nice to ride though. Also an aluminium smaller wheeled folder that is pretty light. Also fixed wheel and drop bars. Much lighter than a Brompton. Still not a fun carry!
tbh I was just comparing with a brompton there, 12.5kg versus 14kg, it's no a million miles away.
Thought the brompton would have been closer to 10kg tbh. Though I've never ridden a folding bike, so just a completely uneducated perception!
Hard to get a folder below 10 kilos. A fully titanium two speed Brompton without mudguards, tricked out with nice bits would be light. Carbon rims are also a thing. Brompton don’t make a titanium main frame but one can be fabricated.
https://weightweenies.starbike.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=154985
My aluminium one was under 10 without guards. Just.
My Mrs bought a Btwin folder a year ago, it never gets used, time to punt it!
There was a time when I'd have made you an offer Nobeer, but since I now never travel anywhere I am not so sure.
Lol, no worries MG.
I have what was a basic BTwin folder to which I fitted a 52 tooth chain set to raise the gearing. Replaced brakes with shimano v brakes. Replaced seat post with extending Brompton seat post. Replaced bars with old cut down MTB bars. Added kick stand. All kit from spares crate except for seat post. The bike isn’t light but is really useful to pop in car boot and use to avoid car park charges by parking further out of town. I use it as my preferred bike for local town riding. Sounds very much like your intended setup for the Apollo Tuck. Makes me smile when riding it, sitting upright, wearing normal clothes and saving car park charges when doing errands in town. Whilst at a Pre pandemic work conference in Kendal, I rode it up Kirkstone Pass (the easy way) and enjoyed raising a eyebrows of onlookers. Daft thing to do but felt like a jolly jape at the time!
The Specialized Globe folder I used to use in London was pretty light, was ok to ride crosstown too.
Needs a longer wheelbase and a lower front end, but it’s a fine ride. Running a 13T fixed sprocket and drop V brake levers. I don’t fold it often, but can take it on the underground as needed.
