Folding Bicycles?

A rusty bike will still get you around. I bought the Mariner model of Dahon because it is supposedly more rustproof and came with a little rack to carry supplies. Some other makes have a lot of non rusting metals also or even more. The Downtube bikes seem to be a good price/quality compromise. I carried mine in the cockpit, folded up, under a tarp. Kept it drier in rain, and out of sight, and when I bumped into it not so sharp. All the manus make carry bags for their folding bikes. You could sew one yourself out of canvas. During work week I ride to exercise my dog (as soon as the snow is gone). Just four or five miles per day. On the boat dog still needs the exercise and then he travels better. Also you can go a few miles from harbor quicker than walking. The folding bikes will carry a passenger up to 225 lbs and are plenty sturdy for riding many miles.

Mark
 
We carried motor bikes (50 cc) on the deck of the boat we took to Europe and back--we made Sunbrella covers for them. Before a trip, we sprayed the entire metal part of the bikes down with LPS #3--there are probably better rust inhibitors now. This was enough to keep them rust free for 40,000 miles of salt water cruising--and some times when they were almost completely under water--one was even blown off a dock and survived--the rust inhibitor really saved it!
 
I second JoeP's comments on folding bikes. He gave a very good synopsis on the relative merits of the various folders. I'll add this about folding the bike Fridays, though. They make many different models, including recumbents, tandems, and even a bike that can be configured as either a tandem or a single. Almost all BF models "quick-fold" in seconds. In the quick-fold configuration, the bike can be put in a bag and carried, but it's nowhere near as small as you can get it through disassembly (in which you remove the front wheel, the seat post and the handlebars). I can disassemble my New World Tourist into it's suitcase in 15 minutes or less, so it isn't necessarily a 45 minute job as Joe indicated (although the first few times you do it, it could well take that long - it gets much easier and quicker with experience). Some of the other models - such as the air-glide and other "air" models with the suspension beam require more disassembly since the beam needs to be removed rather than folded. Contrary to Levities concerns about rigidity, the bike Fridays have excellent riding characteristics. Professional bike racers often use them as a training bike while traveling (although I'll admit they probably wouldn't race them). I completely agree with Joe's recommendation. Get a Brompton for the quickest, most compact folding configuration, a Friday for a good quick fold or a decent disassembled size, and the best riding characteristics, and a dahon for economy.
 
I bought two Dahons at a local camping supply store (Camping World). They were cheaper there than at any of the local marine outlets. I store them upright, side by side under the cabin table. Use some fenders or other padding and bungee cord them together to the table leg. It keeps them out of the weather and secure. You can still use the table by sitting with your back against the cabin side wall. My wife and I use them for our shore excursions. They are more stable than a full size bike and easy to ride. You can cover a lot of ground quite easily. It sure beats walking!

Gary
 
Gary – welcome aboard. I see you are a new member and this is your first post. Please tell us a little about yourself and your boat. And thank you for joining the group.
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Dave dlt.gif
 
About 10 years ago I was cruising down the Delaware under the Ben Franklin Bridge in our Seaswirl Striper. I was going south, I remember it distinctly. Passing me going north was a beautiful 22 foot cruiser that I fell in love with. It was my first view of a C-Dory. Months later, I stored my boat and trailer at Monarch Marine, in Delran, NJ. Parked next to my boat was that very same C-Dory. I enjoyed a long conversation with the owner. Shortly thereafter we moved to Washington State and we are now on our second C-Dory. The owner of that lonely NJ C-Dory of years ago is Gary , who has just made his first post here above. So I guess it's all his fault.
 
"Pilot, boater and explorer Charles 'Carlos' Rowley sails the wintry waters in the San Juan Islands, WA (and BC) with his handy Halfway (on the right)."

in-snow-1000.jpg


More details HERE.

So maybe I don't need to worry about a boat bike getting wet.

Warren
 
So after doing my research I am getting ready to purchase either a Westmarine bike or Dahon, the Bike Friday is a bit too much for my blood at this time. I am an occasional user and I'm not in a hurry when biking so either of the former would work. My question is, has anyone purchased the non-name brand bike from Westmarine and what has your experience been? Would you do it again? Buying from West would save me about $150.00 from the Dahon mariner.
 
If you aren't in too big a hurry you might want to contact the marine consignment stores. There are almost always one or two used ones available. Lots of folks buy them but then never use them so they put them on sale on consignment.
 
Doryman":118sw3v2 said:
Have you checked out the Downtube? Seems to offer a very good value. I'm planning to get one.

Warren
Click to expand...

I'll 2nd the Downtube. Bought one 3 years ago via E-Bay and am quite pleased with it. Lottsa bike for the buck.

-Greg
 
Get the Dahon. I have two, a 16" and a 26". Haven't put a lot of miles on the 26", but I have put a lot on to 16". The only problem I have had is a flat tire.
 
I bought two Downtube bikes - great value and received two days after order placed. The owner of the company provides quick response to any email questions. Great customer service and very informative web site.

Gerry Etzold
 
We purchased two West Marine Port Runners before we left for Alaska last year. We weren't planning to take them along because of how much we were already taking, but decided at the last minute to throw them in. They worked great for us. The best part was that they were a reasonable price. We talked to someone up there who had a bike stolen that had cost more than $500. They were comparing what they lost to our Port Runners and said they were going to buy one instead of spending that much again.

On our trip we stored the bikes in the cockpit, which was already quite full, but they fit fine. We had the camperback on the entire time we were up there so it kept the salt water off the bikes.
 
Island_Hopper_Folding_Bike_2.jpg
Island_Hopper_Folding_Bike.jpg
Here are some pictures of of Adeline's newest addition.

An ISLAND HOPPER 26FS (full suspension). A full size folding bike with 21 speed Shimano gears and front/rear suspension.
Folded size 36" x 32" x 11". Weight 38#s.
A couple of years back I passed up an opportunity to buy a Montague 26" folder for $75 and have regretted it since. This one was $115 on Craig's List.

I'd never heard of Island Hopper before but it has one feature that sets it apart. The pivot point allows it to be folded without removing the front tire yet keeping the front/rear tires parallel to minimize space.
I'm a big (too big) 6 footer and this bike is comfortable and fast.
 
The Lucky Fin carries two Cayne folding bikes. The three speed transmission is in the hub. Fold in seconds and is very solid and rigid. Made of tubular aluminum and other rust resistent materials. Kind of spendy, but worth it. :roll: I would hate to leave the dock without at least one. I have ridden up to ten miles to get necessities. I can only walk a few blocks , but I can ride for miles and feel good for doing it.
I carry one tied to the bow rail and keep one in the cockpit because at every stop I am going to ride someplace. :thup
Rinse them off at every opportunity.
captd
 
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