The Folding Society
Report on Bike 99, NEC 9-11 April 1999
Bike 99 took place from 9-11 April 1999 at the NEC near Birmingham. I
visited on the Friday, when it was very crowded and very noisy. I didn't
go to the 1998 event, but had been told that it was noisy, so I took ear
plugs and was glad to have them. The event seems to be aimed primarily at
BMX and mountain biking, the latter having more emphasis on the showy and
downhill aspects, rather than general cross country riding. Although the
CTC were there, and there were some stands encouraging cycling in Wales,
Ireland, Wiltshire etc, there was very little of interest to me, and I
suspect most of our members.
The
only folding bikes which I saw were a Micro and FoldIt on the Pashley
stand, and in Moulton terms Pashley were showing their prototype FX fixed
frame versions, which have eliminated the separation facility. Two models
were on show, one the red 4-speed Shimano equipped machine with electronic
gear change controls, as seen at Cycle and Leisure
recently, and the second a blue machine with a derailleur set up. Both are
still prototypes, and no firm plans have been made for going into
production - they are being used to gauge customer reaction. I was told
that the saving in weight associated with elimination of separation means
that the weight can be got down to about 26 pounds, but I think that is
with minimal equipment (ie no carriers or mudguards), so although it is a
saving it is probably only about 1 or 2 pounds.
The Moulton/Pashley FX4 prototype (hub geared version, as described in
the Cycle and Leisure Exhibition report),
showing the fixed frame joint where normal APBs separate.
The derailleur geared version of the non-separable APB. This picture also
shows more clearly that the lower frame members form a straight line,
without the slight dog-leg found in the separable models.
This report is being posted early Saturday 10th April. If you are
wondering whether to visit Bike 99 today or tomorrow, I'd suggest that as
a member of The Folding Society you won't find it very interesting, unless
you or your children are keen on BMX and showy mountain bike riding.
Folding Society home page
Copyright (C)1999 Ferrets Anonymous
Last updated: 10 April 1999
URL: http://www.whooper.demon.co.uk/foldsoc/bike99.html