THE FOLDING SOCIETY
FOLDING SOCIETY NEWS
Issue 61 - 1st October 2000
EDITORIAL
We had hoped to bring you our report on the Airnimal in this
issue, but a Virgin train broke down on 23rd September and
blocked the line between Wolverhampton and Birmingham; after
missing two connections to Cambridge, and with the next one, even
if I caught it, another hour and a half off, I abandoned my
visit. We hope to re-arrange the test date for the not too
distant future.
Life has been pretty hectic again over the last two weeks:
having finished the work at Bradford on Avon, a lot of time was
spent collating and printing photographs from those events, and
no sooner was that done than the remaining material for the
September issue of The Half framer arrived, so that had to be
finished, printed, despatched etc. On top of this, there has been
a lot to do catching up with things at the university. The net
result is that there has not been much time to spend on folder
matters, nor, more importantly (?!) for riding bikes. My cycling
distance in September has been very low, as none of my planned
rides at Bradford on Avon were carried out due to pressure of
work, and there has been no time for riding for pleasure since.
Perhaps in view of the weather I should not be too disappointed
by this. After a few travel problems in the middle of the month
(see next section), I've been back on the Newt (Bike Friday New
World Tourist) for the last week. After so little riding it has
seemed rather hard work, and indeed on Saturday's ride I got a
little help from the train on the way back. unfortunately that
route involves a towpath, and on the cobbled stretches I found it
more prudent to dismount, where on a Moulton I could have ridden.
Today's (Sunday) ride
was rather miserable - chilly mist once I got outside Dudley, and
I really only went out to take a photograph of a rather fine
fungus I spotted on Saturday's ride, when I didn't have a
suitable camera with me; needless to say, when I got to the
appropriate spot, the fungus was no longer there! On the way back
I made a wrong turning (I'll blame the mist) and ended up having
to slog up the worst hills back into Dudley.
The Newt is quite enjoyable to ride, though even after using
it exclusively for a week I find the ride harsh compared with the
Moultons, Brompton and SP - Charter Avenue in Coventry is just
one of the roads I wouldn't recommend on an unsuspended
small-wheeler: perhaps I should try an Airlglide. I also greatly
miss the ease of folding of the Bromptons on the journey to work
- both on the train (no restrictions, but simply not enough space
for bikes, which means standing with it) and in the office (the
Brompton goes in the office, whereas the Newt has been chained up
outside).
Tuesday 19th September - an interesting day (as in the
Chinese curse)
or How many bikes do you need?
Apart from the problems described above on 23rd, I had
difficulties of another kind earlier in the week. I hadn't
actually originally expected to have to go in to the University
on the Tuesday, but some mysteriously corrupted files on a disc
the previous day meant another visit was called for. On Monday
the Brompton behaved impeccably as usual, but on Tuesday morning
when I unfolded there was a loud rubbing noise and obvious
friction; a quick look failed to provide an explanation, and with
little time available to catch the train I hastily dragged the SP
down from upstairs, only to find the front tyre completely flat!
With some of the alternatives not very accessible, and time
running out, I rushed back upstairs and lugged the APB down and
finally managed to get to the station just in time to catch the
train. Third time lucky, and a reason to make sure you have a
second bike ready for action just in case of problems! The
problem with the T5 proved simply to be a displaced brake cable
rubbing on the back wheel - not a problem I've ever had before.
The Micro is now checked out and positioned ready to be called
into use if such a similar emergency arises again anytime.
Next Issue
I'm not sure if we shall have the Animal test for the next
issue, but expect FSN around 15th October anyway.
Format
If you receive this issue of FSN in a plain text form,
please remember that a formatted version is available on our web pages at
http://www.foldsoc.co.uk/fsn/fsn061.html,
and you can receive the formatted version (suitable for reading with a web
browser) just be emailing us to let us know you prefer this version.
NEWS
The news of the closure of Sturmey-Archer has appeared
publicly in a number of reliable publications, so it
unfortunately seems to be true. It is not altogether clear
whether this also means the end of Brooks. This is deeply
disturbing and depressing news for most people. For many folder
enthusiasts, a point of considerable concern is what this means
to Brompton, who have used S-A hubs in their bikes - over 60% of
our members own Bromptons. We contacted Brompton soon after the
news broke, but the only available information at that time was
that they were still getting supplies of hubs. Some quite lurid
tales are emerging concerning the circumstances of the closure of
S-A, but we don't like spreading (or helping to spread) gossip,
so we'll wait for an authoritative report before reviewing the
situation. We'll keep you
posted if or when more news emerges.
Tony Hadland, the Moulton and Sturmey-Archer historian,
coincidentally emailed me recently to remind me that his website
not only now includes Sturmey-Archer Master Catalogue material
(mentioned in a recent FSN), but also has a fully illustrated
version of his paper on the last 25 years of Raleigh, a family
tree of Moulton frames, and two new slideshows - on unusual
small-wheelers in the Shimano museum, and on Japanese utility
cycles, including some more small-wheelers. Tony's web site is at
http://www.hadland.net, and
it's well worth visiting, or re-visiting if you haven't looked at
it recently.
Both Tony Hadland and John Pinkerton visited Japan recently
for a cycling conference, but while Tony came straight back to
the UK, and was much in evidence at the Moulton celebrations,
John has gone on to carry out a world tour. We were delighted to
get a telephone call from him from Australia the other day; he
apologises for not sending in reports for FSN, but access to the
internet is not always easy on his travels, although he is
managing to read FSN; he sends his regards to his folder and
other cycle friends. Assuming you manage to read this issue,
enjoy the rest of your tour John, and we look forward to seeing
you again when you get back. Another message just for John - the
email I tried to send to your new address bounced.
We mentioned in our CycleFest report that Pat Strachan
was selling at CycleFest a rather fine poster based on pictures
taken at the previous CycleFest. Here, with Pat's permission, is
a small, VERY LOW RESOLUTION reproduction of it. Copyright of
this picture belongs to Pat, and we have kept the resolution low
here to prevent unauthorised reproduction, just in case the
brochure designers of B* should access this page! The posters are
individually printed on very high quality A3 photo paper using an
inkjet printer, and if you would like a copy, Pat can supply them
at a price of £10 + £1 p&p (UK) - Contact Pat Strachan, 5
Halton Road, Lancaster LA1 2EA. At Cyclefest everyone was looking
to see if they were included somewhere on the poster (I'm just
left of centre on my Pocket Rocket), but even if you aren't on
there, it's a super poster which very effectively captures the
essence of CycleFest.
The recent car-free day in Europe seemed to prove that Britain
is not a part of Europe - it seemed completely ignored here.
Certainly my own local observations suggest no decrease in car
usage and no increase in cycling, walking or use of public
transport. Simon Baddeley reports that his trip to
Paris for the events there went very well, and he got some
coverage in the Birmingham Evening Mail for this outing. The
paper's reporter adds: 'But Birmingham is not joining the one-day
scheme. A city council spokesman said "We are not
participating because we have a year-round policy of encouraging
people to use public transport and cycles wherever
possible."' I think this comment is pretty typical of
attitudes in councils here, and really does not require any
comment by us.
BIKE FRIDAY
It seems quite a while since we had anything to report from
Bike Friday, but a copy of their latest 'Foldable Flyer'
newsletter arrived the other day. The main item of potential
interest is that a new tandem is in the offing. It has the code
name 'Project Q', and is particularly interesting in that the
centre section for the stoker can be removed so that it will also
function as a solo machine. Bike Friday are currently looking for
suitably qualified existing Bike Friday owners to buy test models
at just over cost price and carry out further testing and
development.
On their web pages Bike Friday have a preliminary announcement
of another Bike Friday Homecoming in Eugene, Oregon, from
17th-19th August 2001.
MOULTON
At last we have completed our photo report on the Moulton
Bicycle Club Weekend at Bradford on Avon - you can find it at http://www.whooper.demon.co.uk/moulton/boa2000evrep.html
. The report on the other events at Bradford on Avon, leading up
to the MBC Weekend, and including the press release and pictures
of the new Speed model, are at http://www.whooper.demon.co.uk/moulton/am80.html
.
RAMBLINGS OF A NEW BROMPTON OWNER
By Andrew Parsons
The idea for buying a folding bike came to
me in France last year, when my father-in-law was able to use his
ageing Raleigh Shopper type folder to cycle to the nearest
village for the morning croissants in a fraction of the time it
took me to walk. After some research on the web (thanks to A to B
and the foldsoc pages) it seemed the Brompton was the obvious
choice, ie reasonable price, folded small (for the car and
storage at home in the porch) and it has a reputation for being
well built reliable and simple.
I happened upon an old style L3 in a local
shop, for which I paid £350 including bag and folding pedal, less
than the new C3!. I've had to buy the extended seat post (I'm
6'2"). The brakes, I have read, are not brilliant but I
have to say they seem quite adequate to me.
Safely ensconced in a rural gite (cottage)
20 miles east of Poitier I was ready for the first bread run on a
bright sunny Monday morning to the local village only 5kms away.
Imagine my horror when I discovered it was shut, so Monday was
bread-less. On Tuesday another sunny day dawned and to the bakers
I went; it was open but a sign on the door explained they would
be closed the following week for their annual holidays. The next
baker was 8kms from the gite, a return journey of 10 miles. This
might not sound much to the more experienced and daily cyclists
but for me, just to get bread, this was a long way.
All told I covered some 80kms (50 miles)
during our stay in France. My father-in-law used the bike on
couple of occasions and is hooked, so one will may well be on its
way to France for him at Christmas.
I am extremely pleased with the bike; the 10
mile round trip took less than 1 hour. I did not suffer from any
neckache (even 30 mins on my road bike makes my neck sore) and I
found the "as supplied" saddle comfortable enough. It
has certainly given me the confidence to use the bike on longer
journeys.
I think the addition of the front carrier
system would be one accessory well worth the investment. If I can
get Steve Parry to answer the phone (perhaps he is on holiday) I
like the idea of his alternative mounting bracket.
Sorry there are no pics, I do not yet have a
digital camera or a scanner.
Many thanks for the mag your efforts are
certainly appreciated.
A TALE OF TWO FOLDERS
By Mark Lang
I own two folding bikes, both of
which I am very happy with. The first is a Ridgeback Tailwind,
basically a Dahon 7 speed cheapy. I have used this for the last 9
months for a once a week 30 mile commute to work and as a general
bike around town. The only negative point is that there are
times when I would like a slightly lower gear for steep hills and
an overdrive for zooming down again. However I seem to zip
along and the journey time is no different to my 15 speed Raleigh
hybrid over the same route. The more I ride and the fitter
I become the easier the hills are, which must say something. The bike folds very quickly and
the package will fit on most trains and I even manage the odd bus
route, although it pays to sit at the front as the space in front
of the seats is wider. The folded package is heavy, but
lighter than the Raleigh hybrid and fits in the boot of cars
easily, which I have found useful on occasion. I am thinking of upgrading the
brakes with some dual calliper ones but apart from that its
cheap, cheerful and its versatile enough for me to have sold the
hybrid!!
The next one I brought was a
second hand Bernds with the Sachs 3x7 system. This folds
wonderfully and is a little lighter than the Dahon. I have
only done 100 miles or so but am delighted. I have the
lower gear and higher gears that I wanted and it zooms along like
a rocket. The only problem is that I don't want to get it
muddy and spend lots of time cleaning it, sad really. The original pedals were too small
and my feet tended to slip off and my heels got caught in the
cables at the rear. A new pair of pedals and a pair of toe
clips have solved this problem. The cables can get caught
up if your not careful, but take a few extra moments when folding
and unfolding and its a delight. Luggage capacity is good with a bar
bag mounted on he front stem with a Klik-fix fitting and a rack
bag on the rear carrier. There are also the braze-ons for a
low rider etc if needed. The dual pivot brakes work fine
and the rear suspension seems to iron out most pot holes and
bumps.
I'm about to complete the Sustrans
south west cycle route and will let people know how the Bernds
performs. My only regret is that I didn't buy a folder
years ago.
THE MONTAGUE CX ELECTRIC
By Robert Baker
Specs: American Marine Corps designed full sized folding
21-speed mountain bike (26"wheels, 18 or 20" frame
size). Electric motor (rear axle mounted chain-drive, 24v).
Motor range 20 miles, max speed 18mph unaided.
Cost $1099 (from dealers; I paid less – see below) +
shipping + VAT +import duty (15%). Prices in $ because only
available in US at present.
I searched for a long time before buying this machine. I
needed to add power to a suddenly increased 12 mile commute
through London. I wanted a public transport option, hence
choosing a folder. I looked at Moultons, Bromptons, Stridas etc
but they all seemed too small and undergeared. I found the
Montague on the net and was instantly taken with its looks and
practicality. They were designed by the US marine corps as
infantry transport. I liked the idea of having 21 gears on a big
folder.
The folding mechanism is very basic but effective. There is a
simple boombar between seatpost and handlebars which folds at
the seat end. You have to take the front wheel off, turn the
front forks in and carry the front wheel separately. Not as
elegant as a Moulton but without the motor and battery this
makes carrying on the train a reasonable option for a fit
person; with them it is possible but hard work (total weight
60lb). There is a carrying case available which might make this
easier, I am also buying some folding pedals ($15). Motor and
battery remove easily – battery has a clip, motor just needs
an Allen key. Without them you have a perfectly serviceable MTB.
I had tried electrics through the Solex shop on London’s
Kings Road and was unimpressed, because they seemed slow and
heavy for a journey of any length. They are also speed
restricted (15mph) by European law. The Montague is better than
any I tried on both counts. The boombar is light (the whole bike
weighs about 30lb without the electrics) and with combined
pedalling and motor I left all the other cyclists standing,
particularly from a cold start. Top speed is 18mph unaided,
although going at this speed limits range to much less than the
max 20 miles unaided. I don’t know what the max range is with
pedalling but today I did about ten miles and the battery
recharged at home within two hours. The battery charger is light
enough to take with you and there is a rapid charger (3hrs)
available (normal 6-8hrs). You can buy the motor/ battery
mechanism separately from Currie industries. It fits most
27"/ 26" wheeled bikes and you can fit yourself. Cost
about $570.
The bike is well made (Taiwan) and all the parts, gears etc
are good quality; suspension seatpost was a particular pleasure.
It looks terrific and my major worry is that it will be nicked.
Criticisms: I felt there was a design defect in that the bike
folds away from the chain, leaving oily parts exposed. This
would have been so simple to get right! The other main problem
with Montagues is that they are presently unavailable. Having
found them, all the suppliers said they were sold out. This was
a blessing in disguise because I ended up buying one on eBay
(internet auction site, www.ebay.com
) and paid only $601. (Tip – put in a proxy bid as late as you
can). But this will change. There are very similar ones
available called Mongooses; these are clones and I cannot speak
for quality.
Overall: very impressed; for my purposes it could not be
better. Knowing what I now do, I might have considered buying a
Dahon folding road bike and the motor separately. But I would
have paid a lot more than $601!
http://www.montaguebikes.com/.
LETTERS
Paul McNally reports on one reaction to the recent fuel
crisis here in the UK:
" I thought you might like to know Connex SE's response to
the fuel crisis last week - ban all bikes on trains during peak
times. Surely the answer would have been to provide an additional
guard's van to meet the extra demand? At a time when it
would have been possible to introduce 100's of new customers to
the potential of rail/cycle commuting Connex, in their infinite
stupidity, ban bikes. Green or what?"
The days are getting shorter here, and I now need lights
each morning I go to the university, though I've not yet had to
turn them on for the return journey. As mentioned earlier, the
Newt has also been forced to stay outside while I've been working
at the university - it's too much trouble to fold, and anyway the
office is so small there really isn't room for it even folded.
Thus Peter Crossley's email was certainly
relevant to me. Peter, a Bike Friday owner, emailed
us some thoughts on both lighting and theft prevention:
"Lighting
For serious regular lighting, I use a SMART dual headlamp (10W
and 3W) rechargeable system. this lasts days, and a simple
flick switch turns a powerful head lamp on and off. the mounting
bracket fits nicely onto the handlebars. For occasional
use, I use a SMART halogen battery lamp. Both lights are easily
removable. Rear lights - I use LEDs fastened to seat post.
Theft
To make the bike look like a standard shopper type folder, I
have pealed off or scraped off all the Bike Friday stickers, and
the personal name plate. Also use a good lock. The frame is a bit
scratched and most people think it looks crap; a shame, but I am
still riding it."
I generally prefer to avoid the theft problem by taking the
bike into the office, shop etc with me, but with anything other
than the Brompton or Micro that can be rather a nuisance, or
impractical. One Brompton owner repainted his black machine
deliberately badly with, as I recall, a pale yellow emulsion -
looks awful, but certainly reduces the likelihood of thieves
being attracted to it.
Evelyn MacMillan of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada has written to us and asked us to publish her letter:
"I am a Canadian with a Dahon folding
bicycle and a deep and abiding love for the Yorkshire Dales. Last year I took my bike and
stayed in Malham and Halifax. I had no trouble with the planes
or local buses. The trains were a little more difficult. This March I plan to return to
the area around Hawes and wonder if there is anything scheduled
for that area and time. Lancaster would not be out of my way.
Also would love to talk to other folder enthusiasts in the area
as all my trips over have been in the fall. I believe, however,
the weather is similar to what we have here in Halifax Nova
Scotia--not too cold, overcast and wet--lovely!!
I wonder if you could put my
name and e-mail address in a newsletter? Happy Biking!!"
Evelyn's email address is emacmillan@primus.ca
SALES AND WANTS
If you have a folder,
separable, or accessories to dispose of, or you want to buy, you can use the
Sales and Wants page (http://www.foldsoc.co.uk/sandw.html). If you want to
have something put on the list, just email us the details (mike@foldsoc.co.uk) - there is no charge,
but please let us know when it is sold so that we can take it off
the list. As I strongly suspect that I am not being told when
items are sold, I intend to introduce some changes to the Sales
and Wants section. In future all entries will be dated, and will
be deleted after 3 months unless a request is received to retain
the entry on the list. However, please do still tell us as soon
as anything is sold, so that we can remove it and avoid creating
annoyance to those using the list. Take all normal precautions
when buying and selling goods - the Folding Society and its
officers are not responsible for the descriptions and products
and services contained in the Sales & Wants list.
EVENTS
The events listed below are a combination of those organised
by Folding Society members or of potential interest to members.
Remember that cycling can be dangerous (so is travelling by
car, bus, train, air or water, breathing and living!); anyone
participating in any way in any event does so at their own risk.
Saturday 7th October - Mud Dock?
There is no longer an 'official' gathering on the first Saturday
of the month at Mud Dock in Bristol, as there is no organiser,
but we understand that folder enthusiasts are still meeting at
the usual place and time (from about 10.30am onwards).
Saturday 14th October - Origami Ride
The October Origami
Ride will be at its usual location, starting from the Tearooms at
Meriden: arrive from 10.30 for an 11.00 start. For more information, contact John Pinkerton on 0121 350 0685, email
pinkertn@mwfree.net, or look at his web site at
http://www.users.mwfree.net/~pinkertn/origami.html.
Saturday 14th October 2000 - Hazelbury Bryan ride
Mark West will be hosting a combined Moultoneer/Folding Society ride
beginning from his house in the village of Hazelbury Bryan near Sturminster
Newton in North Dorset, England, at around 10.30 - 11.00 a.m. on October
the 14th 2000. The plan is for a gentle ride of around 30 miles in
all to take in a number of beautiful Dorsetshire villages and a longish
lunch stop in Sherborne, one of the finest small towns in the west country.
Sherborne has not one but TWO castles owned by Sir Walter Raleigh and
lately by The Digby Family (by lately I mean about 350 years or so).
The return route will be via the village of Yetminster which will allow
train-using friends to return home if they alighted here on their arrival
(Mark will send out routes to get to his house from local stations and from
main centres by car to anyone who contacts him).
Contact Mark on the addresses below for more details:
Mark West
4D Signs
The Old Dairy, Wonston,
Hazelbury Bryan,
Sturminster Newton,
Dorset DT10 2EE
Tel: +44 (0) 1258 817878
Fax: +44 (0) 1258 817879
e-mail: markwest@4dsigns.freeserve.co.uk
A to B Magazine
A to B Magazine remains the ultimate source of
authoritative information on folding cycles. In the unlikely event that you
aren't aware of A to B and/or don't read this magazine, then we would
urge you to take out a subscription without delay. A to B can be found on the
web pages at http://www.a2bmagazine.demon.co.uk,
or you can email them at post@a2bmagazine.demon.co.uk, or
they can be reached by telephone or fax on 01963 351649, address 19 West Park,
Castle Cary, Somerset BA7 7DB, England. A subscription to A to B is only
£10 per year in the UK, or $24, and the magazine is published ever two
months and is packed with news, reviews and other interesting information on
effective integrated transport systems in general, and folding cycles in
particular.
Note: The views expressed by contributors
and correspondents are those of the writers, and are not
necessarily those of The Folding Society or its organisers.
Back Numbers
Back numbers of all issues of Folding Society News are
available on our web site - go to
http://www.foldsoc.co.uk/fsn/fsn.html
for the full list.
Contributing material for FSN
We would very much welcome articles, photographs or any other material
for inclusion in future issues of FSN, or on our web pages. Please send any
material to The Folding Society at the address given below. However, if you
are planning to send pictures by email, please send them at an
appropriate resolution to avoid high telephone bills - a JPEG
picture of 50K or less
is ample for use in FSN or on the web pages.
The Folding Society
email: mike@foldsoc.co.uk
Web:
http://www.foldsoc.co.uk
If
you have any news or other information of interest to other members of the
Folding Society, please email us at the above address.
If for some reason you wish to be removed from this mailing list, please
send a message to this effect to the same email address.
All information given here is provided in good faith, but no
responsibility can be taken for errors or for any consequences arising from the
publication of this information.
Return to FSN index | Folding Society home page
Copyright (C)2000 Ferrets Anonymous
Last updated:
1 October 2000
URL:
http://www.foldsoc.co.uk/fsn/fsn061.html