Re: [RBW] Travel bikes

So I'm now well on my way to ordering up some Bikes Friday and thought I'd report back on what I've learned. While the email correspondence has been prompt and professional, I'd like to emphasize Kent's point that interacting with an actual human being in real time is invaluable. I had the

Re: [RBW] Travel bikes

I own a 2013 Llama. It’s been an amazing versatile bike for me. On and off road touring and bike camping. Lyman in Austin On Thu, Jun 25, 2020 at 7:43 PM Drw wrote: > Well this thread now has me going to check out a bike Friday llama (not > diamond) off Craigslist tomorrow. I think it’s maybe

Re: [RBW] Travel bikes

Well this thread now has me going to check out a bike Friday llama (not diamond) off Craigslist tomorrow. I think it’s maybe a 2014. Is there anything in particular I should be looking at/for? -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch"

Re: [RBW] Travel bikes

Jones loop h-bars are lovely and a total bitch to pack in the suitcase. If you're not suitcase packing, don't worry about it. If you're getting e-assist on your wife's bike, there won't be a SON hub on it. The e-assist motor is in the front wheel. I tend do favor quick folding and using the

Re: [RBW] Travel bikes

The Moultons are lovely bikes but I do like the quick fold option offered by BF. I also like that BF is located just down I5 from me - I’m happy to support the regional economy, especially when it comes to cycling infrastructure. I also imagine that being in the same time zone and customs

Re: [RBW] Travel bikes

Diamond Llama. Jay Lonner Bellingham, WA Sent from my Atari 400 > On Jun 23, 2020, at 6:21 PM, Drw wrote: > > Jay, > Are you thinking NWT or diamond llama? > > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "RBW Owners Bunch" group. > To unsubscribe from

Re: [RBW] Travel bikes

Jay, Are you thinking NWT or diamond llama? -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this

Re: [RBW] Travel bikes

With the Bike Fridays now, they have two folding options: the regular option has the main hinge rear of the bottom bracket, so the crank is fixed to the main frame. The forward hinge (I think that's the name) puts the hinge forward of the bottom bracket, so the whole drivetrain folds as a unit.

Re: [RBW] Travel bikes

Jay, I would urge you to take a look at the Moulton options. The Moulton SST uses discs and is optimised for IGH. The frame separates into two, so not a folder. The link shows UK prices which include VAT, so outside EU price the 20% VAT is deducted. The UK £ is a bargain right now which makes

Re: [RBW] Travel bikes

Two bikes? I’m having trouble picturing those tires. Mine are 32mm and I have to let some air out to get them in the suitcase. I’m wondering if you would have to remove the tires to fit the suitcase, or are you not going for a suitcase? Looks like great build(s)! Those should be able to

Re: [RBW] Travel bikes

Well I’ve traded a few emails with a rep from BF and he is in the process of generating a quote. Here’s what I told him: - Dropouts, brazeons, cable guides etc. for disc brakes, linear pull brakes, derailleurs, and Rohloff rear hubs. Maximum Frankenbike flexibility basically, to allow for

Re: [RBW] Travel bikes

What is this "Just riding for fun" you refer to? Blasphemy. (Just ride;^) On Monday, June 22, 2020 at 7:44:38 PM UTC-4, Eric Norris wrote: If I’m doing a very long ride at my destination (like a brevet or PBP), I will bring a full-sized bike and pay the fee. If I’m just riding for fun, I bring

Re: [RBW] Travel bikes

This bike has the same problem that my Dahon Speedhound had: It’s too big when folded to count as checked baggage. Southwest Airlines (and I think most airlines have similar policies) counts anything larger than 62 inches when height, width and length are combined *or* more than 50 pounds as

Re: [RBW] Travel bikes

Jay, Bike Friday allows an INSANE amount of customization. I sometimes say that we have over 40,000 "one-offs" out in the world. Damn near every bike that goes out the door has something unique that was specified to meet a customer's requirement or request. Your best bet is to call Bike

Re: [RBW] Travel bikes

You may be able to order a frame from BF. I’ve talked to them about this in the past, but never proceeded. Their frame cost was only about $400 cheaper than their cheapest build model. And they seem to really hit you hard to upgrade components. If you can’t order a frame, I would suggest ordering

Re: [RBW] Travel bikes

I concede that Rohloff uses proprietary components that would be challenging to service in the field. I take some inspiration from the folks at Tumbleweed, who prefer them for bikepacking - I figure if they’re reliable enough for the Gobi desert I should be OK riding one around Mallorca. And

Re: [RBW] Travel bikes

I'm becoming a BF fan. I have a Crusoe that I really enjoy riding--it's actually my main roadish bike. My only folding of it is to throw it in my car trunk occasionally, but it works OK for that. It does ride very much like a normal bike. At 6'3", most standard one-sized folders are too small for

Re: [RBW] Travel bikes

There are two Rojloff Bike Friday’s on eBay a small and a large Steve On Thu, Jun 18, 2020 at 10:37 PM Jay Lonner wrote: > So the Neutrino is on my radar and has many appealing qualities. However, > I would need size XXL, which per the website is too big to qualify as > regular packed luggage.

Re: [RBW] Travel bikes

We have a Bike Friday Pocket Llama and an AirGlide, both mid- to late-90's vintage. I grew up on Dad's salmon troller and have spent much of my life "messing about in boats", so when I bought the AirGlide, I did not order the BF suitcase, but rather a very large Pelican Case. The AirGlide is

Re: [RBW] Travel bikes

That's a good point, Ryan. I'm a short guy and my Brompton is just on the cusp of too big for me. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to

Re: [RBW] Travel bikes

Jay, Knowing your regular bike size and your wife's makes a huge difference especially regarding comfort! I am 6’6” once had a 66cm bike Friday which road comfortably and surprisingly like my other full size bikes. Yet my wife thought I looked like a bear on a bike in a circus. The packing

Re: [RBW] Travel bikes

I’ll second Kent’s comments especially the one that “more bikes get messed up in a suitcase than messed up on the road”. On Thu, Jun 18, 2020 at 10:42 PM Kent Peterson -- Eugene, Oregon < kentsb...@gmail.com> wrote: > OK, bias alert. I work in the service department of Bike Friday. I've > logged

[RBW] Travel bikes

OK, bias alert. I work in the service department of Bike Friday. I've logged a hell of a lot of miles on New World Tourists and I've seen what people manage to bust on tours. I'd like to point out one contradiction in your inclinations: You want to avoid proprietary parts but you are leaning

Re: [RBW] Travel bikes

In -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit

Re: [RBW] Travel bikes

Ok, here's my plan. A TIGed Clem-ish Riv 20" wheel bike with Ritchey couplers. It'll size down to a kids bike which is something Grant wanted to do, plus be an all-growed-up mini velo travel bike. Whaddyathink?  -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW

Re: [RBW] Travel bikes

Have you considered Ritchey Breakaway frames? I don't have direct experience with them. When I've seen them and spoke to the riders, they like them. I think the breakaway system is elegant. shoji Arlington MA On Thursday, June 18, 2020 at 10:47:39 PM UTC-4, Jay Lonner wrote: > > My favorite

Re: [RBW] Travel bikes

My favorite bike is a 62cm Hunqapillar with a Pass and Stow porteur rack and 710mm Jones bars. I love it, but it is a beast. It is not optimized for travel. I wouldn't even try to fit it into a dinghy for island explorations - I have a hard enough time getting it onto the roof rack of my Jetta.

Re: [RBW] Travel bikes

So the Neutrino is on my radar and has many appealing qualities. However, I would need size XXL, which per the website is too big to qualify as regular packed luggage. So that got me thinking about adding S couplers, but in that case might I be better off with something like the Surly Troll? The

[RBW] Travel bikes

While there, are you planning on using transportation that would not allow a full sized bike on board? On my tours, I just box my riv and fly it with me. Many airlines have very affordable rates for bike box luggage. Why not have your best moments on your favorite bike? Nate -- You

Re: [RBW] Travel bikes

I wonder if the Velo Orange Neutron is worth considering? Or, if you’re ok with some creative or just plain stubborn gearing, the Crust breakaway Lightning Bolt? -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this

Re: [RBW] Travel bikes

I would get a Bike Friday NWT. At the end of the day, I think it is the best compromise between quality, fit, convenience, and price. I love my Brompton but would never tour on it. Yes, it can be done but anything can be done. That doesn’t make it enjoyable. When we were riding cross country

Re: [RBW] Travel bikes

In my experience, the rotors may be bent when the suitcase is roughly handled by airlines. I solved that by removing and packing them separately. But that’s time consuming. Also: Heavy and I don’t think they’re necessary. I found I was spending a lot of time tweaking after transport. Often in an

[RBW] Travel bikes

I have a BF NWT and have done two one week semi-loaded tours on Route 66 with it, used it Australia, British Columbia on trails even, in Austria, and commuted on it folding and unfolding it every day to ride in the elevator with me (I didn’t like my outdoor locking options). Was going to take

Re: [RBW] Travel bikes

Why would you avoid discs? Just curious -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this

[RBW] Travel bikes

Oh, I forgot to mention why I specified the Pakit. Other Bike Fridays I've owned - the New World Tourist style most of their 20" wheel bikes use - were a lot more cumbersome to fold. They really are travel bikes for breaking down and packing into cases if that's what you're looking for. Which

[RBW] Travel bikes

Have you also considered a Moulton? I don't own one and have never ridden one, so others would need to weigh in. But, I had a great chat with a fellow on the road the other day. He has a new (Pashley) Moulton, 20" wheels. The bike splits in two for travel. A lot more money than a Bike Friday or

Re: [RBW] Travel bikes

I own two Bike Fridays. Pocket LLama and a Pocket Rocket Pro. I’ve used both for touring in Europe, North America, and UK. On road and off road with Llama. Was preparing for Vietnam when Covid struck. Standard chain ring and derailleur setup. Easy to repair anywhere. I’d avoid disc brakes.

Re: [RBW] Travel bikes

There's the BF Pakit. It's a 16-inch-wheeler like Brompton and folds down almost as compact, but lighter and uses less propietary parts. I haven't seen one with a Rohloff but I'm sure it can be done, they sell one with an Alfine IGH. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to

Re: [RBW] Travel bikes

: [RBW] Travel bikes My understanding is that Bromptons would collide with my criterion of "avoidance of proprietary/specialized parts." Also, I have regarded Bromptons as great city bikes, but not necessarily optimized for multiday 40+ mile tours. But it's been a while, so I'll take anothe

Re: [RBW] Travel bikes

Also to Steve’s point. I’ve been in recent contact with BF, I wouldn’t say you have to plead to get a bare frame, but they definitely Do try to steer you to their build. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from

Re: [RBW] Travel bikes

I’m kinda in this same boat. I had a brompton for about a year, purchased for similar reasons, and just sold it a couple of weeks ago. Number one reason is that I couldn’t see riding a brompton much of a distance. People do, and that’s great. I could not ever really appreciate the ride

Re: [RBW] Travel bikes

Jay, here is a link to a couple I met while touring the Yucatan. They had a Bike Friday Pocket Llama and NWT with at least one Rohloff hub. 20 x 2” tires that did ok on some roads with soft sand. He had to plead with BF to sell him the bare frame, not sure if that is still the case. Steve

Re: [RBW] Travel bikes

My understanding is that Bromptons would collide with my criterion of "avoidance of proprietary/specialized parts." Also, I have regarded Bromptons as great city bikes, but not necessarily optimized for multiday 40+ mile tours. But it's been a while, so I'll take another look. Jay Lonner

Re: [RBW] Travel bikes

P.S. Russ and Laura at PathLessPedaled have used Bromptons for fully loaded touring, proving that it *can* be done: https://www.youtube.com./watch?v=PxCOB_EKOGc=PLlwgJTJiCVEbOsbCVK920Pm8_UQyYy3rR --Eric Norris

Re: [RBW] Travel bikes

If you’re just noodling around, how about Brompton? You can get bags and racks and really load them down if you like, or keep it simple for riding around town. Standard hard case meets the max size requirement for checked baggage on Southwest and other airlines. Quick and easy to fold/unfold.

[RBW] Travel bikes

Brompton covers bombproof, fenders and good bag carrying ability, easy/small fold and no derailleurs. But it's such an obvious first choice that I suspect you're looking for something that isn't a Brompton. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW

[RBW] Travel bikes

I'm interested in building up travel bikes for my wife and me. Our intended use is credit card touring in continental Europe and the British Isles. We also have a developing interest in cruising the Salish Sea, so I'd like something small enough to store belowdecks out of the corrosive marine