folding bicycle - Cardinal RG

I am planning to buy a folding bicycle for use in Vicky (N2679V -
Cardinal RG '75).

Eventually there will be two bicycles, his and hers. Occasional use
for trips up to 5 or 10 miles in moderate hills, no mountain biking,
no centuries. More than three speeds would be nice but I don't know if
necessary. I do Angel Flights and want to be able to take *one*
bicycle with the rear seat full of passengers. The bike can go in the
door and over the seat into baggage but not on the rear seat. When my
wife and I go on trips, we want to be able to take two bicycles and
can spread bikes and baggage. I also have dual weight & balance specs
so I can remove the rear seat.


My current thought is to get Dahon 16" (Picollo, $280) or 20"
(Boardwalk, $250) from Aircraft Spruce. While price is not a
determining factor, I would rather pay $280 than $800 or more.


Two 16" look to go in thru the baggage door, fit fore and aft of the
gear hump, but they're only 3 speed. It doesn't look like the 20" will
go thru the baggage door but I think two will fit on the rear seat and
it has 6 (7?) speeds. And I don't know if I can get it in the door and
over the seat into the baggage hold.


Comments based on experience are hereby requested.


- Steve
- N2679V ('Vicky') '75 Cardinal RG @ PDK, Atlanta

Stephen N Mills wrote:

I am planning to buy a folding bicycle for use in Vicky (N2679V -
Cardinal RG '75).
[...]
My current thought is to get Dahon 16" (Picollo, $280) or 20"
(Boardwalk, $250) from Aircraft Spruce. While price is not a
determining factor, I would rather pay $280 than $800 or more.

Probably more than you want to spend, but I've been very happy with the
"Bike Friday" I've had for 10 years or so now. Think the cost was
around $500 at the time. High quality, seven speeds, fits easily in the
back seat of my Skyhawk. Won't fit through the baggage door though.
www.bikefriday.com

Jim Rosinski

I bought the Dahon 16" with 5 speed used on ebay. I think I paid
around $100. I tried another brand with 20" wheels but I couldn't get
it into the back of the citabria. The 16" fits easily. As far as
riding it, I really haven't used it much but it does ride a lot better
than it looks like it should. I'm 5'10" and can set the seat and handle
bars to be comfortable for me. Most bike shops carry folders. Maybe
you could test fit a loaner.

Dave
68 7ECA

Stephen N Mills wrote:
I am planning to buy a folding bicycle for use in Vicky (N2679V -
Cardinal RG '75).

Eventually there will be two bicycles, his and hers. Occasional use
for trips up to 5 or 10 miles in moderate hills, no mountain biking,
no centuries. More than three speeds would be nice but I don't know if
necessary. I do Angel Flights and want to be able to take *one*
bicycle with the rear seat full of passengers. The bike can go in the
door and over the seat into baggage but not on the rear seat. When my
wife and I go on trips, we want to be able to take two bicycles and
can spread bikes and baggage. I also have dual weight & balance specs
so I can remove the rear seat.


My current thought is to get Dahon 16" (Picollo, $280) or 20"
(Boardwalk, $250) from Aircraft Spruce. While price is not a
determining factor, I would rather pay $280 than $800 or more.


Two 16" look to go in thru the baggage door, fit fore and aft of the
gear hump, but they're only 3 speed. It doesn't look like the 20" will
go thru the baggage door but I think two will fit on the rear seat and
it has 6 (7?) speeds. And I don't know if I can get it in the door and
over the seat into the baggage hold.


Comments based on experience are hereby requested.


- Steve
- N2679V ('Vicky') '75 Cardinal RG @ PDK, Atlanta