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So my "thesis" is that 20 inch folding bicycles make for much better (and affordable) semi-substitutes for cago bikes, than their big-wheeled classical counterparts.
And I've got a photo to prove my claim! The rear rack being so much lower on a 20 inch bike, you can put quite a lot of stuff on there. Just have to secure it with a couple of bungee cords. And there's also a robust wooden plank at the bottom of the bag, so that it keeps its shape.
I've been hauling groceries this way for a while now. 20+ kg at a time, and it works great!
It even lowers the center of gravity, which makes for a very stable ride.
2023-10-23 · 7 months ago · 👍 drh3xx, mediocregopher, Ruby_Witch, xoagray, mycrobe, dbane, jupy
My only refute to this would be using the extra rack height on a traditional larger wheeled bicycle to your advantage by hanging panniers to either side. But yeah, that is certainly a nice benefit of a small wheeled bike. There is a category of bicyle now going to by the name of mini-velos that are basically non-folding small wheeled bikes.
Hey @kelbot! True, but that bag was free hehe! Also, I said 20+ kgs as a conservative estimate, but I'm pretty sure I've done much heavier than that... I'm not sure panniers would be as helpful when carrying a *giant* bag of potatoes, plus six 1L packs of milk, along with lots and lots of other stuff... I'm astonished at the sheer quantity of groceries one can transport this way... But I haven't had a big wheeled bike since my teenage years, so you might be right about the panniers alternative! Cheers!
This is an interesting observation. And something I hadn't really thought about. I still don't think it would be able to out carry a full sized bike with a rear rack , fornt rack, and a good set of paniers, but I like the idea you can stack things pretty tall on the little rear rack.
Could be worth it though for trips where you're putting the folder in the back of a car or something and using it to get around loally vs driving everywhere.
@xoagray: Yeah, they even come with bags of their own, for airplanes and stuff... To me it's the ideal form factor for bicycles!
It really depends on the vintage. I love my two folders (a Peugeot NS550 Pliant and an Auto-Mini), but they're not the most portable things when folded (heavy and ungainly). As grocery-getters, they have *about* the same capacity as my big bikes.
@sparcipx: I don't know man...
I live in a big appartment with a garage now. But I used to live in a tiny studio when I was in Paris, and my 20" folder really did make a difference! I didn't have to leave it on the street at night, and it allowed for enough living space in my studio.
I wouldn't have been able to return to cycling if it wasn't for my beloved folding bicycle.
I'm not saying they're for every one, but they're very capable, and it seems to me more people should consider this format, instead of automatically going for the big ones.
Don't get me wrong, I've totally embraced the folding bike (my Auto-Mini is my main ride)... easy to store, great for throwing in the back of the car, and good cargo capacity. What I *should* have said was "Older folders aren't as... compact when folded, compared to more recent offerings".
@sparcipx: We're in total agreement then! ^^
Has it ever felt like it would tip backwards? I guess that would be avoided by putting some luggage in the front basket, but it was my first thought when seeing the photo
@Jupy: Hi! Not at all... If anything, the bike feels much more stable!
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