Folding bike - want it all.
- Thread starter Davebreak
- Start date
The closest I have found is this one out of Nevada.
FMDF Grey Folding Bike - Mid Drive Electric Bikes | Reno & Sparks Online E-Bike Shop
Mid Drive Electric Bikes in Reno & Sparks, NV. FMDF Grey Folding Bike mid drive electric bikes, mountain e-bikes & motorized street bicycles.
www.middriveebikes.com
The video says it’s just over 60 lbs. Next time I’m near Reno I’ll drop by their office and give it a try. Other than that I’m like you- waiting for an honest review.
vincent
Well-Known Member
the twist is 50 with the battery in , i like surface bikes and would probably pick that one over the FMDF
but no front suspension...
i also dont like the batteries in the frames where the bike has to be folded to remove it, it would not be a dealbreaker for me if everything else was what i wanted
but no front suspension...
i also dont like the batteries in the frames where the bike has to be folded to remove it, it would not be a dealbreaker for me if everything else was what i wanted
MainlyCivil
Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Mike in Puget Sound
It appears I'm interested in a similar bike. I haven't found one yet that ticks all the boxes for me.
We currently carry a pair of Giant Expressway 1's (20" folders) in the back of a Jeep Grand Cherokee. This serves to keep them dry, somewhat concealed and a bit more secure from theft, and also makes it convenient to take the bikes to trailheads as we don't like to ride much in traffic.
The Expressways were delivered with 1.25" tires. They are limited to about 1.75" tires in the rear but could handle a larger tire in the front. I'm in the process of fitting them with 1.65" Kenda Konversion tires and lower gearing while I continue to look for a folding mid-drive e-bike. I've thought about fitting them with mid-drives, but I don't think I'll ultimately be satisfied with their tire size limitations, particularly as the bike would grow heavier with a motor and battery.
There's a number of nice 20" e-bikes on the market that unfortunately don't fold. I thought about going with frame couplers but decided the associated assembly and disassembly would be too time-consuming to do on a regular basis. As we sometimes tow a travel trailer, and given the advantages of our "travelling garage", I've also decided that an external bike rack is not in the cards for us, nor a larger tow-vehicle such as a full-size van.
I see a number of the fat-tire models (Rad and Magnum as best I recall) have changed from 4" to 3" tires this year. I think I'd be happy with something in the range of 2" to 3" tires. Suspension isn't critical to me as we simply ride slower when the going gets too rough.
The Evelo Dash is of interest to me. I've heard it could handle "certain" 2.8" tires. They offer a 21-day, 75-mile risk-free trial. While I will probably eventually take them up on it, I'm not clear that a three-speed is going to get the job done as we tend to ride some pretty steep places, with stretches of grades at 20% or more.
It's been an interesting search. I've run across a couple of nice bikes that are not available in the USA. Bike Friday doesn't fit mid-drives to their folding bikes. The Tern Vektron Q9 might be the best fit I've found to date.
We currently carry a pair of Giant Expressway 1's (20" folders) in the back of a Jeep Grand Cherokee. This serves to keep them dry, somewhat concealed and a bit more secure from theft, and also makes it convenient to take the bikes to trailheads as we don't like to ride much in traffic.
The Expressways were delivered with 1.25" tires. They are limited to about 1.75" tires in the rear but could handle a larger tire in the front. I'm in the process of fitting them with 1.65" Kenda Konversion tires and lower gearing while I continue to look for a folding mid-drive e-bike. I've thought about fitting them with mid-drives, but I don't think I'll ultimately be satisfied with their tire size limitations, particularly as the bike would grow heavier with a motor and battery.
There's a number of nice 20" e-bikes on the market that unfortunately don't fold. I thought about going with frame couplers but decided the associated assembly and disassembly would be too time-consuming to do on a regular basis. As we sometimes tow a travel trailer, and given the advantages of our "travelling garage", I've also decided that an external bike rack is not in the cards for us, nor a larger tow-vehicle such as a full-size van.
I see a number of the fat-tire models (Rad and Magnum as best I recall) have changed from 4" to 3" tires this year. I think I'd be happy with something in the range of 2" to 3" tires. Suspension isn't critical to me as we simply ride slower when the going gets too rough.
The Evelo Dash is of interest to me. I've heard it could handle "certain" 2.8" tires. They offer a 21-day, 75-mile risk-free trial. While I will probably eventually take them up on it, I'm not clear that a three-speed is going to get the job done as we tend to ride some pretty steep places, with stretches of grades at 20% or more.
It's been an interesting search. I've run across a couple of nice bikes that are not available in the USA. Bike Friday doesn't fit mid-drives to their folding bikes. The Tern Vektron Q9 might be the best fit I've found to date.
Art Deco
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Selinsgrove Pennsylvania
Do you still have your Montague with kit motor? That seems like it would be much better than the 20 or 24 inch folders.
SOBOWO SF6
Frame: Aluminium Alloy
Rated Voltage: 48V
Motor: 48v 750w/1000w Bafang BBSHD MM.G320 Mid Motor
Battery Capacity: 48v 10.4ah/11.6ah/12.8ah/14ah Samsung Battery
Brake Lever: Tektro Brake Lever with Power Cut-off
Brake Type: Tektro Mechanical/Hydraulic Disc Brake
Front Fork: Mozo Mechanical/Hydraulic Suspension Fork
Display: Bafang DPC 18 Colorful LCD
Gears: Internal 3 Gear Sturmey Archer
Tires: 20''*4.0'' Kenda/Maxxis
Controller: Bafang Intelligent Brushless
Charger: AC 100-240V, 2A Smart Charger
Range: 25-45 KM
Speed: 0-50 KM/H
Load capacity: 264 LBS
N. W./G.W.: 31KG/41KG
Frame: Aluminium Alloy
Rated Voltage: 48V
Motor: 48v 750w/1000w Bafang BBSHD MM.G320 Mid Motor
Battery Capacity: 48v 10.4ah/11.6ah/12.8ah/14ah Samsung Battery
Brake Lever: Tektro Brake Lever with Power Cut-off
Brake Type: Tektro Mechanical/Hydraulic Disc Brake
Front Fork: Mozo Mechanical/Hydraulic Suspension Fork
Display: Bafang DPC 18 Colorful LCD
Gears: Internal 3 Gear Sturmey Archer
Tires: 20''*4.0'' Kenda/Maxxis
Controller: Bafang Intelligent Brushless
Charger: AC 100-240V, 2A Smart Charger
Range: 25-45 KM
Speed: 0-50 KM/H
Load capacity: 264 LBS
N. W./G.W.: 31KG/41KG
Art Deco
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Selinsgrove Pennsylvania
I recommend reading this review if you aren't familiar with this class of bike.
electricbikereview.com
Pedego Element Review (20" Fat Bike)
I had a chance to demo the Pedego Element. It's similar enough to the Lectric 1.0 and 2.0 that I thought it might serve as a good proxy. This is going to be a brief list and discussion of the bike's pros and cons. Pros: 1. it's reasonably light! I was surprised that the bike was fairly easy to...
electricbikereview.com
I had a 20" folder, 350 watt hub drive, my first ebike. I didn't know any better, but it did turn me on to the entire concept so no hard feelings. I don't remember the brand. It was a hard tail. It just made me want MORE of everything. I sold it cheap and moved on, and having already had a few different Montagues (no e power, before that came along) in the last 20 years, I looked into conversion kits for them. 1300 watt BBSHD, 650 watt 52 volt battery, and a Rohloff hub, it will smoke any store bought bike built to Euro standards. I put a Surly Dirt Wizard up front, but the stock tire size is as big as I can go on the rear, so I just live with it. The fact that it fits in my plane is the main deal for me, and I mean it just BARELY fits. As far as for town riding, the Mont is kickass, it's just on very steep and rocky stuff that I wish I was on my fatbike.
Here's a couple pics from last weeks ride, I landed and camped out at 8700' and rode for 6 miles to a 9300' site. The one shows shows a slope steep enough to be very difficult to walk up, loose scree didn't help, and it was too steep to ride down, I never ran out of power just traction, while at the same time it can hit about 38 mph, thanks to the broad gear range of the Rohloff. Sure they are expensive, but they are worth it. Mine quickly spoiled me, and I ended up buy a second one for my fat Surly Wednesday conversion, which is my bike of choice for local rough trail riding. I wish I could fit it in the plane as it is an overall better rider on the real steep and rough stuff, but no way, not even remotely close, so the Montague continues to push all my buttons.
Here's a couple pics from last weeks ride, I landed and camped out at 8700' and rode for 6 miles to a 9300' site. The one shows shows a slope steep enough to be very difficult to walk up, loose scree didn't help, and it was too steep to ride down, I never ran out of power just traction, while at the same time it can hit about 38 mph, thanks to the broad gear range of the Rohloff. Sure they are expensive, but they are worth it. Mine quickly spoiled me, and I ended up buy a second one for my fat Surly Wednesday conversion, which is my bike of choice for local rough trail riding. I wish I could fit it in the plane as it is an overall better rider on the real steep and rough stuff, but no way, not even remotely close, so the Montague continues to push all my buttons.
geardoc
New Member
- Region
- USA
Seems to be a trend in this thread to steer toward full sized bikes, but the real challenge of the OP is to be able to put two bikes into a small space or car trunk, hence the constraint of foldable 20" wheels. What is even more interesting is the challenge of having both bikes being dirt capable, ie mountain bikes, and less than 60 lbs each with full suspension, torque sensing and decent power, ie, ~500 watts. I don't think this type of bike exists, but this one might come close:
www.fiido.com
It's hub rather than mid drive, and the brakes are likely mechanical rather than hydraulic, but for $1500, it's quite a cost savings over this one:
www.middriveebikes.com
The price isn't obvious on this one but it appears to be well over 60 lbs even though it satisfies other criteria:
So, if I had to pick one today, it would be the Fiido, maybe allowing for some additional cost to upgrade from mech to hydraulic brakes.
Fiido M21 Folding Fat Tire Electric Mountain Bike With Torque Sensor
The 500W motor allows you to get class 3 performance. The torque sensor can better convey your cycling needs and bring a more enjoyable sports experience. Built in detachable rechargeable lithium battery, with a large battery capacity of 12.8ah, up to 45+ miles ranges. Powerful, high torque...
FMDF Grey Folding Bike - Mid Drive Electric Bikes | Reno & Sparks Online E-Bike Shop
Mid Drive Electric Bikes in Reno & Sparks, NV. FMDF Grey Folding Bike mid drive electric bikes, mountain e-bikes & motorized street bicycles.
www.middriveebikes.com
The price isn't obvious on this one but it appears to be well over 60 lbs even though it satisfies other criteria:
So, if I had to pick one today, it would be the Fiido, maybe allowing for some additional cost to upgrade from mech to hydraulic brakes.
Art Deco
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Selinsgrove Pennsylvania
When I looked into it, the 20 inch wheel folders didn't save any space compared to the Montague . Just a different shaped package of about same cubic inches.Seems to be a trend in this thread to steer toward full sized bikes, but the real challenge of the OP is to be able to put two bikes into a small space or car trunk, hence the constraint of foldable 20" wheels. What is even more interesting is the challenge of having both bikes being dirt capable, ie mountain bikes, and less than 60 lbs each with full suspension, torque sensing and decent power, ie, ~500 watts. I don't think this type of bike exists, but this one might come close:
It's hub rather than mid drive, and the brakes are likely mechanical rather than hydraulic, but for $1500, it's quite a cost savings over this one:Fiido M21 Folding Fat Tire Electric Mountain Bike With Torque Sensor
The 500W motor allows you to get class 3 performance. The torque sensor can better convey your cycling needs and bring a more enjoyable sports experience. Built in detachable rechargeable lithium battery, with a large battery capacity of 12.8ah, up to 45+ miles ranges. Powerful, high torque...
FMDF Grey Folding Bike - Mid Drive Electric Bikes | Reno & Sparks Online E-Bike Shop
Mid Drive Electric Bikes in Reno & Sparks, NV. FMDF Grey Folding Bike mid drive electric bikes, mountain e-bikes & motorized street bicycles.
The price isn't obvious on this one but it appears to be well over 60 lbs even though it satisfies other criteria:
So, if I had to pick one today, it would be the Fiido, maybe allowing for some additional cost to upgrade from mech to hydraulic brakes.
Recon-M
Inspired by Military design and based off of the legendary Montague Paratrooper frame, this folding bike offers high performance with ZERO compromises. Featuring high quality components and an incredibly folding frame, the HPC Recon offers unmatched portability while offering the same high...
hpcbikes.com
Last edited:
Art Deco
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Selinsgrove Pennsylvania
Reply to my own comment. Link.When I looked into it, the 20 inch wheel folders didn't save any space compared to the Montague . Just a different shaped package of about same cubic inches.
But back to small folders, the famous British Brompton now has an electric option, perhaps 18 inch wheels? I can't link from tablet, just Google it.Recon-M
Inspired by Military design and based off of the legendary Montague Paratrooper frame, this folding bike offers high performance with ZERO compromises. Featuring high quality components and an incredibly folding frame, the HPC Recon offers unmatched portability while offering the same high...hpcbikes.com
Brompton Folding Electric Bikes
The original folding bike for the city, now with compact electric power. Perfect for US cities. Free delivery.
MainlyCivil
Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Mike in Puget Sound
I've taken delivery of a Dash, as noted on the "Evelo Dash information" thread.
I figured I'd post feedback there, so feel free to let me know any questions you might have.
Evelo Dash information
Hello e-bikers--- I am new to this forum and need some help. Has anyone purchased the new Evelo Dash bike? If so, advise on your experience with bike such as quality and power. Thanks for your help.
electricbikereview.com
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