Folding bikes

We are considering buying a pair of folding bikes rather than fitting a tow bar and bike rack, since this also gives us the option of carrying the bikes in our other vehicles, neither of which have tow bars or bike racks. We would be interested in recommendations. In particular, is wheel size an issue when it comes to ease of riding and using rougher bike trails? We're not really too bothered about speed.

Hi. We've got our bromptons with the sturdier tyres. Don't think I'd go off road mountain biking on them but brill for anything from urban to medium terrain. 

And the added advantage of choosing colours etc. 

Only prob was I got mine before nev. So do I respray van to match the bike or get a new bike?

How do you fancy a pink and turquoise number?

Hi Alan.
I've got a Dahon Speed Uno which I brought to the Northern doo along with my mountain bike.
The Uno version I have is a their one speed version and I brought it as it was lightweight and I could put it up on the roof rack. This version has a conventional front brake and you pedal backwards to engage the back brake. I paid in the region of £350 for this one although Dahon do have a full range of fold up bikes with gears and conventional back brakes they just will weigh more and cost more.
I love the Dahon , it's light , folds away quickly and neatly into a bag and it's quite nippy too. I could easily do a 10 mile ride out on this if i wanted to.

I've also brought a Raleigh fold up bike for Jo , this one was in the region of £150 from Halfords again folds up quickly and neatly into a bag but is quite heavy but it does have 7 gears and conventional brakes. This second one is really for nipping about on campsites or a gentle run to the shops in nearby towns it was never the intention to use this on longer run outs.

Many people have the Bromptons and know they are very happy with them , I suppose it's all about how much you will use them and your budget. I would be more than happy to send you some pics of ours folded up etc. etc. if that would help.

I've a Brompton and think it's brilliant. Really easy to fold/unfold and easy to carry folded. I wouldn't ride it "off-road" in the mtb sense but it'd be ok on a cindered track. They are really meant to be road bikes.

They're not cheap but you can't beat a Brompton. I got ours off EBay, but they sell really quickly.

Bromptons all the way...A marvelous piece of British engineering and manufacturing

I'm considering doing London to Brighton on mine next year!!!

Perhaps we'll join you

Love our Bromptons but if you want folding and off road you'll need an Airnimal Rhino.

I recommend the brompton too - love mine and the freedom it gives when away in van is great - clearly more expensive than others but they fit in drivers feet rest when parked up, so don't get in way and they last forever.

They are fine for sustrans national bike trails etc.