Calling GC - Bicycle Question!

[guest18]

As I understand you are a bit of a bicycle buff (if that's not a rude thing to say!  )
Ever heard of a Bickerton folding bicycle? Are they rated at all?

[Bruce]

Greeting Smudge

I have got a Bickerton I bought it a Steam Fair and took it back home on the back of the Norton as I have just finished a 20hr day and a 600 mile drive Im going to bed if you want anymore information let me know.

Bruce

[guest18]

Just wondered how well put together they are, how "rideable" and how small they pack...
I am considering bidding on a local one on fleabay with a view to trying the train / cycle commute thing.
It would need to be up to four or five miles a day on an old railway/cyclepath as well as the city bit. We're not talking off road but skinny road wheels would be unsuitable if you know the sort of thing I mean 

In saying all that it was freezing this morning and I didn't have proper bike trousers on so now my knees are bloody agony  and that's *after* 500mg of Naproxen! 
Old age doesn't come alone! 

[Bruce]

I only rode mine once  on tarmac and I was not impressed, Its a aluminium frame with very tall handlebars the frame folds in half and the bars are folded down ,you can I believe get a bag to put them in.I found it rather vague on the road , compared to the Moulton I also own, mine has a 3 speed hub.

Re the rough riding abilty I have no idea but I would be wary of stressing an aluminium frame over bumpy ground.The tyres are 16" x 1 3/8" and need to be at a high pressure to cut down rolling resistance which would make it rough going over humps and bumps.

If you put something like Folding Bike into UK Google you will find a lot of information re folding bikes  also as you will be aware if you put the same thing into Ebay you will find a lot on offer.

Sorry I cant be more informative

[guest18]

Interesting, thanks for that. I've arranged a look see / test ride tomorrow so it will be interesting! The commute is not really rough, just gets a bit gloopy after a lot of rain
Will let you know what I think...

[guest18]

Felt ok to ride, except... none of the clamps seemed terribly secure 
I certainly wouldn't trust it over bumps etc. It's a cute design but slow to fold/unfold and not really practical imho.
Looks like I need to track down something more modern, maybe a cheap(?) used Dahon or similar