seeking folding MTB / tourer

Is there a folding MTB that can take panniers for touring:
-- folding, so easier to get to and put on commercial transport
-- able to take panniers for touring between camp sites
-- MTB for day trips from the camp site

Not interested in front suspension, or a small-wheel folding bike that suits on-road only. Like wheels 26" or 24".

The Montague Paratrooper design looks incapable of front and rear racks for panniers. See http://www.montaguebikes.com/folding-bike

S&S BTC for a bike that packs into a small space. Time consuming to pack then reassemble, especially racks. See http://www.sandsmachine.com/p_i_seq.htm

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Permalink Reply by Gus K on July 22, 2012 at 20:01

Why not small wheels? Bike Friday are highly recommended (by Margaret and Graham Day and others). The transport box becomes the trailer.

Permalink Reply by heather on July 22, 2012 at 20:09

No small-wheeled on-road tourer for me. I seek some less smooth country roads where few vehicles, and some rough tracks where no vehicles to disturb the wildlife. If I get a light full-size bike, might even try some AC rides. My current utility bike is too heavy to keep up with others, but robust when it comes to vehicle-bicycle incidents. So want 2 bikes. What, a cyclist with only one bike!

Permalink Reply by Gus K on July 22, 2012 at 20:24

Folding and touring at 26" is tough.

Talk to Gary at Star Cycles who does a Fuji tourer. Highly regarded and build for touring.

Permalink Reply by Don (Who's lost?) Nairn on July 22, 2012 at 20:37

I bike that packs into a small space but has big wheels seems unlikely.

Making the bike foldabal will tend to make a compromise on weight.

Permalink Reply by heather on July 22, 2012 at 21:08

As I expected, when I did mix of holiday style and cycling style last year, a non-folding MTB with 24" wheels was a hassle for me. Of course the bike had quick-release wheels and saddle, plus I added folding (flat) pedals. What I want / need is a folding frame (not a dismantle frame). And a frame that I can fold while fitted with rear and front racks. Preference is for 26" wheels. The total package would then be small enough to fit in a car, taxi, or bus that will take luggage but not the usual bike.

Don, if you check out the S&S BTC packing procedure, with a dismantling frame will fit into a case. A bit bigger package of a folding bike would suit me fine. The Paratrooper is a full-size folding MTB but will not take racks and therefore panniers.

Permalink Reply by Konadog on July 23, 2012 at 2:38

Something a little like this full sized folding bike... Heather...? 

Permalink Reply by heather on July 23, 2012 at 10:32

Konadog, thanks for the link. That is what I call a dismantling bike.

Permalink Reply by Jilden on July 23, 2012 at 9:32
Permalink Reply by heather on July 23, 2012 at 10:41

Jilden, thanks for the link. That is what I call a dismantling bike. Takes 15 minutes to pack into a case. Want to quickly pack into a bike bag that can be stowed in pannier for part of the trip. 

Interesting that they have a dismantling MTB in Reynolds with 27" wheels. Cheaper off-the-shelf rather than custom made.

Perhaps the following is unsuitable for a MTB with panniers. http://www.dahon.com/technology/v-clamp-technology 2008 V-Clamp technology is the strongest, simplest folding technology that we’ve ever developed and it’s found on our higher-end frames. A solid stainless steel plate maximizes surface area to securely clamp the hinge in the closed position. Stainless steel hardware and brass bushings provide outstanding durability.

 

The Montague Paratrooper is a folding MTB but the design is such that it will not take panniers.

Permalink Reply by Jilden on July 23, 2012 at 10:46

A friend of mine has one of the proper (hinged) folding Dahon MTB's, perhaps I could see if he would let you try it. That's why I looked at the Dahon site, I thought they might still have it for sale. You could try contacting them.

Found one on Gumtree in WA:

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/woodvale/bicycles/dahon-mountain-bik...

Permalink Reply by heather on July 23, 2012 at 10:58

Thanks for the link. Shows suspension front fork that can be replaced. Have ridden places where my Trek MTB skidded over rocks because no front suspension, but would forgo the extra weight for an all-rounder when touring. The rest of the frame appears to be heavier suspension. I get by with a suspension seat post and take it easy. Can it take racks and panniers all round? That said, I would appreciate seeing and trying the Dahon MTB as I collect my thoughts.

Permalink Reply by Jilden on July 23, 2012 at 14:01

Rang my friend, he still has the folding Dahon, but it's well abused and currently doesn't fold. But he mentioned the Dahon copy bike company Tern and their 26" offerings:

http://www.ternbicycles.com/au/bikes/joe

If you want to ring him that's OK just send me a friend request for his phone number

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