folding bike for touring

On 9 okt, 21:57, SMS wrote:
On 10/9/2011 9:16 AM, Lou Holtman wrote:





Op 9-10-2011 17:43, landotter schreef:
On Oct 8, 11:44 pm, wrote:
I am a lifelong bike tourer contemplating buying a folding bike for
touring. Has anyone who has made the switch to a folding bike for long-
distance, self-contained touring had a positive experience? My
criteria a (a) folds quickly and easily (b) low and variable
gearing (c) supports panniers - I carry all of my stuff, including
camping gear (d) riding experience (as close as possible to a regular,
non-folding bike, re touring.

Looking for recommendations. I've looked at Brompton, but it doesn;t
seem to be able to carry much and the gearing isn't really appropriate
for touring. I have a triple chain ring and probably would want to get
down to the low 20's for low gears.

My friends Russ and Laura are doing fine on Bromptons. Have a read:

http://pathlesspedaled.com/

I don't see them fold the bike, so why ride a folder????

Lou

I have a Brompton (three in fact) and I can't imagine doing touring of
any distance on one. It folds small, and would be convenient if you
needed a bicycle once you reach a city by train or bus, but you would
not want to ride 50 miles a day on one.

One of the older Birdy bicycles might be good for touring as well, but
they have several drawbacks including the difficulty of sourcing 18"
tires and tubes.

Use a folder were it is build for. Imo it is for short distances from
public transportation to final destination. I tried several folders
and they all rode terrible. Fine enough for short distances but not
for touring.

Lou