We’ve been wanting to explore a folding bike for some time.
It’s common to see compact folding bicycles on train platforms throughout Belgium and the Netherlands, ready to board. In urban areas in both countries you’ll see folks pedaling and parking them as a daily drivers. In the Midwest of the United States? Not so much.
There are a few different styles of folders, and some fairly large differences in quality; both of components and utility.
There are a pair of ‘classic’ brands that many are familiar with: DAHON and Brompton. The least expensive Brompton is around $1500 US. The least expensive adult DAHON is just over $400.
We’re pretty familiar with bike specs at Localcycling.com, so we did a lot of comparison of features. In the case of a folder, weight matters. We also wanted quality and easily serviced components.
That led us to Zizzzo. Zizzo offers a range of models. We chose the Liberté. At 23 lbs before adding accessories it was substantially lighter than similar priced DAHON (nearly 7 lbs). And while the Brompton at $1500 approaches 25lbs, it has specs that limit it’s versatility: not enough gearing. Brompton also uses some proprietary parts making service more complex.
The Liberté achieves it’s lighter weight with a parts package of good choices: Aluminum frame, a modern crank with external bearings, alloy rims, QR hubs, folding bead tires, alloy seat post etc. Gear you’d find on a reasonably nice road bike. Similar components on the other brands don’t make an appearance until the price reaches $2000. Our Liberté was purchased for less than $500.
How does it ride? Our main purpose for this bike is short errands in everyday clothing. Grocery store, pub to meet friends, errands. Future usage will test it’s capability on trains and buses.
It rides quite well. Despite the ‘one size’ offering of folding bikes, it truly functions fine with a variety of riders. We’ve managed a comfortable fit for 5’11 and 5’5 riders AND have done a brief set up for 4’11”. Short trips of several kilometers are easy and pleasant. Steering on 20″ wheels seems normal. Speeds up to 20km/h feel like a full size bike. One of the critical reasons we picked the Zizzo was gearing. 48t Chainring with 11-32 cassette. Many other folders have an unnecessary high gear and a limiting low gear. The goal is not to sweat. Carrying groceries? Hills? You’ll want the lower gears.
Of course we chose the rear rack and fender options. Plus we purchased the Zizzo branded Pannier/bag combo. Small wheels mean potential heel contact with normal bags. We made a few small modifications from stock: ergonomic grips, presta tubes, cartridge brake pads. That’s it.
We haven’t needed to fold the bike often, but it’s simple and takes less than a minute. Handy markings on seatpost and stem make a return to riding set-up easy and accurate. Easy to put in the hatch of any car. We will add a carry bag that the bike slips into for International high speed trains. That seems to be a requirement. And of course, we’ll test them with with the same bag for airline transport.
Negatives? This style of folder doesn’t roll as neatly as a Brompton. Nothing does. But it’s easy to pick up (25lbs with rack and fenders) and it can be rolled on it’s wheels if you use the saddle to guide. We’re working on some other methods as well.
We find this bike and amazing value.