Folding bikes

[Grahamh]

Up to now we have taken both our full size bikes on a tailgate rack. Downside is the lack off access to the rear of the car en route, the extra weight over the tow ball, and general nausea of loading/unloading. Next year we thought we might invest in (second hand)folding bikes which could be bagged in the car.(mondeo estate).
However I am completely snowed by the sheer choice - and quite alarmed at some of the prices. I am advised to stick to a min 20' wheel size. I am 6' plus and not very thin;-). We don't go on marathons - I think the furthest we have been is 15 miles round trip, but it's nice to be able to cycle to shops etc.
Does anyone have any advice in where to start?

 

[JTQ]

We thought folding bikes might make sense re transporting them in the car. However it was a mistake, they took up more usable "real estate" than we expected, and were pig awful to ride despite being expensive and well regarded bikes of their day.
Our solution was to return to good road 700 wheeled bikes and carry these partly broken down and stood close side by side upright in the car.
I remove the front wheels, turn the bars, remove crank side pedals and lower the seats all easy and quickly exercuted.
Like this they can be very closely stacked and retained into the vehicle by fork clips. The fork clips I mounted on a 19mm ply board.
I have also carried them in a Golf well down into France, by also removing the rear wheels and bagging them. In both cases they left more usable car space than our folders did, and as said were a pleasure to use.

 

[Mel]

I am with JTQ. We bought folding bikes dead cheap from, of all places, Morrissons! Heavy, awkward, bigger than you think they are going to be and blinkin uncomfy (eye watering icon thingy). Now there may be better ones out there for more money but do try before you buy.

If you are anywhere near Derbyshire I can lend you ours! serious offer.
mel

 

[Grahamh]

Thanks both.
Will take your advice and stick with the bikes we have. I looked at them this afto and one has quick release axles and the other not but still easy to remove. I shall take the crank pedal off as you suggest. SHMBO might make bags/covers for when they are stowed. Much better than cycle rack. There's only the two of us so masses of room in the Mondeo estate.
Thanks again.
We in sunny(today) Dorset but thanks for the offer. Whereabouts in Derbyshire?

 

[Mel]

Edge of Derby.
mel

 

[Grahamh]

Nice,
we have old friends live in Ashbourne. We spent a week there walking Dovedale. Bit colder than here tho.

 

[JTQ]

It is quite easy with most
hubs to buy "quick-release" axle assemblies and replace the existing solid ones.

I would buy new balls at the same time to run sweetly on the new cones. You need the correct
spanners, grease, 15 to 20 minutes per axle at the most and a modicum of care.

Then you can save time getting the bikes in and out of the car, the
weight of carrying a wheel spanner on every ride and then with every puncture be glad you did!

Edit: I supose it makes sense to first check the front frork has "safety lips" just incase you knock the lever undone I don't want either of you going over the top.

 

[Grahamh]

Mine already has quick release front wheel. Think we are going to replace swmbo's as it is getting on and is very heavy with front susp etc. I've seen a couple for sale. Definitely glad I asked on here first tho.
Thanks for the advice.