Upgrades to Secondhand Folding Bike

www.hobocyclist.com Upgrades and improvements to secondhand folding bike used for touring/bikepacking. All upgrades were made using secondhand parts. DIY style.
The bike was bought secondhand for $40NZD (approx $30USD) and the parts were only a few dollars from the recycling centre. Total project cost $50NZD.
After 1000km riding, my original tyres were worn. A set of new 20" Trekking tyres from Decathlon cost 20 Euro
Buying secondhand will get you the bike you want at a fraction of the price, if you are willing to do the work!
Check out the blog: hobocyclist.com/folding-bike-...
See Channel Viewers recent purchases here: hobocyclist.com/viewer-purchases

[@gregmccaslin7400]

Hey Andy , Thanks for another insightful video derived from hands on experience . I’m 65 . Once a year my wife and I travel to So Cal for a couple months to visit our grandson . I carry 2 bikes with us . 1 mountian bike , and 1 Dahon folder . 1 child carrier , 1 Burley travoy . The only change I’ve made to the folder was to replace the 52 tooth chain ring for a 60 tooth . I have 2 German shepherds on harnesses hooked to the bike . The mountian bike , child trailer , 2-50 # sacks of chicken food, my 230 # body weight amount is close to 400 #. The Germans pull it with ease . The only thing I’m worried about is wearing out the brakes trying to get them to slow down. Very little pedaling involved . When I go to the grocery store , I take the folder with the travoy . I fold up the whole mess and put them in the shopping cart . Less chance of theft . If I bring the dogs I lock the bike to a lamp post in the shade with a bowl of water ,and chain the dogs to the bike . I really can relate to your videos. Safe travels from Greg and family in Tacoma Washington .

[@hobocyclist]

Wow this is great! I like how you take the dogs to pull you along that is next level. What a genius idea!

[@Teapot-Dave]

Great video as usual; many thanks for uploading this. Personally, I would have kept the mudguards, because I ride all year and in all weather, and don't like road-spray flicking up into my face when I'm trying to see the road ahead. Apart from that - brilliant! A really practical bicycle and great example of what recycling really means.

[@LiveAndLetBike]

Nice vid. I wish they sold more front racks on bikes as they can be equally useful as a back rack! I searched but gave up finding a front rack so through Amazon I bought a front quick huck on bag...is very good but for light items only (it has no major strength). I prefer mudguards so dirty water not flung onto me! Keep new vids coming & thanks for them!

[@jbaccanalia]

Agreed, Andy's rack is great. I'm looking for one to fit the dahon mounting bracket. Strapping the day pack on the front would be so much more convenient.

[@rudolphpeter9464]

Better upgrade your crank 45t n your cassete 36t so it more easy to go uphill more easy

[@jbaccanalia]

Those look like great tires. Are they 2"? It's the one thing I spent money on schwalbe "pick up" are like car tires for your bike. Most of my riding is gravel roads and they're no problem now.

[@peterbedford2610]

Great work

[@Didier33380]

Tu as un vélo bien sympathique. J'adore ces vélos simples et rustiques. La seule chose que je n'aime pas trop dessus ce sont les stickers, mais j'imagine qu'ils ont un intérêt pour toi.

[@markifi]

i wonder how complicated it would be to fabricate the brompton's front carrier block onto the dahon uno frame. i've seen print files for it on yeggi, both for the bag and the block itself. sure it's less sturdy compared to a regular carrier frame, but it's such a cool gizmo, click in and go kind of thing.

[@jbaccanalia]

I'm pretty sure Ali express has a conversion block. It would be great to have that convenience. I really like Andy's front rack. I'm still looking for one to fit the dahon.

[@markifi]

@@jbaccanalia i searched. thanks for the pointer! they look really good and as far as i see it'd be possible to drill and tap the dahon frame to just straight-up bolt it in on the front. i like his rack also. lots of options

[@bennjose2999]

I love the approach

[@hobocyclist]

cheers mate! Nice to have you along for the ride! Summer is coming down here in NZ & more will be happening in this space over the coming months

[@bennjose2999]

i buy 20 dolar second hand folding bike. it helps more to travel. and upgrades. aside from my cheap mtb.

[@krob9145]

Mudguards are essential for me. I commute on rainy days to work and I don't want to arrive mud splattered. My bike had a fitting for a front carrier block so I got one with a bag that clips on. I already have a back rack and can attach a trailer if I'm carrying something big. I did change to a more comfortable seat.

[@rosswmccallister4866]

Were you able to repaint it? I was looking at my second hand, and the hedge doesn't look like it can be serviced ( removed). I typically like to completely disassemble fully and have it bead blasted / powder coated...

[@TheRocketyaourt]

I understand the "if it works keep it", but that rusted bolt holding the rear rack really makes me uncomfortable :D

[@drefleh1968]

I have a folding bike but my folding bike doesn't have cogs and shifter its just a BMX style like one sprocket in rear, so what's the best upgrading?

[@maximedelaby8276]

Thx, nice tips. What about mudguard ? do you think its possible to have some with those carriers ?

[@MrJikman]

Any tips on repairing rust on the front fork? I bought a second hand bike recently with steel front fork. The side of the front fork has some rust on it. I would like to stop further rusts.

[@ShihabdeentheCyclist]

Better change the carrier. It may be annoying in case it breaks in middle of the touring

[@user-bj2uo2ge3u]

I recently bought my first folding bike used for 90$ on marketplace, it is a go plus 20” folding bike that came with upgraded brakes and shifter. I still find the ride ability is not great and I am overextending my 450 mm seat post and still not getting decent leg extension. Also the bars and stem are a solid T-bar so no adjustability there. Should I sell this or can I make some modifications to make it more enjoyable?

[@laughingthrushmusic5269]

Is this the Zizzo Forte?

[@Xeno_of_Luyten]

What camera do you use to film your videos?

[@earlfenwick]

Bromptons are such magnets for thieves, I'm thinking these bikes aren't cool enough to steal. 😊 Sorta. But I wouldn't push it!