Why tour on a folding bike?

[@yycbike]

We just finished a 30 day 1100+ km tour in France on our Bromptons. Worked great except on cobblestone streets. No problems and they always attract attention in the nicest way.

[@ibikeunfolded]

Well done😃👍 that’s awesome 😎

[@annag467]

Solid video 👌 I'm an urban commuter/city cyclist, interested in touring cities and moderate level trails with my folding ebike. I'm just clicking around KZbin until my folding ebike arrives, enjoying people's stories and tips on cycle touring. Growing up, my only exposure to bicycles was my neighbor, who was uncommonly outdoorsy. Thank you, please keep sharing your experiences 🙌

[@robertferguson3223]

Good stuff. I remember a while back that you made a commitment to yourself and your viewership that you were going to expand your channel, and take it up a notch. I think you’ve done that. You are probably the Premier folding bike channel now . I love geeking out on your content. I’d say that you’re now the path less peddled of the folding bike community.. Keep up the good work👍

[@ibikeunfolded]

Thank you, I appreciate the encouragement. I don’t feel I’ve taken the channel up a notch….I haven’t had the time to make the videos I would like to make….but I’m trying😁

[@rogersfc]

I did Irun-Finisterre last year, 13 days 1034km and Sevilla-Lisboa this year 672km in a week. For touring, they fit perfectly. I spent 75 euros on a second hand steel frame folding bike and arround 60 more to add a front rack, ergonomic grips and a shifter. I added a bar under the seat with zip ties so i could hang a 40lts bag and i put another 30lts bag in the handle bar. Easy, plenty of space and cheap. The only thing i would change is the 6 gear cassete for a 8 one. Try it. It's funnier, practical and a loooot cheaper setup. Its better to spend the money in the experience or train/plane tickets!

[@Johann-4354]

I've never gone on a paid bike tour because I never had the money. Didnt even know there was such thing until then. On my 1st tour, solo, I ran into a big group in Yellowstone that had paid some guys to guide them from Washington through the park and back for 800+dollars. This was in the 1980's. I slept in one of their camp spots with several others and shared road experiences. I was amazed by the cost they paid and they were amazed that I was simply quided by a road map in my handle-bar bag. It was not difficult to do as I knew the area living northern Utah. I've never used anything but a good road map with sights to see on them on my tours. Almost all tours were solo. Some with my wife.

[@miguel__000]

Great job on the riding video footage. All the different angles and scenery is splendid. I don't think people realize the amount of effort that goes into it. Keep up the good work.

[@moniqueviau2702]

I agree with you all the way ! I enjoy a lot all my folding bike (Brompton). I bring it with me everywhere (store, restaurant, library, the trunk of my car, etc.) and I just LOVE it so much.

[@ibikeunfolded]

I love mine👍. It’s the perfect little city bike. Thanks for watching.

[@IslamicOrigins]

You've sold the folding bike concept to me. I increasingly have found taking a full size bike on planes a real pain and on overnight trains too.

[@ibikeunfolded]

Oh my GOD I hated that. It was such a nightmare…. I bought a folding bike just for travel purposes and ended up loving it so much I got rid of all my other bikes.

[@nicholascoupland9944]

Another great video, thanks Brian. I did a two day tour on my Brompton last year and it was fine. There's another wonderful KZbinr called Susanna Thornton who tours all over on her Brompton, so I hope folding bike owners are inspired to give touring or bikepacking a go!

[@ibikeunfolded]

Yes, I watched some of Susanna’s videos. I’m doing a video on Brompton touring vs the bike Friday which should provide the pluses and minuses of both bikes.

[@hhoebeke1]

Great video and you’re so right… I have only used my brommie on a long trip once, but will certainly do it again. It gives you so much flexibility, the two lessons I learned is that it really matters to pack as light as possible and to find a good transport option for the bike if you travel by air. The trailer seems great for that. I used a flex Brompton bike bag, quite good but unweildy when not in use. In my case, flew from Brussels to Stockholm and traveled with a mix of cycling and public transport around the Baltic sea region, taking the boat to Helsinki, a small boat to Estonia, followed by Latvia and Lithuania and flew back to Brussels from Vilnius all in about 10 days… the Brompton was easy to take into hotels or hostels and never had any issue with it. Will certainly use it to travel again… Happy travels & safe riding!

[@ibikeunfolded]

Thank you for watching. Wow, that’s an awesome trip. I hope to your Europe someday soon…. 👍😃

[@mardiffv.8775]

Spot on arguments. In defense of the regular bike/ trike. I toured in Western Belgium/ Flanders on a Electric Recumbent Trike. At every hotel there was a bike parking storage/ garage. Except at my hotel in Antwerp, there I had to park my ERT outside, next to the entrance. Where people were going in and out all the time. I had 2 chain locks with me. Heavy, but no problem for ERT. During 2 days I had a major head wind, so thank God for the Electric Assist. If I had done that with a folding or regular bike, it would have been agony. During day 6 I had a strong wind in my back, I was flying. That evening I was back in Antwerp, covering 132 km/ 82 miles. So Brompton lovers out there, the E-Brompton is available. A trike is so comfortable, I mean no saddle pain or high pressure on your hand palms. Ok, taking a trike on plane is more hassle, but possible.

[@xbmarx]

1000% agree with you. Especially in tandem with a case that turns into a bike trailer. I've done tours from airport-to-airport and never needed to go to a bike shop to get packaging to pack it up. Something like a Bike Friday is really ideal and ingenious.

[@ibikeunfolded]

I find it makes travel much easier-but that me😃

[@wwlwill]

good to cya back! hope all is well. good share on bike tour and reasons. i'm planning a bike tour on my foldie. looking forward to next video on any tips :)

[@ibikeunfolded]

Thank you….its been rough😬. I’m planning several trips myself so I’m doing bike tips and gear idea videos soon👍

[@nadDP1804]

I'm completely ageee on touring on a folding bike. It's soooO.. convenient

[@marcusbriginshaw7780]

Another great musical cycling montage, i really enjoy these and they make me want to get out and ride.

[@ibikeunfolded]

Thank you, I listen to music while riding so I thought I would share😁

[@iqbalrigido9558]

Just bought a new folding bike a couple of days ago, and I enjoy it very much. ☺

[@ibikeunfolded]

They are enjoyable.....👍😄

[@miarobv]

Thank you for your excellent videos and reviews about folding bicycles. I just ordered a Bike Friday New World Tourist. I’ve been on the fence for several years but felt good about ordering one after watching your videos. This new video is excellent. Thank you for doing these.

[@ibikeunfolded]

Wow. That’s awesome. 😎. I think you will like that bike as I love mine. 👍😃

[@Veterans2009]

That’s why I am researching to buy Brompton. I am tired of boxing and unboxing my roadbike and sizing etc

[@keithgooding6443]

Great stuff ! Great camera work too !!

[@tdgdbs1]

I used to tour on a Brompton; never go back to Brompton and their proprietary parts. Now I ride exclusively Bike Friday/Tern/Dahon in that order.

[@ibikeunfolded]

That's why I dont really tour on my brommie. The parts issue is a thing. It makes an awesome get around the city bike though.

[@kzarz0219]

Good information!! I'm a terrible camper so I'm planning a long distance bike "tour" on some of the longest paved trail in USA. I'm selecting those trails with easy access to hotels and B&B's. Happy trails !!

[@rebelrye]

You know Brian, I just might try a mini-tour between Topeka and Lawrence, KS on my Brompton. I have the same type of soft case trailer as you and purchased at the same place.Pleas keep us posted on your progress. Stay Safe.

[@ibikeunfolded]

Thank you my friend. Yeah you should totally do that tour….👍

[@MumfordJim]

We have toured in Europe Bike and Barge, 1 week tour, mostly guided, but some self guilted. On the self guided the gave us maps to our destination each day.

[@ibikeunfolded]

I plan on touring Europe someday….I hear it’s beautiful..🙂

[@ytd589]

Do you have any other videos/info on your hardcase trailer? It looks DIY, or did you get it somewhere?

[@rdwilander]

Great video. You covered things I would never have considered and your followers comments were also very insightful. I have been thinking of switching from a full size and your video pushed me closer to the decision point. Just subscribed and look forward to getting caught up on your videos...the subjects looked interesting and informative.

[@woodsculptor675]

Excellent vid! I want you to do a video of you climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro on your Zizzo Forte'...Ha! Keep up the good work.

[@ibikeunfolded]

🤣 I don’t have the fund to make that trip😁. I did ride the forte to work😁

[@williamferguson869]

I really like this video, you made some good points, very informative and interesting, thanks 🙏

[@ibikeunfolded]

Thank you for watching, I appreciate it.

[@filmaadin]

Looking forward to your tour reports :-)

[@ibikeunfolded]

Thank you, I’ll do my best.😁

[@carltongadgettmannprice352]

I purchased a Asian knockoff folding bike about 10 years ago. I broke down one day and this nice man from Iraq gave me a ride back to my car with my folding bike in his trunk. If I would have had a non folding bike, the transport back to my vehicle would have been much more difficult. That is the one and only problem that I have had with this Asian bike. It is a very well made bike at an affordable price. I'm planning on buying a folding tandem bike soon.

[@Harry_Lew]

Did my first folding bike tour on the Oregon coast a few years ago on a $120 Ebay folding bike. It was a lot of fun and I got to pack the bike down and take it on the train to get back to my car in Astoria. I suggest using a folding bike with 20 inch wheels. Even in small towns I was able to find BMX tire in a local hardware store. A godsend when I shredded a tire rolling over some glass. I know a lot of people like to tour with Bromptons but you need to take an extra 16 inch tire if you are going long distances without major cities on the route.

[@ibikeunfolded]

Yes…. 🙌 20 inch are the way to go when touring. I’m actually making a video comparing the 16 inch wheel to the twenty inch for touring. I hope to have it out soon.

[@squall99e]

Great to be seeing more stuffs on folding bike touring. If you were to fly and check in with Bike Friday, how would you pack the bike? Do you think the Radical Design Cyclone IV Chubby Trailer (in another youtube) would works? I would not mind dismantling the wheels, handlebar and seat post I had a Tikit and New World Tourist and I am using another Vicinta bag (just fold and put in) to check in. However this bag is a luggage and I cannot bring it with me on the trip. Would be interested to see how you would manage the Bike Friday. (PS: I do not really like the Bike Friday luggage trailer)

[@katherandefy]

Request: do an ep on drives. Chain or belt? If appropriate for an ep. I am dithering between folding or a belt drive. What about 16” or 20” wheel belt drive? Thoughts?

[@ibikeunfolded]

I’m a chain guy personally. I do like belt drive for wetter weather….I just feel resistance when using belt drive coupled to the fact that with a belt drive one needs an internal rear hub gear which causes more resistance. I’ve been wanting to do a video on this subject so I might make that happen sooner than later😁

[@katherandefy]

@@ibikeunfolded thank you!

[@jeffrey5961]

thank you for the video.

[@davidhunternyc1]

At 15:28. WRONG !!! The older you get, the sexier you get !!! 🔥 .... unbelievable this guy.

[@andythousand345]

Hey Brian, great video as always. I know this isn’t related but how’d things go with your two root canals?

[@ibikeunfolded]

They are holding up for the time being. I couldn’t afford the crowns right now with everything that’s going on. I just hope my filling last till my insurance resets next year. 😬

[@eilonwoolf1129]

Great video and info. Would u recommend the bf nwt or llama for touring? Drop bars or flat with barends?

[@Ignash]

The problem with this is mainly north american problem, where there is no trains. Traveling with bicycle in Europe with train is simple.

[@JuilSuk]

Planning on international trip with my bike friday crusoe without trailer option. What is a good alternative soft case option to check in as a luggage?

[@siopaomaster]

Anything to look for when choosing a folding bike for touring? wheel size, frame etc?

[@ibikeunfolded]

Yes, lots of things to look for depending on the type of touring you do.

[@ibikeunfolded]

Strong frame and 20 inch wheels are among the top on my list.

[@siopaomaster]

@@ibikeunfolded thanks for the reply!

[@Khris618]

I was wondering which bike/trailer combinations you use. The hard case looks like a Samsonite S'Cure. Where can you get a trailer kit for that?

[@AmusedDaffodils-mz5rw]

How many speeds is that bike

[@pinoyrunningpenguin]

can you send link over these trailers that is also a bike luggage?

[@ym7864]

Can you share the name of the bike trailer you use and whether it can hook up to a brompton?

[@ibikeunfolded]

I made a video about it. Check it out🙂 kzbin.info/www/bejne/rom6l5WLgJeem6c

[@vslifeofcycles5415]

Does the trailer case cause drag? I biked with a burley travoy trailer but prefer to just use my rack to avoid drag.

[@ibikeunfolded]

Oh yeah….feels like an anchor especially up hills. Some trailers that hook from the side of the bicycle don’t allow the bike to track right on turns. There are advantages and disadvantages to all trailers but nothing beats panniers for hauling your gear unless you want a lot of capacity.

[@vslifeofcycles5415]

@@ibikeunfolded Good to know. Thanks so much for answering!

[@bytesabre]

Trust me on this, Ubers will absolutely refuse to take you. Over Easter weekend I tore my knee and couldn’t put weight on it. No ambulance because they were flooded with calls and i wasn’t dying so they wouldn’t come out to me. The sight of the people I was with carrying me to the Uber because I couldn’t walk made 2 of them just drive off and left me literally crying in a gutter from the combination of extreme knee pain and frustration.

[@bytesabre]

And the moral of this story is: Don’t get drunk and try to ride someone else’s Onewheel with no experience

[@bytesabre]

And the moral of this story is: Don’t get drunk and try to ride someone else’s Onewheel with no experience

[@ibikeunfolded]

Ouch. 😬. I guess I’ve gotten lucky with Ubers.. they need to make an ambulance Uber option😕

[@jeffreywilliams3646]

Very interesting as I'm hoping to do some touring next year (contingent on me getting into suitable shape). Suppose I break a spoke or need a new tube/tire. How easy is it to actually get the parts, especially if I'm out in the boonies? 20inch wheels are not a dominant size.

[@ibikeunfolded]

I always order extra spokes to have on hand during a tour so that if I need wheel repair I’ve got it covered.👍😃

[@kwokweng76]

i like ur video Bryant

[@ibikeunfolded]

Thank you, I appreciate it👍😃

[@engineereuler1762]

why don't you put a little brushless motor in it to try to live longer until you save enough money to buy a car or something? That's what I'm doing

[@ibikeunfolded]

I don’t want a car. If I wanted a car I would simply buy one. I love riding bikes. 😁

[@engineereuler1762]

I doubt it. I think you just don't want to admit that you can't afford one (which is fine as long as you work on it) because the winter where you're at is brutal (that why i referred to longevity). Besides, you'll soon be a senior citizen and will simply not be able to do this. You did not answer why you don't put a brushless motor in it, it makes it a hundred times effortless...rotate the hand throttle and it goes, no pedalling. You're plenty smart, you can do it

[@ibikeunfolded]

@@engineereuler1762 I ve bought over 12 thousand dollars worth of folding bikes last year….are you serious?😂. I own 300,000 dollars worth of stock in my company and make over 100,000 dollars a year. Believe me if I wanted a car…..I’d have one.🫤

[@ibikeunfolded]

As for the motor…..why?? I have an electric scooter that does 35 MPH and two electric bikes that do just as fast. If I wanted to ride electric I would ride what I already have.

[@engineereuler1762]

Thank you fir clarifying. I had my doubts but wasn't sure. Now i know that you're identity that you're putting out (great acting) is a marketing operation and to have deepState-alphabet pay you for vids views. I was almost fooled

[@horizonskyfpvrc6152]

What is the top speed on that bike?

[@ibikeunfolded]

The gearing spins out at about 24mph. It’s geared more for climbing than speed.

[@Harry_Lew]

Most people that I know that do long tours say they average about 15 miles per hour. Obviously it is faster if the the route is flat or downhill but most routes are rolling and climbing with 40 or more pounds of gear (typical) is slow. It sounds like he is doing a supported tour so you can move faster if you are not carrying your tent, sleeping bag, extra clothes and other gear. The biggest issue I found with a folding bike is not having enough heel clearance if you run rear panniers. You need to make adapters to move the panniers further back on the rear rack. The short chain stays do not give as much room as a full size bike.

[@penny6658]

How's Beans? Is she going to tour with you? I really hope so :-)

[@ibikeunfolded]

I’m trying to work out her coming on my upcoming tour. I’ve got some problems traveling by bus with her.. I have to take a bus to the location I am taking off from and they told me no pets on the bus. Unless it’s a service animal. Maybe I can tell them I got crippling anxiety and she’s my comfort cat..😃👍. That might work..👍

[@NoZenith]

I remember you showing us the soft Cyclone Chubby trailer (big bonus the same size tires and its on the top of my list atm) at your bike shop but which is this hard case/trailer?!

[@ibikeunfolded]

It’s a samsonite case I got with one of my bike Friday bikes. It works well.

[@NoZenith]

@@ibikeunfolded thanks

[@ibikeunfolded]

@@NoZenith they sell them on the bike Friday website if I’m not mistaken.

[@NoZenith]

@@ibikeunfolded thank you, I wasn't coming up with anything reasonable through Google haha

[@prieten49]

The worst criminals ride bicycles, that's common knowledge (sarcasm).

[@joliecoponen6304]

𝚙𝚛𝚘𝚖𝚘𝚜𝚖 😇

[@slipwagon7944]

Really enjoyed the video but the music stinks.

[@Juggernaut-fg2up]

Great points