Introducing the clown bike

Some say that the perfect number of bikes you can own is derived from the formula [total bikes] = [number of current bikes] + 1. I whole heartedly agree and after my 15 year old MTB started to get a few wobbles from carrying a load of luggage round Guernsey I decided I need a new commuter bike. But what sort of bike should I got for?

My perfect bike had some exacting requirements to live up to:

• Be suitable for a 30 mile round trip commute
• Be suitable for the train encase I needed to work late or I can’t be bothered to cycle home
• Be my winter training bike

And ideally:

• Carry luggage
• Be small enough to fit in a suitcase to avoid bike carriage

Being a typical male with a good understanding of the Internet I researched the hell out of folding and travel bikes. I quickly came up with a shortlist of contenders:

Zootr Swift

Pros:

• Unbroken top tube
• Uses standar part

Cons:

• Not the most compact fold
• Drops and front derailleur would have to be added at additional expense
• Fugly!

Dahon Speed Pro TT

Pros:

• Good reviews
• Sram dual drive

Cons:

• Difficulty in getting replacement components
• Price

Dahon speed TR

Bid on a couple of these on eBay. Gave up in the end due to reported issues with stem bearing and availability of parts.

Pros:

• Pannier racks
• Inbuilt dynamo hub
• Good fold

Cons:

• Availability of parts
• Reported problems with stem bearings
• Not sporty enough

Airnimal Joey

Pros:

• Built for touring
• Available with Sram dual drive and drops

Cons:

• Non standard 24′ wheels.

Airnimal Chamelion

Now it’s getting interesting!

Pros:

• Drops
• 10 speed
• Suspension
• Rack mounts

Cons:

• Non standard 24′ wheels
• Issues with frame fatigue on early models although new ones seem ok
• Complexity

Dahon Speed Hound

Then I came across Dahon’s range of mini bikes. These feature more traditional frame geometry but on a smaller scale.

Pros:

• Frame geometry
• Looks

Cons:

• Bar end shifters

Dahon Dash x20

This was close to being the one! Unfortunately Dahon don’t distribute ‘mini bikes’ to the UK anymore as there’s not the market for them. From my research it’s all to do with train companies continually refining what they’ll accept as folding bike on a train. Seems like unless it’s a time Brompton, Mezzo, et al it’s out.

Pros:

• Frame geometry
• Drops
• 10 speed
• Looks

Cons:

• Availability and cost of import

Renolds split frame

Then I got thinking about having a folding bike that could also work as a commuter bike. I stumbled upon a couple of designs for full size frames that break apart for travel. Whilst not technically easy to transport it could be a trade off worth having.

Pros:

• 700cc wheels
• Available with rack mount

Cons:

• Hard to find

Surly long haul trucker

Love this bike as it’s a frame that could be adapted over the years for training and touring.

Pros:

• S&S couplers – means frame can split
• Built for touring

Cons:

• Expense
• Bar end shifters

So what did I go for?

For a long time I was set on the Dahon Dash X20 because, being a taller rider, I liked the appeal of triangular geometry, all be it on a smaller scale, over single bar folders.

During the course of my research I came across a company called Pacific Cycles who make a range of innovative folding bikes, some of which featured similar geometry to the X20.

On eBay I narrowly missed out on a Pacific iF mode.

I wasn’t too upset as it didn’t have drops and reviewers were weary of Pacific’s proprietary suspension and rare 451 wheels.

Then eBay threw up Pacific Reach Racing. It had everything I wanted, foldability, drops, 9 speed gears that I could service with my existing road tools. Although not a compact folder I though it could work as a winter bike. I took a gamble and got it for a steal.

The story gets better. I met the seller when I collected the bike and found out he’s won it as part of the Gadget Show’s triathlon special prize. Not only did I get to validate that the show really does dish out the prizes but I got a brand new bike, still in the packaging for a £1000 off list price!

First impressions

S**t, it’s too small for me!

I set it up and the geometry next to my road bike looked spot on bar the saddle didn’t go high enough by about 10 cm. Then came the realisation that the standard post 31.6 x 400mm was pretty much the longest standard MTB post I could easily obtain.

I looked online, tried a couple of local bike shops and was about to give up when a random Google revealed Mezzo offered a 500mm seatpost on it’s Curve range of folders. Even better I found that a local shop could get me one direct from Mezzo.

I got the post and took it out for a 70k weekend ride with a friend and it was fantastic. Yes the small wheels are twitchy but I maintained a normal riding speed and only dropped back slightly on the hills. the suspension is firm to the point where it feels like I’m riding my carbon Madone.

Bigger challenges

I’ve used the Reach now for a couple of weeks, commuting 30 miles round trips to work every few days. Bar the problem of it not actually having anywhere to mount any luggage it’s great. I’m seeing it more as a winter training bike and prefer it being light weight as it keeps the speed.

I’ve debated a beam rack but don’t really want to put more pressure on the seat post. I did fit my Carradice camper saddle bag but the bike felt top heavy and unstable. Riding with a bag is best, if a little uncomfortable after a day at work.

The trade of is that I’ve been able to pack away my Madone for winter and take the Reach on training rides. Last weekend I climbed from the base of the Malvern hills all the way up the road and paths to the beacon. I’ve done this many times on the Madone and found the Reach to be a capable, if slightly slower, climber.

The Reach at the top of the Malvern hills