Planes, Trains, and Automobiles... and Bicycles
We brought the Dahon Boardwalk folder with us on the train to Tel-Aviv. First off Train travel is so much more civilized than bus or coach air travel. Ample luggage space, amazing leg room, and smooth travel. When travelers saw my bicycle they were surprised knowing bicycles are not allowed on the commuter trains, but a folder like all large bags fits either beside you in the aisle or you can put them in the luggage rack at the ends of some cars. Israeli Rail is cheap and I feel unfortunate that I cannot take longer trips on the rail, but Israel is too small, maybe there is a train to Eilat.
The Dahon performed well taking light curb drops without complaining, althought there is a little wiggle in the handlebar riser, I will have to look at tightening it.
Like I posted earlier I am using the Avenir Comfort Plus saddle off of my wifes bicycle, the springs give it enough suspension that I have not felt any road shocks through my spine, unfortunately it is mostly sold only as OEM for manufacturers or through Raleigh dealers.
Dahon makes a carry bag called the DoublePlay, it can either carry the bike with an over the shoulder bag or a backpack, when the bag is folded up it can either be strapped to your saddle or to the handlebars it also can be worn as a fanny pack. Backpack mode was surprisingly comfortable with decent shoulder and sternum straps but no belt; your back is protected by closed cell foam. Apparently Dahon has stopped including the backpack straps on the new bags. I was unable to get through the Tel-Aviv shuk (open market/bazaar) pushing my bike so onto my back it went where it was a bit wide but not terribly uncomfortable.
The Dahon can by my own experimentation be broken down to fit into a standard large suitcase 75x56x23 cm. You need to have a 15mm wrench to remove the wheel nuts, this model has no wheel quick release which is good most of the time as it makes security locking easier. I strongly sugest carrying the Allen wrench to remove your derailer, it is hanging out with no protection if left attached when flying and may be snaped off. Packing the boardwalk with both wheels and the seatpost removed it is a tight but not difficult fit. Plastic protectors of some type are required or the hub ends will wear through the bag. There is still room for plenty of gear in your bag between the bike parts but beware the pinch, wear, and grease areas of the bike. Brompton makes a beautiful suitcase which converts to a trailer for your bike, I am thinking of making such a modification to my suitcase.
Finaly totaly off subject I experienced the french fry machine for the first time yesterday at the train station. It takes frozen fries hits them with intense infared light to cook them and in less than a minute you have hot, fresh, tasty chips!! All this and bedatz kosher too. A little box with salt ketchup and a tiny fork pop out next to you cup of hot fries. I wish these were everywhere along with burger and coke machines. Being seriously kosher finding hot food just anywhere is interesting and usualy futile.
Now that Tisha B'Av is over and I have been able to ride the Dahon for a few days I can finaly report.
The Dahon Boardwalk folding cycle is quite amazing in its size and comfort. Folding down to extra large duffle size it is easily loaded into bus baggage compartment about the size of a folded stroller. While it is 30 lbs it needs this heavy steel to hold 230 lb people, lighter Dahon models are available but they are almost double the price. The bike rides well and the 7 speed gearing is good for even medium steep grades. Stability is nearly that of my 26" mountain Bike. Once you figure where to place tha crank folding and bagging into the Dahon carry bag takes 30 sec. I switched to a Avenir spring seat before riding as I have a bad back and can't take road bumps from solid saddles. Seating is upright due to short tube more like a cruiser sacrificing a little power. The included Pannier rack was heavy steel but quite indestructable, I choose to leave it off unless I need it to reduce weight. This bike can be folded taken inside bagged up to keep the carpet clean and you will have your ride under your own guard rather than trusting a lock to protect it.
I am impressed and look forward to traveling all over Israel and Europe with this little wonder bike.
testing e-mail posting
Testing the e-mail posting utility from my Zaurus, maybe I canfinaly
post from local Wi-Fi. Gmail works much better than yahoo on my
Zaurus, yahoo has nonfunctional links all over their mail making
sending e-mail impossible at this time from Konqueror web browser.
