Bikes on Board

Hampton

Hampton

Air Defense Dept
TECHNICAL Contributor
Nov 26, 2006
7,628
Panama City, Fl
Boat Info
2008 44 Sedan Bridge
Engines
Cummins QSC-500's
Straight Drives
We have decided to proceed with purchasing folding bikes to keep on board for our winter excursion. Cost is a factor. Weight is a factor. Size and utility too. But, Im not sure we want bikes with tiny wheels. Used is ok too. Advice? Experiences? Thanks in advance.
 
We carry two Dahon Mariners aboard at all times. These have 20" wheels and have 7 gears. They are perfect for the way we use them, but they are not great bikes.
 
First time travelling with bikes this summer. What a great move. Won't take another trip w/o bikes.
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I also use Dahons. Mine were old ones purchased from an RV couple who were selling their coach. Mine have 16" wheels and ride suprisingly well. A friend has 20" Mariners like SeaGull and I don't find that much difference in the wheel size. What I do like about the smaller bikes is that they fold up and fit under my aft seat in the cockpit. My friend bungees his 20" Mariners to the hand rail on his forward deck ('08 44DA) and he ends up replacing his bikes every 4-5 years due to corrosion from salt spray. My bikes are older, not aluminum but are painted and still look like new. Dahons are very well made and really hold up well...I think they are worth the added cost.

Here is an alternative:

bikes.jpgbikes.jpg


These are Mosquito bikes with 4 stroke gas engines. They are made like a scooter but ride like a small motor bike. Reasonably quiet, light enough to easily handle on and off the boat, run about 35 mph, can climb hills loaded with a full grown adult. They are great for places like Apalachicola where you must tie up a mile from town or when you want to explore the local area without getting exhausted. They do fold up but are not quite as compact as Dahons. I love them but am going to sell them........my wife is so uncoordinated that I'm afraid she is going to kill herself riding them. You can call me if you have any interest in them.
 
Home Depot mini-bungees were used - or maybe they were Harbor Freight (?)

Actually, they were marine bungees - manufactured using vulcanized aircraft-grade rubber with solid bronze hooks. Those babies will be handed down to my great-grandkids someday.
 
Well let's start with the Sea Ray equivalent and work our way down. Bike Friday makes the best folding bikes on the market, they will even custom build one for you. The have real bike mechanicals and will function better than any others out there. They are not the lightest around. The Dahon's are lighter in my experience. Dahon also makes a great bike, but do not use a $300 Dahon as a standard for judging them. That would be similar to commenting on SR DA 340 by testing a SB 185. Both brands would be an exellent choice for a couple that wanted to ride 30-50 miles doing a winery bike tour from their boat. They offer gearing to make up for the small size tires, I have seen good riders stay with a pack on traditional road bikes. They will allow for the climbing of hills to get the the hill-top ice cream shop. They are what I would want to get if cost was no object.

http://www.bikefriday.com/bicycles/road

http://brandscycle.com/product-list...rt=pricedesc&gclid=CPHW8smClKwCFUfsKgodIxtymA

As you go down the price scale they become heavier, offer fewer gearing choices, and lower quality components. (They will shift harder, be noisier, etc.) A $300 Dahon weighs 30 lbs where a $1200 Dahon weighs 16 lbs. Many less expensive bikes may have proprietaryparts that may not even be replacable and if they are you cannot get the parts at a local bike shop. I'd be happy to answer any questins I can or get answers from friends that are experts in the field. If all you want to do is ride a mile or two to the main part of town the cheaper bikes may be right for you, but now you have a little more info to start from. MM
 
... or they'll never be able to have a child again.
 
Good job. I can't get my average speed above 15mph. On the other hand, I am riding a $350 Raleigh Talus 3.0 mountain bike so that might make a bit of difference.
 
fwebster said:
All I got to say is that anybody who knowingly takes a 50 mile trip on a Dahon just has to a masochist.
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rondds said:
... or they'll never be able to have a child again.
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These are the type of comments that would causeus to howl in laughter if similar comments were made about boating. :lol:

If a bike, even a mini, is properly fitted to the user it should be reasonably comfortable. The rider must be in shape to ever be comfortable. If one rides any bike only a little a year they will never get beyond the pain of getting in shape. There is a whole world to explore just 10-20 miles from the slip, I want to experience it while being self sufficent. MM
 
MonacoMike said:
There is a whole world to explore just 10-20 miles from the slip
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Really? I thought the world ended at the entrance to a marina. We're also considering bikes to put on board but I'm not sure I want to go with folding bikes. We'd like light weight but I'm too much of a cheapskate to spend a grand or more on a bike. I tend to balance that cost in terms of how far I could go on that much diesel and the diesel always seems to win.
 
Gofirstclass said:
Really? I thought the world ended at the entrance to a marina. We're also considering bikes to put on board but I'm not sure I want to go with folding bikes. We'd like light weight but I'm too much of a cheapskate to spend a grand or more on a bike. I tend to balance that cost in terms of how far I could go on that much diesel and the diesel always seems to win.
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Keep in mind I come from the perspective of a pocket cruiser trailer boater. I have to find a place to haul and store all the gear. That makes quality folding bikes high on my wish list. For the record, I have not started shopping for a pair for us yet and have no decisions on a model that may meet our needs. My personal conclusion may be entirely different for a DB 550 than my needs now. That is why I didn't suggest a specific model. MM
 
We have had the Dahon Mariners for 6 years. Only repairs have been tires. For distances, we use a gel seat over the standard seat. Spend a few extra $$ and get the fitted carrying "bags" for them, makes it much easier to stow in a confined area. Have fun!
 
We have the Dahon Mariners going on 12 years, just take them to the bike shop for a $20 tune up every 3 years or so. Like StevenDavid said, keep them in a fitted carrying bag this allows you to stow them anywhere below without getting dirt and grease all over from the chain. Whatever you get make sure they have fenders.....keeps your butt dry when its wet out.
 
Scott - nice riding. I have a Cannondale Road bike and a Felt trialthlon bike - both carbon fiber. I'm doing a full Ironman next year, maybe we can go out and take a ride together next year. I typically ride by my house, which is about 10 minutes from the corn fields so I can put in some good miles without the fear of getting smacked by a car or truck. Like you I set my bike on a trainor for the winter months - I call it my pain cave, haha

Oh sorry, I forgot, something about boating on this forum
 
sfergson727 said:
For what it's worth, I picked up my Klein used for $800. When it was new back in 2004, it was over $3000, so if you look, you may find a decent road bike in your price range.

Here's what the Klein looks like:

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As you can see, it's a full size bike, but it only weighs about 17 lbs, and is easily stored on deck or in the cockpit/cabin when we are away.
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Scott....what is base your bike is on?
 
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