Conference noted::bicycle

    	In order to get a compact bike with anything like the structural
    integrity of a regular bike you need to get a $1000+ Moulton. The DeHon
    and other folders are just not as stiff and free of slop as a regular
    bike. These bikes fold into a package small enough to put in a bag and
    sling on your shoulder for a mass transit ride.
    	If you have trunk or back-of-wagon space, try this: take a regular
    bike, remove both wheels, using some towels or carpeting for cushioning
    stack the wheels and frame in a pile. Doesn't take up much space, does
    it? Putting the wheels back on takes slightly more time than unfolding
    and locking a folding bike, but not much.  Try it.  - Chris

    Here in the UK there are quite a few quality folders around, though
    perhaps hard to get. A touring style bike has been advertised recently
    which folds in the middle of the frame, if you can follow the drawing
    below:
    
        folds sideways here
                 v
    
        ---------H====\
       /\       /      \
      /  \     /        \
     /    \   /          \
    /      \ /            \
    +-------o               \
    
    
    And it's had good reviews. Also there's the Bickerton folder, which
    has a folding aluminium girder as a frame, and is also a decent bike.
    Both these are reasonable money, say �200-�300 (not giveaways either).
    
    Those who follow the fortunes of Clive Sinclair will remember the C5, a
    three-wheeled plastic cart powered by an electric motor which was hyped
    as being the first practical electric car and then mocked to extinction
    when it became obvious it wasn't. What's less well-known is that
    Sinclair had several related ideas that could have been realised if the
    C5 had had a better reception, and one of those was a very clever
    plastic folding bike. At least the way it folded was clever, being
    plastic probably wasn't.
    
    
    Rod

    The Moulton is certainly the tops in folding bikes, but it's $1000.
    It's supposed to ride like a dream, but at that price it had better.

    At the other end is the DeHon and the Bickerton.  For the Dehon,
    contact the Pocket Sproket in Cambridge Mass.  Prices range $250-$350.
    They are very compact, but suffer in the ridability dept.

    Raleigh used to make folder with 20 inch wheels.  I know a
    hardcore bike commuter who uses one, but I haven't any idea of
    where to get them.

    A good compromise is the Montague.  It uses the entire seat tube
    as a hinge, so there's less play in the frame.  It isn't as compact
    as the others, but it uses normal replaceable bike components
    and is in the $400 price range.

    -Jeff

    Thanks for the replies - Hoyt

    
    You may have noticed an article on the Boston BOPS (Bicycle Oriented
    Police Something) in the latest Bicycling, which I just got.  They
    use the Montagues.  Looks like an ok bike.  Clearly, these guys put
    a lot of hard miles on a bike (or will do) and need a reliable machine.
    
    -john

    There is an American bike called the Bifold that I have seen, it is a
    foldaway mountain bike and collapses just behind the seat. How does
    everyone feel do foldaways and mountain bikes form a good combination
    
    Regards,
    
    Mike Lawson