Never give up, never give in

Huh?

No - this is about a folding bicycle, outrageous shipping costs and the value of 'keeping an eye open'.

The bicycle - to replace the one squished this last summer (with me on it)

My choice - the Zizzo Forte - a folding bike strong enough to take bike camping.

7 speeds, comes with rack and fenders. 20 in tyres... Good for 300lb total load/55 lbs on the rack alone. 1.95 in types. Not as good as 4 in, but will do.

When I asked, the shipping was quoted at $300. OK, the vendor can't get a break.

Went to Amazon - same price for the bike & they quoted $350 for shipping and I would have to pick it up. Walmart - doesn't ship to AK on these.

Finally - and of all places - Bed Bath and Beyond advertised the bicycle with "free delivery" (as did all the others)

Placed the order and it was flagged as 'extra cost to AK'

The extra cost? $9.95.

The bike showed up today.


Scoooooooooooooore!

Morale of the story?
Patience and shopping around will most often yield a better deal on production items.

Had to share, it isn't often I don't get royally screwed on shipping to Ak....

 

Deals are to be had!

 

Normal list is $599 - which is stupid expensive. Almost as expensive as a Tern or Dahon.

This went for $429, much more in line for a Hencho en China product....

The Tern (brand) equivalent in Anchorage - $1200, Dahon version - $800+ and neither was rated at over 250 lbs. Most folding bikes are rated for no more than 175 lbs - not good for hauling camping gear...

Now, I just have to wait for the snow to melt...

 

Geez DKR, those tires are so small you'll have to pedal your backside off to get anywhere...but it is portable.

 

Actually, 20 in tires, geared properly, work just fine. I won't go into the whole gear-inches thing, instead - check this out


the Brombtions have 16 inch wheels - those are right small.

pros and cons of full sized vs folders
(Note is is called checkbook touring)


this Dahon is very much like my Forte

finally - smaller is not cheaper

 

More comparisons. If you're thinking of carrying a folder as a stage 2 / bailout option, these videos may be of interest,.
A single speed, on level ground/no to little wind - the 'average' non-biker can maintain 8 mph. A three speed a bit more. A 10 or 15 speed- 15 mph with little additional effort.



some folks really load these up and go on tour. - and I do mean load


a trailer would make more sense

these sell for $550 w/ no extras


the Travoy sells for ~$300 (ouch)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08D352TFS/?tag=survivalmonke-20
Chinese knockoff of the travoy @$169 w/ two bags. The trailer also folds.

 

I think I would still go for the 26-inch bike as tried those little wheeled ones before and too much work for too little gain.

 

Mostly for packing up in the back of the auto.

Large wheels are just no bueno.

I had a Sun 20 inch folder, gave that to my DD.

This is a 6 speed, so GTG for me. Not everyone is a fan. Then a gain, a lot of folks are fans.

 

I'm sure you'll be just fine up in AK and all...

 

During one of my self recovery imposed PT times, from back surgery, I found it enjoyable to coast down hill early in the mornings and sneak up on white tail deer. Really had to be careful as the deer would spook and you'd never knew for sure which way they would go!

Did some mountain roads work on a bike in the Colorado 14 teeners and that's where the multi speed bikes come into their own. Like to have bit of more than I could chew after open heart surgery.

 

I can't help myself sometimes.

Saw this on Amazon -

listed for $49.00 - free shipping.
rated, per the ad, for 150KG cargo + rider., has a rack, fenders and a cute basket.

I hit buy, fully expecting to be canceled over the Ak address.

It shipped out on the 4th. Should be here in about a month.

I'll post pics when it gets here. The frame is chromemoly, unusual.. Shows as a SRAM/Shimano gear cluster/shifter.

It may wind up as a beater, or for the DW to come riding with me... Sometimes I am amazed at the offerings found on line...

 

I like the basket!

 

the sum of the parts on that bike exceed 49 bucks by a long shot.

 

Nice!!! I like the basket,Should be able to stuff a S&W 500 in that baby !

 

Crazy, eh?

I'm figuring a NOS or overstock and they were selling for something rather than get dump it someplace - these are no-name Chinese bikes. I may have wasted some $, but the gear hub and shifter are worth this much and match what is on my Forte.

I have to believe Chaos Theory. - the Universe has been pretty much sh1tting on me for the last couple of years, so now maybe its shifted my way for a change.

 

Need a link to order one up also PLZ
Sloth

 

so let me guess... where u are going to ride it.... your living room?

 

In the summer, on the sidewalk

but yeah, in the winter, bikes are problematic

 

Did a reverse image search - looks like they are sold out. Was likely sold out very fast. You can still find similar to about 100USD.

It's really a game of fishing for deals like this and you have to keep your line in the water and be prepared to set the hook quickly.

If pink is an option
20in 7 Speed Urban Folding Mini Bike Compact Ultra-Light Mountain Bicycle Xmas | eBay