folding bikes

[KennethW]

Has anyone used folding bikes for teardrop camping? I am not a avid cycles. Just want some thing to get around the campground with. A folding bike, I think would fit in the tear or in the TV without having a outside bike rack.

 

[Gladtobehere]

I have one of these. http://dahon.com/bikes/speed-d7-street/.

It is relatively compact. The biggest problem I had was trusting such a tiny bike. But once you get past that it performs well. It is a 7 speed but the lowest gear isn't low enough for all the grades you may encounter.

 

[KennethW]

Thank for your response. Sound like a very usable bike that can be transported inside.
My though is.
In that the folding bike is inside it does not cut mileage on a longer road trip. and less likely to be damages or stole off a car bike rack.

 

[halfdome Danny]

Some of our teardrop friends love their folding bikes.
Some come with a caring case so it's easier to load and they don't grease up other things in the tow vehicle.
I've thought of getting a couple but our tow vehicle is pretty loaded up, especially when my wife takes her 4' tall harp that fits snugly between the seats.
Also I'm not fond of the idea of a bike in the tow vehicle in the event of a traffic mishap.

We simply attach the bike rack on the rear hitch receiver for our two full sized bikes.
I don't think they impact my gas mileage to really worry about it.
Our friends with folding bikes can keep up with us while riding the Yosemite Valley bike trails.
I'm able to transport a 10# bag of ice on the rear of my full size bike to our campsite, don't know how feasible it would be on a folding bike.
The only down size for us is you need to remove the bikes and rack to open the galley, so we eat out when traveling, which isn't a bad thing.
I guess it's all a matter of what works best for your situation.
Danny

 

[Gladtobehere]

The trick for any bike when you need to carry something is a trailer. I made a trailer from an old aluminum pack frame and a couple of 10 inch pneumatic tires off a baby stroller. The biggest load I have handled is 40-50 lbs of camp fire wood. And it also works as a hand held dolly. I have also packed the lawn chairs and sun shades to the beach. The trailer will also fit a Rubbermaid. Bin for carrying the groceries.

 

[halfdome Danny]

The trick for any bike when you need to carry something is a trailer. I made a trailer from an old aluminum pack frame and a couple of 10 inch pneumatic tires off a baby stroller. The biggest load I have handled is 40-50 lbs of camp fire wood. And it also works as a hand held dolly. I have also packed the lawn chairs and sun shades to the beach. The trailer will also fit a Rubbermaid. Bin for carrying the groceries.

That, in my opinion, defeats KISS (keep it simple stupid) that teardrops are about.
We don't want to carry any more junk than what is needed or necessary.
We use a propane fire ring to avoid packing firewood and all the associated mess.
Besides, California prohibits out of state firewood.
Danny

 

[Gladtobehere]

Only out of state?? We have regional restrictios on fire wood. I get firewood at the camp ground . I do not pack it . Yeah a trailer for the bike is more stuff but very practial. I guess I use a bike more and prefer wood over propane for hot dogs and marshmallows.