Kent Compact 16 Aluminum Folding Bike (16-Inch Wheels) Review

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(More customer reviews)The biggest advantage of this bike is of course that it is a folding bike, and because it has 16-inch wheels, it fits even in the trunk of a small car, which makes its transportation very easy and simple. The aluminum frame is light, and the general quality of the bike is pretty good. The all-terrain tires and the availability of lower gears make it suitable for riding on grass or some dirt roads as well, so a little mild off-roading is fine with this bike. However, the bike has some design flaws which somewhat limit its use. These include:
1. Slowness. Even though the bike has 6 speeds, the gear ratio is not high enough even in the highest gear. The peak speed I could reach on this bike is about 14 mph on flat ground, and that was by spinning like crazy. Better designed folding bikes have higher gear ratios. For this bike, the 6th gear has about 56 gear inches, which is not very high at all. Of course, the tires are not designed for high speeds either (relatively wide, low-pressure, all-terrain tires).
2. Crank arms are shorter than usual. Adult bikes usually have 170 mm long crank arms. But this bike, because of the low position of the bottom bracket, is only equipped with 140 mm long crank arms. This feels a bit strange and makes pedaling feel a bit harder than it should be. Better designed folding bikes have an elevated lower bracket position and therefore can use longer crank arms despite having 16-inch wheels.
3. Single-sided pedals. The bike has folding pedals, but strangely designed ones. Only one side of the pedal can be used because the other side is not flat enough. It is inconvenient to have to turn a pedal when you notice that it is upside down. Better designed folding bikes have two-sided folding pedals.
But of course, better designed folding bikes (like Dahon) are a lot more expensive. This bike is still a good buy, perfect for running errands in the city and for some leisurely riding. With patience, you can cover a long distance even with this bike; just don't try to join people with road bikes for weekend trips because this bike has about half the speed and half the range of a real road bike.


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Never has it been a better time to consider a folding bicycle.Rising gas prices are making it harder and harder to have a car these days. Folding bike to the rescue!These have long been an answer for campers and travelers of all kinds and our Compact 16 Aluminum Folding Bike is the newest solution in the space equation making it perfect for apartment dwellers, college students or anyone looking for a great bike with little space!A simple and easy 6 speed drivetrain is perfect for this handy compact bike.Safe braking is provided for with sure stopping linear pull brakes front and rear.Lightweight but strong alloy wheels in a terrain-taming 16-inch size provide a smooth and comfortable ride.This package is tough to beat, especially at this price.Now you can affordably take your fitness and transportation WITH you. Customer contact information at 1-800-451-KENT (5368) orwww.kentbicycles.com

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Dahon Speed Pro TT 2008 Folding Bike Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased my Dahon Speed Pro TT after a change in my commute that required me to start riding the Amtrak train each day. I didn't want to give up cycling to work, but didn't want a folder that would slow me down. I settled on the Speed Pro TT (2008 model) because of it's promise to fold down quickly and ride fast. Thus far, it has done this and then some. First off, this bike is fast. I find that, in most conditions, it rides just as fast as my high-end Trek road bike. While the small wheels felt a little dicey at first, I quickly learned how to ride on them AND realized that they gave the bike awesome maneuverability in city traffic and whenever I had to bail out on a side walk. The track-style handle bars are very comfortable and the bar-adjustment system that this bike has gives infinite positioning options. The bike folds very quickly and easily. The only flaw I have found is that it sometimes doesn't stay completely folded if turned on one side or carried in a certain way. To address this, I just keep a bungee cord with me at all times and wrap it around the wheels when folded.
I am seeing more and more Dahon folders on the streets of DC, and for good reason. These bikes are built tough, fold easily, and ride great. The Speed Pro TT is definitely an excellent option for any roadie who wants a good commuting/traveling bike to use when a full-size bike isn't a practical option. I have done rides over 25 miles long on my Dahon and found it to be exceedingly comfortable and agile.
Again, the bike adjusts quite easily to accommodate different heights. I am five feet tall (barely) and have been able to adjust both the seat and handlebars to fit me. I had a guy friend try out the bike and he was also able to adjust it easily (he is a little under 6 feet tall). While this doesn't give you the custom fit that a Bike Friday will give, it does fold down into a much smaller package and is lighter. I have had no problem carrying it onto Metro or the Amtrak train.
Needless to say, I have been very happy with this purchase. I use my bike daily and, thus far, it has withstood the abuse I have delivered. I fold and unfold it several times each day. You get a lot of bike for your money with Dahon and this bike is worth every penny and then some.

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The Speed Pro is the bike for the serious roadie who wants it all: a bike that can take on a century as easily as it can pack into a suitcase for travel. The custom-drawn 4130 chromoly steel frame is stiff while still offering a supple ride. The SRAM DualDrive gearing delivers 27 gears for anything from the steepest hills to hammering on the flats. And the BioLogicTM II frame geometry combined with a Syntace VRO adjustable handlebar system let you dial in the perfect riding position. For 2008 we upgrade to an Ultegra derailleur, Kore I-Beam saddle and seat post, and the new Radius V handlepost. ?Dahon Special Edition Schwalbe Stelvio tires are incredibly light and fast. ?Kinetix Pro TT bars allow a wide variety of ergonomic hand positions and allow riders to adjust the reach of their brake levers. ?Kinetix Pro wheels are light, aero, and incredibly fast to accelerate.

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