Questions & Recommendations Regarding Dahon, Giatex, Mobiky & Montague Folding Bikes

Early this morning, I received an email from a bicyclist looking for a folding bike suitable for long distance riding on both unpaved rail trails and smooth but mountainous pavement (the Blue Ridge Parkway to be precise). No doubt other cyclists would find this info valuable too so here are the questions as well as the answers that I sent in reply.

"I found your website while doing a search for Giatex bikes. I live in Asheville, NC (I saw on your site you were up here biking this summer) and am looking for a folder to keep in the car and ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway whenever I have time. Whatever folder I get will probably also be the bike I'll take to do the Virginia Creeper Trail this fall."

Here are the questions and my responses as they apply to the Giatex Chiba & Bici models.
1. What sizes are the cogs in the rear cluster?
As I recall, 14 to 28 teeth.

2. Is the rear cluster a cassette or freewheel?
Free Wheel

3. Is the front crank one piece with the chainring or is the chainring replaceable?
Yes it is a one piece unit. The chianring can still be replace but it must be taken off with the crank arm as it cannot be disassembled any other way. The left side crank would need to be replaced as well to match. FYI, this is a 52 tooth chainring - alloy type.

4. How upgradeable is the bike in general?
I know people who have done all kinds of things with this bike and model. In fact we had some samples of the new NEXUS Shimano 8 speed internal gear hub on the same frame (don't ask , we sold it). The bike can be upgraded many ways and yes a 3 speed should fit no problem.

5. Would the bike handle a gravel bike trail well?
Gravel - yes, depending on how big the gravel pieces are (in other words, not for riding on large, loose rail bed ballast but hard packed limestone or small gravel, sure). Street of course. If you're talking terrain & rocks, go with the Montague MX or Paratrooper though.

6. Does the bike use standard parts or a lot of proprietary stuff?
On balance this bike uses MANY standard components. Seat post is standard 28.6 Dia, pedals are standard thread and mount, wheels are 20", tires, same, inner tubes, same as are the gears, brakes, spokes, etc.

The main proprietary stuff are Fender sizes, frame and handle bar folding stem. Aside from these, any major bike store would have parts.

By the way, the cyclist added "I understand Dahons don't even use a standard mount for the saddle - if you want to try a new saddle you have to get it from Dahon..." My first folder was a Dahon and I ran into this situation on that bike too. Although I don't know if all Dahon's use a proprietary saddle, seatpost or other components, one of the reasons that I offer Giatex and Montague bikes is because they use standard components. The folding frames are patented & proprietary but that's about it. The Mobiky Genius is a different story. Getting that bike to fold into such a small size required serious work. As a result, it does have a standard Sturmey Archer internal 3 speed but almost everything else is custom.

Respectfully,
Larry Lagarde
RideTHISbike.com
Ph: 504-324-2492
Urging bicycling for recreation, commuting, health and a better future.