And a bicycle to ride home upon....

Discussion in 'General Survival and Preparedness' started by DKR, Apr 15, 2019.


  1. DKR

    DKR Raconteur of the first stripe

    I've been looking at the BOB thread and couldn't help but notice a number of folks talking about a multi-day trip to walk home from work. I'm fortunate, Anchorage is a pretty compact town, and right now my paying gig is just 3.5 miles from the home.

    If I might - for the folks that have more than 10 miles to cover, a folding bike may offer a much faster way home....

    I did some research and found:

    Not all folding bikes cost an arm and a leg..
    A company called Downtube bikes offers a low cost folder - $289.
    [​IMG] [​IMG]
    under 25 pounds, has 7 speeds and can be upgraded with a second chain-ring and front derailleur. - since the chain-ring is replaceable, you can dial in the gear ratio you want. Has a water bottle cage brave on and on the front, a set of braze on for a front, frame mounted rack - very much like the Brompton.
    Downtube Nova Lightweight Folding Bike


    Dahon folding bike demo


    For those that need to cover territory off road - Folding bike off road with large load


    Folding bike tour – Iceland with Tern folder


    Interesting trailer design for going truly long distance.


    Just lke large ships carry lifeboats, could you rig carry a compact folder to get you home?
     
    Last edited: Jun 17, 2019
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  2. arleigh

    arleigh Goophy monkey

    Problem is you need to be using it some what regularly not just throwing int in your car and forgetting it.
    Neglect= lost warranty over time .aged rubber, rusty metal parts , more importantly the muscle memory and activity .
    I have a friend that bought a folding bike and she had the discipline to ride regularly and find problems and address them.
    The trailer is a GREAT idea, but ideally I think the tires need to be a universal fit so spare tire/tube and repair kits are universal .
    I really do like the idea of a bike and a trailer .
     
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  3. DKR

    DKR Raconteur of the first stripe

    [​IMG]
    like this? Taller than a cargo trailer, but my full size ruck fits inside, upright, and the area behind the seat will hold two full sized paper bags of Chow. All pretty much water proof - important if forced to ride in the rain....
     
  4. DKR

    DKR Raconteur of the first stripe

    [​IMG]
    my folder is a older Sun Rambler, the trailer will work with this - and all tires are 20 in. 3 speed only - would rather have the 21 gear selection offered by the larger SC-200 seen above.
     
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  5. apache235

    apache235 Monkey+++

    Bikes are a vastly overlooked item for bugging out, a trailer makes them even more appealing - BUT - as was stated earlier, you have to ride regularly and stay in shape to get the most out of them. I would still take a bike, even if out of shape, rather than walk, just have a rack to carry your pack, or have a trailer, or both. I have a Montague folder that I put an electric motor on, still gives me 6 speeds or electric assist or full on electric motor but I have no way to attach a pack so I'm looking for a mountain bike (with shocks) and fenders with rack.
     
  6. UncleMorgan

    UncleMorgan I like peeling bananas and (occasionally) people.

    Most preppers are a little strapped for cash. They can't easily drop $350 to $6,000 for a folding bike.

    But a "folding" bike can be had for almost nothing, if you want to go the DIY route.

    The bike doesn't have to fold. Hinges are a PITA, anyway. It just has to come apart into two compact sections: the front and the back.

    Start with two junk bikes that can be made into one reasonably reliable one.

    The come-apart part is easy. All you need is a hacksaw (or a SAWZALL), some eye protection, and a steady hand.

    First, cut the project frame in half a little ahead of the seat tube. Then cut two splice tubes from the scrap frame. Make sure they will telescope on the project frame. At least one must slide easily for a few inches.

    Putting the bike back together is requires an electric drill, some duct tape, and a few bolts.

    Put the splice tubes on the project frame, and fit the pieces back together. Put the splice tubes evenly over the joints and .

    duct tape one end of each splice tube firmly in place.

    Cross-drill each end of each splice tube and the frame tubes they cover, then bolt them together.

    To take the bike down, remove one bolt from one splice tube, and both bolts from the other. Slide the free splice tube clear, and separate the halves of the bike. Reassemble in reverse.

    Use the tires (etc) from the scrap bike, plus a piece of EMT tube and whatever else you need, to make yourself a DIY bike trailer. It's a nice opportunity to save a few hundred dollars more.
     
  7. BTPost

    BTPost Stumpy Old Fart,Deadman Walking, Snow Monkey Moderator

    Another NOTE, from a Bicycle Mechanic in a previous life... For a “Bug Out Bike” you definitely want Big Fat Tires, on the bike, and NOT those skinny 10Speed Touring Bike Tires...
     
  8. Oltymer

    Oltymer Monkey++

    When I lived in the BIG CITY and had a 25 mile commute, I kept an old 70's era 10 speed chained in the back of the truck. I paid $2 for the bike and spent another $20 to rebuild it. It had 27x1 1/4 tires which are plenty fat for off road. I also rode it several times a week for a total of about 50 miles. So it was maintained and I was too, and I knew I could be home in a couple of hours in an emergency.
    Lots of different folders out there, Raleigh 20 comes to mind.
    I'm retired at my BOL now and just ride for fun. In a breakdown - no fuel - bicycles sure beat walking.
     
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  9. hot diggity

    hot diggity Monkey+++ Site Supporter+++

    I've got a freebie 21 speed mountain bike at work. I added small fenders and a rear cargo rack. (Loads of fun on a bike with front and rear suspension.) I find it's the best thing going for zipping between scattered buildings, or doing a quick tour of the property. Silent, never needs gas or battery charging, and I can go places where I can't in a vehicle. In a pinch it could get me home, and I've ridden home and back on it during my lunch break.

    I'm looking into rigging more cargo options now and have a half dozen Alice pack frames and cargo shelves in the barn. One on each side, attached with stainless steel hose clamps, and I'd be able to carry two five gallon fuel cans, or a couple car batteries down low.

    The trailer videos have got me studying my stripped down wheel chair as a potential folding bike trailer. I've seen some pretty serviceable bike trailer hitches made out of garden hose. It articulates to any angle necessary and is a lot cheaper to rig than a big honkin' heim joint.
     
  10. Zimmy

    Zimmy Wait, I'm not ready!

    I need to try getting around in a State Park on a bicycle is even a viable option for me anymore.

    I walk 8-11 miles a day with a 50# toolbag at work (8 hours). I've been hoping that was enough. GHB is 30# but speeding things up would be nice.

    Home is ~50 miles away with about 10 miles of ghetto and the rest rural.
     
  11. UncleMorgan

    UncleMorgan I like peeling bananas and (occasionally) people.

    Wheelchair bike trailers? Pure genius!
     
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  12. hot diggity

    hot diggity Monkey+++ Site Supporter+++

    KIMG3381.
    That's just a piece of flexi PVC pipe stuffed inside a tube on the chair and in the frame on the bike, but you get the idea. Folded, my chair is only 8" wide, and there are lots of slots and holes for quick attachment points. Decent ground clearance with the little wheels up. Braced to the desired width, it'd haul some weight, and when you get there you have somewhere to sit. :)
     
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  13. Merkun

    Merkun furious dreamer

    Might need some tweaking to keep from rubbing the tire on right turns.
     
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  14. hot diggity

    hot diggity Monkey+++ Site Supporter+++

    It's a mock-up. I took about 30 seconds to set that up. It's not a workable draw-bar. ;)

    I've considered the turning radius thing, and with the correct balance on the load, I'd prefer a fifth wheel style hitch centered above the rear wheel. I do see most hitches at axle height and near the axle, so somebody must've found this preferable.
     
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  15. Gator 45/70

    Gator 45/70 Monkey+++

    Man,A few tie-wraps and a holder on the handle bar + an ice chest in the chair, Heck I call that set-up ''Genius"
     
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  16. arleigh

    arleigh Goophy monkey

    DSCN4154.JPG
    It all breaks down and fit's the trunk of a car.
    It can easily be reconfigured any way necessary.
    Standard electrical conduit, and canopy joints .and wheel chair wheels .
    Capable of over 300 lbs and I use this all over my property hauling debris and are wood .
    If you are bugging out and one of your party cannot walk this is a valuable option .
     
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  17. hot diggity

    hot diggity Monkey+++ Site Supporter+++

    I like some of the features on this rig too. :) upload_2019-4-19_18-18-12.
     
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  18. hot diggity

    hot diggity Monkey+++ Site Supporter+++

    Here's a really low slung trailer with wheel chair wheels and a quick disconnect water hose coupler.
    upload_2019-4-19_18-21-41.
     
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  19. ghrit

    ghrit Bad company Administrator Founding Member

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  20. hot diggity

    hot diggity Monkey+++ Site Supporter+++

    I'm thinking about building an experimental slotted fifth (third?) wheel attachment from the seat post to the rear of the cargo rack. I'm experienced with heavy panniers and the problems they can cause when you dismount the bike, so I can see where trailer tongue weight and hitch location will be crucial. It'd be fun to test now... so you don't get surprised when the front wheel begins to life as you go through a dip, or the rear wheel lifts and tries to pass the front when making a panic stop. :eek:

    Physics in practical application can be painful.
     
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