IN 2013 Big Fish will be introducing a new suite of next generation Bigfish bikes. Having launched the first generation some years ago, and after a hefty R&D investment, it is bringing out an entirely new range of bikes with improved folding mechanism, better components and a plusher finish. Central to both new models is the simplicity of the fold. Operated by buttons, this is a unique patented folding system, designed to be intuitive,
and with no right or wrong order for the folding process. The folded Bigfish can also be rolled upright when folded, making it easy to navigate crowded areas where you can't ride the bike, for example railway platforms. It's also a very slim folded package that makes storage easy.
The Bigfish Line is stylish spin on the
brand, while the Wave is a re-energised version of the Bigfish design. There’s also a compact folding e-bike in the works too, names the Bigfish Line+. info@bigfishbike.com
ONE OF the best known operators in the sector, Brompton’s UK-made line of folding bikes uses a compact, practical fold which, with a little practice, can be achieved within 20 seconds. When folded, it carries like a small suitcase, with small rollers allowing the bike to be pushed into inaccessible corners. Every bike is, of course, build by hand from scratch in London, so bikes can be made bespoke to the riders requirements, from colours and finish, to seatpost height, suspension, saddle and more. There’s also an increasingly wide range of accessories, with the clever award winning tool kit a recent highlight.
Brompton has recently made new e- coating developments. There’s more at 020 8232 8484
Mobiky
Fisher Outdoor Leisure
FISHER’S FOLDING house brand is UK- designed Kansi. Folding in less than ten mechanism – the quickest mechanism on the market, says the brand (though others in this feature would disagree) – there are three models available in the
iSkute
ISKUTE STOCKS e-bike folder 9transport. Available in four colours – red, white, black and blue – the bike has a foldable 6062 aluminium frame, 20-inch spoked alloy wheels, seven- speed Shimano thumb shifts and V- brakes front and rear. Moving on to the electric aspect of the bike, the model sports a 250w brushless motor and 36v battery. That translates to 55kms on one charge –
dependent on the effort put in – and a four-to-six hour charge time. RRP
is £1,200. More details available directly from iSkute. 01803 558885
simple range, available in two colours. First up is the 1 twenty (£525). The lightest bike in the range, this ride is pitched at simple cross town journeys and canal path rides, with a single speed coaster brake and simple, clean lines. The 3 twenty (£725) has a SRAM 3 speed internal hub for low maintenance. Finally, the 9 twenty (£875) has a nine speed drivetrain, the widest range of gears in the range, built to tackle any uphill or downhill ride. www.kansi.co.uk
MOBIKY OFFERS five folding bike models, three of which are electric. The non-electric versions are the Louis 16 and Steve 16, both sporting light aluminium frame and forks, V-brakes and Nexus roller brakes. The e-bike models – the Youris – are all 16- inchers, two with 3- speed (one with 5,5Ah and the other with 11AH) while the final Youri is an 8-speed version (also 11AH). The e-bikes come with Schwalbe or Kenda tyres and range in RRP from €1,595 to €1,950. The Louis, Steve and Youris are the latest from a line that started in 2004
Tiger Cycles
THE NEW Tiger Cycles Foldaway 2013 has been upgraded to offer more features than ever before seen on a budget price folding bike, Tiger confidently claims. A new aluminium height adjustable folding handlebar stem has been introduced in conjunction with a very low step through frame to suit all heights of rider. Other features include a sealed cartridge bottom bracket, full Shimano gears with six speed revo-shift, twin wall alloy rims, a super comfort sprung saddle, mudguards and carrier and the