Chainguard for a Dahon Folding Bicycle

My friend B just installed a chainguard on his wife's Dahon folding bike which she uses as her commuter. As folding bikes present their own challenges he was kind enough to document the process for us all.

Bike: Dahon Mariner
Problem: Pants in the chain.
Inspiration: Commuting Cyclist's chainguard


First, I ordered the chrome chain guard from Velo Orange for $10. Next, I picked up the Metal Strapping Kit (under $3 at the local hardware store), though it turns out it wasn't needed. After playing around with the chain guard, I realized I'd have more room by removing the plastic protective front chain ring, so off it went.

The chain guard is about 4" longer than the Dahon chain stay, and without modification the upper edge (parallel to the ground) would push it ~1/2" out, causing the chain guard to interfere with the pedal stroke. So, I clamped the chain guard to the kitchen counter and hacksawed its upper edge so that it could be bent up and around the seat stay later on.



The chain guard comes with two clasps, the larger of which does fit around the seat tube and position the guard in the right position. The clasp rests on the rear derailleur cable hanger and pinches the rear derailleur cable a bit, but the shifting is still smooth. No need for the metal strapping per the other website. Lining up the clasp, screw, washers, chain guard and nut was a pain, but brute force triumphed in the end.



With the front end attached, I needed a way to secure the rear end in a way that wouldn't rattle. I thought about using an inner tube to pad the seat stay but settled on using an old mountain bike grip that had been looking for a purpose for about a decade. Duct tape holds the grip in place (and matches the frame color), and a zip tie snugs the guard against the padded seat stay. Some nudging here and there, and the entire chain guard is out of the way of the pedal and doesn't rub the chain. In retrospect it would have been easier to do most of the bending and sharp edge buffing prior to securing the front, but I got it pretty well folded away and smoothed out in place. I was tempted to take it off, but the screw was enough of a pain that I decided to live with it as is.



My wife took it for it's first ride yesterday, and she did say that she felt her pants start to get chomped in the chain once during the ride, but they didn't get sucked all the way in. We'll see how it fares.

Trondheim Skirt Guard

This lovely submission comes from my world-traveling friend E, who noted the charm of what appears to be a home-made skirt guard on this folding bike in Trondheim.

Ever since I examined the skirt guard of that Pinarello in Washington I've been taken with the idea of giving it a try. Could be fun!

Sexy Brompton

OK, so you all already know that I've got a thing for men who ride Bromptons. So when I saw this handsome man I chased him down and asked to see his bike bag (and also take his photo!).


I noticed his very tasteful summer clothes and his clever black pant clips which discreetly protected his jeans. They're so discreet you can't even see them in this photo! UPDATE: He tells me "They're standard velcro clips with reflective strips, but I wear them inside-out during the day." C, you're clearly a man with good taste who recognizes elegant design.

He showed me his front-mounting Carradice bag and I'm now convinced that this is the only bag to use with a Brompton. The Brompton-made bag leaves a lot to be desired and the original Carradice rack bag has issues of its own. But they've finally gotten it right with this bag and there will be one coming in the mail to my house right away.



I was particularly impressed with the mounting system onto the Brompton proprietary front carrier block, and structural support for the rest of the bag. Carradice has outdone themselves this time, it's an incredible piece of engineering, well thought out and well executed. I was especially impressed by the two pockets facing the rider while the bag is mounted. I imagine those would come in particularly handy for sunglasses and headlights, etc.

Brompton Tail Light Modification

My husband's only complaint about his Brompton has been the stock lighting system. He tried to use it for a while but eventually stripped it all off. It just wasn't worth the hassle.
I'd like him to use more lights on his bike, so when I saw this clever Brompton set-up I took photos for him. Then I realized that some of you might be interested too.
At first I thought it was a DIY bracket, but after visiting Bikes Not Bombs I saw that they sell a Planet Bike rack bracket for the Planet Bike light, and that must be what we see here.
What is important, and may not come across in the photos, is that the light is low profile enough that it's protected by the wheels on the rack and does not need to be removed to fold the bike.

Strida Folder

Spotted at MIT and in the South End - the Strida folding bike. The man in the South End let us take his for a test ride and we were amazed at how smooth and comfortable the ride is. The belt drive keeps the bike clean (no chain lube) so it's easy to carry around, and small enough to hang in your closet. The only downside is that it all hinges on a single pin connecting the lower bar to the headtube. This possible failure mode made me a bit nervous, but not so nervous that I didn't enjoy riding the little thing! I guess it seems more like a transportation tool than a true bike, which I know sounds a bit odd.

Definitely Autumn Here

Time to bust out the sweaters and gloves and go see all the pretty foliage.

They really ARE cute....

I realized that part of why I think folders are cute is that a Brompton folds its underside to sit down, just like a dog. Then he sits and waits for you to come back for him.

A regular bike looks like its ready to roll off at any time, but a folder looks like a patient and loyal hound.


Dog photo by DBarrett

Men on folders

Yesterday I saw a gorgeous girl on an darling orange folding bike, riding up to MIT. The bike was so cute that I smiled and I think she was startled and happy and smiled back. She is just the second girl I've seen on a folder in all of Boston.

Where are you girls on folders? Will you send a photo of your 'look'?

Why is this type of bike so much more popular with the men?