UPGRADE CENTER
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UPGRADE CENTER |
The secret to successfully carrying load on a folding bike is to "travel light". Folding bike frames are designed for compactness, with chainstays not as long as full pledged touring bikes. Coupled with its small wheeled design, the rack when mounted on the bike sits relatively lower to the ground compared to its big wheeled counterparts. You cannot really mount regular panniers on this rack because it will sit closer to the ground and will interfere with your heels as you pedal. Solution is to use an expandable trunk bag. Made by Lone Peak, we have used this bag extensively for touring. Measuring at approximately 12" x 6 1/2" x 8" in its unexpanded form, it balloons to about 1100 cubic inches of space (see right picture). Includes 2 mesh pockets on the side plus a zippered pouch on top. Carrying handle on top plus a shoulder strap for easy lugging when off the bike. Reflectorized strip on the rear with a belt loop for clip on blinking lights. Easy on and off mounting with 4 quick release buckles on the sides. Manufacturers lifetime warranty for normal wear and tear. Still made in the USA.
LPEAKTRUNK...... $69.95
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SUN Handlebar Bag. The key to loading your folding bike is to distribute your load between the front and back bags. Load small heavy items (like camera and camcorder) and important documents in front. Bag can be attached either using velcro loops or quick slide bracket. Mesh pockets on the side. Utility zippered pccket in the front and a map holder on top. Comes with shoulder straps. BAGSUNBAR...... $34.95 |
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SUN Trunk Bag. Expandable trunk bag with 2 pockets on the side that fold out like mini panniers. Expandable top. Rear pockets in the rear with reflectorized strips. Bungee mesh on top. Attaches to rack with 4 velcro straps. BAGSUNTOP...... $59.95 Compared to the Lone Peak bag, the Sun trunk bag is bigger. The mounting velcro straps on the Sun also tend to be short depending on the rack you use. Suggest using bungee chords to secure this bag to your rack. |
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LONE PEAK Foothill Front Panniers. Compact front panniers that fits the Dahon front touring rack. Mounting points on the bags are specially mounted closer for us by Lone Peak for the Dahon rack. Compression straps on the outside. Drawstring cord on the inside top of the bag. LPEAKPANNIER...... $84.95 pair (left and right) |
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Remember that your folding bike acts the same way as a small compact car. It has a smaller trunk space, so do not expect to load it as much as you would a mini van. By carrying only what is necessary, you will learn to enjoy "travelling lite". The picture on the right was taken on a 10 day unsupported trip around the Big Island of Hawaii. The trunk bag carried everything we needed for the duration of the trip. Aside from the riding clothes on our back, the bag contains another set for the next riding day, a set of street clothes for the night, backup shoes and toiletries. Bring quick dry clothes as much as possible, visit the laundromat when available and layer up instead of bringing heavy and bulky outer wear. |
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