The problem with articles in a 'bicycle magazine' is that they / it is part of the bike-selling-machine.

Quite. The same applies to automotive magazines. Even if the editorial staff know beter, they aren't going to say anything that will upset advertisers.

When it comes to biking to work-get an old 10 speed road/tourer for £50 and see if you like the concept in practice. I used to quite like it, but if you need to wear a suit at work, forget it.

Folding bikes are very good in niche situations, but overall they are too compromised to be considered a good buy. My road bike was unpopular with conductors on crowded trains-but I could usually squeeze in somewhere and just stay with it so it didn't inconvenience anyone unduly. And it doubled up as a great tourer at weekends-which the folder isn't.

Edited by unthrottled on 28/06/2011 at 20:21

Oddly enough I've just been watching am online clip from the "Gadget Show" on the subject of folding bikes and the Brompton was awarded their highest score.

I seem to be having to commute to London a lot more these days, at least once a week and on the occasions I use the train I could see a Brompton being ideal for the last leg from Euston rather than suffering the rigours of the tube.

I keep meaning to investigate the "Boris bike" thing too.

We are keen weekend mountain bikers but getting even a folding version of one of those on a rush-hour train might be a bit of a pain.

Bromptons aren't cheap mind, I think I'd need to convince myself of its long term use first.