Once opening the box, you will be surprised with loads of accessories. There are a carrying case and two other boxes. In the first box, you can find the handlebar mount for your smartphone. The second box comes with a rubber cover for the camera ports, a sport protective frame, and some mounts to attach the camera to any surface. The Seeker Essential case feels very tough and durable, it is where you can keep the camera with its housing, two batteries, two USB-C cables, zip ties, a lanyard, and a bike mount.

The SEEKER R1 is the heart of the gadget. It comes inside a bulky housing which adds a red LED taillight around the perimeter, laser lights to mark a virtual bike lane and a 5,000mAh rechargeable battery for additional 5-hour runtime. You can remove the camera from its housing and it becomes an independent 4K action camera. Then you can use the protective frame and mount it on the handlebar or your helmet. This camera has a weatherproof design, dual screens, image stabilization and can shoot 4K at 60fps. It is a versatile camera that you can use not only on your bike but also out of the bike; Therefore, you can capture any moment of your bike trip.

Setting up the SEEKER R1 is quite straightforward. I just mounted it to the seatpost of my bike by turning hand knobs to tighten the screws; No tool is required during the whole setup. Next, I installed the Go Ape app on my phone, and finally connected the camera to my phone via Wi-Fi connection. Of course, you can use the camera without the app but you won’t be able to use its best feature named Rearview e-Mirror. The R1 camera is combined with your smartphone to provide a live feed of incoming vehicles from the back so that you can safely change lane or make a turn without checking over your shoulders. This is like a rearview mirror on your car. You can see everything on your phone as you ride; It also displays some other information like battery life, current speed, direction, or altitude.

As mentioned earlier, the camera housing has laser lane indicators on either side of your bike. This creates your own bike lane so that other vehicles could keep a safe distance from you. The virtual lane is bright and clear, so I feel much safer riding my bike at night. Another nice safety feature is the smart taillight; It is a solid light when I ride my bike but once I slow down, it begins flashing to notify others and avoid rear-end accidental collisions.

Conclusion

Pros

• Easy to set up
• Useful safety features like rearview e-mirror, rear taillight and virtual lane
• Large 5,000mAh battery
• Useful app
• All accessories and mounts are included
• Suitable for all weather conditions, in rain or snow 

Cons

• Average video and audio quality
• microSD card is not included

Bike safety technology seems to be the trend for bike gadgets in the upcoming years. The SEEKER R1 is an appealing product for cyclists and bikers and it comes very close to an essential gadget for them. At the moment, it has a hefty price tag of $429 and I only recommend it if you really like those safety features.

The post apeman SEEKER R1 Review – All-In-One Smart Cycling Camera appeared first on BikeFolded.

Consumers might get confused when looking for a saddle because they come in a variety of shape, size, style, and price. The Bikally BS01 is a cushioning saddle and it is so different to standard saddle coming with your bikes. Unlike performance saddles, the Bikally features a very wide and thick design with high-density foam padding and springs underneath which are useful in absorbing bumps when riding on uneven roads.

As compared to the saddle of my Dahon, the BS01 is significantly larger; the top surface measures 11.02″x9.84″. Inside the box, we have the saddle and all the tool required to set it up. The saddle can fit seatposts with or without cradles. I just installed the cradle rails to my Dahon bike and it took less than 1 minute. If your seatpost doesn’t have the cradle, you can use the included seat clamp to install the saddle.

Another nice touch is that there is a wide rear reflector on the back of the saddle. Therefore, you totally can remove the bulky reflector on your bike to make the design look cleaner. Besides, the saddle cover is made of microfiber synthetic leather which is wear-resistant and waterproof while the steel frame is corrosion-resistant, so you shouldn’t worry much when using it under the rain; Just wipe it with dry cloth and everything will look great like new.

Since the padding is made of high-density foam which is firm and doesn’t compact as quickly as softer foam. Therefore, the saddle is more durable even for tall and heavy cyclists. The design is obviously not optimized for road cyclists with aggressive riding positions, however, it is more suitable for short-duration rides.

Overall, the Bikally BS01 is a perfect comfort saddle for recreational cycling and cruising. I often use it when cycling with my family, it helps me sit in a relaxed position, look out for my kids and explore surroundings. At this time, it is available on Amazon for less than $30.

Buy Bikally BS01 Bike Saddle on Amazon

The post Bikally BS01 Comfortable Bike Saddle Review appeared first on BikeFolded.

Handlebar: The B75 uses the Classic M-type (1015mm) handlebar. This is the old M-type handlebar version that was equipped on Brompton bikes before 2017. It has the same handle height as the newer version but it is more curve and has higher rise. As the result, the stem on the B75 is shorter than the one on a standard M-type bike. Therefore, you can expect the handlebar of the B75 a little less stable.

Frame: The B75 uses exactly the same steel frame as seen on any other Brompton. However, it has only one color option which is Water Blue. The frame and extremities’ colors are uncustomizable.

Gears: The bike has 3 speeds like the Brompton M3L or M3E, however, it uses the former version of gear shifter which is not paired with brake levers. Since 2017, standard Brompton bikes use gear shifters with integrated brake levers which improve the shifting ergonomics and streamline the look of the Brompton.

Mudguards: E type (no mudguards, no rack)

Gear Ratio: -12% gearing as standard, same ratio on any bike, not customizable.

Saddle: B75’s saddle doesn’t have the same quality as on Standard version but it can be easily replaced.

Seatpost: Extended (inside leg up to 35 inches)

Lighting: Reflectors only

Tires: This bike features Schwalbe Marathon Racer tires without reflective sidewalls.

Pedals: non-folding pedals

Weight: The B75 weighs 11.6 kg (25.57 lbs) while the standard M3E weighs 11.13 kg (24.54 lbs).

The post Brompton B75 vs Brompton Standard Folding Bike – Here are All The Differences appeared first on BikeFolded.

To provide more info about the history of folding bikes, we partnered with Mobilunity to create an infographic based on the article. Check this out.

The post [Infographic] The Evolution of Folding Bikes appeared first on BikeFolded.

16-inch folding bikes are the most compact ones and there is no doubt about its mobility. All Brompton bikes are made with the small wheels and we are seeing some good options from Dahon. Obviously, the smaller wheels make the folded size smaller, lighter, and more manageable. This is considered the perfect size for urban commuters who carry the bike on public transportation. There are a lot of advantages of the small bikes but there are some downsides as well. Some good-quality bikes from Dahon or Brompton cost no less than $1,000 and might go up to over $2,000 after some upgrades. The prices are out of reach for most average consumers, so you should consider carefully if the compact size is really important for your daily commute. I have a 6-speed Brompton and I’m quite satisfied with the $2,000 investment. It does not only have a small size but also have an unparalleled design and build quality. It can be folded and unfolded effortlessly, and deliver smooth and comfortable rides.

While bicycles with 20-inch wheels are significantly larger, they have some benefits like lower starting price or more stable ride. In fact, a majority of folding bikes I’ve reviewed have the 20-inch wheels. It’s considered a good balance between folded size and performance. The bikes are still manageable while the riding quality is generally better than the small 16-inch wheels. I’ve used some 20-inch folders for more than 3 years and they still have the same look and feel as seen on the first day. Moreover, they cost just a fraction of the smaller Brompton’s, so this is a good start when you’re looking for the first folding bike.

In case you can’t get used to small bicycles, a full-sized folding bike will be a perfect choice. This is a bulky bike and nobody wants to carry it around. However, it is still much more portable than a regular bike. You can bring it anywhere by putting in your car trunk, it is just not suitable for multi-modal travel. Many types of public transportation will not accept carrying the large bike on board. The difference in speed is unnoticeable but you will absolutely get a more stable and comfortable bike. If you have to deal with a lot of hills and bumpy roads, you will appreciate the 24-inch folding bikes.

Overall, each size of the folding bikes has its own advantages and disadvantages. Since we all want a compact size, I’d recommend the ones with 16-inch or 20-inch wheels. Just make sure to buy one from a reliable manufacturer like Brompton, Dahon, or Tern.

The post 16-inch vs 20-inch vs 24-inch Folding Bike Comparison – What is the Perfect Wheel Size? appeared first on BikeFolded.

Some notable releases by Dahon in the last year include the Dahon Jifo Uno, EEZZ D3, and the new Dahon Curl. These are built to compete with Brompton as all of them have the same 16-inch wheels.

The Dahon Curl looks like a blatant clone of the Brompton. We are seeing exactly the same folding mechanism with a flip-fold rear wheel. However, the frame geometry of the Curl looks really weird. Personally, I prefer the classic and minimalist look of the Brompton, with the subtle curve in the main tube. As compared to a 3-speed Brompton, the Curl has almost the same price while there is no clear advantage. Therefore, Brompton is obviously a better choice in this case.

The Dahon Jifo Uno is the lightest, smallest and cheapest folding bike in the comparison but I don’t recommend the bike. It is $300 cheaper than the single-speed Brompton S1E but the design, build quality and performance are rated way lower than Brompton. Besides, the Jifo is too short and small, so it becomes impractical for tall riders.

The Dahon EEZZ D3 is probably the closest competition but it still falls behind. The bike has 3 gears but the gear inches are quite low, so it can’t compete with a Brompton in terms of speed. Again, the EEZZ is built for cyclists with average heights only; tall riders will find the cockpit cramped and uncomfortable for long rides.

Overall, Dahon has made some expensive bikes with 16-inch wheels but none of them could be on the same standard as Brompton. I prefer Brompton in the high-end category not just because of the better design and performance, but also because the resale value is still very high after years of usage. Besides, the design of Brompton almost doesn’t change over the years, so you can easily buy accessories and replacement parts.

Obviously, Dahon has done a much better job with bigger 20-inch folding bikes. I’ve used some cheaper Dahon bikes like Mariner, Vybe, or Qix D8 and I’ve never had to bring them to a repair shop. The riding quality and comfort of those bikes are also equal or even better than Brompton. Therefore, if you don’t really need a compact fold, those Dahon bikes are totally worth your consideration while not breaking the wallet.

The post Brompton vs Dahon Folding Bike – A New Comparison appeared first on BikeFolded.

Apart from the standard versions, the Bromptons are also available in reduced or raised gearing variations. So, you will have more choices to pick your suitable gear inches. You might want to choose a lowered gear to pedal easier on hillier roads or a raised gear to go faster on flatter conditions. Keep in mind that the gear range on a Brompton will feel a little different as compared to the range of road bikes.

Now, let’s check out the gear inches (the diameter of the hypothetical wheel each gear creates) and meters of development (the distance the bicycle travels for one crank revolution) of all the Bromptons.

The post Gear Inches of Brompton with Single Speed, 2 Speeds, 3 Speeds and 6 Speeds appeared first on BikeFolded.

In fact, the riding performance is good and I just found out the issue when rolling the bicycle in shopping cart mode. Specifically, when I pushed the handlebar to roll the bike, I started hearing some loud pinging sounds. After some investigation, I figured out that the noise comes from the collision between the front wheel’s spokes and the chain tensioner nut. The nut is installed outside of the rear derailleur and it helps keep the chain taut when the Brompton is in folded or unfolded position.

The nut protrudes more on my bike since this is the 6-speed Brompton M6L. Therefore, when I roll the bike, the front wheel makes contact with the ground and rotate as well. The tiny rolling wheels on the rear wheel obviously can’t provide enough clearance to lift the front wheel. So, when you roll the bike, there are more chances the spokes will hit the nut. I had to tilt the bike slightly to temporarily fix the issue. If the problem persisted, it would be a huge disappointment.

It’s really unacceptable as a leading folding bike manufacturer like Brompton could make that design defect when everything else is brilliant. I had to find a solution myself and surprisingly, a simple change fixed it.

All you need to do is screw the handlebar catch, flip it over, and then screw it back again. I did the trick and couldn’t understand how it solved the problem.

If you have the same issue with your Brompton, let me know if the trick works on your folder.

The post Brompton’s Front Wheel Spokes Hit Rear Derailleur When Rolling – How to Fix It? appeared first on BikeFolded.

On spec sheets, the Dahon Curl measures 24.8″ x 22.4″ x 12.2″ while the Brompton measures 23″ x 22.2″ x 10.6″ in folded size. So the Brompton seems to be slightly smaller but you will hardly notice the difference in real life. Check out the video below to see the side-by-side comparison between the 2 most compact folders.

The post Brompton vs Dahon Curl – Side-by-side Comparison appeared first on BikeFolded.

The Lumos smart helmet was brought to life by a successful Kickstarter campaign. We tested it thoroughly in the last month and here is the full review.

Features & Performance

My review unit comes in black color and it truly looks amazing. You can also opt for other colors like white and blue. This is among the most beautiful helmets in my collection, and more importantly, it is the first one with integrated lights.

You can see a super bright white LED array on the front and red LEDs on the back. They do not only help you get noticed on the road but also act as turn signals. You can install the two-button wireless remote on your handlebar, it will be synchronized with the helmet after you powering it on. Then when you press the left or right button, you can start seeing the turn signals on your helmet blinking in the corresponding direction. To stop the signals, you will just need to press on the remote again. I love that the remote is small and water-resistant, so you can still use it and the helmet when it’s raining.

You can also install the Lumos Helmet app to customize the turn signal beeping. You can adjust the sound so that it beeps once or constantly with the blinking lights.

Another interesting feature is automatic warning lights. The Lumos has a built-in accelerometer and this will help replicate car brake lights. Once you activate the feature, it will know when you are slowing down quickly or when you make a sudden stop, and all the lights on the back will turn solid red then. The feature is still in beta and it is more like a gimmick in my opinion. I often turn it off to increase the battery life of the helmet. Moreover, if you watch the testing video above, you can see that the brake lights don’t work smoothly like expected.

The battery life of the Lumos is quite impressive. During my test, I rode about 40 minutes every night and I didn’t need to recharge it for a whole week (I don’t cycle on weekends). Notice that you will need to recharge both the helmet and the wireless remote. Fortunately, they make the process easier with magnetic connectors.

The Lumos has an appealing design and great build quality, however, it is not really comfortable for my head. My head size is a little more than 62 cm (24.4 inches), so the helmet doesn’t really fit well. At the moment, there is one size only for 54 – 62cm (21.3 – 24.4 inches) head and there is no plan to produce bigger sizes. Another downside is that the Lumos is heavier than most traditional helmets. It weighs approximately 1 lbs while my Giro helmet weighs just half as much.

The LED lights are bright enough to be seen by other people but they won’t be able to show you the road. You shouldn’t use the Lumos helmet to replace your bicycle’s front and rear lights. It will just make you ride safer on the road and you no longer have to make hand signal at every turn.

Conclusion

Pros

• Beautiful design
• Super bright LED lights
• Useful turn signals

Cons

• Heavy
• 1 size only
• Expensive

The Lumos helmet is a premium accessory for cyclists. It is more expensive than the best bike helmets on the market. I only recommend the product if you ride in the dark a lot and need to use the turn signal feature.

Buy Lumos Helmet on the official website

The post Lumos Smart Bicycle Helmet Review – Lighting and Turn Signals on your Head appeared first on BikeFolded.