Storage, theft, travel and utility. How I found the Brompton folding bike to be the perfect solution for me in Krakow.

I hadn’t ridden a bicycle since I was maybe 14.  I grew up in Albany, NY and it was not a very cycle friendly city… as is unfortunately the case as well with the majority of America.   Now 13 years later I’ve been given a chance to be reintroduced to this great mode of transportation with a very unique type of bicycle. 

On the way to Tyniec along the Wisla

            First I looked for a used bike and went to visit a weekly used bike market in Krakow last summer.  I had an idea of getting a cheap bike that I could afford having stolen, however, I found searching for one difficult and I had no way to be sure if the quality or price I would of paid was good.  Paying more for a new standard sized bicycle would be too risky to lock up outside as a good bike thief can break even the strongest and most expensive locks within just a few minutes.  I didn’t want to have to worry if my new bike was still locked up or if it’s chain had been cut so I started to look online for transport ideas that would make sense for me here in Krakow.

I considered various folding bikes I could take with me including the Dahon Curve, Birdy, Mezzo, Strida and even A-Bikes.  After a good effort researching my decision was between a Bike Friday Tikit and a Brompton.  The Tikit had a much faster fold but it’s fold was larger and not as neat.   Though the Tikit has a better ride, has more gears and uses many more standard parts I knew for the bike I purchased to be used daily it would have to fold small and neat enough so that I could bring it with me wherever I went in the city.  I also wanted it to integrate with the various other modes of transportation in Krakow such as trams, buses, and taxis.  I needed a bike that I could comfortably bring into the various cramped restaurants and cafes in Krakow and for it to have a fold that would fit easily under a table neatly if need be. The Brompton folds into a secure 53 x 56 x 27cm square package making it the best fit for this task and after a good bit of difficulty I found a good contact in England and was able to import to Krakow.

Lunch break on Lake Balaton

I was also surprised to learn later that these little folding bikes are also used as touring bicycles for interesting new adventures around the world.  What made the Brompton unique for tours was that it incorporated so easily with all other forms of public transportation which opens up a whole new realm of travel!  Inspired by a Laura and Russ of www.pathlesspedaled.com and their multimodal trips a friend and I set off around Lake Balaton pedaling over 250km this past October for a great tour!

If anyone would like to learn more about these type of folding bikes check out a great review by clicking here: ecovelo.info and feel free to contact me at piotrgurin5@gmail.com.  I’ve found cycling to be often the best and most practical way to get from point A to B in Krakow and I find the Brompton the best solution to theft as well as the most convenient.  As a big fan I’m happy to help anyone who is interested in one! Cheers!