Myth and Reality: I read it on the Internet - Peugeot bikes have "gas-pipe tubing"

We probably have all heard some folks dismissing Peugeots as "gas-pipe" bikes, sold on the reputation of their racing team (who used very different bikes themselves)
Well ... it depends on which Peugeot you get.

Buying a Bike - Part IV. Practical considerations

Having had a think about what bike to get next, and doing some investigations into size, it is perhaps time to look at some practical considerations.

Perhaps the first thing to look at is the risk of theft

Buying a Bike - Part III. Measuring up the folders!

As mentioned in Part II, there is a space about 750mm x 750mm next to my desk at work where a folding bike could be stored, safe and sound.

So how small do folding bikes fold?
And will they fit in the space next to my desk?

Also, how much do they weigh?
My little Cinzia is pretty heavy, and I don't want an even heavier folding bike than that!
My Cinzia is very similar to the Peugeot P20, which has a quoted weight of 32 lbs (14.5 kg) so I will set that as the top weight limit for a folding bike. I might go a bit over to allow for lights, dynamo (hub or "bottle"), racks and other "useful" features, but in general, I think the weight of a P20 is about all I want to lift!

Buying a Bike - Part II. Other Opinions

Much as we all like to think we know best, it never does any harm to ask other people what they think.
Some new ideas can come up, and lead you into an avenue of thought that you might not have ventured down.

If you remember, I had a list of ideas from Part I (links in Part I!)

• a traditional Gazele
• a Surly Pugsley
• a Montague Paratrooper
• a stainless steel Di Blasi
• something from the local independent bike shop
• something from the big chainstore in the town

My contacts suggested several other folding bike makes I should think about

• a Japanese Sugimura
• several models of Dahon
• a Graziella
• a Citizenbike Miami

Other options include

• something a bit oddball, like a used Peugeot NS
• the "Best of British" - a Brompton
• a Tern folding bike (a breakaway from Dahon)
• a cheap, used, ebay replacement for Cinzia
• another new Cinzia - after all, I had the first one for 20 years!

So the list is starting to fill out.
If you have a new idea, don't be afraid to work that into your considerations.

I have 12 or more ideas already, and most of them are for folding bikes!
It is just that after having a folder for so long, I just found it so handy.

I would put it in the boot (trunk) of the car (automobile) when I drove to the garage for a service or an annual safety check. then I would cycle home while the garage did their work. Then I would cycle back to the garage later to pick the car (automobile) up again, folding the bike up and putting it in the back, then driving home. It always seemed to me to be a very civilised way of doing things.

I measured the space up next to my desk at work - there is a space about 750mm (L) x 750mm (W) x about 1200mm (H) available, and a well placed steel desk leg nearby for locking things to.

I have not definitely decided on getting a foding bike yet, but if I am getting one, it would be handy if it goes into that space!

Buying a Bike - Part I. Blue Sky Thinking

Following the demise of my beloved Cinzia, I'm looking at getting another bike.
Think of this series of articles as a "case study" in the processes involved in rationally buying a bike.

First, think of some bikes you like the look of.
Perhaps a friend has one, or you saw it in a bike shop, or you read about it in a magazine.

For me, several bikes come to mind fairly quickly.