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  #1  
Old 04-18-2010, 12:18 PM
petehowell's Avatar
petehowell petehowell is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: MN
Posts: 2,269
Default Kent Compact 16 Bike

I read the threads on the folding bikes and thought they were pretty cool, but seemed a bit pricey for the amount of use I would give one. So I summoned the power of Google to find me a cheaper option.

Here is what I found: The Kent Compact 16 at $139 delivered(new customer) it is not that bad. You won't win any races on it and I'm sure the pricier bikes are better quality, but my goal was "better than walking" and this one meets and beats the goal. It has an alloy frame and is in the 25# range.

We needed a mission for the bike, so Kate and I decided a brunch picnic in Rushford would be just great. Here's our story and we are stickin' to it!

We carefully folded the bike and slid it behind the seat - it fits easily even with the spare nosewheel, O2 bottle, tools, brunch, and other stuff.



Even the little one is growing up, but not me!


We did not loiter at Prairie Island Nuke Plant - The bike was not affected by background radiation - Nuke Proof- Check


Left Downwind for 34 - Spring has sprung - look at the green!


See - better than walking. 6 speeds - front and rear brakes - luggage rack. Unfolds in 30 sec.


Kate likes it, too!


A little brunch!


Folds in 30 secs for the trip home! I think it is a gem for the money.


Let me know if you have questions.
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Pete

Amateur Plane - RV-9A N789PH - 2350+ Hrs
Amateur Radio - KD0CVN
Doggies Delivered - 25+
St. Paul, MN

Last edited by petehowell : 04-18-2010 at 02:11 PM.
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  #2  
Old 04-18-2010, 01:23 PM
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pierre smith pierre smith is offline
 
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Location: Louisville, Ga
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Default Thanks Pete...

...I'm not at the airport but I wonder if it'll fit diagonally through the -10's baggage door. I don't recall the door's diagonal measurement but I'll see it tomorrow,

Thanks,
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RV-10, 510 TT
RV6A (Sojourner) 180 HP, Catto 3 Bl (502Hrs), gone...and already missed
Air Tractor AT 502B PT 6-15 Sold
Air Tractor 402 PT-6-20 Sold
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It's never skill or craftsmanship that completes airplanes, it's the will to do so,
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  #3  
Old 04-18-2010, 01:37 PM
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hydroguy2 hydroguy2 is offline
 
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Location: Townsend, Montana
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Default

is it just me or one of those optical illusions? I think even an ol'fat guy like me could have walked from the plane to that table.

ok, nice bike
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  #4  
Old 04-18-2010, 01:41 PM
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petehowell petehowell is offline
 
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Location: MN
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Default Not too far, but.....

It was uphill - both ways!


Quote:
Originally Posted by hydroguy2 View Post
is it just me or one of those optical illusions? I think even an ol'fat guy like me could have walked from the plane to that table.

ok, nice bike
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Pete

Amateur Plane - RV-9A N789PH - 2350+ Hrs
Amateur Radio - KD0CVN
Doggies Delivered - 25+
St. Paul, MN
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  #5  
Old 08-08-2010, 06:18 PM
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carlrai carlrai is offline
 
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 502
Default Will two fit

Great value there Pete. Photo of the bike in the baggage area looks like an easy fit. Would two fit?? This or the Citizen look like the ticket for the occasional trip when bikes make life easier.
Thanks
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Lutz, FL
RV-9A N194CR
RV-14A Under construction
Based at KZPH
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  #6  
Old 08-08-2010, 06:36 PM
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petehowell petehowell is offline
 
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Location: MN
Posts: 2,269
Default Hey Carl

I have not tried two, but I think they would fit. Maybe Mr Maib can find a 2 seater and see if they will fit in there for us.
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Pete

Amateur Plane - RV-9A N789PH - 2350+ Hrs
Amateur Radio - KD0CVN
Doggies Delivered - 25+
St. Paul, MN
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  #7  
Old 08-08-2010, 07:24 PM
FredMagare FredMagare is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Kyle, TX
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Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by hydroguy2 View Post
is it just me or one of those optical illusions? I think even an ol'fat guy like me could have walked from the plane to that table.

ok, nice bike
But she did it in 1/3 the time!
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RV-9A Firewall Forward
[Engine purchased]
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  #8  
Old 08-09-2010, 11:37 AM
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Snowflake Snowflake is offline
 
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Location: Victoria, BC, Canada
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Default

I like the bike, and the 20" version of the Citizen looks good too. You could probably get two of the 16" ones into the baggage compartment on a 6 though. The only catch is, at 25lb each, you're eating up half of your baggage capacity before you even think about luggage. And with two bikes, you won't get much luggage in.

I guess everything is a tradeoff...
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1996 RV-6 "Tweety" C-FRBP (formerly N196RV)
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  #9  
Old 08-10-2010, 09:24 PM
Rupester Rupester is offline
 
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Location: Mahomet, Illinois
Posts: 2,195
Default JUst bought the 20" Citizen

...and am VERY pleased with it. It's a little over $300, but is VERY well made and comes ready to unfold and ride. Seven-speeds. Also weighs in at 25#. One will fit in the back of my 9A, but not two of 'em.
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S. James cowl/plenum
(Dues paid thru Nov '18)
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