Hi. Your video was a inspiration to go touring in our folding bikes. My wife and me have two Dahon they are more than 10 years old and I have made some upgrades on them. So, we packed our stuff and went to the South of Chile, our country. Every bike was loaded with more than 20 kilos (around 45 pounds) and we have cycled mostly pave roads around Lago Ranco, but also some gravel and the bikes performed great, we haven't had any ptoblems, not even a puncture So we can say that bike touring on folding bikes is not only possible but also very enjoyable Cheers
I did 6 weeks in Japan on a Dahon I bought in Tokyo. Other than a few broken spokes it did just fine. Didn't have the gears to go up any hills but I was in no hurry so I just walked up them. I'm a firm believer that you can tour on anything, you just have to accept the limitations if what you're using isn't ideal.
Hi from Istanbul. 👋 I watch the video with pleasure. I wish you finish the tour as you planned. And I wish you finish the tour much much easier than you imagine. Good luck.
Oh, I have a friend in Fruita, CO. He actually took me camping back in college. I remember we walked across the Rockies eastward from Steamboat Springs. Had some great adventures. We asked permission to camp in a farmer's field. He said sure. But as we were fixing to eat dinner, a group of horses came trotting over and they had this expression on their faces like "Oh, this is gonna be good!" That's when we heard this loud snorting and a big bull came out of the bushes, stamping the ground, and looking like he was planning to wreck our campsite. My friend calmly picked up the little gas stove we were using, made a big flame come out of it, and started walking towards the bull. The bull looked confused, then he turned and charged at the horses that were watching us, scattering them. He ran off and didn't bother us again.
I would encourage you to put a ultralight backpacking kit together. Compact, simple, light. You don't need ANY ultralight equipment. Use a kitchen scale and weigh every single item, choose the lighter gear, as long as it does the same thing--then, add your bike tools. That's all you need. Put that in panniers or bags and you'll take all need for a trip. A lot less and much lighter.
Cool trip so far. The Zizzo site indicates that the bike can handle 300lbs. I assume it can handle a little more and that 300lbs is the fence before the actual frame limit. Assuming you will lose weight on the trip and you will reduce the load after you eat meals carried with you, I feel positive about the journey.
Gteat video Brian. Looking forward to seeing the rest of your adventure. Since it was relatively short notice I'm wondering what changes you made to the bike to prepare for the big journey.
Just remember this, im 6ft and 300lbs and I ride my Forte all over the place. I’ve added bags as well and I don’t get a creek. Not one. That frame is a rock solid beast. Ive upgraded a few things so it’s close to the new 2023 model and it’s smooth as silk. So, ride at will and enjoy with no worries.
@@shalakabooyaka1480 I wouldn’t hesitate to buy one your weight is not a factor. Upgrade the derailleur to as nice as you can afford. That’s the only thing I wouldn’t suggest. The newer version does come with a bit better drivetrain so it isn’t completely necessary but it’s a good thing. I also switched mine to trigger shifters for personal preference. Good luck and enjoy.
@@TroubleshootGamingMeds ah, good thought. Do you know how much the Zizzo can carry? My Brompton is limited to carry 10 kg on the front block and 10 kg on the rack. So traveling with the Brompton with more than 20 kg requires a trailer or a backpack.
@@Kleingarten The Zizzo is rated for 300 lbs. It is a very robust bike and hence the logical choice for this tour. That said, another popular choice in the 20-inch folding bicycle form function would be the Bikefriday New World Tourist. It too is a very capable selection and a proven performer for long rides. What Brian is doing is testing the Zizzo Forte to see if it is viable as a touring bike and is a great service to the community. The Forte is quite affordable and would be a great all arounder.
Well air horns don't work on dogs so I wouldn't risk trying one on a bear ( tried one in the local park because people don't control them ) . They tend to be temporarily confused but then carry on mauling your legs !
I won a Bike Friday pakiT some years ago and while I love it to death, it just has no practical load limit. I'm talking me and a water bottle, thats it. Diamond Llama will take all kindsa weight. Maybe someday, who knows. Great vid. Thanks for the Zizzo torture test. If you have to, leave the bike and ride a bear home...
As an American, why not buy and use a Montague folding bike for a trip like this. This former Army bike has ordinary wheels and an Mtb gearing, brakes and also a civil version. For long riding I would certainly prefer larger wheels! Finn. Denmark
