So I decided to pull the trigger on a folder bike to get around town a little more easily. Pic related, Schwinn Loop.
I opted out of going stupid expensive, figuring that if I break this cheaper one then I can go get a better one.
The plan for upgrades is MKS FD-7 folding aluminum pedals, Cloud 9 Saddle because I've heard the stock seat is utter shit, and some better wheels/tires.
Any advice on the wheels/tires? The wheels just need to be semi-decent 20's that aren't in that goofy star pattern and will distribute the load a bit more evenly. Tires ideally need to be a bit better hybrid tread style because I'll ultimately need to hit gravel/grass.
>>957312
Interesting logic. Why not buy the thing you want straight from the start, rather than invest money into something lack luster that will either break, or have poor resale value- thus wasting that money + the money you'll spend on the thing you actually want?
You're also planning to polish a turd which = more money. Not to be a dick...just genuinely curious. Perhaps your best bet is to find the frame you like, then build it with the parts you want. It may be cheaper that way also. After all, eGay is saturated with bike shit.
>>957321
>Perhaps your best bet is to find the frame you like, then build it with the parts you want
the only way to go about it
instead of buying a full bike to salvage the frame just buy the frame
and don't buy anything hoping it would break so you can get it replaced, it's plain stupid and an awful waste of money you could just save towards your goal bike
>>957329
I use the philosophy with bikes that I use with tools, which means that you buy cheap and use it until it breaks. If it serves it's purpose and doesn't break, then you didn't need a more expensive tool.
As far as the polishing idea -- even with me investing some money in additional parts, it'll still be a 250 dollar bike. I can live with that.
Saddle and pedals are a given for pretty much any bike, sounds like you're on the right track there.
What's wrong with the wheels/tires? 20" rims are fairly tough, which is why they get away with the goofy spoke pattern. The front probably won't give you any issues. If you're heavy enough you might eventually fatigue and pop some drive side spokes in the back, but I'd not bother replacing the wheel until that happens.
Same deal for the tires, try them on some dirt/gravel and see how they do. You're not going to be making extreme corners on a folder, anything wide enough to not sink into the loose bits should be good enough.
>>957370
I've heard complaints about these particular wheels.
As for the tires, city slicks aren't going to cut it in some of the areas I'm going. They're going to have a bit of mud.
Should have just bought a Brompton, which are great riding bikes and perfect out of the box.
I laced up my own wheels and went with XT hubs and Sun rhyno rims for extra heavy duty and cheap
good hybrid tires are Maxxis Holly Rollers
>>959972
bromptons are shit, only good thing about them is the small fold
