Steve,
We have two dahon folding bikes and they both fit in our 6. I cut two slots in the aft end of the canopy rails about 3" forward of the aft end. This lets me lift the canopy completely off the airplane with no tool. I don't think I could get the bikes in there otherwise. One of the best, simple mods I made.
As for the bike, make sure you get a single speed, OR an internal shift mechanism. If there is a typical chain tension arm,it will get bumped and mess up the shifting.
Jim
There are various bikes suggested in previous posts.
I would suggest that you try and ride the different types before buying and find one that suits you to ride and you are comfortable with.
I personally have a Brompton 6 speed with the higher handle bar post and as the bike shop owner in his perfect English understatement recommended "The firmer rear suspension rubber would be better for you Sir"
I use this bike when Im away on business and for pleasure and have 1000's of miles on it. It is pricey but has better folding and torsion rigidity of the ones I have tried.
Rob
RV3 Bought and flying
RV 8 very very slow build.
Despite having owned a motorcycle with a single-sided swingarm, that single sided front fork on the Helix just looks inadequate.
I have to agree. They say no hinges, but it sure looks like a hinge to lock the front wheel in right at the bottom of the head stem. This is a critical stress area you do not want to have fail. Otherwise, you will go end over end.
https://www.ridehelix.ca/blog/post/?albumID=29
On this page, it says this is a critical IP area, so they purposefully do not show you their solution. I guess they have confidence in it, but they will have to convince everyone else.
It looks pretty great otherwise. I would love to take a closer look. I wish they kept the 20" wheels, so it would fold up even smaller.
This is my Dahon Mariner folder. Al frame. 750W motor, 14 AH battery. More than 60 or 70 mile range on batteries. (I havent found bottom on it yet). I can actually fit this through the baggage door on the -10 which is a huge plus. I am not the biggest fan of the Dahon designs, but I have not found anything better. They have all the appropriate adjustments available (which Tern does not for instance). I have had mine going down hill up to 35 to 40 mph, and it actually rides great, which belies its looks.
WOW, now THAT appears to be everything I have been looking for!
OK, you tossed that out and I fell for it hook line and sinker! Since Dahon don't make such a ride, and I cannot find any such conversions, do you care to share who made it and more data?
Oops, i just edited original post to add that mine is an electric conversion kit from a relatively new company called lunacycle.com. Basically, they are a reseller for parts (motor and batteries) from China, but it's easier to deal with a US company.
Thus, basically, get your favorite bike. Add the motor. Add the battery. Zip tie some wires and done. More or less. I know some bike shops will do the conversions for you, too.