Also warning to OP, that DB has different rules for their trains: folding bikes are only those with wheels of 16 inches and smaller. Will depend on the ticket controller you get, but strictly speaking bikes with 20 inch and such larger wheels need a bike ticket and a reservation on ICE.
Honestly would be ideal if Germany could harmonize train rules. Different train systems also have differences in dog policy, electric vehicle policy, etc.
remove/lower seat, turn pedals inside, turn handle bar, remove front wheel. Probably you just need to check dimensions of the items for which you don't need to pay, rather than looking at the bike as a special thing.
I checked for the maximum size regarding Handgepäck and it seems the BVG has none. It just needs to not be disturbing other passengers or delay entry and exit. Needles to say I wouldn't take a full train anyways with such a contraption, but it seems to fine to have a modified full sized bicycle.
Had to pay 60 euros because i preemptively pulled out the seat tube out of my otherwise completely folded brompton, so be aware that s-bahn ticket inspectors are very unchill. Effin f*cks.
If you attach hinges to a 28-inch wheel, it's a folding bike. From what I've seen with others, a quick-release skewer on the front wheel is sufficient. Just pop the front wheel out when getting on the train. Then it's considered luggage and you don't need a ticket.
Yes, some kind of hinge, that you use is enough. If you want to use buses too (X-buses to the outskirts in my case) having a smaller size is helpful, but not technically required.
On the basis that cutting a frame in half and welding it together without having done the proper analysis means that you losing that game (which is very likely) ends up with you in hospital or dead. You may be technically right but you'll also probably be dead or injured so won't be able to enjoy it.
I am familiar with structural engineering and know how to lay a good bead. Of course I need to consider stress and I will be using an adequate hinge and reinforcements. But I totally understand your concerns.
I'm probably going with a 2 hinge design with a removable crossbeam on a typical old steel frame in order to have a better distribution of forces. But thanks for the tip.
Imagine being in a club that accepts only people with a beard. You removed your beard, arrive freshly shaved, but bring the hair that had been your beard earlier in a jar. And be like "no, you have to let me in. I came with a beard, the beard is inside that jar here." - there you go.
Look at the Beförderungsbedingungen from VBB ( Verkehrsverbund Berlin Brandenburg) §11 Beförderung von Sachen.
The Folding Bike must be completely folded. The wheel size does not matter.
The problem is not all ticket inspectors know of this rule. Be prepared to argue or download the Beförderungsbedingungen to show them.
I have some folding bikes (14,16,20,26 Zoll) and had these arguments in the past.
Also warning to OP, that DB has different rules for their trains: folding bikes are only those with wheels of 16 inches and smaller. Will depend on the ticket controller you get, but strictly speaking bikes with 20 inch and such larger wheels need a bike ticket and a reservation on ICE.
Honestly would be ideal if Germany could harmonize train rules. Different train systems also have differences in dog policy, electric vehicle policy, etc.
Thank you very much, I will have them with me.
remove/lower seat, turn pedals inside, turn handle bar, remove front wheel. Probably you just need to check dimensions of the items for which you don't need to pay, rather than looking at the bike as a special thing.
I checked for the maximum size regarding Handgepäck and it seems the BVG has none. It just needs to not be disturbing other passengers or delay entry and exit. Needles to say I wouldn't take a full train anyways with such a contraption, but it seems to fine to have a modified full sized bicycle.
Had to pay 60 euros because i preemptively pulled out the seat tube out of my otherwise completely folded brompton, so be aware that s-bahn ticket inspectors are very unchill. Effin f*cks.
Damn, those assholes need to chill more.
People who are on commission or have to make a quota are never really caring, it's just numbers. Quite pathetic really.
If you attach hinges to a 28-inch wheel, it's a folding bike. From what I've seen with others, a quick-release skewer on the front wheel is sufficient. Just pop the front wheel out when getting on the train. Then it's considered luggage and you don't need a ticket.
Alright good to know, thank you. I will however make a double hinge as I do not want to deal with 2 separate pieces.
My 26" Dahon Espresso D24S never had issues with BVG (U-Bahn) or Deutsche Bahn (S-Bahn and Regionalbahn).
It folds in half and I rotate the handle bar, so its pretty flat.
Yes, some kind of hinge, that you use is enough. If you want to use buses too (X-buses to the outskirts in my case) having a smaller size is helpful, but not technically required.
No.
On what basis? What is the issue? The size in general, the wheel size?
On the basis that cutting a frame in half and welding it together without having done the proper analysis means that you losing that game (which is very likely) ends up with you in hospital or dead. You may be technically right but you'll also probably be dead or injured so won't be able to enjoy it.
I am familiar with structural engineering and know how to lay a good bead. Of course I need to consider stress and I will be using an adequate hinge and reinforcements. But I totally understand your concerns.
Then I hope the end result is what you're hoping for! Good luck! ^
In that vein I've seen mountain bikes with one down tube with the fold there - similar to how Bromptons do it if you're looking for inspo.
I'm probably going with a 2 hinge design with a removable crossbeam on a typical old steel frame in order to have a better distribution of forces. But thanks for the tip.
Imagine being in a club that accepts only people with a beard. You removed your beard, arrive freshly shaved, but bring the hair that had been your beard earlier in a jar. And be like "no, you have to let me in. I came with a beard, the beard is inside that jar here." - there you go.