A graphical study of “MRT fit” for popular folding bicycles

by chuwa on December 27, 2007

Update <2008-12.15>
Since May 2008, the size limited for folding bike dimensions has been enlarged to 114cm X 64cm X 36cm when folded. Practically all the folding bikes listed here can travel on trains all day on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays. On weekdays, foldable bikes are allowed on board from 9.30am to 4.30pm, and then from 7.30pm to the end of service.

JZ88 can travel anytime if it is in a bag since it is smaller than the regular luggage size limit (81cm X 58cm X 30cm) when folded.

Jz88 - MRT limit
Brompton - MRT limit
Dahon Curve- MRT limit
Dahon MUSL- MRT limit
Strida- MRT limit

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I was triggered by a recent reply from SMRT regarding the use of folding bike (attached below). It was mentioned that the SMRT luggage size limit is 81x58x30cm. I conducted a graphical study to find out how well are the popular folding bikes fitting this MRT-size-limits.

I put the dimension of the bikes on the top-left corner of each picture, the depth is in italic text. The red dotted box indicates the size limit of 81cm x 58cm. The folded bike pass the test if it fits within the red-box. As can be seen JZ88 and Brompton easily pass the test. Dahon Curve can be consider to pass marginally. Dahon MUSL seems a bit too bulky but I have not tried to bring it into MRT. Strida is clearly too tall. However, I tried once to push the Strida into MRT and nobody stopped me. I was very careful not to cause any hassles to other passengers and the small footprint of the Strida (upright position) is quite acceptable actually, and of cause the SMRT staff were being friendly too :-)

SMRT replies on bikes and dirty buses
Straits Times Tuesday, December 25 2007, H6 “Forum”
Kuek Chor Ling (Ms), Manager Corporate Marketing and Communications SMRT Corporation

Quote here the part relates to bikes on MRT-
“I REFER to the letters, ‘Allow folded bikes on buses and trains’ by Ms Ng Lai Yien (ST, Dec 17), ‘Allow bikes on trains and build more skate parks’ by Mr Freddie Wee (ST Online Forum, Dec 19) and ‘Study issue carefully before making decision’ by Mr Tan Tuan Khoon (ST Online Forum, Dec 19).
We would like to clarify that large and bulky items such as bicycles are not allowed into our MRT system, as they may cause damage or injury to passengers.
Furthermore, during an emergency where passengers need to be evacuated quickly and safely, the presence of large items could be a possible obstruction.
However, we do allow foldable bicycles without protruding parts during off-peak hours.
The foldable bicycle must be packed in a bag not larger than 81cm by 58cm by 30cm.
Similarly, folded bicycles are allowed on SMRT buses. However, our Service Leaders can use their discretion to stop any passengers carrying bulky items from boarding the bus if they cause discomfort and inconvenience to our passengers.

We thank all the writers for sharing their feedback with us.”

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Other related posts/links:
– How to bring a folding bike into MRT!
- Traveling with folding bike
- Try Jz88 folding bike, 7 days for S$20
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{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }

Human Amp December 27, 2007 at 8:09 pm

These are missleading…. I have used both Strida and Brompton on subways and although the brompton takes up less cubic space, in practice it takes up much more room on the MRT … because the footprint is much smaller … ie long and thin like a baby stroller, umbrellar or walking stick .. this makes its MUCH more subway friendly … plus you dont need to carry it.

This would also apply to the Carry-me which is also long and thin and can be wheeled along.

Reply

PeiPei December 28, 2007 at 10:38 am

Finding a folding bike fitting to individual lifestyle is not as simple as I expected. Fitting into MRT is one of the consideration, important to those who intend to commute in “mix-mode”. However ride comfort, speed (riding folding. unfolding) and weight are all part of the equation and should not be ignored.
Brompton takes up a bigger foot-print and is therefore less handy than the Strida. On the other hand, you have to hold the Strida to keep it standing THROUGHT OUT THE MRT TRIP, which may not be acceptable by some.
I like the JZ88 because:
(1) it can be half-squeezed under the seat if there is one free, or
(2) lean against the end-of-bench to create my own seat, or
(3) keep between my legs if the train is crowed and I have to stand, or
(4) leave it alone away from me so that nobody know it’s mine

Reply

Seth December 29, 2007 at 9:52 pm

I would think it’ll be kind of unfair if I’m not allowed to bring my Strida onto the trains. After all, I’m pretty small sized, and with the Strida leaning right against me, I take up less space than some passengers.

And yes I do agree that having a smaller foot print is more important. The Strida is tall and thin, so it’s really not too bad even if the train is really packed. Like I said, some passengers take up more space on their own.

Reply

Vince March 18, 2008 at 11:12 am

well it all depends on situation. If that time u boarding with few passenger and not a peak hour, no one will care what n how big your items are :p

Reply

Chris May 28, 2008 at 12:54 pm

Just wondering what folding bike seems to be the most popular in Singapore?
Here in Taiwan I mostly see KHS and Giant Folding bikes, yet for some unknown reason I seldom see people taking them on the Subway.
Looking for folding bikes? – http://www.newfoldingbikes.com

Reply

aira July 28, 2008 at 7:22 pm

its amazing! what an idea. . .keep it up!

Reply

Ironman August 15, 2008 at 1:39 am

I travel daily on the Bus and MRT with the Dahon SP foldie.
I am careful not to inconvenience any passenger on board the Bus or MRT.
I get stares of amazement everytime I board the Bus or MRT
Travelling has never been so easy
until this
“Allow folded bikes on buses and trains” was introduced.

Kudo to the LRT,SMRT and all other authorities for Job well done.

Reply

Strida Folding Bicycle May 19, 2009 at 1:48 pm

I appreciate it very much, at least I know from it someone is reading the contents I have here.http://www.myfoldingbike.com

Reply

Strida June 10, 2009 at 1:55 pm

To experience the disk brakes Black, Skin Wall, Reflective Stripe Alloy, Cold Forged SS, Four Spider Cast Aluminum, Welded AL Mount Internal, Rear Hub Freewheel in your strida

Reply

bhelle November 25, 2009 at 7:33 pm

is there any one who have a feasibility study regarding folding bicycle?? thnx. kindly send it to my email. thnx

Reply

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