Oops I bought another weird bike

[inconsistant]

I haven’t bought a bike for ages, and after the interest caused by me fooling you all into thinking I was buying a Volvo when I got this bike:

Itera Plastic Bike 

I thought I’d do a thread on what is currently between my legs as I head home after collecting it.

 

it’s a Puma Biomega Boston folding bike. Yeah I know! Dates from 2005 when they were sold for a few years. 
ridden it about 10 miles so far and it's a nice ride, 8 speed hub gears but stuck in 2nd so it’s been slow going. More to follow.

[wuvvum]

Is that a Nexus hub?  Didn't realise they made an 8-speed Nexus that far back.

[inconsistant]

 

 

 

[inconsistant]

2 minutes ago, wuvvum said:

Is that a Nexus hub?  Didn't realise they made an 8-speed Nexus that far back.

I can only see this, but haven’t had a proper look over it yet. 

[FakeConcern]

Very interesting!

When I first saw the pics I thought it was a Slingshot...

[inconsistant]

Also this was just around the corner from where I bought it

 

[wuvvum]

5 minutes ago, inconsistant said:

I can only see this, but haven’t had a proper look over it yet. 

Must have had a replacement rear wheel at some point - according to Wikipedia Alfine didn't even exist in 2005.

[inconsistant]

 

Looks like Alfine launched in 2006 so I guess it’s possible the bike could be 2006 not 2005. 
Not sure what years this bike was available but I understand most of the early ones were single speed, later ones were 8 speed like this one. Odd info I’ve found on the web says the 8 speed came with the Alfine hub like mine but as you say pre 2006 ones might have been different.  All pics I’ve seen of 8 speeds have the Alfine shifter. Mine is broken so meed to get a replacement ordered. . Will investigate these bikes further today if not too busy. 

[wuvvum]

What's it like weight wise?  It looks like it'd be rather less of a pain in the arse to fold than my Dahon Matrix, which needs you to carry a 6mm Allen key at all times.  Hub gears also a bonus on a folder (when they work).

[inconsistant]

I’ve got a Dahon Matrix too, which I love but remembering the tool is a pain, but for a folder it does go small if you drop the saddle and lift the handlebars off. 
 

I’d say this is about the same/a bit heavier, although is aluminium too. I got a puncture on the way back yesterday so got rescued with a lift. Folded it’s quite clumsy, and only just fitted in the estate car boot. Although I could have taken the saddle & quick release front wheel off to make things smaller. Handlebars are quite big so it won’t fold up conveniently whatever.  Both pedals fold and are spring loaded so pop back into position easily. I’ll take some photos of it folded. 
It’s got 24in wheels which is an odd size between my Dahon (26in) and my Brompton (16in) but it rides really smoothly. The wheel size makes it look short and tall. sits you quite upright, but felt nice to ride. Mine’s got a non standard big bum lady saddle which is really comfy. 
the big trick with these is when you fold it the cable that’s on place of the down tube unhooks and with the key (mine is missing) you can use the cable as a lock. The idea is that if a bike burglar cuts through it to steal it they make the bike unrideable. 
Interesting idea but a cable lock is probably less agro.

[Supernaut]

What's going on with that down tube?

If one can even call it a tube.

EDIT: Ah you explained just as I posted