FAQ's

Chameleon | Joey | Rhino

Joey

1.Wheel Size The 24" ISO 520 wheel size is unusual, but offers a number of advantages, both for folding and dynamically. The most common wheel sizes are 700c, typically used on racing/sports style bike and 26" used on most ATB style bikes. Wheel sizing has been a very confusing arena, but the International Standards Organisation have attempted to standardise things by giving all sizes an ISO number relating to the rim diameter (actually the bead seat diameter) and the tyre profile. Using this system, where 700c becomes ISO 622 and 26" ATB becomes ISO 559, it can easily be seen that the two most common sizes are 5cms and 2cms greater in radius than the ISO 520 of the Joey.The smaller size gives significant weight and aerodynamic advantages, whilst at the same time, combined with our carefully considered steering geometry, giving a very good balance of manoeuvrability and stability.We are often asked why use a 24" wheel, but maybe the question should be, 'why use the more conventional sizes'?
2. Tyre/Rim Availability The 24" ISO 520 is an unusual size, but is used by a number of large manufacturers and there are a number of high quality rims and tyres available. Rims are made by Velocity, Alex, Araya, HED and Sun and tyres by Panaracer, Specialized, Kenda, Primo, Odyssey and Terry. We use and stock rims and tyres from these manufacturers that we regard as particularly suitable for our bikes.
3. Sizing The Joey frame comes in one size and fits riders between about 160cms (5'3”) and 190cms (6'3").
4. Mudguards and Racks The Joey can be fitted with mudguards and front and rear racks. We offer various quick release fittings and accessories that facilitate the suitcase pack.
5. Packing Times We define two levels of fold, but often something in between is sufficient to fit the bike where you want. The first level, car boot/commute fold, can be done if under 30 seconds – the record is 11 seconds. If required, for protection or regulations, the folded bike can be folded into its dedicated shoulder bag in a further 60 seconds. The second level, fitting the bike into a suitcase for airline or other travel, can be done in around 180 seconds. That is for a bike without mudguards or racks (both of which will fit into the case) and without packing any other luggage or accessories.
6. Which carrying system? For the two levels of fold, we offer 3 carrying systems. The first fold bag, which has shoulder straps for carrying the bike and can be rolled or folded for packing when riding the bike, is a quick and simple system ideally suited to train, car or coach travel. Also for commuting, we offer the ‘commuter belt’, a shoulder strap that attaches to the bike and holds the front wheel and handlebar and, as an option, a lightweight cover so the folded bike meets rail regulations. For airline travel, the Delsey hard case is recommended. It has sufficient capacity for accessories, panniers and other luggage and it has wheels and drag handle.
7. I’m not mechanically minded, how easy is it to fold? If you’re not familiar with bike quick releases then some familiarisation is required. Once the simple lever system has been mastered, folding is 4 very straightforward stages. 1. Open the front wheel quick release and the wheel slides out. 2. Open the rear triangle quick release and fold the rear wheel into the front fork.3. Open the seatpost quick release and push the seat post down to lock the frame together.4. Optionally open the handlebar quick release and either rotate the handlebar to make a narrow package or remove the assembly for smallest size.To pack in the airline case just requires the additional removal of the rear wheel.
8. Component availability All our bikes use readily available standard components. Other than the frameset and wheels, any non-stocking dealer would be able to supply necessary parts.
9. What about my check-in allowance? The Delsey weighs 6 kg, the Joey 10.5kg - safely within check-in weight limits
10. Maximum Rider Weight We don't recommend the Joey for riders who weigh in excess of 109kgs (240 lbs)
11. Off-Road? The Joey is primarily designed for road use, but is fine on moderate trails. It comes as standard with a road tyre, but can have a moderate knobbly fitted for grip and control on broken surfaces. If you want a folding bike for more demanding off-road use please take a look at the Airnimal Rhino.