Folding Bike Slip Covers

A More Affordable Alternative To Carry Bags
by Larry Lagarde

Regardless whether your bike folds compactly for easy storage or transport, dirt and bikes go hand in hand. Nevertheless, dirt is more of an issue with folding bikes because bikes that fold can go places a regular bike cannot. Instead of being tethered to a bike rack outside and subject to thieves, vandals and the weather, cyclists typically roll or carry their folding bike wherever they go including inside their home, office and more.

To prevent a dirty bike from soiling clothes, flooring, etc, some manufacturers offer optional storage/carry bags. Typically, these folding bike carry bags are made from a medium to heavy weight nylon, zip up and include a carry handle and/or shoulder strap; however, they can be pricey (the Brompton B-bag sells for $200 and carry bags for Montague, Strida, SwissBike, etc. run @ $100). There is another alternative though: get a folding bike slip cover.

Essentially, a slip cover serves the same purpose as a carry bag but is cheaper because less work and materials go into it. There's no zipper, handle, shoulder strap or glitzy, stitched logo - just a large, medium weight nylon bag with a draw string so you can slip the bike in quickly and draw/pull the bag shut. Inside the slip cover, the bike is completely concealed, keeping you (and anything or anyone else the bike may otherwise touch) clean too.

If you want a slip cover for your folding bike, Dahon now offers slip covers for their 20" folders for around $29; however, I will soon be offering similar slip covers for $17 (shipping included). If you own a full size folding bike (such as a Montague Paratrooper or SwissBike LX), a slip cover for your bike will cost just $22.

Folding bike slip covers will be available here starting October 1st.