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A lot of people don't realise this but Onza do a leisure cycle too - the Onza
Mini Bike. Not a folding bike, it compacts down (even the pedals fold) so that
it can be transported. Of course, this also means that people of just about
any size can ride one. The two photos show the bike "up" and "down".
"Down" it measures 36" high x 42" long x 9" wide (that's
0.92m x 1.07m x 0.23m).
Alloy frame, alloy wheels and components mean it's quite lightweight, too weighing
10kg (22lb). That makes it easier to carry, of course. Also, being Onza, we
put on U-Brakes so there is real stopping power available. So much stopping
power that one of our staff is able to do trials tricks on one - front hops,
back hops and the like.
Having parents that own a caravan near Butlins in Skegness area, the flat terrain seemed just about perfect for these bikes. I bought them one each. When I visited Skegness myself I had a chance to actually ride one. The first impression on riding is, "Wow", largely because the bikes have what I would call a short front end. This makes them quicker to react when you steer. After about three seconds you get the idea and the bike is lovely to ride from then on. The fact that it has a single gear means you don't have to think about gears at all. The brakes are U-brakes, a type of brake that is a very good stopper, certainly better than large sidepull brakes that might have been an option. Also, the single gear means that a relaxed style of riding is more or less enforced. At least, the pace seemed very leisurely on the rides I have been on, and that casual feeling is very relaxing to me. The sprung, well padded seat also assists, helping you to bounce along. It's even better with company (my wife rode the other one). There was a lot of interest, with people asking where it was bought from. They were transported to Skegness by train, compressed and disguised by two bin bags (one over each end). These trains allow (perhaps) one bike on, officially. There isn't an "official" carrying bag and no carrying strap either, unless you jury rig one yourself, but the large main tube gives you something to carry it by easily if the need arises. They are lightweight, too. The reason that one of their staff can do trials tricks is that the bike is quite short at the back end, too. It's obvious by looking at it, but it goes onto the rear wheel quite easily. I learned this quite by accident one day on trying to hop the front wheel up a high kerb. The back wheel went forward between my legs and I found myself stepping off the back of the bike.