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Some very artificial times are sometimes quoted. Realistically, times quoted should include the putting it in the bag (and include time to unpack the bag). But the Brompton, for example, does not usually need to be bagged as it is such a neat package, and this needs to be recognised. See the note on luggage as well, as being able to quickly fit and remove luggage can make a big difference to the real folding and unfolding times. Some covers are intended for concealing the bike, while other manufacturers supply a fully enclosed carry bag with some form of handles. Actually the former are more useful (at least for commuting), as they tend to be smaller and lighter to carry, and it may be easier to lift and carry the package by a fixed part of the bike than have it swinging on a strap. Bags also usually involve zips or other fasteners, which take time to do up and undo. Personally I much prefer the very compact and light Pertex covers which A to B magazine produce for the Brompton, Birdy and Bike Friday to the manufacturers offerings – they were also cheaper, but regrettably are no longer available! The ability to put a Bike Friday in a case (or carry-on airline luggage) may sometimes be useful for overseas tours, but it is a slow process, and the comparison of folding time for the Friday should be based on the carry bag rather than the case time. ’Sophisticated’ folding may well be more difficult to carry out than a simple mid-frame fold (for example, the relatively simple fold of most Dahons may not produce the most compact folded bike, but it is very easy and quick to perform).
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