I have a Forte coming in a couple of days and this video is just what I wanted to prepare. Not my first experience, but although most bike first setups are similar, all are all a little different. I've been riding on and off since I rediscovered bicycles in college have done this several times over several decades. At around 220 I don't overload any of the Euromini line or most others, but want the extra carrying capacity and, frankly always like to have a manual where an engineer says everything is well within the manufacturer's design parameters in case problems arise. I imagine that half or more of the added weight for the Forte is in the rack and fenders, so the weight comparisons I've seen are probably a little biased. It would be interesting to see a comparable weight with these removed.
@@johnramirez1311 it depends on if you need that added weight limit. From what I’ve seen they’re all well made bikes. I’m well over the 240lbs limit so I will be getting the Forte.
If I get the FORTE can I change the rear gear cassette to put an 8 or 11 speed? I weight 225 + want to put a big basket on the back and carry a laptop and other heavy gear. I need a REALLY LOW GEARING for the steep hills of Pittsburgh
I noticed all the other folding bikes I looked at had wires going from the handlebars to the rear of the bike, but I do not see any wires here. Are there brakes on this bike?
I weight 245-250. Would you have any reservations putting 10-15 miles a day on this bike? Was considering a brompton but this looks like it could work.
solennial I wouldn’t hesitate a bit. They are well built and this bike has heavy use wheels. Join the FB group and read about them! They really are good bikes.
Hey, solennial, I , too, am in that weight range so if you have not already found a folding bike to buy let me just say that you should take the weight factor serious and make sure the model you buy will be acceptable for your weight needs. That does not just include your body weight, but any possible knapsacks or bike luggage you may add to the total. Because folding bikes are basically just lock-hinged together, if it is not suitable for your weight it can result in an accident. Also, those hinge points can also be potential stress points. The first one I bought, I ignored the limit and went for design, but one day pushing up a hill, my weight against the handle bars cause the hinge to crack and the handle bars fell forward and it was a pretty nasty wipe out and injuries. I then took it serious in the next purchase. I went with the Dahon Curl i8, and what a well-built secure ride it is, and I've do a lot of traveling with it (even tours, etc) and it has held up for years. It's limit is 280. However it is about $1600., which most heavy weight bikes are. They also have the Launch D8, with a limit of 250. It sells for about $800, but I wanted the extra assurance, so paid the extra. I live in a part of my city hat requires transport to the nearest train, so many locals rely on the folded bikes, so they can also take them on the train. Other companies I've tested through friend's bikes (all also in the higher price range) have been the "Diamond Series' by Bike Friday which go up to 400 lb limits. They are made specific to order, and made in U.S.A., but are amazing bikes. If you want full size riding or mountain folding bikes that handle heavy-weight, you can go with Montague Folding Bikes. They are large bikes, and range from about $700 to over $2000,. but can be folded for somewhat easy storage and keeping in a car trunk. May not be as practical for carrying around. If you still insist on a Brompton, the S1E has the maximum load of 242 lbs and costs about $1200. I believe that is their most heavy-weight model. All these models will take you are long travels. I've taken my Dahon on rides over 40 miles and was always comfortable and sturdy. Make a wise decision and ride safe, and get it checked for maintenance often. Good luck in your purchase decision, as they are convenient bikes. I must admit, this Forte in video is impressive as is it's price and weight limit of 300 lbs while still small on size with 20" wheels. I may buy one just as a back-up bike.
@@garagedude1 Thanks for your kindness in replying. I am not too far from a major Brompton store in NYC's Greenwich Village. Regrettably, partly due to additional weight gain from the Covid lockdown( my bathtub has stretchmarks) my dream Brompton will remain out of sight until a Clydesdale version comes out fabricated entirely out of drop forged titanium. Hence my interest in a 300Ib rated Zizzo Forte folder until I drop what your average super model weighs. Take care, ride safe, and thanks again, phil
You're always better off getting a lighter model - lighter bike = better components. However, all the Zizzo bikes are within a few pounds of each other, and once they're folded they're not as bulky so they're easier to lift.
I have several models from Dahon so I can't speak to this particular bike but weight doesn't really matter much. I recently drove a very light Dahon and it was very impressive. The Forte is heavy so it can support a 300lb rider. Thus, you don't really need something this heavy.
Loved your video. Really learned a lot. I live in Portugal and can order the Zizzo urbano now on Amazon or wait for the mariner which is out of stock. My question is about how the Kendra tires handle different terrain. We have great bike paths here but there's lots of cobblestones and sand and gravel.
I would recommend joining our group on fb and getting Zizzo to better answer that question. Your not that much over and most weight ratings have a buffer built in
Thank you for this video. I've been looking at folding bikes online for weeks now and this model is on my short list. It ticks off the boxes that are important to me: rack, fenders, compact folded size, capacity. My weight is right at the upper limit of most folding bikes, and that's without any "extras" (cargo, etc.). Today is July 6, 2019 so you published this video a little over six months ago. I'm curious to know how this bike has served you during that time. Have you had any problems or discovered any "gotchas"? Are you still happy with it?
Hi Lex, the Zizzo bike has been fantastic. I have two of them. I'm also the admin for the FB Group. The customer service can't be beat. The always chime in when someone has a problem and quickly get it fixed.
@@georgemccune8502 Thanks George! I am trying to decide which model to buy. I am leaning toward the Forte, but not sure if the Urbano or Campo or one of the other models would be a better choice. Your thoughts?
I have this in green for two years now and love it, no big issues with it and it is lighter than my other Zizzo bike
I'm 90 percent sure I'm going to get the forte once they get the coral colored ones back in stock. Thanks for the video!
Hi George , I just ordered the black forte. Can’t wait! Thanks for the upload
@Sarah A I absolutely love it. Very impressed with how well built it is. It’s a joy to ride.
I have a Forte coming in a couple of days and this video is just what I wanted to prepare. Not my first experience, but although most bike first setups are similar, all are all a little different. I've been riding on and off since I rediscovered bicycles in college have done this several times over several decades.
At around 220 I don't overload any of the Euromini line or most others, but want the extra carrying capacity and, frankly always like to have a manual where an engineer says everything is well within the manufacturer's design parameters in case problems arise.
I imagine that half or more of the added weight for the Forte is in the rack and fenders, so the weight comparisons I've seen are probably a little biased. It would be interesting to see a comparable weight with these removed.
So after having the new Forte for over a year and a half, which do you like better, and ride more.? The Forte, or the Liberte? Thanks.
Just ordered one. I’ll be putting that weight limit to the test 😁
I will order one today but which is better from all the zizzo? Liberte, forte, urbano, etc?
@@johnramirez1311 it depends on if you need that added weight limit. From what I’ve seen they’re all well made bikes. I’m well over the 240lbs limit so I will be getting the Forte.
Your welcome!
Are the tires pre-aired? Or did you do this for preference
I was looking at the liberte because it's the lightest
I have the Liberte" its a great bike.
If I get the FORTE can I change the rear gear cassette to put an 8 or 11 speed? I weight 225 + want to put a big basket on the back and carry a laptop and other heavy gear. I need a REALLY LOW GEARING for the steep hills of Pittsburgh
No, they don’t interchange. Even the chains are different. You could put a smaller front ring on it.
I noticed all the other folding bikes I looked at had wires going from the handlebars to the rear of the bike, but I do not see any wires here. Are there brakes on this bike?
jaymeez yes sir, the cables are just not visible. Osha would not allow a bike without brakes
I weight 245-250. Would you have any reservations putting 10-15 miles a day on this bike? Was considering a brompton but this looks like it could work.
solennial I wouldn’t hesitate a bit. They are well built and this bike has heavy use wheels. Join the FB group and read about them! They really are good bikes.
Hey, solennial, I , too, am in that weight range so if you have not already found a folding bike to buy let me just say that you should take the weight factor serious and make sure the model you buy will be acceptable for your weight needs. That does not just include your body weight, but any possible knapsacks or bike luggage you may add to the total. Because folding bikes are basically just lock-hinged together, if it is not suitable for your weight it can result in an accident. Also, those hinge points can also be potential stress points.
The first one I bought, I ignored the limit and went for design, but one day pushing up a hill, my weight against the handle bars cause the hinge to crack and the handle bars fell forward and it was a pretty nasty wipe out and injuries. I then took it serious in the next purchase.
I went with the Dahon Curl i8, and what a well-built secure ride it is, and I've do a lot of traveling with it (even tours, etc) and it has held up for years. It's limit is 280. However it is about $1600., which most heavy weight bikes are. They also have the Launch D8, with a limit of 250. It sells for about $800, but I wanted the extra assurance, so paid the extra.
I live in a part of my city hat requires transport to the nearest train, so many locals rely on the folded bikes, so they can also take them on the train. Other companies I've tested through friend's bikes (all also in the higher price range) have been the "Diamond Series' by Bike Friday which go up to 400 lb limits. They are made specific to order, and made in U.S.A., but are amazing bikes. If you want full size riding or mountain folding bikes that handle heavy-weight, you can go with Montague Folding Bikes. They are large bikes, and range from about $700 to over $2000,. but can be folded for somewhat easy storage and keeping in a car trunk. May not be as practical for carrying around.
If you still insist on a Brompton, the S1E has the maximum load of 242 lbs and costs about $1200. I believe that is their most heavy-weight model.
All these models will take you are long travels. I've taken my Dahon on rides over 40 miles and was always comfortable and sturdy. Make a wise decision and ride safe, and get it checked for maintenance often. Good luck in your purchase decision, as they are convenient bikes.
I must admit, this Forte in video is impressive as is it's price and weight limit of 300 lbs while still small on size with 20" wheels. I may buy one just as a back-up bike.
Great review George. Just subbed. Does EuroMini fabricate the frames for Zizzo? Thanks and be safe,phil
Zizzo is Euromini, they just re-branded from what I was told by Tony, general manager for Zizzo
@@garagedude1 Thanks for your kindness in replying. I am not too far from a major Brompton store in NYC's Greenwich Village. Regrettably, partly due to additional weight gain from the Covid lockdown( my bathtub has stretchmarks) my dream Brompton will remain out of sight until a Clydesdale version comes out fabricated entirely out of drop forged titanium. Hence my interest in a 300Ib rated Zizzo Forte folder until I drop what your average super model weighs. Take care, ride safe, and thanks again, phil
Excellent review, thanks for the tutorial.
One question, what is the price. ? .
It’s $429.99 as of 2/14/2021
I'm confused, don't you have the Liberte bike? Was something wrong with it?
My wife ride the Forte
I am hoping to be able to pick it up and into the back of my vehicle. I weigh 120 and only 5'2". Would I better off with a lighter model ?
You're always better off getting a lighter model - lighter bike = better components. However, all the Zizzo bikes are within a few pounds of each other, and once they're folded they're not as bulky so they're easier to lift.
I have several models from Dahon so I can't speak to this particular bike but weight doesn't really matter much. I recently drove a very light Dahon and it was very impressive. The Forte is heavy so it can support a 300lb rider. Thus, you don't really need something this heavy.
Loved your video. Really learned a lot. I live in Portugal and can order the Zizzo urbano now on Amazon or wait for the mariner which is out of stock. My question is about how the Kendra tires handle different terrain. We have great bike paths here but there's lots of cobblestones and sand and gravel.
I like the bike but I blew out my left knee and gain wieght at 315 wondering if it will hold my size till I loose some after riding few weeks ??
I would recommend joining our group on fb and getting Zizzo to better answer that question. Your not that much over and most weight ratings have a buffer built in
Thank you for this video. I've been looking at folding bikes online for weeks now and this model is on my short list. It ticks off the boxes that are important to me: rack, fenders, compact folded size, capacity. My weight is right at the upper limit of most folding bikes, and that's without any "extras" (cargo, etc.). Today is July 6, 2019 so you published this video a little over six months ago. I'm curious to know how this bike has served you during that time. Have you had any problems or discovered any "gotchas"? Are you still happy with it?
Hi Lex, the Zizzo bike has been fantastic. I have two of them. I'm also the admin for the FB Group. The customer service can't be beat. The always chime in when someone has a problem and quickly get it fixed.
World's first heavy duty folding bike? What about Tern cargo bikes?
What do you think of it after having it for a while and riding it and transporting it?
livaningo it’s a greats bike. The entire line of Zizzo bikes are good bikes. Thanks for watching
Is it easy to fold and unfold. I have never had a folding bike. Thanks!
Amy Sheetz it takes about 60 seconds at most. Very easy
@@georgemccune8502 Thanks George! I am trying to decide which model to buy. I am leaning toward the Forte, but not sure if the Urbano or Campo or one of the other models would be a better choice. Your thoughts?
Bike is super fast to fold, New models recently came out with magnetic catchers for your wheels
No wonder my butt hurts. The package was missing the seat.
haha
Bike for big boys lol