I've just been watching a feature on fake Brompton and Strider folding bikes on "Fake Britain" (BBC1) and the conclusions were alarming not only for the future of the UK manufacturers and designers but also for the safety of the end users.

A representative from Brompton and the designer of the Strider purchased fakes of their products and then road tested them with alarming results. Pieces were dropping off even as the bikes were unboxed and various parts were shown to be of very shoddy quality. The fakes had little rigidity and structural integrity and both frightened their riders.

So, if you are in the market for folding bikes beware of fakes advertised on the Internet as they are very dangerous. If you buy from a reputable on-line dealer (our Dahons came from Evans Cycles) you will be sure of getting the real thing and some genuine bargains are usually available.