In 2006, I became very interested in folding bikes. I have always owned a
sedan, so I have always had to remove wheels or install the bike rack on the trunk of my car to bring my bike anywhere.
I am also a big fan of internal gear hubs, such as the famous Sturmey-Archer AW
hub. In college, I rode a classic Rudge 3-spd with a Brooks leather saddle. Back in those days, I didn't realize
the value of these things and gave the bike to an old roommate of mine who gave it away, etc. etc.
Since I usually ride a bike in an urban setting (Boston, MA), I wanted a
folder with 20" wheels and an internal gear hub. After much searching, I found the one I liked the most was the Dahon
Vitesse D5. Unfortunately, the price and the intermittent axle slippage problem stopped me from getting one.
After a few months, I was driving home, and I actually spotted this Royce Union
folding bike in the trash. It had 20" wheels and horizontal dropouts which would be conducive to installing an internal
gear hub! Luckily I caught the owner and got his permission to take it.
