Travel Bike

[1happygirl]

Hello all:

I am out of town and possibly moving. I know all the people on this forum know all about bikes. Does anyone happen to know about a Bike Friday? As I am out of town, I thought how nice it would be to have a bike with me. Could anyone happen to help with info? Thanks in advance.

[Kirk007]

Their website is full of good information and they are friendly, helpful folks - give them a call.

I had one and it worked well as a bike for taking with you for easy, casual riding. They have a lot of different configurations; relatively easy to put together take apart etc. They do ride quite similar to a full size bike. If it is performance on par with a good racing bike however, I would look at different options like an S&S coupled bike or the RItchey breakaway.

Greg

[Ken Robb]

I have a New World Tourist and it does, indeed, ride just like a regulat touring bike. I tried a Pocket Rocket too and that rides more like a race bike.

I don't travel to race but I do want my travel bike to be able to almost any kind of riding so I'm not limited in my explorations. With 1.75x20" tires with moderate tread it's ok on non-rocky trails as well as pavement.

With 3 speed internal hub instead of triple chainrings and a 7 speed cassette it has the widest gear range of any of my bikes and I don't have to worry about long pants getting caught in the chain.

I use a B17 saddle and can hang the biggest saddlebags from Carradice and Rivendell without need for a support because the 20" wheel is FAR from the saddle. It has a kickstand and flat MKS touring pedals that work with any shoe. All these features make it my go-to bike for most errands and shopping trips. Real utility! Their sales and customer support is superb. Check out their inventory of previously owned bikes as they come with the same warranty as the new bikes.

[Random]

I am the proud owner of two Bike Fridays (both Air Fridays of different configs). I have ridden then all over the word. They have performed impreccably on the climbs of the Pyrenees, the flats of Burgandy, and on one the worst roads I have ever encountered across Bhutan. I have nearly a dozen enthusiastic friends with various models.

They are remarkable. I am sure the Ritchey and CoMotions are very good, but Bike Fridays are designed first and foremost for travel. The small wheels are actually a blessing when climbing and don't become a phyisics liability until you are averaging 35 mph on the flats (which I avoid :))

I find my newest Air Friday to be so comfortable and quick that I can't resist riding it in lieu of my Serottas, Scotts, and Chances. A real treat. And it packs quickly and conveniently, following anywhere.

Moreover, I have never encountered any company with better customer support. They are reknowned. A real pleasure to work with them.

As always, I am sure there are many good solutions. But I am a very happy, satisfied and impressed long term customer and I can assure you that Bike Friday offers amongst the best travel bikes anywhere.

[1happygirl]

Thanks everyone!!!

Just went through security at the airport. Yuk!!

Checked their website and wow, a ton of configurations! Would like to get a chance to look at one in person, so I'll call them. I am a very hard fit on a bike and really want to check it out---sounds like a good option for me at home and away.



Thanks again everyone!!!!

[dash]

good info here from experienced users - i wonder how bike friday's compare with dahons? any opinions?

http://www.dahon.com/

[Random]

Dahons are very nice urban commuters for people who aren't looking for a big wheel quality experince. Bike Friday has lower level bikes that are comparably priced and equiped. More imporantly Bike Friday has a series of high end bikes that rival big wheels. For instance, I know that one of the ride across Amreica guys is riding an Air Friday this year.

[1happygirl]

Cool. Never heard of a Dahon. It looks sweet also. For home I also looked at a Giant Cypress, but felt it was too cumbersome up and down and out two stories, stairs etc. It was also way too heavy, very comfy though. I hope I can find some dealers to check these out in person. All are great looking. I called bike friday and they also fit in their own case, nice.

Haven't seen a ritchey breakaway so that could be another option. Thanks for all the suggestions.

[FierteTi52]

If I was in the market for a folding travel bike, I would look at Airnimal. 24" wheels would be nice.
http://www.airnimalusa.com/

[sg8357]

Moultons, small wheeled bikes with a seperable frame for packing.
20in wheels on some models, hi-speed 17in on the silly money versions.

TSR the production/affordable Moulton.
http://www.tsr.uk.com/

http://www.alexmoulton.co.uk/

For about 6k pounds, the Stainless double Pylon, review in current Cycling Plus.
Scott G.

[billrick]

These are kind of cool: Fixed Fridays. I would probably want a Flip Flop Friday.

http://www.bikefriday.com/fixed

http://www.monkeyview.net/id/990/bikes/fixed/friday/index.vhtml

:)

[Kevan]

http://www.bromptonbicycle.co.uk/

[Rover-Rich]

Ok, I know this bike was mentioned, but has anyone actually ridden one? More importantly, has anyone compared one to a Bike Friday?

These guys seem to sell the Airnimals:

http://www.calhouncycle.com/productcart/pc/viewCat_h.asp?idCategory=97

and

http://www.bikefold.com/airnimal_chameleon_bicycle.htm

but there are no dealers near me in Chicago.

I'm really wanting to get dedicated travel bike and trying to decide between these two. Thanks. :beer:

[dash]

travel bike without compromise:

http://www.serotta.com/pages/uniscasi.html

[Rover-Rich]

travel bike without compromise:

http://www.serotta.com/pages/uniscasi.html


Agreed! But the cost may not justify the specialized role of the bike. Wish I were loaded like Robin Williams who has like 60 bikes to choose from!!! :rolleyes: