Review: Betst Bikes' Aerlite B Folding Bike

For about a week, I have been riding the amazing, 24 lb, magnesium alloy tubed Aerlite B folding bike. When I first heard about this bike, I doubted it would live up to my expectations. I was wrong!

I've bicycled on quite a few folding bikes and the ride of the Aerlite B is among the best. The secret is a combination of quality components and the light yet strong & shock absorbing welded magnesium frame.

From the moment you open the box of this folding bike, notice the superior packing. Critical components are wrapped in foam, bubble wrap & felt rather than the cardboard found on some other folders. The bright and gleaming fenders, carry rack and polished magnesium frame hint at the fine overall finish revealed once the bicycle is fully unpacked.

Pulling the bike from the box reveals the first amazing fact about this bike; it weighs just 24 lbs including the deluxe carry rack, fenders & kick stand. Primarily, the low weight is the result of the magnesium tubing used to construct the 3.3 lb (!!!) frame. Magnesium is the lightest of all structural metals; it's roughly 20% the weight of steel and 67% the weight of aluminum. Virtually every other piece of metal on the bike is made of an aluminum alloy.

The second notable characteristic is the bright gleaming frame. Magnesium has a white gold appearance in it's natural state but the metal is also polished and clear coated (which also keeps oxidation from forming a white dusty powder on the surface). Since the frame is welded rather than die cast (like the Kent Ultralite magnesium folding bike), it's important to note the fine weld quality too (click on the photo at right to enlarge). Like aluminum, welding magnesium can be tricky & time consuming; however, all the welds look super.

Components
The most impressive aspect of the Aerlite-B's components is the Shimano Nexus 3 speed internal rear hub which comes standard. Although the Nexus 7 and 8 (as well as the sweet Nexus Auto D 3 spd with computer controlled shifting) are optional upgrades, the Nexus 3 speed is a joy on the flats. I've found the gearing on some folding bikes to be too low for my tastes but that's not the case here. Shifts are extremely smooth and the gearing is well spaced. In fact, I towed my 7 year old stepson in a trailer with the Aerlite-B, cruising easily in 3rd gear at 15 mph (with a slight tail wind). Other useful components on the Aerlite-B include the Pro-Max V-Lock brakes (great stopping power), Shimano Revo type grip shift, comfortable, oversize, rubber grips and very useful rear carry rack (with built in & removable bungees for securing your load).

Folding & Packing The Aerlite-B
To prevent the handlebars from hanging out when folded, the bars fold between the 2 halves of the frame on the Aerlite-B, making for a slightly wider folded bike. Though this could present problems when packing in a suitcase, the obvious solution is to remove the handlebars at the quick release just as done with the seat and seat post when packing most folders. When folded with seat and handlebar posts detached, the bike easily fits in an airline approved 31 inch suitcase with room for bubble wrap or other protective packing. In fact, given the low weight of the bike, a user could pack clothing in the suitcase with the bike and not exceed the checked bag weight restrictions of most airlines.

Safe To Fold/Unfold & Decent Fold Times
Unlike the incredible Mobiky Genius, the Aerlite-B is not a 3 second folder; however, it still folds fairly quickly (taking about 20 seconds). The longer fold time is due in large part to the safety latches used on the frame and handlebars. To prevent the hinges from opening during riding, the hinges can only be completely closed/opened by pushing on a spring loaded latch (a feature Ralph Nader would love). The quick releases of the seat and handlebar posts allow both to be adjusted or even completely removed quickly. Like folding bikes made by Giatex, Mobiky & Montague, reliable & quick folding, resin "push-in" pedals are used on the Aerlite-B.

Ride
Magnesium is known for its strength and dampening qualities and these features are evident on the Aerlite-B. During testing, I loaned the bike to a guy that's 6'2" and 275 lbs; he commented approvingly on the ride quality and the bike was no worse for the wear. In fact, even when encountering bumps or potholes, I found the ride surprisingly smooth. With the tires inflated to the 35 psi max rated on the sidewall, the ride was overly soft for my tastes; however, when I over inflated the tires to 45 psi, it felt like I was gliding. Obviously, this bike is meant for high psi tires and Betst agrees; future bikes will come with 45psi or higher rated tires.

Another notable ride enhancement is the forward angled, adjustable handlebars. Folders like the Kent magnesium require a very upright riding position due to the close proximity of the handlebars, making long distance rides uncomfortable. That's not the case on the Aerlite-B; I rode for 10+ miles on two rides and could have rode much farther had time allowed.

No Grass Catching Rear Derailleur Either
Another ride enhancement comes via the Nexus transmission. Besides beautiful, smooth shifts, and ideal gearing, having an internal hub eliminates the need for a rear derailleur - a critical point on a bike with 16 inch wheels. For example, the derailleur on the 23 lb Kent magnesium folding bike (the bike pictured on the left side of this photo) hangs just 1.5-2" above the ground, restricting riding primarily to flat, grass free pavement.

Verdict: Buy It
Given the rustproof and virtually maintenance free nature of this bike combined with the excellent ride, limited lifetime factory warranty and the very reasonable price of $416 (including the rear carry rack & shipping), I predict that the Aerlite B will become a popular folding bike in short order.

More About This Folding Bike...
- detailed specs of the Aerlite B folding bike (24 December 2006)
- photos of the Aerlite B magnesium folding bike (3 January 2007)
- review of the Aerlite B magnesium folding bike (11 January 2007)