Strida 5 Folding Bike

by Larry Lagarde

Since Interbike, there's been something of a buzz on the Internet about the Strida 5, the latest version of the original A-shaped bike that Mark Sanders released to the world back in 1987.

Popular with commuters, city dwellers and even yachties, all Stridas fold quickly and require very little maintenance (for example, the greaseless kevlar drive belt keeps clothing and the drive train free of oil & dirt). What sets the Strida 5 apart from earlier models is that the plastic hubs, brake parts, wheels, etc. have been replaced with high quality aluminum parts, improving the ride while decreasing the weight to under 20lbs.

Priced at $799, the Strida 5 costs hundreds more than other single speed folding bikes on the market. Is it worth paying the difference? I'll find out soon because Strida is sending me a brand new Strida 5 to review. Look for more info here including photos & video.

Great Bicycle Trails - Israel Bike Trail

by Larry Lagarde

If you're planning a trip to Israel, you may want to take along your folding mountain bike so you can ride a portion of the Israel Bike Trail ("Shvil Yisrael B'Ofanayim").

In the works since 1997, the 1200 kilometer long Israel Bike Trail (IBT) will run from Mt. Hermon to the Gulf of Eilat. The route passes Lake Kinneret, the Mediterranean Sea, the Dead Sea, Masada as well as through Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, the Golan Heights, Galilee, the Carmel and the Judean Desert. (Photo: Masada)

Much of the trail will consist of former dirt roads that are being modified into single track. The trail is being narrowed to prevent ATV's and other vehicles from using the route.

Lodging accommodations are being built every 35-40 km along the IBT so cyclists can ride from inn to inn. The entire route is expected to be complete within 3 years.

Trail planners foresee the IBT drawing ecotourists from around the world. Given the natural and historical sites the trail will pass, I predict it will become popular with families seeking a vacation that satisfies adults and children alike. Count me in!

More...
The Israel Bike Trail
Cyclenix MTB Club Israel