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.