by Larry Lagarde
That's right. If you're looking to buy a Superlite 1 speed folding bike, I put a new one up for auction on eBay today. Bidding starts at 99 cents and there's no reserve so you really could get the bike for 99 cents (plus $39 to cover shipping and handling). Frankly though, I think it will go for more. Anyhow, here's the link:
eBay Auction: "Superlite Folding Bike 22 Lbs"
Okay, I'm sure some of you are wondering about the logic of doing this. It's certainly not for lack of business (May is the heat of peak season, RideTHISbike.com is logging close to 1000 unique visitors per day and Kent's Superlite 1 spd, Superlite 3 spd & Ultralite 6 speed diecast magnesium alloy folding bikes have been some of the most popular bikes I offer). So why? A couple of reasons.
A Better Product For eBay Buyers
Have you ever looked at the new folding bikes typically on eBay? Most are no-brand, heavy, steel bikes that wiggle and creak right out of the box. Some are even worse because they're cheaply/poorly made knock-offs of major brands like Strida, the A-Bike or Brompton. These knock offs may look like the real thing but they certainly don't ride or wear as well. In fact, hitting a bump or pothole could easily shear the retaining pin off a Strida copycat, causing the bike to crumple instantly. In heavy traffic, that's a recipe for road kill.
Although I offer the Superlite 1 speeds on RideTHISbike.com for just $189, these folding bikes compare favorably with folders twice their price. To begin, the frame of the Superlite is diecast of magnesium aluminum alloy using state of the art German technology & machinery. As soon as the frame is cool, it's x-rayed for micro cracks. If any are found, the frame is melted down so the metal can be formed into a new frame. All components are readily available too but that's another story.
My eBay account was one of the first and has been used very little these last years. All the same, eBay loves to remind me once a month that I still have the account so I figured I might as well post something and see what happens.
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3 comments:
I'd buy this bike specifically to take on a plane as checked luggage.
Unfortunately, the local air carrier limits checked bags to 62" total dimensions (L+W+H).
The dimensions (Seat Removed) listed for this bike are 27" x 20" x 15", which is exactly 62".
That's cutting it pretty close.
Is there any chance you could post some pics of the bike folded, with a yardstick right next to it in each of the 3 dimensions, so there is no doubt about the measurements?
Thanks
Doug,
The dimensions are correct. Additionally, here are some options for flying with this folding bike.
Use A Soft Carry Bag
If you're flying point to point, placing the bike in a carry bag will probably be good enough (I've done that several times; just put bubble wrap or foam pipe insulation around sensitive bike parts).
Make The Bike Fold Smaller
The easiest way to reduce the overall dimensions is to unlock the quick releases on the seat post and handlebar post and remove them. If you don't mind carrying a socket wrench, you could also remove the right side crank arm/pedal assembly (2 min. task). This will get you well within the magic 62 inches.
Going Even Smaller
To go even smaller, removing both wheels is a matter of undoing 4 retaining nuts and detaching the shifter cable at the rear hub. Most people would consider that over kill but I've done it and have fit the bike in a 26" suitcase with my clothing.
Hope that helps.
P.S. on "Going Even Smaller"
Whoops! It's the Superlite 3 spd that has the shifter cable. On the one speed, there is no cable to remove.
Also, there is a small phillips head screw for the coaster brake support arm. If you remove the rear wheel, that screw will need to be removed too.
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