Thursday, September 18, 2008

New 2009 Strida Folding Bikes

by Larry Lagarde

It's official. Strida will be offering their iconic folding bikes with the awesome Schlumpf Speed Drive, the drivetrain with the gears INSIDE the crank rather than the hub.

I was on the phone today with AreaWare (Strida's North & South American distributor) and they confirmed that the bike will be available for delivery as soon as January 2009. The model is known as the Sport Duo and will retail for $1200.

Prototypes of the Sport Duo and the MAS Special (the Mark Sanders signature series limited edition which will retail at $1400) will be on display next week at InterBike in Las Vegas.

While a dual speed Strida may sound ho hum to some, Strida riders will love this development. The dual speed increases the top cruising speed to 18 mph; yet, the bike retains it's clean looks because no derailleur is required to switch gears with the Schlumpf.

I'm going to Vegas for InterBike and AreaWare has offered to loan the Sport Duo after hours. Sounds like fun. I wonder what reception I'll get when I roll the folded bike on the casino floor. Mark Sanders will be there too; perhaps we can whip up a group of Strida riders to hit the casinos together. Now that would be cool.

4 comments:

Unknown said...

Any word on whether old Stridas will be upgradeable to the Schlumpf drive?

Anonymous said...

Good question. I'll ask Mark Sanders and report that along with his other responses from my interview.

Web said...

Starting sometime in 2009, a Schlumpf upgrade kit will be available for Strida folding bikes; however, it will cost over $400.

Aldrin A. Noer said...

I have ride this bike last Monday. My comment is: I really like the way schlumpf gear works. I wish that I will have it sooner or later. I have had Strida 3.0, and Strida 5.0 limited edition that was awesome. Now this Strida Duo Speed is one of the best foldable bike I've ever ride. Worth to buy!!!