Bike News - BigFish Coming; Strida SX Going

by Larry Lagarde

BigFish Available In North America Within Weeks
I received confirmation today that the BigFish folding bike will be in stock in the USA by mid to late July. MSRP will be $799 but the bike will be launched initially at the promotional price of $549.

A micro folder, the BigFish has 16" wheels; yet, the ride geometry is equal to that of a full size bike. The BigFish rolls when folded and folds narrow like a CarryMe, Mobiky or Strida. The big difference is that the BigFish folds without folding the frame (the wheels swivel into and nest within the frame), resulting in a bike that folds shorter than a CarryMe or Strida. This combination of features should make the BigFish a formidable competitor to other brands.

Strida SX Soon Sold Out Until Fall
Sales of the Strida SX folding bike have been stronger than anticipated, leaving the American distributor (Areaware) almost out of stock before the end of June (which is distressing because I only have a few left). According to Areaware, they can't get more of the SX until the Fall.

If you are a tall guy (over 6' 2") in search of a micro folder, the SX is about the only game in town (and they definitely cruise faster than the Strida 5.0) so act soon before they're gone.

RideTHISbike.com DEAL OF THE WEEK

Get Over $100 In Bicycle Accessories For Just $15

The 100 degree heat wave here in New Orleans must be frying my brain but here's an unbeatable deal that I will extend through the July 4th weekend.

Purchase a Kent Compact 16 aluminum 6 speed Folding Bike & get the following accessories for just $15 more:

12-in-1 Folding Tool Kit
Mini Pump w/Compass
Cable & Combination Lock
Locking Bike Trunk


The Kent Compact 6 speed is a sturdy, light & practical entry level folding bike. Suitable for running errands, use on transit or simply recreational riding, this aluminum folding bicycle is outfitted with a comfort saddle, fenders, rear carry rack, adjustable height folding handlebars, folding pedals and kickstand.

By design, the Kent Compact bike has a low pass through (you won't have to raise your leg much to get on it) and the gearing is low (you'll probably cruise in top gear no faster than 12 mph), making it ideal for someone that has not ridden in awhile too.

The accessories selected for this special deal are items that should be carried on just about any bike ride: a basic 12 in 1 tool kit, bike pump with compass and flexible hose (ideal for small wheel folders & prevents getting lost) a vinyl coated steel cable with combination lock (just in case your bike stays outside) and a rain proof, locking ABS trunk that bolts right onto the stock carry rack (with plenty of room for a change of clothes, helmet, etc.).

Considering that these goodies retail separately for over $100 (Planet Bike sells the trunk alone for over $60), this is an incredible bargain so snap it up while you can.

Naturally, shipping within the USA lower 48 states is FREE too.

To receive this special offer, purchase your Kent folding bike online and select the $15 SPECIAL in the options list!

Remember; this offer expires midnight Sunday July 5th so act now.

Transporting Goods Via Folding Bike

by Larry Lagarde

It can be challenging to transport items on a folding bike.

Being that folders are designed to fold compactly for storage, travel or transit, many folding bicycles have small wheels and shorter bike frames - features that can make it impractical to ride with panniers or even a milk crate strapped to the rear carry rack. Here are some solutions that do work.

Collapsible Wire Baskets
A variety of companies make wire baskets that fold when not in use. I like the ones with a wire mesh bottom so items cannot fall through. Wald is one company that makes them; they've been around for about 100 years and most bike shops carry some of their baskets.

Hard Shell Carry Rack Trunks
There are hard cases that are made to attach to the top of a rear carry rack. Typically, these cases bolt to the carry rack and are rain proof. The one pictured here is sold by PlanetBike for $64.99 (there may be one for less; I'm looking). Made from ABS plastic, it's hinged and has a lock that's good for prying eyes but won't stop a thief. This case is large enough to hold a wine bottle and picnic items (perhaps more practical use would be for your bike helmet, change of clothes and some gear).

Strap It To Your Carry Rack
Naturally, you can simply strap items onto the carry rack itself. If you do this and have a small wheel folding bike, try to limit the width of the item to the width of the carry rack (so your leg won't hit the rack while pedaling) and strap the item as best you can. A cargo net like Delta's MEGARACK will work much better than one or two bungee cords and is definitely worth the $8.99 investment.

I've had good results with the Megarack and am testing a wire basket and carry trunk now. Photos and details soon to come.

Italian Folding Bike From WWI

by Larry Lagarde

Can anyone identify the folding bikes in this photo?

The time frame is WWI; the troops were sharpshooters from Italy's Bersaglieri corps.

A high mobility unit, the Bersaglieri fought French and Austro-Hungarian troops along the trenches and ridge lines of the Alps. They were known for their high morale and aggressive spirit. During that war, 50,000 lost their lives in battle.

Italy still has Bersaglieri units. I thought their use of bicycles ended a long time ago but then I came across photos on a blog called Rome Daily Photo and Italian website Ars Nova Spettacoli that show Bersaglieri still riding bikes. Pretty cool.

Photos - Modified Kent 6 Speed

by Larry Lagarde

Here are some photos I received of an older model Kent folding bike. The owner removed the carry rack and replaced the stock saddle with a banana seat.

The stock riding position on this bike was a problem because the pedals were almost under the seat so I bet the banana seat made the bike quite comfortable.

As shown in this photo, the bike can still be folded in half but the banana seat does make the folded size much larger.

By the way, this bike was for sale on Craigslist for $150. If you're interested and live in Brooklyn, NY, here's the url for the ad (if you can't pull up the ad, the bike's been sold):

http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/bik/1216903317.html

Electric IF Reach Coming Soon

by Larry Lagarde

Yesterday, I received confirmation that Pacific Cycles was sending one of their brand new electric IF Reach folding bikes here for me to test and review. Due to arrive sometime next week, this will be the first IF Reach DC to hit American soil. Based on the specs, I expect it to be a huge hit.

Why This Bike Rocks
The IF Reach DC is among the lightest and most efficient of electric bikes; yet, this bike also folds effortlessly in 3 seconds, rolls folded, is fully suspended and has 8 speeds. In other words, this could be the ultimate commuter bike.

Light & Efficient Electric Bike
The IF Reach DC is said to perform as well as Currie Technologies' new, top of the line Izip Express; however, at 43 lbs, the IF Reach DC weighs up to @ 20 lbs LESS and will be available sooner (IF Reach DC's will be shipping in July; the Izip won't ship until Fall). In fact, Dr Yan of DownTube calls the electric drive "one of the best electric bicycle motors in the market." Here's Dr. Yan's video of the motor in action:



As someone that has ridden the IF Reach DC's predecessor (the Reach Trail), I can already vouch for the ride and performance of the non-motorized version. With the geometry of a full size bike yet possessing 20" wheels, the Reach is agile and swift. The same qualities should carry over to the IF Reach DC.

IF Reach DC Specs:
IF Reach DC weight including battery: 43 lbs (19.7 kg)
Range: 31+ miles (50+ km) per charge
Motor type: 250 watt pedal assist with torque sensors
Motor Location: Within bottom bracket housing

Top Speed:
(light pedaling/flat surface/ 4th gear): 15 mph (25 km/hr)
(light pedaling/flat surface/ 8th gear): est. 24 mph
(hard pedaling/flat surface/ 8th gear): est. 30+ mph

I will be eager to monitor true output speeds with my Garmin GPS.

Beach Blue Folding Bike Closeups

by Larry Lagarde

This slide show is a collage of photos of the Beach Blue folding bike. Included are a variety of closeups of this folding bicycle's most notable features.

Click any photo to enlarge.

Slideshow - Beach Blue On The Plantation

by Larry Lagarde

This is a slide show depicting the retro cruiser styled Beach Blue folding bike folded in front of Cedar Grove Tchoupitoulas Plantation on the Mississippi River in Avondale, Louisiana (just upriver from New Orleans). The Beach Blue has an easy going, comfortable ride so it seemed natural to add in some Reggae music with the slide show. Hope you enjoy it.

Note: To enlarge any photo in the slide show, just click on the photo.

Slideshow - Beach Blue Folding Bike n Freighter

By Larry Lagarde

I took one of the new (but very retro) Beach Blue cruiser styled folding bikes for a spin on the Mississippi River levee bike trail this afternoon. As I rounded a curve on the trail, a broad vista of the river opened. Gazing into the distance, I could see the unmistakable profile of a large, ocean going freighter rounding a bend on the horizon. Riding downriver fast on the current, the freighter was heading right for me so I seized the opportunity and squeezed off a few photos. The result is the slide show below.

The slide show includes a soundtrack from Green Day. To hear the music, click on the speaker icon shown on the top left of the slide show & enjoy.

Video - Circling The CarryAll

by Larry Lagarde

This is a short video I shot yesterday of the CarryAll, a unique, ultra lightweight (21 lb) folding trike (tricycle) for adults. This video portrays the CarryAll both in the folded and unfolded positions and provides some basic specs on this adult folding trike tricycle.


The CarryAll folds so compactly that it can be flown on some airlines as a carry on item.

New Mercedes-Benz Folding Bike

by Larry Lagarde

It's official. Today, an official Mercedes-Benz press release for their new MB branded bicycle line hit the Internet (I found it on eMercedesBenz.com). Included in the mix of bicycles types was the Mercedes-Benz FoldingBike (the small wheel folding bike that Mercedes began teasing cyclists with last year).

The FoldingBike's design cleverly incorporates a locking lever into the folding seat post. To fold the bike, open the locking lever and push the seat post forward until it rests parallel to and just above the top tube. The carry rack is mounted to the frame in a way that makes it fold in sync with and above the seat post.

Although the press release omitted details such as the alloy bike's weight, stand over height, etc., it did list the price at 1699 Euros (@ $2400 US right now). Well, if you can afford a Mercedes-Benz, I suppose they figure you can afford their folding bike.

While I'm sure some die hard Mercedes Benz fans will snap up the MB folding bike, for that price, there's no contest; I'd much prefer the snazzy new IF MODE folding bike. After all, it's the MODE that's winning international awards. And with the rear derailleur hanging so close to the ground on the Mercedes-Benz folding bike, the chain and drive train on the MB folder will be a bit of a maintenance headache (whereas the MODE's enclosed drive will be maintenance free). Too bad MB didn't go with a Kevlar drive belt and an 8 speed internally geared hub. Now that would have been interesting.

Here's the portion of the Mercedes Benz press release that referred to the new Mercedes-Benz folding bike:

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE


Mercedes-Benz Bike Sports Selection 2009/2010: New, exclusive bikes from Mercedes-Benz

Stuttgart - Mercedes-Benz has presented a new collection of exclusive bikes with an outstanding level of technical features. In addition to the Mountainbike and the racing bike, which are limited editions to a particularly high technical standard, the Foldingbike impresses with its unique fold-down technology. Mercedes-Benz has also carefully updated its tried-and-tested bike models, with several detailed improvements. This means that for its bike collection, Mercedes-Benz offers the same outstanding level of quality as for its premium automobiles.

The Foldingbike is a real gem in technical terms. It features a patented folding mechanism that impresses by being particularly easy to operate. Folding and unfolding the bike takes only a few seconds, and no tools are required.

The cleverly designed mechanical system allows two different folded positions:

* In the Shuttle position the frame is folded together, but the bike can still be pushed and steered - ideal for easy carriage using public transport.

* When completely folded down, the Mercedes-Benz Foldingbike requires very little space indeed. In this position it only measures 80x80x35 cm, enabling it to be stowed in the high-quality carrying bag which is also supplied. Accordingly the bike can be easily accommodated in the car boot, camper van, office or yacht as a constant companion.

The folding frame of aluminium has a suspension travel of 40 mm at both front and rear, and this is adjustable for individual riding comfort. A Shimano 8-speed derailleur gear makes for relaxed cycling, while disc brakes ensure a high level of safety. A side stand, protective metal cover and a variable luggage rack make this extraordinary bike outstanding for day-to-day use. The new Mercedes-Benz Foldingbike is available in silver or white, and costs 1699 Euro.