Update: Integrated Folding Bikes From Pacific

by Larry Lagarde

Less than a week ago, I posted a video to YouTube of the group folding bike ride this year at Interbike. The video contained a variety of bikes from Pacific Cycles' new Integrated Folding line and some viewers are looking for more info concerning availability so here's the status.

IF MODE
Although there are only a few, the IF Mode folding bike is now in stock. These are the latest Modes produced with a new multi-directional freewheel hub.
Price: $2239

IF REACH
Both the white IF Reach Sport and the quicksilver IF Reach Urban folding bikes are in stock.
Price: Quicksilver (9 spd)... $1699; White (18 spd)... $1824

IF REACH DC
Currently, the folding electric IF Reach DC bike is out of stock. Four will be available in @ a month. If you want one, a 25% deposit will hold it until the shipment clears US Customs. Price: 2499

IF REACH URBAN
The fast, full size (700c) IF Reach Urban is out of stock (this is the bike I shot the Folder Frolic video from; see the stills in the video of the bike in front of the Venetian). More may be in by early 2010. If you want one, I'm not taking deposits just yet but will be happy to put you on the notification list. Once the delivery date draws nearer, I'll contact you. Just send an email using the "Email Us" link at the bottom of this page.

CMYK Folding Electric Bike Attracts Interest

by Larry Lagarde


Pictured here is the very clean looking CMYK micro folding electric bike. Recently, the bike has been nominated for several design awards. It took 2nd place at the Peoples Design Award at New York's Cooper Hewitt and the word is that the judges loved it this week at the Spark Awards in San Francisco.

Due to it's minimalistic appearance, light weight and electric drive, the bike is generating a sensation.

The CMYK's lithium batteries are hidden away in the top tube between the handlebar stem and the seatpost; the motor is on the left side of the rear wheel.



Designed to bridge urban distances that are too far to walk, the bike is neither a speed or distance demon (the batteries are said to last 50 minutes before being exhausted). It can easily be rolled or carried onto the subway, into an office building or school.

A project of New York designer Manuel Saez, it will be interesting to see what happens with the CMYK.

The CMYK is expected to hit the market sometime in 2010. Pricing is not yet set but is expected to be between $600-800.

By the way, the CMYK prototype is not a folder in the truest sense as the frame does not fold. Rather, it's a micro bike with a removeable handlebar and seatpost but that may change.

New Orleans Bicycling News

New Orleans' Metro Bicycle Coalition sent me the following cycling related news for the N'awlins area:

Tour de Jefferson - November 8
The 3rd Annual Tour de Jefferson will be taking place on Sunday, November 8, 2009 at Bayou Segnette State Park in Westwego.  The ride includes both a short 7-mile loop and the complete 45-mile circuit to Jean Lafitte and back.  Registration is now open, visit their website for details and registration.

New Orleans Gets Bike League Honorable Mention
The League of American Bicyclists announced the newest recipients of their Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) Program.  While just missing a bronze designation, New Orleans did receive an honorable mention from the League.

The League's BFC Director, Bill Nesper, says the League hopes to offer a variety of technical support to help New Orleans achieve the potential they see in the city.  With so many great plans in the works, New Orleans could easily achieve a bronze designation in 2010.

Mississippi River Trail (MRT) Expansion Under Way
Construction is underway on a 6 mile stretch of levee top trail on the Westbank of St. Charles Parish from Luling to Hahnville. Project managers expect construction be be complete by the end of the year.

Construction will also begin in the near future to extend the MRT Eastbank trail from Ormond Blvd to Harding Street in New Sarpy.

NOLA Bike Bash: November 20-22
Start planning for a weekend of bicycle fun on November 20-22, 2009.  MBC will be partnering with other local bicycle groups for the NOLA Bike Bash.  Activities will include a bike polo tournament, a BBQ at Bayou St. John, a French Quarter ride, screenings of the movie "Veer" and more.

Stay tuned for more information.  To get involved, email info@mbcnola.org.

New Orleans Final Master Plan Meeting Today
Public hearings for the New Orleans Master Plan will conclude today with the third and final hearing.  The hearing will be held this afternoon from 3:30pm to 5:30pm in the New Orleans City Council Chambers.

Written comments must be submitted by 5:00pm on October 28, 2009 (tomorrow).  So go to the hearings or submit comments in support of making New Orleans a more bicycle and pedestrian friendly city.

Of all the above news, the most exciting is word that the expansion of the MRT is happening. As additional segments of a motor-free MRT come online here in Southeast Louisiana, the goal of riding a paved loop of both sides of the Mississippi River (from the French Quarter) comes closer as does a paved trail extending all the way up to Baton Rouge. It will not be simple to complete; however, once this happens, both routes will become overnight tourist attractions, drawing cyclists and acclaim from around the world.

Book Reviews: Bicycle Diaries & Rowed Trip

by Larry Lagarde

Today, yet another blog (Carfree Blogosphere) posted a book review of former Talking Head David Byrne's Bicycle Diaries. The post didn't have any comments so I figured I'd contribute a small nugget pertaining to David's book signing tour. Here's my note:

A friend of mine attended David Byrne's Bicycle Diaries book signing in Portland, Oregon and told me that it did not go to plan.

The agenda called for a variety of local speakers to introduce themselves and for David Byrne to do a question and answer session at the end of the event. Unfortunately, some of the locals went way over on their speaking time. David waited tactfully but by the time the local speakers stopped blathering, it was beyond the time that had been allotted for the event. So David Byrne stood up, thanked everyone for coming and walked out.

Portland is an awesome cycling town (one of my favorites); however, if there is a Bicycle Diaries Part II, don't be surprised if David Byrne has something to say about pretentious local bicycling enthusiasts.

Another review I read today was Sprocketboy's take on Colin & Julie Angus' newly published "Rowed Trip". Long time RideTHISbike.com readers may recall a series of posts I did of this self propelled, folding bike & kayak adventure from the UK to the Middle East. Colin and Julie got their Montague folding bikes from me so I followed their progress quite closely.

For the record, the bikes performed flawlessly, pulling the kayaks and gear faithfully over a variety of hauls; yet, stowing small enough to be squeezed into the very tiny cargo holds on each kayak. Once the duo reached Turkey, they shipped the kayaks home and pedaled the rest of the way into Syria.

Video - Vegas Folding Bike Frolic

by Larry Lagarde

One of the highlights of Interbike is the folding bike frolic, an early morning group ride of folding bikes through the streets of Las Vegas. This is my video of that ride (which took place about a month ago).



Notable bikes in the video include 3 Bigfish, a black Strida LT (the $495 Strida debuting in 2010) and several folders from Pacific Cycles that are just coming onto the marketplace (IF Mode full size slim folder, IF Reach, IF Reach DC folding electric bike, IF Urban 700c). The IF Reach DC in the video is the first production model (all black, silent/surge free electric assist, Swivel-head folding mechanism).

I filmed the video from the saddle of the very cool IF Urban, a 700c folding bike with an internally geared hub and disc brakes for quick stops and ultra low maintenance. Ideal for commuters, the Urban is a fast and comfortable machine but my favorite is still the IF Reach DC folding electric bicycle.

21 Impressive Electric Bikes

MIA: IF Reach DC Folding Electric Bike
by Larry Lagarde

Yesterday, GreenDiary.com posted a story about a variety of electric bicycles that are coming onto the market. Some of the bikes are actual models in production while others are basic design concepts not likely to ever be produced (example: Grasshoper folding electric bike pictured at right). To my surprise, the new IF Reach DC folding electric bike wasn't even mentioned.

Shown about a month ago both at Eurobike and Interbike, the IF Reach electric incorporates a virtually silent motor into the bottom bracket housing and a light, lithium ion battery at the base of the seat post. As a result, the electric assist feature does not affect the ride handling of the bike (and catches cyclists on road bikes by surprise).

The IF Reach electric is a pedal assist style folding electric bike. Using torque sensing software, the motor works hardest when it is most needed. The bike weighs in at @ 43 lbs incl. motor & battery and cruises at an average 18 mph for a minimum of 30 miles.

One of the best features of the IF Reach is that it folds compactly in seconds and rolls easily when folded. The result is a practical commuter that will cover most commutes round trip without need for charging and can be stored just about anywhere.

I've been riding a prototype IF Reach electric all summer and am very impressed with this folding electric bike. The bike has a proven and successful race history with tri-athletes as the Reach model (non-motorized version) and incorporates the superior folding system created by noted designer Mark Sanders (creator of the Strida & IF Mode folding bikes).

Based on my experience, no other electric bike comes close to the experience offered by the IF Reach DC folding electric bike.

To learn more, check out the data collected by my Garmin GPS while riding the IF Reach DC. Alternately, this page includes various posts I've done regarding the IF Reach electric folder.

350NOLA Climate Change Event this Sunday

Take action on climate change New Orleanians!

What: Gathering including 350 local musicians w/2nd line thru French Quarter to Bywater
Where: Main gate of Armstrong Park @ Rampart St, New Orleans (on the edge of the French Quarter).
When: Sunday, 25 October 2009 - 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Why: To unite the world around solutions to the climate crisis.

Event as described at the 350.org website:

The mounting effects of climate change that have been reflected in increased frequency and force of tropical storms, coupled with sea-level rise, have devastated Louisiana's coastal communities, especially in recent years. The challenges to rebuild the state's communities and economy in light of climate change and a rapidly vanishing coast, has catalyzed efforts around green building, energy efficiency, community resiliency, wetlands restoration, and green jobs creation.

To tackle climate change we need to move quickly, and we need to act in unison - and 2009 will be an absolutely crucial year.

On October 25th, New Orleans citizens will come together to send a clear message that we need action on climate change NOW and our community is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve that goal. Join us at Congo Square to send a message that we must change our climate to protect our coast! The rally will begin at Noon then, at 1:45pm we will Second line through the Vieux Carre to Frenchmen Street. Folks are invited to gather at DBA on Frenchmen where the Saints game will be televised.

For more about the International Day of Climate Action, visit 350.org.

Hope to see you at the 2nd line.

NOTE: This event is being held the day AFTER International Climate Change Day to correspond with the Saints football game and avoid other events taking place on Saturday.

LL

350.org's International Day of Climate Action this Saturday

by Larry Lagarde

350.org is a grass roots movement to make world leaders lower carbon dioxide levels below 350ppm. To accomplish this goal, 350.org is calling on individuals worldwide to plan local events in their communities on 24 October 2009 (the International Day of Climate Action).

At each event, people will gather for a big group photo. 350.org will stitch photos from each event together into a visual petition that will be presented to world leaders in time for the UN's climate change conference taking place this December in Copenhagen.

With over 1000 gatherings already scheduled for the International Day of Climate Action (including a 2nd line thru the New Orleans French Quarter), chances are that a climate action event will be happening near you. If not, you can plan and hold your own event; just gather with a couple of friends this Saturday, shoot a photo & send it to 350.org.

For more about the International Day of Climate Action, visit 350.org.

Amiiva Folding Bike

Is a folding bike more than just a bike that folds?

by Larry Lagarde

Today, Warren McLaren introduced Treehugger.com readers worldwide to the new, French made, Amiiva folding bike with this question:

Is The AMiiVA More Than a (Folding) Bike?

Although the question made light of Amiiva billing itself as a personal mobility assistant, it struck at what excites me about folding bikes.

If you listen to the world's pundits, a calamity of unimagineable proportions is about to engulf humanity. Issues such as global climate change, declining oil production, increasing demand for petro products from consumers in emerging economies, a worldwide economic crisis as well as growing health concerns due to sedentary lifestyles and pollution are converging to violently end life as we know it.

Whether you agree with these predictions or view them as attempts to control the masses with fear, the truth is that each of us is responsible for making the most of our own lives. Individually, the decisions we make now lay the ground work for a future that is either better or worse - which brings me back to folding bikes.

Bikes that fold compactly for storage and portability are a practical, cost effective solution to many of the problems facing humanity. Even if folding bikes were used for just a portion of some trips, by incorporating cycling into your transportation mix, you can reduce stress, pollution and transportation costs while improving your fitness, overall health and outlook.

I like the Amiiva folding bike. Made with advanced, hydroforming technology and modern bike components, it's light, portable, appears to ride well and should be easy to maintain. With pricing similar to a Brompton, no brand recognition and a down economy, Amiiva may encounter resistance building market share; however, they should do well in the long run.

By the way, Philippe Poupard (creator of the AMiiVA folding bicycle) and I have been corresponding since June. Currently, Philippe is focusing on the European bike market (which is why the bike was seen recently at Eurobike, the Paris cycle show and is also being shown in London) but he does plan to offer it (eventually) in the USA and world wide.

Paratrooper Montague Folding Mountain Bike - News

Military bike gets rear disc brakes

by Larry Lagarde

A subtle change is coming next year to the rugged Montague Paratrooper military folding bike. For the first time, this practical, full size, folding mountain bike will come standard with disc brakes on both wheels.

Designed to fill a variety of roles for the US armed forces, the Paratrooper folding bicycle is built to withstand the demands of battlefield use (such as carrying 300 lbs of soldier and battle gear or the stress of being dropped behind enemy lines from a C130 Hercules or UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter). Several years ago, the Pentagon released Montague from selling these only to the military so any Joe can ride one now.

Whether you're a soldier hunting down the Taliban in the Hindu-Kush along the Afghanistan/Pakistan border or a civilian pedaling the singletrack of the awesome Colorado Trail, having disc brakes front and rear means more braking power under all weather conditions.

As someone that has toured long distances and sped down many steep mountain grades with a heavily laden bike, I welcome and appreciate Montague's adoption of all wheel disc brakes on the Paratrooper. Since discs do not heat up your wheel rims, you're not likely to overheat and blow a tire like I did trying to keep my speed below 30 mph down the 9 miles, 10 switchbacks and 8% grade between Flaming Gorge and Vernal, Utah.

Get A 2009 Paratrooper Now For Just $634.99!
Although rear disc brakes will not appear on the Paratrooper until next year, my goal is to be the first to have them. To clear out my existing inventory of Paratrooper folding bikes, effective immediately, I'm cutting the cost for a 2009 Montague Paratrooper to $634.99 - shipping included (within the USA lower 48 states). For another $20, I'll throw in a new RideTHISbike.com slip cover (masks your bike when riding transit & keeps it clean/dust free while in storage and). Quantities of 18" and 20" Paratroopers in stock are limited so place your order today.

By the way, retrofitting the rear linear pull brakes to discs on your current Paratrooper folding bike is a fairly simple procedure that can be done quickly by most local bike shops.

Garmin Connect - From the Amtrak station to Old Town Albuquerque

Garmin Connect maps, graphs & waypoints for my noontime ride this past Friday on the Bigfish folding bike from Albuquerque's Amtrak station to Old Town

Shared via AddThis

Bigfish Folding Bike On Amtrak

by Larry Lagarde

This weekend, I took a brand new, European made Bigfish folding bike aboard Amtrak's Southwest Chief from Los Angeles to Albuquerque to catch the famous Balloon Fiesta. Photo right: Bigfish (unfolded) on a bus at Amtrak's Union Station in L.A.

The Bigfish folds so small that the train conductor allowed me to carry it on board. In fact, no one had a clue that a bicycle was inside the soft sided carry bag slung over my shoulder (one of the train's attendants thought it was a musical instrument).



During the journey, I upgraded from a coach seat to a roomette in the sleeper (see details & photos right). The sleeper was 4 rail cars back so I hauled my gear from the coach car to the sleeper to keep everything together. To move the bike, I unzipped the carry bag enough to allow the rear wheel to roll. Holding the bike by the front stem, I levered it 90 degrees, then wheeled it through the moving train on the back wheel like a unicycle.

The Bigfish folds so narrow (about 8") that rolling the bike folded through the moving train was a breeze. Even navigating the nimble Bigfish folder between rail cars and through the zig zag maze of double and single recliners on the Cafe Car's upper deck was easy and safe. I'd compare it to rolling a folded umbrella stroller.

As the train came into Albuquerque, I unfolded the Bigfish in the sleeper car's lower vestibule, installed a seat post rack, panniers and strapped on my rolling suitcase. When the train stopped, I removed the folding bicycle from the sleeper car and pedaled through the city on my carbon neutral transportation, taking in the sights and sounds of Old Town before checking in at my lodging accommodations. Wanna see? Here's a 3 minute video from that bike ride. Enjoy.



By the way, more videos from this trip will be posted soon.

LL