Aerlite Folding Bike Shipment Update

For all of you that have been patiently waiting these past few weeks for the new Aerlite folding bikes, I received word this week that the Aerlites will definitely be available sometime before the end of June. Betst is not releasing final word on the pricing but it appears that the bikes will start at $359.

If you absolutely cannot wait until then, Betst notified me that they received an Aerlite yesterday as a customer return. I am told that the bike has some minor scratches but is otherwise in brand new condition. Unless I sell my personal Aerlite B (which I use regularly), this is the only Aerlite that I know of which is presently available.

Betst just sent me these photos of the returned Aerlite. Like the Aerlite B's that I had for sale, this Aerlite is equipped with the Shimano Nexus 3 spd hub, rear carry rack, alloy fenders & kickstand. Naturally, this Aerlite also comes with Betst's great lifetime warranty. Priced at just $275 including shipping, whoever gets this folding bike will be snapping up a bargain.

Due to the strong demand for Aerlite folding bikes, the only fair way to offer this bike is on a first come, first serve basis. If you're interested, contact me via the "Email Us" link at the bottom of this page.

Aerlite Folding Bike Update - Sale Ending

by Larry Lagarde

Fair warning: the $299 Aerlite B special is drawing to a close.

If you've been mulling over whether or not to buy one of the great Aerlite B folding bikes I reviewed earlier this year, there are only 2 left. Once these last 2 Aerlite B's are sold, the new 2007 models will go on pre-sale (they are still in transit and not due to arrive for several more weeks).

Aerlite B Recap
* Includes Shimano Nexus 3 speed, rear carry rack, adjustable height handlebar post, alloy fenders, rear mounted kickstand, shipping (USA lower 48 states) & insurance!
* Color: Polished White Gold
* Condition: NEW.
* Price: $299.00
* Order Quantity:

2007 Aerlite Details
The base model 2007 Aerlite folding bike will come with the efficient & smooth Shimano Nexus 3 speed internal hub, center mounted kickstand, height adjustable handlebar post, alloy fenders and a notched seat post that is 2 inches longer than that on the Aerlite B. Pricing on the base model will start from $359-379.

Betst has not yet announced if the carry rack will be an extra cost or included as standard equipment. Betst will offer a limited number of 2007 Aerlite folding bikes with the new computer controlled, self actuating Shimano Auto D 3 speed transmission as well as a small quantity of 7 Spd Shimano Nexus internal hub models.

For more about the Aerlite B including photos & specs, see the links listed below.

Folding Bike Testimonial: Aerlite B

Since posting my Aerlite B folding bike review, I've received a number of inquiries about this 24 lb. welded magnesium bike. Without a doubt, the review, the bike's components (like the Shimano Nexus internal hub, alloy fenders, folding pedals, etc.) and the low sale price of $299 all had something to do with this.

As questions of bias can pop up in a review, I thought I'd post this testimonial I received from a customer in Ohio. He liked the folding bike so much that he took it over to show a friend. Now, both are Aerlite B owners. Here's the testimonial...

My Aerlite B arrived in a sturdy, heavy-duty cardboard box. The components were well cushioned and protected for shipping. I examined the frame, wheels, cables, brakes, etc. Everything was in perfect condition. I was impressed by the quality of the components. The welds on the magnesium frame were smooth and solid, and the locking mechanisms on the handlebars and frame were firm and worked easily.

The real thrill, however, was in the ride. The bike glided along effortslessly as I pedaled down the street. The magnesium frame is fantastic at absorbing shocks, and I found the seat and ride very comfortable. The gears worked smoothly and efficiently and were well spaced for a variety of speeds. I could hardly tell I was riding a folding bike.

After experiencing the ride I folded up the bike and easily lifted it into the trunk of my car then drove over to a friend's house. Upon arriving I took it out of the trunk, unfolded it, and in a few minutes my buddy was riding it. He immediately asked me to order one for him. We often ride together, and we're looking forward to having two folding bikes that we can take with us on trips. We like to expore different cities, and there is no better way to see a city than on a bike.

This is one great bike, and I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a quality, light-weight, compact folding bicycle.

Bob D
Brecksville, Ohio

The $299 sale on Aerlite B's only applies to the few 2006 models still in stock so you'll need to act soon to snag this deal.

Cheers :-)
Larry

Review: Betst Bikes' Aerlite B Folding Bike

For about a week, I have been riding the amazing, 24 lb, magnesium alloy tubed Aerlite B folding bike. When I first heard about this bike, I doubted it would live up to my expectations. I was wrong!

I've bicycled on quite a few folding bikes and the ride of the Aerlite B is among the best. The secret is a combination of quality components and the light yet strong & shock absorbing welded magnesium frame.

From the moment you open the box of this folding bike, notice the superior packing. Critical components are wrapped in foam, bubble wrap & felt rather than the cardboard found on some other folders. The bright and gleaming fenders, carry rack and polished magnesium frame hint at the fine overall finish revealed once the bicycle is fully unpacked.

Pulling the bike from the box reveals the first amazing fact about this bike; it weighs just 24 lbs including the deluxe carry rack, fenders & kick stand. Primarily, the low weight is the result of the magnesium tubing used to construct the 3.3 lb (!!!) frame. Magnesium is the lightest of all structural metals; it's roughly 20% the weight of steel and 67% the weight of aluminum. Virtually every other piece of metal on the bike is made of an aluminum alloy.

The second notable characteristic is the bright gleaming frame. Magnesium has a white gold appearance in it's natural state but the metal is also polished and clear coated (which also keeps oxidation from forming a white dusty powder on the surface). Since the frame is welded rather than die cast (like the Kent Ultralite magnesium folding bike), it's important to note the fine weld quality too (click on the photo at right to enlarge). Like aluminum, welding magnesium can be tricky & time consuming; however, all the welds look super.

Components
The most impressive aspect of the Aerlite-B's components is the Shimano Nexus 3 speed internal rear hub which comes standard. Although the Nexus 7 and 8 (as well as the sweet Nexus Auto D 3 spd with computer controlled shifting) are optional upgrades, the Nexus 3 speed is a joy on the flats. I've found the gearing on some folding bikes to be too low for my tastes but that's not the case here. Shifts are extremely smooth and the gearing is well spaced. In fact, I towed my 7 year old stepson in a trailer with the Aerlite-B, cruising easily in 3rd gear at 15 mph (with a slight tail wind). Other useful components on the Aerlite-B include the Pro-Max V-Lock brakes (great stopping power), Shimano Revo type grip shift, comfortable, oversize, rubber grips and very useful rear carry rack (with built in & removable bungees for securing your load).

Folding & Packing The Aerlite-B
To prevent the handlebars from hanging out when folded, the bars fold between the 2 halves of the frame on the Aerlite-B, making for a slightly wider folded bike. Though this could present problems when packing in a suitcase, the obvious solution is to remove the handlebars at the quick release just as done with the seat and seat post when packing most folders. When folded with seat and handlebar posts detached, the bike easily fits in an airline approved 31 inch suitcase with room for bubble wrap or other protective packing. In fact, given the low weight of the bike, a user could pack clothing in the suitcase with the bike and not exceed the checked bag weight restrictions of most airlines.

Safe To Fold/Unfold & Decent Fold Times
Unlike the incredible Mobiky Genius, the Aerlite-B is not a 3 second folder; however, it still folds fairly quickly (taking about 20 seconds). The longer fold time is due in large part to the safety latches used on the frame and handlebars. To prevent the hinges from opening during riding, the hinges can only be completely closed/opened by pushing on a spring loaded latch (a feature Ralph Nader would love). The quick releases of the seat and handlebar posts allow both to be adjusted or even completely removed quickly. Like folding bikes made by Giatex, Mobiky & Montague, reliable & quick folding, resin "push-in" pedals are used on the Aerlite-B.

Ride
Magnesium is known for its strength and dampening qualities and these features are evident on the Aerlite-B. During testing, I loaned the bike to a guy that's 6'2" and 275 lbs; he commented approvingly on the ride quality and the bike was no worse for the wear. In fact, even when encountering bumps or potholes, I found the ride surprisingly smooth. With the tires inflated to the 35 psi max rated on the sidewall, the ride was overly soft for my tastes; however, when I over inflated the tires to 45 psi, it felt like I was gliding. Obviously, this bike is meant for high psi tires and Betst agrees; future bikes will come with 45psi or higher rated tires.

Another notable ride enhancement is the forward angled, adjustable handlebars. Folders like the Kent magnesium require a very upright riding position due to the close proximity of the handlebars, making long distance rides uncomfortable. That's not the case on the Aerlite-B; I rode for 10+ miles on two rides and could have rode much farther had time allowed.

No Grass Catching Rear Derailleur Either
Another ride enhancement comes via the Nexus transmission. Besides beautiful, smooth shifts, and ideal gearing, having an internal hub eliminates the need for a rear derailleur - a critical point on a bike with 16 inch wheels. For example, the derailleur on the 23 lb Kent magnesium folding bike (the bike pictured on the left side of this photo) hangs just 1.5-2" above the ground, restricting riding primarily to flat, grass free pavement.

Verdict: Buy It
Given the rustproof and virtually maintenance free nature of this bike combined with the excellent ride, limited lifetime factory warranty and the very reasonable price of $416 (including the rear carry rack & shipping), I predict that the Aerlite B will become a popular folding bike in short order.

More About This Folding Bike...
- detailed specs of the Aerlite B folding bike (24 December 2006)
- photos of the Aerlite B magnesium folding bike (3 January 2007)
- review of the Aerlite B magnesium folding bike (11 January 2007)

Photos: Aerlite-B Welded Magnesium Folding Bike

Following are 19 photos that I shot today of the Aerlite-B welded magnesium folding bike. For comparison purposes, I shot some photos showing the $299 Aerlite-B beside the $169 diecast magnesium folding bike. Surprisingly, the bikes have many similarities (for example, both are extremely light, weighing in at no more than 24 lbs.) but the Aerlite-B definitely offers higher quality components and a smoother ride.

More About This Folding Bike...
- detailed specs of the Aerlite B folding bike (24 December 2006)
- review of the Aerlite B magnesium folding bike (11 January 2007)

MSRP (including shipping): $396

New Aerlite-B Welded Magnesium Folding Bike

After waiting two and a half weeks, I am now in possession of an Aerlite-B, one of Jason Cary's new welded Magnesium alloy folding bikes (the 24 lb. folding bicycle I had described on December 24th).

The bike arrived late this afternoon so there was no time to photograph or ride it (let alone remove the bike from the box); however, I plan on doing all of that (and more) tomorrow.

Larry

Welded Magnesium Folding Bike

About a week and a half ago, I had an interesting conversation with Jason Cary, a young bicycle builder on the West coast whose folding bikes are built with frames of welded magnesium tubing. Since I'm featuring a $169 diecast magnesium ultra light folding bike (just 23 lbs) on RideTHISbike.com, Jason suggested that readers may also be interested in a higher end welded magnesium bike that folds and offered to send one for me to review. Unfortunately, the Winter storm that hit the Rockies has kept the bike locked tight in a rail car in Denver.

In anticipation of the delivery of the bike soon, I wanted to post the information that I have pertaining to it. Once I receive it, I'll shoot some photos and report on how this folding bike rides.

Folding Bike Name: Aerlite-B

PRIMARY FEATURES
16 Inch Magnesium alloy frame, Shimano Nexus 3 Speed Internal Hub, Pro-Max V-Lock Brakes, Front and Rear alloy Fenders

SPECS
Weight – Bike Only: Overall weight with rack 24 Pounds or 10.9 k Frame weight is 3.3 Pounds or 1.5 k
Max. Size Fully Stretched: 54" from front to rear, 47" from top of handlebars to the ground fully extended, 36.5" from top of seat to ground
Folding Time: Less than 30 seconds
Max Rider Weight with High Pressure Tires: 300 pounds or 136.3 k
Rider Max. Height: 6'5"

COMPONENTS
Frame: Magnesium Alloy
Seat Post: Aluminum Alloy
Handlebar Stem: Aluminum Alloy
Handlebars: Aluminum Alloy
Saddle:Ergonomically designed Comfort Saddle
Brakes: Pro-Max V lock
Shifter: Shimano (Revo/Grip Shift Style)
Derailleur: Shimano Nexus Internal 3 Speed Hub
Crank set: 46 Teeth Aluminum 150mm arms
Chain: KMC Anti Rust
Spokes: Stainless
Number of Spokes: 20 Front and 28 Rear
Tires: 16x1.75, 35psi
Rims: Aluminum Alloy
Fenders: Aluminum Alloy
Pedals: Resin, Folding
Kick Stand: Stainless Steel

OTHER NOTABLE FEATURES
Rustproof, Virtually maintenance free, Available add-ons such as Shimano Nexus Auto-D (computer assisted shifting) 3 speed, 7 or 8 speed nexus hubs, front and rear lights with hub dynamo. Backed by the Betst Limited Lifetime warranty.

MSRP: $359 (with shipping @ $410)

OPTIONS
- Bell
- Aluminum Rear Carry Rack (w/45 lbs capacity) $39.99
- Bag $59.99

Buy It Now

More About This Folding Bike...
- photos of the Aerlite B magnesium folding bike (3 January 2007)
- review of the Aerlite B magnesium folding bike (11 January 2007)

Folding bikes