Slideshow: Strida LT folding bike

by Larry Lagarde

Here's a slideshow I created today of the new Strida LT folding bike.

Basically, the bike is a Strida 5.0 folding bicycle with a few different parts. The most noticeable difference is the new combination resin & brushed aluminum rims. Very good looking and much more durable than the plastic rims Strida used previously on the Strida 3 (the old plastic rims would over heat in the sun, causing premature tube failures). In fact, Strida claims these rims to be superior to the wheels with stainless steel spokes because the spokes never need adjusting... And at just $599, this is the most reasonably priced Strida today (there are some  Strida 3.2's still around but the manufacturer is discontinuing that line).

New Montague & Strida Bikes Coming

by Larry Lagarde

For everyone that's been asking, the new, full size folding bikes from Montague as well as the new Strida LT folding bicycles will be here by sometime next week.

Montague's new Pavement series of full size bikes that fold are a modified version of their dual, parallel top tube design (the dual top tubes have a gentle arc to accommodate the 700c wheels). Since the 700c tires are skinnier and slicker than the knobby tires supplied on Montague's full size, folding mountain bikes (like the Paratrooper or new SwissBike X50), the folding bicycles in Montague's Pavement series (the Crosstown, Boston, Navigator & FIT) have less rolling resistance, making them better suited for road touring or city riding.

The new Strida LT folding bike is essentially a Strida 5.0 type but with with an alternate component set and availability in fewer colors (either black, red, silver or neon green). The alternate components are said to be as sturdy and light as those on the 5.0 but less costly to produce. Combine that with larger production runs and the Strida LT comes in $200 less than the Strida 5.0. Not bad.

Authentic New Strida Folding Bike For $499

For this price, buying a fake Strida is just foolhardy.
by Larry Lagarde

It's official. A new, authentic Strida folding bike will soon be available here for just $499.

Known as the Strida LT, this bike is based on the Strida 5.0 platform.

What's Happening
A combination of rising US Strida sales, more streamlined production, a drop in component costs, and fewer standard features is allowing the American distributor to offer a slightly lighter but much more affordable version of the Strida 5.0 (as the Strida LT).

Differences Between the Strida LT & Strida 5.0:
The LT (for light) will be offered in black or silver, with molded black rims, a less costly saddle and a nylon (rather than cnc'd) bottom bracket. Some features now on the 5.0 (spoked wheels, carry rack, fenders) will become optional (full option list coming soon) and the many, varied colors of the Strida 5.0 will only be available on more expensive models like the Strida SX or Strida Duo folding bikes (the SX & Duo will also come standard with the new Strida quick release saddle adjustment system).

Given the almost $300 price difference between the Strida 5.0 and LT, I expect that the LT will generate huge demand for Strida products, giving Ming Cycle (Strida's maker) the opportunity to innovate even further, keeping the Strida relevant for years to come. That also means LT's will be flying out the door as soon as they come in.

If you want to be among the first to own a Strida LT, I'm accepting pre-orders now based on a 25% deposit with the balance due when the bikes clear US Customs (estimated time of arrival is 1 March 2010 but the bikes may be in sooner). Alternately, you can take advantage of our new layaway plan, a flexible, debt-free payment program that lets you decide how much each month to pay. For more or to place a pre-order, call 504-324-2492 today.

Again, once more details about the LT are available, they'll be posted immediately at RideTHISbike.com.