When it comes to touring on a folding bike, the undisputed leaders are the Bike Friday and Brompton folding bicycles; however, another great folding bike is the Giatex which uses a patented, telescoping frame concept rather than hinging frame members. The result is like having a custom made bike sized to your specific frame that also rolls when folded. Giatex makes an aluminum framed folder with 20" alloy wheels that weighs 24 lbs. and a 16" wheeled folder weighing 22 lbs but stock in the USA is completely sold out until 2007.

Pricing:
Bike Friday Pilot
26 lbs, 8 speed shimano, alloy seatpost & handlebars, adjustable height seatpost, kickstand, quick release rims $1000

Brompton P6R-X
28 lbs, 6 speed internal hub, hub lighting system, titanium seatpost & folding pedals, fenders/mudflaps, multiposition handlebars, rear carry rack, carry bag, zefal pump $2500

Giatex Chiba 20"
24 lbs, 6 speed shimano, aluminum/alloy frame, seatpost & handlebars, adjustable height seatpost & handlebars, adjustable length frame, folding pedals, fenders, kickstand, bike bell, quick release front rim, rear carry rack & carry bag $570

By the way, either the Brompton or the Giatex will fit in a suitcase that conforms to commercial aircraft baggage size limitations. One last thought: if you're going to remote areas with rough road surfaces, consider a full size mountain bike that folds like the 29lb $650 Montague Paratrooper (it accepts standard panniers & is military tuff).

Respectfully,
Larry Lagarde
RideTHISbike.com
Urging bicycling for recreation, commuting, health and a better future.

Labels: Bike Friday, Brompton, Chiba, folding bicycle, folding bike, Giatex, Montague, P6R, Paratrooper, pilot, touring bike, travel, vacation