Nice 1 Spd $159 Folding Bike
Finally!
A useful folder for under $160."For a small, one-speed bike to ride short distances to bus stops, train stations, and stores, the Gekko is hard to beat." Dr. Folder (Steven M. Scharf)
Here's a Gekko that doesn't cling to vertical surfaces; however, unfasten the safety pin and this gleaming folding bike performs a high tech ballet, folding and compacting into a minimal size that stores just about anywhere and rolls even when folded.
Gekko At A Glance
• Affordable
• Sturdy
•
Strong, built in carry rack• Simple drive train
• Quick to fold
• Small footprint when folded
• Rolls when folded
• Easy to carry or store
• Includes black nylon carry bag.
When To Use A Gekko
Ideally suited for short range cycling, the Gekko folding bike excels when...
- Cycling is just part of your multi-modal transportation solution.
The Gekko's easy/fast folding design, ability to roll when folded and convenient carry bag make it ideal for taking it on the bus, subway, train, boat, private plane or even in your car.
- Access is normally restricted.
Thanks to it's shiny good looks, unusual appearance, transit rollers & carry bag, the folded Gekko gains entry in situations in which concierges, supers or building managers would otherwise not allow a bike.
- Running errands nearby.
If you have places to go in the neighborhood but time is too short to walk, hop on your Gekko. If you're going a mile or less, you'll get there faster and don't have to worry about locking it up (because it's right beside you).
- Stranded in your car.
If you're car stops running and help is far from coming, pull the Gekko out of your trunk and you can be riding in seconds. You'll get a lot further than walking and if you're in a bad neighborhood, you'll be less of a target and out of the area a lot faster.
Folding
& UnfoldingThe folding mechanism is among the most user-friendly on any folding bicycle - just spin out the safety pin and fold. Essentially, the frame folds in towards the seat tube at 12 points (like an inverted umbrella). Rollers at the bottom of the seat tube allow the Gekko to stand in place when folded and also make it easy to push/pull the bike so you don't have to carry it. To unfold, pull up on the seat and the bike slides open. Once fully open, insert the safety spin and spin it tight.
Handling & Ride
Given the number of fold points, the Gekko is surprisingly sturdy and the ride is similar to a full size bicycle. The low maintenance single speed drive train and 52 tooth chain wheel results in the speed of a standard, single speed bike with similar effort. The alloy V type brakes provide effective stopping power and the integrated rear carry rack holds far more weight than racks on other folding bicycles.
How
It ComparesThe most similar bike to the Gekko is the Carry Me folding bike (see photo, right) by Pacific Cycles. Though the Gekko costs $350 less than the Carry Me, the bikes have similar design elements (single speed, small wheels, folding pedals, rollers to assist when folded). The Carry Me folds into a long shape like a golf bag while the Gekko folds into a square shape. Unfolded, weight and riding stress is evenly distributed through the Gekko's beefy tubing whereas the Carry Me's seat and handlebar posts are supported at the upper end by thin metal tubes.
Price
Selling elsewhere at $279, you can find the Gekko here for the unheard of price of just $159 with FREE shipping (within the USA lower 48 states).
Labels: folding bike, Gekko
3 Comments:
I got the bike in April. Did not get to try it out till End of May when I moved out to Long Island. I rode my bike 1 mile each way to my train station. My original idea was bring the bike to Manhattan and ride to work from the train station. The reason I did not take the bike into the city is because it is just a bit too heavy to lug around in a crowded train station.
Okay, the bike is totally cool. I got so many compliment with it so far. It is a small bike, so, it is definitely for short distance only. I found that it is faster taking the bike to the train station, lock it up, and hop on the train, than taking the car, trying to find a parking spot, then get on the train.
I am not a avid biker, so, my opinion of the bike may not make sense to you, but here they are.
The bike is very easy to fold and extend, I do it in less than 1/2 min. It does take time to wrestle the bike into the bag though. The ride is good, the spring is pretty good, the handle is a bit heavy, I need to put both of my hands on the handle bar or the bike will swivel a little (Or at least that is what I feel like), which scared the bejesus out of me. For the price I paid for the bike. I think it is a great bargain just so I do not have to get a few tickets when I first move to the Burb for parking my car in the station's parking lot. The bike hardly take up any space, even in the city. (I used to live in a shoe box in Manhattan, which is a 2 bedroom apartment with living room and kitchen, it is not small in Manhattan standard) The bike tuck nicely into a corner under my computer desk.
So, if your job is two to three miles from your apartment, not hilly, and you llive in a dinky little apartment, I highly recommand you get this bike. You save the price of the bike in less than two month worth of the subway ride. If you are a serious biker, this is not a bike for you, it may make you feel like you are riding your neighbor's toddler's 3-wheeler. It is not as portatble as I would like it to be, simply because it is a bit too heavy to drag around. However, if you have no trouble lifting 30 lbs around town. This is a good work out too.
Overall, I will buy this bike again for zip around town wheels that doesn't generate tickets in the city and take up minimal space. For the burb. I will reconsider because this bike serve only one purpose, I will not take the bike out for a neighborhood ride, because it is hilly. So, depends on your need of a ride, this is a cute little bike afterall.
BTW, I do not recommand guys to get it. I am only 5'3", and the bike seems a bit small already, so, you can figure that out.
I hope my comments help.
I got the bike in April. Did not get to try it out till End of May when I moved out to Long Island. I rode my bike 1 mile each way to my train station. My original idea was bring the bike to Manhattan and ride to work from the train station. The reason I did not take the bike into the city is because it is just a bit too heavy to lug around in a crowded train station.
Okay, the bike is totally cool. I got so many compliment with it so far. It is a small bike, so, it is definitely for short distance only. I found that it is faster taking the bike to the train station, lock it up, and hop on the train, than taking the car, trying to find a parking spot, then get on the train.
I am not a avid biker, so, my opinion of the bike may not make sense to you, but here they are.
The bike is very easy to fold and extend, I do it in less than 1/2 min. It does take time to wrestle the bike into the bag though. The ride is good, the spring is pretty good, the handle is a bit heavy, I need to put both of my hands on the handle bar or the bike will swivel a little (Or at least that is what I feel like), which scared the bejesus out of me. For the price I paid for the bike. I think it is a great bargain just so I do not have to get a few tickets when I first move to the Burb for parking my car in the station's parking lot. The bike hardly take up any space, even in the city. (I used to live in a shoe box in Manhattan, which is a 2 bedroom apartment with living room and kitchen, it is not small in Manhattan standard) The bike tuck nicely into a corner under my computer desk.
So, if your job is two to three miles from your apartment, not hilly, and you llive in a dinky little apartment, I highly recommand you get this bike. You save the price of the bike in less than two month worth of the subway ride. If you are a serious biker, this is not a bike for you, it may make you feel like you are riding your neighbor's toddler's 3-wheeler. It is not as portatble as I would like it to be, simply because it is a bit too heavy to drag around. However, if you have no trouble lifting 30 lbs around town. This is a good work out too.
Overall, I will buy this bike again for zip around town wheels that doesn't generate tickets in the city and take up minimal space. For the burb. I will reconsider because this bike serve only one purpose, I will not take the bike out for a neighborhood ride, because it is hilly. So, depends on your need of a ride, this is a cute little bike afterall.
BTW, I do not recommand guys to get it. I am only 5'3", and the bike seems a bit small already, so, you can figure that out.
I hope my comments help.
I've had the Gekko for a few weeks. I live in Manhattan (E 60's) and take the bus to Riverdale (Bronx).
A few time after work I've taken a bus that drops me off at 5th avenue in the 90's. The bike makes for a pleasant remainder of my trip home. I've rode it through Central park, and along the rivers.
It was surprisingly nice going up hill, but when you pick up some speed, either downhill or on a flat, you quickly come to the point where it's not worth pedeling any faster.
It gets lots of attention. People usually think its a $900 bike.
The 2 major con's are its weight and lack of gears. However, since it's so inexpensive, that doesn't bother me. The rear carry rack is convenient to lug it up the stairs of my 3rd floor walkup. If a lighter and geared version came out, I'd gladly pay more to get it.
A week ago I also got an A-Bike. While it is far more portable than the Gekko, it is terrifying when first learning to ride it, and you feel every little bump in the road. The Gekko's 30-36 PSI tires do help to smooth things out.
I'm 5'6", and yesterday I went riding with a 5'7" friend, and neither of us thinks it's too small.
The bag seems to be good quality with straps just long enough to put over the same side shoulder. I could see using it on other buses and trains. A few days ago one driver refused to let me on his bus with the bike. If it was bagged I'm sure he wouldn't have given it a second thought. (the next bus driver said "nice bike" as he let me on). It would be nice if the bag had a full size shoulder strap.
For comparison the A-Bike bag is a nice backpack, but it's really thin nylon, and there's reports of it breaking.