by Larry Lagarde

Simply put, riding the IF MODE full size folding bike is pleasant and fun.

Folding/Unfolding
The first thing I noticed was how effortlessly the bike folds and unfolds. To fold it, unlock the release on the frame, nudge the front portion of the frame back and guide the wheels together so the magnets in the hubs click together. To unfold, place your fingers between the 2 wheels and turn your hand so the magnets release their grip. Then, pull the front portion of the frame forward until it's in place and lock the release. And yes; it does take about 3 seconds to fold or unfold.

On The Bike
Mounting the IF MODE, my first thought was how comfortable the leather grips and saddle were. The leather is supple and has the right amount of padding - enough, say, for your hands to sink into the grips a tad but not too much (ditto for your buns).

The Ride
The IF MODE is stable - just like a well built non-folding crossover bike should be. The enclosed drive train is almost completely silent, making noise briefly when switching gears. Low gear allows for quick accelleration. In high gear, I cruised at 18.5 mph. With disc brakes front and rear, stopping power is ample and immediate if need be.

Biggest Surprise
Although I was excited about the IF MODE long before it was in production, what surprised me most about the bike is the way it attracted interest from cyclists and non-cyclists alike. Urban bike commuters understandably admire MODE features like the bike's enclosed drive, fast folding/unfolding mechanism, ease of rolling when folded and the bike's clean looks; however, many non-cyclists simply gawked in awe when I demo'd the bike at National Train Day.

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