If you've been thinking about ordering a Gekko folding bike, you may be waiting a while.

Due to above anticipated demand, the Gekko folding bike is now out of stock.

Over the past month, as the units available dwindled down, I've been working hard to get more. Unfortunately, Kent Bicycles is focusing on other models and will no longer be offering the Gekko. Nevertheless, it appears that the bike is still alive.

Despite rumors that the tooling for the Gekko had been destroyed, it appears that this folding bike is still in production. At least, that's what I'm told by Aldo Contarino (Chief Technical Officer with StreetSurfer International and a former player in the Gekko saga). In fact, there is also a new version with 16" wheels.

Here's a quote from Aldo.

I personally met one of the other manufacturers at the Taiwan cycle show this year and he told me that they where producing 70000 of the 16" ones this year... I will get the info for you ASAP. You will need to be a little patient as I am not directly involved.

While this is exciting news, the photos of the new 12" and 16" models are even better. Just take a look (click on the images to enlarge).

At this time, pricing on the Gekko models is uncertain but the declining exchange rate is sure to raise the cost.

Would you buy a Gekko for over $159?
Hopefully, the Gekko's will continue to be reasonably priced. Under the right circumstances (short distance urban riding with little to no carrying of the bike), I think they're worth spending up to $220 but I'd rather have your opinion before going further. To speak up, click on the comment button below and type away :-)

Larry

Labels: Gekko

by Larry Lagarde

Several weeks ago, the editorial director at Pedal Pushers Online (Gary Miller) obtained one of our Gekko folding bikes to test. I just learned that the results are in and are quite good.

When Gary originally contacted me, he explained that he had been thinking about reviewing how a folding bike would perform in New York City. His plan was to take the Gekko aboard the Long Island Railroad, ride the bike in Manhattan on the final leg of his commute and write a review based on the experience. As is evident from the story, the bike performed well and was even a conversation starter.

Regardless whether the Gekko can help you get a date, the review is worth reading and can be found at pedalpushersonline.com.

Labels: bike_review, Gekko, Pedal_Pushers_Online

If you are interested in the Gekko folding bike, following are 2 scans from the Gekko Owner's Manual. On the left below is a scan of the instruction sheet demonstrating how to fold and unfold the Gekko. On the right is a scan of the warranty page. Simply click on either image to enlarge.

Labels: folding bike instructions, folding bike warranty, Gekko

By Larry Lagarde

Here's a video I shot this afternoon of the Gekko micro folding bike. Designed for short commutes, the Gekko folds quickly, rolls when folded and has a tough & extremely functional rear carry rack built right into the frame (so you can run errands to the store, strap stuff on the carry rack and not have to worry about the rack falling apart). A carry bag and shipping in the USA (within the lower 48 states) is also included in the price.



More About The Gekko Folding Bike:
- Gekko Interactive Photo Gallery
- Gekko Description & Specs

Labels: Gekko

Following is an interactive slide show of photos of the Gekko folding bike. To see a larger version of any of the photos, simply click on that particular photo...



See a video demonstrating how the Gekko folding bike folds...

Labels: Gekko

- OUT OF STOCK -

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 & Unfolding
The 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 Compares
The 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).

- OUT OF STOCK -

Specs:
Color: gleaming silver
Wheel size: 12"
Bike weight: 33 lbs (15 kg)
Carry capacity: 265 lbs (120 kg)
Folded size: 28.5"x8"x28" (724x203x720mm)
Unfolded size: 44"x22"x37" (1120x570x950mm)

Invented by Australian Jamie Herdern, the Gekko was in development for over 10 years.

Labels: folding bike, Gekko