Cycling news & info with a special focus
on notable bike tours, bike trails, bikeways,
lanes and bicycle routes as well as innovative
bicycling products like space saving & easy
to transport folding bikes.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Video - How to Fold A SwissBike LX Full Size Folding Mountain Bike
Here's a video I shot this afternoon of the $699 SwissBike LX full size folding mountain bike. Designed to take the punishment of menacing city streets or rough single track, the SwissBike LX has a suspended front fork and a folding bike frame, making it convenient to take in the car when driving to your favorite bike trail (no more bike racks) as well as to store in tight places. Besides the great looks of the SwissBike LX and the high quality of its components, two innovative features place these folding bikes in a league of their own: the X Frame folding frame system and the ingenious CLIX quick release wheel levers.
The X Frame is a unique folding frame design whereby the mono horizontal tube that connects the front and rear wheels swings 180 degrees from hinges below the seatpost, allowing the bike to fold upon itself. The folding mechanism is actuated by opening a quick release, spinning the release loose, pushing down on the release (as if pushing a button) and swinging the frame. Even if the quick release somehow came open while riding, the frame is designed to remain unfolded.
The LX is one of the first bikes outfitted with the latest in quick release skewers - the patented CLIX quick wheel releases. Even if the CLIX is open, a cam on the skewer just next to the release lever retains pressure on the frame, keeping the wheel fixed to the frame. Another benefit of the CLIX system is that no spinning of the quick release is needed for tightening. In other words, no more over or under tightened quick releases!
Though my wife is not a big bicycling fan, even she thinks this bike is cool. I think her exact words were "wow, that really IS nice."
On December 15, 2006, I reported that IKEA UK was giving away 9000 folding bikes to employees. Since then, I have been waiting to see which company would be next in line with a similar program; I received the answer today: Google.
Per a story by Mark Sweney in the Guardian Unlimited (website for The Guardian, a full color UK newspaper similar to USA Today), 2,000 of Google's permanent employees in Europe, the Middle East and Africa will be offered bicycles and free bike helmets to commute to work. If every employee accepts Google's folding bike, the total value of bikes and helmets being given away will exceed US $1,400,000.
According to the Guardian, Holger Meyer is the guy behind the idea. One of Google's top marketing guys in Europe, Holger was hired away from Alta Vista (anyone remember that search engine) back in 2001 and has been pivotal in building Google Germany's profitability to one of the best margins in Google's international operations. No doubt it was this track record that convinced Google to give the bike idea a go. (Photo right: Holger Meyer)
When asked about the bike giveaway, Liane Hornsey (Google's human resources director for Europe, Middle East and Africa) said "We try to innovate not just in technology for users but in the benefits we give our employees... (and) think that these amazing bikes will help Googlers keep fit and healthy, get to know their city better and reduce the environmental impact of their journey to work."
Both bikes and helmets will be branded with Google's simple, multi-colored text logo.
Since posting my Aerlite B folding bike review, I've received a number of inquiries about this 24 lb. welded magnesium bike. Without a doubt, the review, the bike's components (like the Shimano Nexus internal hub, alloy fenders, folding pedals, etc.) and the low sale price of $299 all had something to do with this.
As questions of bias can pop up in a review, I thought I'd post this testimonial I received from a customer in Ohio. He liked the folding bike so much that he took it over to show a friend. Now, both are Aerlite B owners. Here's the testimonial...
My Aerlite B arrived in a sturdy, heavy-duty cardboard box. The components were well cushioned and protected for shipping. I examined the frame, wheels, cables, brakes, etc. Everything was in perfect condition. I was impressed by the quality of the components. The welds on the magnesium frame were smooth and solid, and the locking mechanisms on the handlebars and frame were firm and worked easily.
The real thrill, however, was in the ride. The bike glided along effortslessly as I pedaled down the street. The magnesium frame is fantastic at absorbing shocks, and I found the seat and ride very comfortable. The gears worked smoothly and efficiently and were well spaced for a variety of speeds. I could hardly tell I was riding a folding bike.
After experiencing the ride I folded up the bike and easily lifted it into the trunk of my car then drove over to a friend's house. Upon arriving I took it out of the trunk, unfolded it, and in a few minutes my buddy was riding it. He immediately asked me to order one for him. We often ride together, and we're looking forward to having two folding bikes that we can take with us on trips. We like to expore different cities, and there is no better way to see a city than on a bike.
This is one great bike, and I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a quality, light-weight, compact folding bicycle.
Bob D Brecksville, Ohio
The $299 sale on Aerlite B's only applies to the few 2006 models still in stock so you'll need to act soon to snag this deal.
While they last: here's a quality folding bike for under $300!
Weighing in at just 24 lbs including carry rack, fenders, kickstand, folding pedals and Shimano Nexus internal hub, the Aerlite B has been attracting a lot of attention since my folding bike review back in January.
For a limited time, Betst Bikes' Aerlite B is now available for the ridiculously low price of $299 INCLUDING shipping/handling. Also included at no additional charge is the optional rear carry rack; that's a savings of $100 off of the @ $400 price (bike, rack & shipping) available elsewhere!!! This deal is a RideTHISbike.com exclusive.
Please note that this special only applies to the new 2006 models still in stock and that supplies are limited. Also, the seatpost on the 2006 model is 2 inches shorter than that on the 2007. If you're taller than 5'9", I'd suggest you go for the 2007 model.
Regardless which model you want, the factory limited lifetime warranty still applies and you'll be getting one of the best folding bikes for the money.
Lots of YouTube videos tend to be grainy and unprofessional; however, here is a great one from Britain (scroll below the video for more text).
The video is from "The Gadget Show, a television series in the UK that profiles various types of gadgets. The subject for this segment is a comparison between two highly unconventional folding bikes - Sir Clive Sinclair's infamous A-Bike and the Strida. With a telescopic frame, 9" wheels and weighing in at just 12 lbs, the A-Bike wins in the portability test; however, the Strida beats the A-Bike on riding comfort and speed. Have a look.
While they last: a great folding bike deal under $300!
While writing my folding bike review of the Aerlite B folding bicycle, I called Jason at Betst Bikes. I was curious if future versions of the bike would be outfitted with the components on the bike I received. Specifically, I was wondering about the seat post length; I'm 5'9" and I had the post extended just beyond the max extension hash line. Jason replied that the next production run would have longer seat post tubes (that would be notched to aid with extending the post to the proper length when unfolding), a gear shift selector with all Roman numerals (1st gear is now shown with the Japanese character for 1) and a lighter, aluminum kick stand (the current one is stainless steel).
Jason also shared that Betst Bikes might offer a sale on the current stock to make way sooner for new stock with the above specs and this is where the news becomes very exciting.
For a limited time, Betst has agreed to offer Aerlite B's through RideTHISbike.com alone for the ridiculously low price of $279 INCLUDING shipping/handling. To sweeten the deal, Betst is even throwing in the optional rear carry rack at no extra charge; that's a savings of $140 off of the @ $400 price (bike, rack & shipping) available elsewhere!!! What tickles most is that this great deal on an Aerlite B folding bike is ONLY available through RideTHISbike.com.
As the current stock of Aerlite B's decrease and the new production run of Aerlite B's come in, the price will rise in stages back to $379 (bike & carry rack). Regardless what you pay, the factory limited lifetime warranty still applies and you'll be getting one of the best folding bikes for the money.
Again, if you're 5'9" in height or shorter, this deal on the current production of Aerlite B's is a steal but you'll need to act quickly for the best price.
• Price: $279.00 Shipping & Insurance Included! • Color: Polished White Gold • Condition: Identical to future Aerlite B except for details above.
For about a week, I have been riding the amazing, 24 lb, magnesium alloy tubed Aerlite B folding bike. When I first heard about this bike, I doubted it would live up to my expectations. I was wrong!
I've bicycled on quite a few folding bikes and the ride of the Aerlite B is among the best. The secret is a combination of quality components and the light yet strong & shock absorbing welded magnesium frame.
From the moment you open the box of this folding bike, notice the superior packing. Critical components are wrapped in foam, bubble wrap & felt rather than the cardboard found on some other folders. The bright and gleaming fenders, carry rack and polished magnesium frame hint at the fine overall finish revealed once the bicycle is fully unpacked.
Pulling the bike from the box reveals the first amazing fact about this bike; it weighs just 24 lbs including the deluxe carry rack, fenders & kick stand. Primarily, the low weight is the result of the magnesium tubing used to construct the 3.3 lb (!!!) frame. Magnesium is the lightest of all structural metals; it's roughly 20% the weight of steel and 67% the weight of aluminum. Virtually every other piece of metal on the bike is made of an aluminum alloy.
The second notable characteristic is the bright gleaming frame. Magnesium has a white gold appearance in it's natural state but the metal is also polished and clear coated (which also keeps oxidation from forming a white dusty powder on the surface). Since the frame is welded rather than die cast (like the Kent Ultralite magnesium folding bike), it's important to note the fine weld quality too (click on the photo at right to enlarge). Like aluminum, welding magnesium can be tricky & time consuming; however, all the welds look super.
Components The most impressive aspect of the Aerlite-B's components is the Shimano Nexus 3 speed internal rear hub which comes standard. Although the Nexus 7 and 8 (as well as the sweet Nexus Auto D 3 spd with computer controlled shifting) are optional upgrades, the Nexus 3 speed is a joy on the flats. I've found the gearing on some folding bikes to be too low for my tastes but that's not the case here. Shifts are extremely smooth and the gearing is well spaced. In fact, I towed my 7 year old stepson in a trailer with the Aerlite-B, cruising easily in 3rd gear at 15 mph (with a slight tail wind). Other useful components on the Aerlite-B include the Pro-Max V-Lock brakes (great stopping power), Shimano Revo type grip shift, comfortable, oversize, rubber grips and very useful rear carry rack (with built in & removable bungees for securing your load).
Folding & Packing The Aerlite-B To prevent the handlebars from hanging out when folded, the bars fold between the 2 halves of the frame on the Aerlite-B, making for a slightly wider folded bike. Though this could present problems when packing in a suitcase, the obvious solution is to remove the handlebars at the quick release just as done with the seat and seat post when packing most folders. When folded with seat and handlebar posts detached, the bike easily fits in an airline approved 31 inch suitcase with room for bubble wrap or other protective packing. In fact, given the low weight of the bike, a user could pack clothing in the suitcase with the bike and not exceed the checked bag weight restrictions of most airlines.
Safe To Fold/Unfold & Decent Fold Times Unlike the incredible Mobiky Genius, the Aerlite-B is not a 3 second folder; however, it still folds fairly quickly (taking about 20 seconds). The longer fold time is due in large part to the safety latches used on the frame and handlebars. To prevent the hinges from opening during riding, the hinges can only be completely closed/opened by pushing on a spring loaded latch (a feature Ralph Nader would love). The quick releases of the seat and handlebar posts allow both to be adjusted or even completely removed quickly. Like folding bikes made by Giatex, Mobiky & Montague, reliable & quick folding, resin "push-in" pedals are used on the Aerlite-B.
Ride Magnesium is known for its strength and dampening qualities and these features are evident on the Aerlite-B. During testing, I loaned the bike to a guy that's 6'2" and 275 lbs; he commented approvingly on the ride quality and the bike was no worse for the wear. In fact, even when encountering bumps or potholes, I found the ride surprisingly smooth. With the tires inflated to the 35 psi max rated on the sidewall, the ride was overly soft for my tastes; however, when I over inflated the tires to 45 psi, it felt like I was gliding. Obviously, this bike is meant for high psi tires and Betst agrees; future bikes will come with 45psi or higher rated tires.
Another notable ride enhancement is the forward angled, adjustable handlebars. Folders like the Kent magnesium require a very upright riding position due to the close proximity of the handlebars, making long distance rides uncomfortable. That's not the case on the Aerlite-B; I rode for 10+ miles on two rides and could have rode much farther had time allowed.
No Grass Catching Rear Derailleur Either Another ride enhancement comes via the Nexus transmission. Besides beautiful, smooth shifts, and ideal gearing, having an internal hub eliminates the need for a rear derailleur - a critical point on a bike with 16 inch wheels. For example, the derailleur on the 23 lb Kent magnesium folding bike (the bike pictured on the left side of this photo) hangs just 1.5-2" above the ground, restricting riding primarily to flat, grass free pavement.
Verdict: Buy It Given the rustproof and virtually maintenance free nature of this bike combined with the excellent ride, limited lifetime factory warranty and the very reasonable price of $416 (including the rear carry rack & shipping), I predict that the Aerlite B will become a popular folding bike in short order.
An Interview With Folding Bike Designer Josef Cadek By Larry Lagarde
Within the last several months, a flood of websites I follow (including TreeHugger.com, EcoGeek.org & GetOutdoors.com) have promoted the next evolutionary leap in bicycle design as the Locust (a folding bike design concept by Czech designer Josef Cadek). Curious to learn more, I Googled "Locust folding bike" and "Josef Cadek" but every site I visited seemed to rehash what I had already found. Determined, I went straight to the source and emailed Josef Cadek, who was kind enough to answer a variety of questions I had asked as well as send the photos displayed in this story.
Q: Why did you design the Locust folding bike? A: I used to race bicycles (road and track) and that is why it was always my goal to design some new, unusual bike. I consider the folding bike something very useful and practical, but most of the available ones have lots of compromises.
In my work, I am always searching for new ways to solve problems and issues, ways that have never been tried or ever considered. For example, the bicycle was first invented over 100 years ago. Over the years, many bicycles have been designed and many engineering and design solutions have been applied, with time and experience determining which ideas worked (with the rest relegated to museums). Under these circumstances, it seems hardly possible to create something new, fresh and innovative; however, this challenge is exactly what excites me - creating new thoughts and things for future.
Q: How did you come up with the radical design of the Locust folding bicycle? A: When I design a product, form follows function. I always look for the "inner meaning" of things to determine which design allows the product to work best. As a result, the appearance of my designs is always the conclusion never the starting point.
The idea behind the Locust was developed in a very analytical way: I asked myself what parts of a normal bike can never fold? Wheels, of course. So everything else must be subordinated to wheels...and from this idea it was clear to me what shape the bike will have. Also, one of my core objectives was to keep "classic conservative geometry", using the biggest wheels possible to achieve the easy handling and feel of a normal bike.
Q: How did you come up with the name "Locust"? A: Locust was the first name that came across my mind when I had completed the first sketch. Somehow, the design reminds me of a locust and the name stuck.
Q: What is the target market for the Locust? A: Everyone. Kids commuting to schools, students on campuses, families, car users (it could be a trunk bike) and even businessmen in cities...
Q: How long have you been working to get the Locust folding bike built? A: It is over the year now. I know it is hard and it might take a while.
Q: What material do you envision using for the Locust's frame? A: Molded plastic; it keeps the weight and price low. Materials like carbon fiber would move it to the category of exclusive and luxurious goods and I do not want that to happen.
Q: Have you ever rode a folding bike? A: I have rode on a couple of different models but I don't own any.
Q: Do you have a favorite folding bike (among those now commercially available)? A: No. I was not happy with any. I do have a racing bike and will also be the owner of the Locust folding bicycle with serial number 0000001. :-)
Q: Have you received many inquiries about the Locust? A: I am constantly receiving questions from all over the world about availability, weight, colors modifications etc. People want it and there is huge business potential in it. Companies want to sell it and I have received offers for distribution in the UK, EU, Asia etc...
Q: What's your goal for the Locust folding bike? A: To see it in the streets. Everything else is just details.
If you are interested in other figures, numbers about it etc, just email me.
Q: I see that you have other designs on your website. It looks like you specialize in transportation designs; is that correct? A: Sort of, I studied in Prague at CTU (Czech Technical University) faculty of transportation science. Thus, transportation design is the main sphere of my design work, but I have done other projects as well (household products and baby products for example).
Q: What is the spark that inspires your designs? A: I love creating something with my brain, hands, mind and soul. This "human touch" moves things from just an idea to creation and that is the most beautiful thing about design. I'm inspired by everything; all I see, think of or about. Perhaps I just see more possibilities or I think in different ways than others do. I have often wondered how ideas come and how a thought develops for a new design, but I can not really explain. It is hard work, practice, education and sometimes good luck. Altogether, it is called talent I guess.
Q: How old are you? A: I am 26.
For the record, following is Josef's "official" overview of the LOCUST project:
LOCUST FOLDING BIKE Design offers a full-valuable bike that can be folded, stored in small spaces (cases, car trunks). Main feature is the circular frame allowing unusual folding. Both wheels have overhung mounting. After releasing safety lock nuts, wheels are turned around relevant axis into frame. Because rear wheel folds, momentum transfer from crankset to rear wheel must be divisible. Common chain system is replaced by belt system with outer toothing. Belt is mounted on two rollers. Both "Chainwheel" and pinion have outer toothing, ensuring right direction of turning and divisibility of the whole system.
Rear hub contains internally geared hub similar to Shimano Nexus system. GripShift type shifting. Red safety lock releases saddle support to fold saddle down towards frame. To fold handlebars, first release revolving safety lock nut on top of head set. Handlebars can then be moved back towards frame. Bike is equipped with disc brake in front and clamshell brake at rear, preventing blockage of wheel folding mechanism. This bike will be welcomed by people in traffic-ridden cities, young people, students on campus. It can be used to good effect in large industrial facilities, airports, city centers as a rent bike or as a "parasitic" means of transport: user can park her/his car outside city center and bike to work. Colouring is designed with safety in mind.
Josef is looking for investors to bring the Locust to production. For more information about the Locust folding bike, contact...
Josef Cadek Pod Strani 2159/17 Prague 10 100 00 Czech Republic Europe
Following are 19 photos that I shot today of the Aerlite-B welded magnesium folding bike. For comparison purposes, I shot some photos showing the $299 Aerlite-B beside the $169 diecast magnesium folding bike. Surprisingly, the bikes have many similarities (for example, both are extremely light, weighing in at no more than 24 lbs.) but the Aerlite-B definitely offers higher quality components and a smoother ride.
After waiting two and a half weeks, I am now in possession of an Aerlite-B, one of Jason Cary's new welded Magnesium alloy folding bikes (the 24 lb. folding bicycle I had described on December 24th).
The bike arrived late this afternoon so there was no time to photograph or ride it (let alone remove the bike from the box); however, I plan on doing all of that (and more) tomorrow.
What a great ride to end 2006 with! I just returned from an excellent 23 mile sunset ride biking along the south shore of Lake Pontchartrain on the full size Montague MX folding mountain bike.
With the Corps of Engineers project to raise the hurricane protection levees plodding along, access to the lake front bike trail is not currently possible from the Beach Club where I start most rides (in fact, access is difficult if not impossible for about 4 miles along the linear trail from Causeway Blvd to beyond the Elmwood Canal). I had to meander through Country Club Estates, cross the Elmwood Canal on the bike/ped bridge at 37th St. and ride another mile or so Northwest to the trail head near David Dr.
When I did hit the trail, the conditions were heavenly. In contrast to yesterday's constant rain and tornado/flood warnings, today was cooler and less humid. With the temperature averaging 60 degrees F, a 5 mph wind from the West and bright sunshine, the number of other riders and walkers on the trail was surprisingly low, allowing me to make excellent time.
Once I made the end of the trail, I had plenty of daylight left so I crossed the levee and followed the Old Hammond Highway into Orleans Parish. At West End, I turned North onto Lakeshore Parkway, passing 2 roadies, one drafting the other.
The Lake front is still in tatters from Katrina. The old picnic shelters were countless New Orleanians have held family cookouts and ate boiled crawfish or shrimp are empty, roped off shells. Although the seawall is intact, the storm surge ate out the ground from behind it so a huge, gaping ditch follows the length of the seawall. Only at the concrete plaza across from the famous but defunct Mardi Gras fountain did I see more than 10 people gathered. Very sad.
I rode as far as the "high bridge" over Bayou St. John. Looking down in the water, I could still see storm debris. I think it will be a long time before it's ever removed. I made it back to the bike trail with sunlight and enjoyed a beautiful sunset from the trail with the Causeway in silhouette. At that point, I hooked up the intensely powerful Quad star LED headlight from Elektrolumens, and rode the trail West to the detour at Lake Villa. I crossed the incomplete and gooey clay levee carrying the bike so it would not be spitting chunks of clay on me the entire ride home.
I rode Folse Dr. all the way to Al Copeland's to catch Big Al's impressive Christmas light display one last time. This year, Big Al's Christmas light theme was "Under The Big Top"; as usual, there were 2 workers out in front of the mansion handing out fresh cotton candy and popcorn for free. With a huge grin, I asked for a stick of cotton candy and rode home, eating it along the way. Sure am glad that cotton candy washes easily out of a beard :)
About a week and a half ago, I had an interesting conversation with Jason Cary, a young bicycle builder on the West coast whose folding bikes are built with frames of welded magnesium tubing. Since I'm featuring a $169 diecast magnesium ultra light folding bike (just 23 lbs) on RideTHISbike.com, Jason suggested that readers may also be interested in a higher end welded magnesium bike that folds and offered to send one for me to review. Unfortunately, the Winter storm that hit the Rockies has kept the bike locked tight in a rail car in Denver.
In anticipation of the delivery of the bike soon, I wanted to post the information that I have pertaining to it. Once I receive it, I'll shoot some photos and report on how this folding bike rides.
Folding Bike Name: Aerlite-B
PRIMARY FEATURES 16 Inch Magnesium alloy frame, Shimano Nexus 3 Speed Internal Hub, Pro-Max V-Lock Brakes, Front and Rear alloy Fenders
SPECS Weight – Bike Only: Overall weight with rack 24 Pounds or 10.9 k Frame weight is 3.3 Pounds or 1.5 k Max. Size Fully Stretched: 54" from front to rear, 47" from top of handlebars to the ground fully extended, 36.5" from top of seat to ground Folding Time: Less than 30 seconds Max Rider Weight with High Pressure Tires: 300 pounds or 136.3 k Rider Max. Height: 6'5"
OTHER NOTABLE FEATURES Rustproof, Virtually maintenance free, Available add-ons such as Shimano Nexus Auto-D (computer assisted shifting) 3 speed, 7 or 8 speed nexus hubs, front and rear lights with hub dynamo. Backed by the Betst Limited Lifetime warranty.
Ever since I first read about the A-Bike sometime ago, I have been skeptical about the practicality of this folding bike. After watching a YouTube video today showing the A-Bike in action, I can see where some users would benefit by having a bike this light (just 12 lbs) and quick to fold, especially if they commute partly by bike and partly by mass transit bus or subway train.
What concerns me most about the A-Bike are its teeny tiny wheels (hitting a pothole, road debris or crossing a drainage grate could lead to a dangerous spill). Without a doubt, this bike was designed for cycling on smooth pavement but that can be hard to find in many congested, urban areas. With a max load capacity of 187 lbs, many Americans would be too heavy to ride it. Also, the bike is designed to cruise at a max of about 15 mph so I'd be leery of riding this single speed bike in traffic in Manhattan or downtown Chicago; tooling around Central Park on it would be fun though.
Regardless, the A-Bike was conceived by the famous inventor Sir Clive Sinclair and someone thought enough of this bike to provide the financial backing needed to mass produce it so I'll withhold my verdict on the smallest of folding bikes until I get to ride one. In the meantime, here's the video I saw as well as a promo video from Sinclair Research. Watch them and judge for yourself. I'd love to read what you think too.
Note: If all you see is an empty box where the movies should be, you probably don't have Flash on your computer. Flash is free and can be downloaded from Adobe.com.
There was a post this evening on the Washington Area Bicyclist Association weblog about taking bikes on the various transit bus, train and light rail systems in the D.C. area. Happily, it was reported that all D.C. area mass transit operators allow folding bikes aboard (though some require folders to be bagged). Unfortunately, the news is not so good for riders of standard sized bikes.
For the complete details including links to the various transit agencies' info on carrying bicycles, visit... http://washcycle.typepad.com
Respectfully, Larry Lagarde RideTHISbike.com Urging bicycling for recreation, commuting, health and a better future.
Now, direct from China, here's a folding bike video where it's standing room only on the carry rack. A pretty girl stands out from the crowd by hitching a ride on the back of a folding bicycle.
Ikea Gives 9000 Employees Folding Bikes For Christmas
Attention Corporate America!
Rather than let rising health care costs continue to erode your profits, follow IKEA UK's lead and give your employees something that will let them cut their commuting costs and become healthier in the process.
For years, IKEA (the Scandanavian furnishings giant) has been giving employees Christmas gifts like DVD players, digital cameras and other electronic gadgets. This year, the company gave something far more practical - folding bikes AND subsidies of 15% for commuting by mass transit.
When asked why IKEA UK chose to give employees folding bikes, IKEA's UK manager (Peter Hogsted) responded: "We want to create a better everyday life for the many and do what we can to make greener living possible. This is both for our co-workers, as well as our millions of customers...The bike is a fun present but there is a serious message. We all have a responsibility to do what we can to protect the environment... That is why we are also going to subsidise our employees who will use public transport to get to work... I am encouraged by the fact that a small step such as this has been widely welcomed... Interested parties ranging from government to NGOs have supported this eco-friendly proposal."
Without a doubt, some IKEA employees will be disappointed that they didn't receive yet another electronic toy; however, others will make full use of their new folding bikes and transit subsidies and will be forever grateful to upper management - not only for helping workers save money commuting but also for inspiring them to be more physically fit. Since bike riding also releases endorphins, these Christmas gifts should also result in a happier, more productive workforce (a fact shareholders will appreciate).
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.
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.
I was browsing the Net this morning and came across Airstream Life's Tour of America, a blog about a family (Rich, Eleanor & Emma) traveling across America in an Airstream travel trailer.
Airstreams are beautiful, durable trailers with a loyal following (just have a gander at the shiny Airstream photo pictured at right; I found it on Flickr). Growing up, one of the things I enjoyed doing at Mardi Gras time was riding my bike over to City Park and checking out all the gleaming silver Airstreams parked around Tad Gormley Stadium for the Wally Byam Caravan Club International (WBCCI) New Orleans Mardi Gras Rally. But I digress.
This Airstreaming family posted a Christmas gift for Airstreamers wish list to help non-campers understand the needs & desires of those living in travel trailers. Naturally, the list leaned towards light, useful items that took up little space so it was no surprise that the list included a folding bike (which are great for riding around the campground or to the store). What DID surprise me was the list included a specific type of folder - a Birdy. Don't get me wrong; Birdy's are great folding bikes but they start at $1250. Why pay over a grand for a Birdy folding bike when other sturdy yet light folders are available at a fraction of the price?
Today, I had the great pleasure to ride 40 miles through the Western suburbs of New Orleans on the Montague MX suspended, full size, folding mountain bike.
The urge to ride has been building within me since my spill at Spanish Plaza about 2 weeks ago. I had ridden downtown to photograph the QE2 at dock on the Mississippi River. It was night time and the Plaza's polished marble pavement was wet with condensation. I went to make a turn but the bike wanted to go straight... Luckily, the fall resulted only in a nasty oozing knee. I shot some halfway decent night time photos of the QE2 and her guest queueing up for a steamboat jazz cruise on (see the 3 photos in this post), then proceeded to ride the 15 or so miles home.
The scab I earned from the fall kept me off the bike for a few days. Meanwhile, I got busy on a Hurricane Katrina repair project ripping out lots of 2x4's that had to be thrown out a window. Once the job was done, my lower back was sore for almost a week. Fast forward to today.
The weather was gorgeous: brilliant blue skies, temps in the mid 50's and a 5-10 mph breeze from the East. Frankly, I hadn't intended to ride 40 miles; however, once I hit the road, I just didn't want to stop riding.
Along the ride, I encountered a traffic accident scene, cruised past Destrehan Plantation, did some shopping at the new Dollar General in St. Rose (trail mix and sports drink), took a snack break at Rivertown, watched sheriff's deputies in 8 patrol cars meet & prep for a drug raid, watched the oil tanker Ficus sail round a riverbend on it's way to a terminal upriver and passed about 15 or so other cyclists on the Bill Kellor / Mississippi River Levee trail.
If you'd like to see the route of my ride, I charted it on Dave Ploch's 2wheeltech.com bike route mapping website.
The other day, I was asked if there were videos online demonstrating how to fold or unfold a Montague folding bike. Since I wasn't aware of one, I created a video to show the folding method for all Montague's full size folding mountain bikes. While I was at it, I decided to do the same for the Giatex series of bikes and the new, ultralite magnesium bike I'm offering for $169 (I ran out of decent light before I could demo Mobiky's folding method).
In the event that my readers would find this info useful, I decided to post the videos here first. Let me know what you think or if you'd like to see more videos.
