by Larry Lagarde

A lot has been going on so here's the news in brief.

Folding Bike Showdown Partially Done
A few weeks ago, I noted that I was conducting a showdown between several folding bikes to determine which was the most practical for commuting. I've completed several rides and so far, the CarryMe DS (dual speed) is leading the pack; however, the Strida is right up there. Still to come: taking the bikes aboard mass transit.

New Strida Mini Presale
Several cyclists have asked if the Strida Mini's (the Strida 5 with a smaller frame and 14" wheels) are in. Unfortunately, it will be another 2 months before the Mini is available; however, I have a go from Strida to begin a presale on the Mini. Price will be $699 including shipping ($100 less than the 16" Strida 5) and the bike will only be produced initially in brushed silver. Availability will also be limited so purchasing during the presale guarantees that you'll get one and that the price will not rise.

Other Strida Developments...

Aluminum Carry Racks Are In
The new aluminum carry racks are in and ready to ship. The aluminum carry racks look & function exactly like the plastic ones except they have twice the carry capacity. Yeah! Priced at $45, the aluminum racks will be optional (new bikes will continue to ship with the plastic racks).

Strida Design Updates
Mark Sanders is working actively to improve the Strida brand. Specifically, advancements are being made regarding rideability for larger riders. I've been asked not to reveal specifics but the photos of the prototypes are exciting. Other than the Strida Mini, only other developments for this year are that the Strida 5 now comes in a new color (lime green) and that a kickstand will be available for $35 (being a purist of form, I doubt that the kickstand was Mark's idea; personally, I'll continue to fold my Strida and set it down on the rear rack & wheels).

"Demo" Mobiky Folding Bikes Are In
Yes, those demo Mobiky's I wrote about last week have arrived. I had surgery this week and have been unable to pick up anything over 15 lbs but I did open several of the cartons from Mobiky. To my surprise, several of the bikes had zero wear - not even a blemish. Later in an email, Mobiky confirmed that they sent me several new bikes. Now, none of the bikes were in the original shipping cartons so obviously they were unpacked for a reason (like a photo shoot or for display) but some of the bikes are totally pristine. I'll be shooting photos of each bike and listing the individual prices online but the most you'll pay for one is $615 (shipping included). And yes, they won't last long.

CarryMe DS Update
The CarryMe DS has really been performing wonderfully and I have 2 in stock at $695. Once these are gone, I will not be able to sell the CarryMe DS folding bike for under $900. Yes, that's a $205 price difference but chalk it up to rising production costs. I have no control over this but you do. Buy your DS now.

Westport Trikes Now Shipping
The Westport adult folding trikes have arrived and are shipping. A number were sold during the presale so there are only 30 or so left at $359 - unless DHL increases the shipping surcharges again. The Westport is one of the few adult trikes that fold. It's a stable design and it does not require all the assembly of the Schwinn Meridian (the Schwinn is also heavier and has a higher center of gravity - like Lucy used to say - ewwww!).

Carry All Trike Here Soon; Presale Starts NOW
When the Westport was out of stock, I was looking for another folding adult trike that would be a reasonable alternative. The only other adult folding trikes I liked were the illusive and expensive DiBlasi (it's over $1200 but folds pretty small) and the Sidewinder (a cool folding recumbent trike but priced at over $1595+). Then I learned of the CarryAll.

Essentially, the CarryAll is a CarryMe with 3 wheels. In other words, this is the lightest and smallest to fold adult trike on the market - a quality machine that will last for years. And you can have one in about 3 weeks for $745. That's right, the final price has not even been announced yet but I have authorization from Alternate Vehicles to offer a presale of the CarryAll for $745. If you want a trike for your RV, boat, plane or commute, this is THE ONE to get and they will go very quickly. Call me to place your order.

Labels: folding-bike-news

by Larry Lagarde

If you are interested in getting a very light, economical and well made folding bike (such as the $229 Superlite Nexus 3 speed 24 lb folding bike, the $209 Ultralite 6 speed 25 lb folding bike or the $189 Superlite 1 spd 22 lb folding bike), I advise you to act soon as quantities of these bikes are in very short supply and will not likely be replenished for some time.

Why? What's up?
The falling dollar, the US recession and increasing manufacturing costs are squeezing bike company profits, causing makers to cut production of low profit models and/or switch to lower cost components. Unfortunately, folding bikes are not immune to this trend either.

This week, Kent notified me that their diecast magnesium folding bike lines (the Superlite 1 spd, Superlite Nexus 3 spd and Ultralite 6 spd) are being eliminated or cut back due to sharply rising costs of materials and production. Hopefully, this will change when costs stabilize but there's no telling when that will happen.

Although Kent is cutting back on their magnesium bikes, they are excited as ever about alloy folding bikes. They will soon be testing 2 new aluminum alloy folding bikes but I have no details on components. We'll just have to wait and see.

Labels: folding-bike-news

Larry Lagarde

Changes are in the wind at Mobiky. This evening, Isaac Cho at Mobiky USA confirmed that Mobiky will be dropping the Sturmey-Archer internal gear hubs in favor of the ever more popular Shimano Nexus hubs. Besides the Nexus 3 speed, Mobiky will also be offering the Nexus 8 or 9 speeds. Pricing is still being worked out. And there's more...

The 12" Mobiky will soon have a larger sibling. That's right; the Mobiky folding bike will be available with 16" wheels too. Take a look at this pic of the new 16" Genius folding bike; the bike was on display at Interbike several weeks ago.

Photo right: 2008 model Mobiky 16" folding bike w/Nexus gear hub (photo courtesy of Richard Masoner at Cyclelicio.us).

According to Isaac, the Shimano Nexus equipped 12" and 16" models will be available sometime towards the beginning of next year (probably late February). Too bad Mobiky couldn't get them here in time for Christmas '07; a white Nexus 8 equipped Mobiky with a red bow would look perfect next to my Christmas tree!

Labels: folding-bike-news, Mobiky-Genius

New Single Speed 16", Nexus 3 Spd, 20" & Prototypes Coming

Surging folding bike sales this year have been exhausting supplies faster than manufacturers can make more but that the situation is improving.

Aerlite & Ultralites
Although Aerlites are now on long term back order (no sooner than Spring 2007), we'll soon have a large number of the economical, diecast magnesium-aluminum alloy folding bikes from Kent. Better yet, the Kent folders will now come in 3 models - a red single speed, the gray 6 spd w/derailleur & a mango 3 speed with the quiet, smooth & efficient Shimano Nexus internal hub.

Starlite & Prototypes
Also, we're introducing a new aluminum folding bike from Belize Bicycle - the PortaBike Starlite (a 25.5 lb folder that comes in either blue or red). All these developments are coming as I prepare to join 250 other cycling advocates from across the nation, Canada & Australia at TrailLink 2007 (an annual conference promoting the development of bike trails, paths & routes) and as two sub-20 lb, prototype, micro folding bikes are coming down the pike for me to review. Whew!

As you can imagine, taking in all these new developments and managing everything else (including kids starting school soon) is making my head spin so please be patient as I add info online about the new models. For the moment, at least you can find basic info about them on the main folding bike page.

LL

Labels: folding-bike-news