Bike Friday? Anyone?

[hulagirl]

No search results here for Bike Friday so I don't even know if anyone out there has one.

I have my race bike (Orbea Diva) and I have my "tool around town, kick back" bike. (Specialized Vita Sport) I just sold it in about 4 seconds because it makes me feel like I'm riding in mud. I don't know if it's the upright riding, the weight or what. But it is a very inefficient bike - for me.

Hubby has a Big Dummy. We travel a lot. Big Dummy doesn't and Orbea isn't allowed. So we both want to get an "easy to travel with" bike so that we can take it on our trips and use it to tour, travel around, exercise or all of the above.

Bike Friday has been in our sights for a while now.

Anyone have an world of love/warning? I'm looking at the New World Traveller or the Pocket Rocket. Something in the $1600-$2000 price range.

Thanks!
Denise

[emily_in_nc]

Hi Denise,

There are quite a few here who either own Bike Fridays now (like me!) or have owned them in the past, so apparently your search didn't find us. Perhaps it found either "bike" or "Friday", of which there would be zillions of posts, and not "Bike Friday" together?

My DH and I both have Pocket Crusoes. Mine is a petite model (you must weigh no more than 125, but it means a lighter-weight bike). We LOVE them. We spec'd them out with a lot of things we wanted (Ultegra triples in front, XT in back for loaded touring, drop bars), so ours were more expensive than your price point (in 2004 even), but they have been well worth it. Love the ride of steel and love the folks at Bike Friday. Also love that they are made here in the US. The smaller wheels don't bother me at all. They are incredibly strong and accelerate quickly!

I do know that the models you are considering are heavier than a Crusoe, and certainly quite a bit heavier than an Orbea Diva, so that is something you'll notice since they will not be as fast. But if you are looking for a travel and touring bike, they are a great option. Mine is actually my only road bike now, but I ride most utilitarian rides to markets and on errands rather than the fast club rides I used to do before a serious accident in 2005 left me with some chronic pain issues.

I love my Bike Friday and will be happy to answer any questions you have, with the caveat that it's been seven years since I ordered mine, so some things may have changed. Here's a link to the loaded tour we bought them for back in 2004 if you are interested: http://travelingtwosome.weebly.com/ny-state-bike-tour-2004.html

If you look at nothing else, check out the photo on the first page showing the full panniers we used. They were Arkel and worked great on the Bike Fridays.

[tulip]

I have a Bike Friday Pocket Rocket Pro and it's just fantastic. I've brought it to Europe and out west, and I ride it locally, too. I switch between riding my Luna and my Bike Friday.

[hulagirl]

Aloha Emily and Tulip -

Thanks for the replies.

Emily - Fantastic Trip Report! Wow!!! I was looking at the Crusoe and the price gets me. Having just dropped over $3000 for my Orbea and over $2000 for hubby's Big Dummy, we are limited on our bike budget. Weight IS an issue for me, but not so much for hubby. (Being that his Big Dummy weighs more than a 747! Even his bike lock is 30lbs!)

I seriously doubt that we will ever do a trip as big as yours. We are looking at possibly taking them to Yellowstone when it's open to bikers only. Maybe around Utah (Zion, Moab, Bryce Canyon, etc), maybe around the Big Island (hills though...actually, 2 very big volcanoes to be exact) and around Kauai. Living on Oahu we don't have much of a need to bike tour on this island. So that would be my "tool around town" bike for grocery shopping, beach visits, etc. We also plan to use it when we have to spend a few weeks in Seattle every 3 months or so for business. Cheaper than renting a car!

The Bike Friday website is a little difficult to navigate. I tried to contact them today but was too late due to time zones. I'll try to contact them tomorrow.

Question
1. With drop bars, how aggressive is your riding position? Did you feel like you were able to "look around" comfortably on your road trip? Or did your neck start to bother you? Do you spend more of your time up on the tops of hour bars, on the hoods or in the drops? Did you ever feel you wanted a more upright riding position to look around?

2. Tulip - do you use your BF mostly for road riding? Do you do a lot of touring or just "kick back and enjoy" riding on it all?

I realize that the bike will be heavier. And that's not too much of my concern. The Big Dummy weighs a ton and I feel that I am more efficient on that than I was on my Specialized Hybrid. My biggest decision is:

Straight bar or drops? I just don't know if I want to be upright or more forward. Any words of advice on that would be great and seriously appreciated.

[Blueberry]

Another option to help the budget a bit would be to look at the Pre-Loved Bike Fridays (http://community.bikefriday.com/PreOwned). There's a tiny Pocket Rocket Pro right now that I would snatch up in a second it I were a tiny bit shorter.

I have drop bars on almost all of my bikes, including my Pocket Crusoe. I have them set relatively high - level with the saddle - and I don't feel like it harms my ability to sit up and ride around. I spend a lot of time on the hoods. The only time I think I would like straight bars (or swept back city style bars) is when I'm riding in heavy traffic sometimes.

[Tri Girl]

The Pocket 8 (closeout) they have on the pre-loved Fridays is a DEAL!!! Only 8 speed,but might work. I miss my BF, but not too much because I hope she's being loved by her new owner more than I loved/rode her when she was mine.
There are some great deals on the pre-loved page!!!

[wildrover]

It would be great if you could ride one before you buy.

My husband has a couple of them, and he LOVES them, as many people do. I have one of the original frame NWTs (from 1994 I think), and it is about 29 lbs the way I have it set up with the rack. Now, I hate to ride it, but I ride it all the time because it fits in the back of my mini-cooper. It rides very smoothly with the harder tires, and of course the components are as good as any, as the price reflects. I have never, ever, been happy with the twitchyness, and 'ride-feel' of the bike. Other people say it doesn't matter, and I can't define 'twitchyness', it means something different to everyone.

Call BF and ask if there is someone in your area that has one to test ride (I think they still have that program). It's alot of money to spend for a bike like that, and find you don't like it. My experience may be different, because my husband's bikes have a longer wheelbase, and I'm OK riding those.

[hulagirl]

Thanks for all the replies. I've looked at the pre-loved BF's and most are too small for me.

Plus, the option of having a bike custom built to MY measurements is quite inviting. And they do give you 30 days to test ride it. If you don't like it, send it back. Can't beat that.

I did find on their site they optimal weight for a bike is 12% of your body weight. Yikes. For me, that's a 17.5lb bike. HA! Gonna pay a fortune for that.

There is a Tikit here at one of the bike shops that I might look at today. They are listed as one of the BF dealers so I'm glad I have that resource here on the island.

I'll let you know what we find....I'm leaning towards the drops set level with the saddle as I do love the ability to shift hand positions.

Thanks again all!

Denise

[emily_in_nc]

Hi Denise,

To answer your questions, I have my drop bars set even with my saddle like blueberry, and I find that to be plenty upright. I am on the tops when climbing, on the hoods a lot, and also enjoy the drops when descending. All three positions are fine for me, though I think my cranky hip likes the more upright position the best. I didn't find that they limited me at all on our tour, and I didn't have neck, hand, wrist pain since the bike was set up to fit me (i.e, I sent measurements of a road bike I had at the time to be used while making the bike). I was able to look around just fine from the tops or hoods. If you have less back flexibility, that might be an issue. You can see my position on the tops in this photo that my avatar is a smaller version of:

http://i816.photobucket.com/albums/zz82/emilys7atgmaildotcom/Cycling/fm6.jpg

I agree, the Bike Friday site is HORRIBLE to navigate. There is a ton of stuff on it, some broken links, and a mix of old-style and new-style pages. The old pages often don't link back to the new pages except to "home". They desperately need a talented webmaster. I actually have more luck sometimes using google searches like this "Bike Friday handlebar options" to get to their pages, rather than trying to navigate thru their site. I forgot to mention it before, but here is a review I wrote years ago of my bike for girlbike.com (now defunct as a cycling site, may still be a scooter site) that Bike Friday picked up for their site: http://bikefriday.com/press/2004/emily-smith-crusoe/

It would be cool if you could test ride the Tikit, but I do think a bike with 16" wheels is going to be twitchier than a 20" wheeled bike. I personally don't find the Crusoe twitchy -- just very responsive. But that may be because I'm a small-wheeled gal from way back. Have owned a long-wheelbase recumbent with small wheels, a Terry with 24" wheel in the front, and a road bike with 650c, as I am just too small to get a good fit with a 700c bike. My DH rides a 700c Trek but also loves his Crusoe for utility riding and just cruising around, though. He never complains about it feeling twitchy. When he wants to do really fast unencumbered rides, he takes the Trek, b/c he leaves panniers on the Friday for errands.

My Petite Crusoe, if I take off the rack, all bags, etc., only weighs about 19- lbs, but obviously with a rack and Tailrider and other accessories, she starts getting heavier. I think of the uses you mention, a Bike Friday would work well for you. If you could find a pre-loved one, you could definitely save some $$. I also covet that pre-loved Pocket Rocket Pro blueberry mentions (and it would probably fit me), but circumstances are not right for me to buy any new bikes right now since I'm moving out of the country soon.

Good luck and please keep us posted! If you have any other questions, just ask!

[hulagirl]

Aloha Emily - I spoke to Dave at BF briefly today. He said the Crusoe starts in the $1500 range. We can handle the $1800-$2100 range and since I don't want in internal hub, I should be able to make it.

The bummer about the pre-loved is that they won't ship them to Hawaii! Only the lower 48! Booo! Do we could as lower, lower, LOWER 48 at all? Nope. Never.

I'm going to call Dave on Monday and Hubby and I are going to go over the whole thing with him. Can't wait! Looks like we might be able to get it 1st week of June.

Quetion:

Does you handle bar fold for travel? I know the H bar does, but didn't find a drop bar on the site. And How do you find the bar end shifters?

Thanks for posting the picture bigger for me too. That helps a lot.

Denise

[Blueberry]

Wow - Emily! You have some very nice muscle definition:)

I have almost the same set up as Emily - she helped me decide on shifters.

I don't know that there is a good bar end shifter "option" on the website (which even BF acknowledges as a mess right now). However, our rep was able to order them for us (and they're quite a bit less expensive than STI for what it's worth). Or, was that the question?

The drop bars split in 2 and sort of nestle around the bike in the suitcase.

[emily_in_nc]

I don't know that there is a good bar end shifter "option" on the website (which even BF acknowledges as a mess right now). However, our rep was able to order them for us (and they're quite a bit less expensive than STI for what it's worth). Or, was that the question?

The drop bars split in 2 and sort of nestle around the bike in the suitcase.

Yes, I don't recall even seeing bar-end shifters as an option, but the salesguy we worked with (Walter, who is no longer in sales) suggested them as being the best functionally with V-brakes, since I wanted the mountain gearing in the back. If you don't go with mountain gearing and v-brakes, there's no need to get the bar-end shifters, and I'd probably go with STI if that is what you are used to.

I do like the bar-end shifters a lot, but they do require moving your hands around on the bars more, and every now and then I'll hit my leg on one of the shifters. But they work very well with the setup on my bike.

As for the drop bars, they can get you any bars you want that can be cut/split in two (i.e., no carbon bars). So if you have a favorite handlebar, they can get them and split them for you. I had the Salsa Pocos on my other road bike at the time and liked them a lot, so that is what I ordered. Note that you will lose about 1 cm in width when they split them, so if you are between bar sizes, order up.

Hope this helps! And bummer on the not shipping to Hawaii, but it is a lot more costly for them. Too bad they just won't let you pay the difference. Guess there are more chances of something going wrong too? But they'll ship a new bike... ? :confused:

[tulip]

My setup is very similar to Emily's--we even each have white bikes! I, too, had my Bike Friday built to the measurements of my Luna. I ride each bike interchangeably. My Bike Friday has a triple, so I tend to take it when I go to the mountains.

Let's see if I can dig up a photo...oh, here's one I've posted before.

[emily_in_nc]

My setup is very similar to Emily's--we even each have white bikes! I, too, had my Bike Friday built to the measurements of my Luna. I ride each bike interchangeably. My Bike Friday has a triple, so I tend to take it when I go to the mountains.

Let's see if I can dig up a photo...oh, here's one I've posted before.

It's fun for me to see a photo of your bike and remember what mine would look like were she not decked out with rack, Tailrider, airhorn, etc. Very cute indeed!

[tulip]

It's fun for me to see a photo of your bike and remember what mine would look like were she not decked out with rack, Tailrider, airhorn, etc. Very cute indeed!

I have since added a second water bottle cage (both are pink!), computer, cue sheet holder, under-seat tool bag, blinkie, and bell. Sometimes I use the rack, too, but it's not on all the time. Some day I will get a Trailrider.

[hulagirl]

Talked to Dave at length today from BF. He's sending me a form on measuring every aspect of my current road bike for them.

Looks like we will go with the SRAM Apex and Shimano Capreo Cassette. Loving the white SRAM hoods but boy will they get dirty-birdy! So I dunno if I'm going to go with that color. But I do know and love my STI Ultegra so I won't change that.

Figured out my drop bar (3T Ergonova) and won't need to cut that in half as it's pretty compact.

Looks like I'm going with the Pocket Crusoe and Hubby is getting the NWT. Same bike, just thinner tubing on the Crusoe and a little more $$.

Also looks like they will ship it to Seattle (where we will be for 3 weeks on business) the day we arrive (early June) which will save us $100 per bike in shipping. Which we will just throw on over to the racks and shipping case anyway!

Can't wait! I sold my hybrid and my cruiser this weekend (in about 3 minutes flat) so my stable is empty except for the Big Dummy and my Orbea. :(

[Tri Girl]

YAY!!!! Congrats! So glad you're getting your BF's!! Yippee!!!! :D
Can't wait to see pictures of them!

[tulip]

Congratulations on your new bikes. Tubes and tires for Bike Fridays are hard to find, so you might as well order a bunch when you order your bike. Saves on shipping later, and you'll be stocked up.

I think the Pocket Crusoe and the NWT take the same tires, but you might want to make sure so you can interchange tires and tubes.

[hulagirl]

Congratulations on your new bikes. Tubes and tires for Bike Fridays are hard to find, so you might as well order a bunch when you order your bike. Saves on shipping later, and you'll be stocked up.

I think the Pocket Crusoe and the NWT take the same tires, but you might want to make sure so you can interchange tires and tubes.

Great advice. Thank you!

Just got confirmation that we have a spot in the que the first week of June! So so so excited!

[emily_in_nc]

Awesome! Happy for you.

Unless there have been major changes since we got our bikes, both Crusoes and NWTs have 406 wheels, so you should be able to use the same tires. That keeps things a bit simpler. Tulip is right about getting extra tires/tubes when you order, since it might be costly to ship them to Hawaii later. Seems like maybe we found some tubes at other shops, though, because kids' bikes (and recumbents) often have 20" tires.

So now for a really important questions: what color are you getting?! :D

[hulagirl]

So now for a really important questions: what color are you getting?! :D

Ah yes, now we come to the important stuff!

Hubby is getting yellow with red cables.
I'm doing red with yellow cables.

They will be known as "Ketchup" and "mustard."
:p

[Tri Girl]

Ah yes, now we come to the important stuff!

Hubby is getting yellow with red cables.
I'm doing red with yellow cables.

They will be known as "Ketchup" and "mustard."
:p

VERY cute!!! :) Can't wait to see them!

[emily_in_nc]

Ah yes, now we come to the important stuff!

Hubby is getting yellow with red cables.
I'm doing red with yellow cables.

They will be known as "Ketchup" and "mustard."
:p

What a clever idea! I didn't even know that cables could be spec'd in colors, but I haven't bought a brand new bike for years. Yes, pictures will definitely be required. :D

[tulip]

Great! My partner got a black one and I got a white one.

[Kerry1976]

Having finally sold my Fuji, I'm lusting after a "pre-loved" Bike Friday. My Trek Pure is great for getting around town, but putting her in my Toyota Corolla is a total PITA (have to remove the front wheel and having to fold down back seats). Also, as I've learned for the past 5 months, two full-size bikes in my tiny apt just doesn't work. I'd like my living room for more than bike storage.

They have a NWT on there for under $1000....but do I need that much bike? Not sure. Lots to think about.

I'm trying to figure out exactly what I want/need and then how to go about it. Love that they have a guarantee because there isn't a BF shop within hundreds of miles of here....

Pondering the possibilities...there are so many....

[Savra]

How exciting for you!! I don't personally have a BF but a dear friend of mine works there building the bikes. I can't imagine he would work for a company that produces sub par bikes. You are in for a lovely ride.

[hulagirl]

They have a NWT on there for under $1000....but do I need that much bike? Not sure. Lots to think about.

I'm trying to figure out exactly what I want/need and then how to go about it. Love that they have a guarantee because there isn't a BF shop within hundreds of miles of here....

Pondering the possibilities...there are so many....

Hey Kerry - it IS a lot to ponder! Took me many weeks of research and contemplation to figure out what I wanted. #1 for me was weight, then comfort. If I can't haul it around, I'm not going to ride it no matter how comfortable it is. And I'm coming from an 8lb carbon road bike...so the difference to me is going to be huge.

I guess I looked at it in terms of what I really want to do with it. And that was: ride places with the husband around town and while traveling. So there needed to be versatility there in terms of racks/gearing, etc. And we live around some big hills and it always rains here - so all that was a concern.

My advice to you is call them up. Dave was SPECTACULAR! Please call him and let him know I referred you. They do a customer referral program there where I get a credit for stuff if you buy a bike friday! His contact info is below - and I'm Denise Van Ryzin. :D

Dave Seybert
Bike Friday Consultant

Email: daves@bikefriday.com
Phone: 541-687-0487
Toll free: 800-777-0258

[emily_in_nc]

And I'm coming from an 8lb carbon road bike...so the difference to me is going to be huge.

You're kidding -- they make bikes that light? I had no idea?! :eek: I remember when 18 lbs used to be considered light (and is the lightest bike I've ever had), then I started hearing about 16 lb. bikes, then 14...had no idea they went lower than that. Or is that a typo?

[hulagirl]

18 lbs!

That number 1 makes all the difference!

[emily_in_nc]

18 lbs!

That number 1 makes all the difference!

Thanks - I was hoping that was the case. Someday, maybe there will be an 8 lb. bike (and if so, I want one!!), but I figured it would cost six figures if there was such a thing now! :D

[Kerry1976]

Denise, I will definitely mention you to Dave if I get in touch. I'm pondering it but not quite ready to make the plunge in terms of contacting and moving forward. But if/when I do, I'll definitely mention you so you can get some credits towards BF stuff! :)

[Kerry1976]

Does anyone here have experience riding both the Tikit and the NWT? Wondering how the ride differs.

Bike Friday has a pre-loved NWT at just under $1000 in my size, and they are willing to work with me on getting a pre-loved Model T Tikit if I'd prefer (asked via their FB page as they had closeouts up until today and when I asked about it they said to call them for a deal).

Of course, know the Model T has less gears, etc., than the NWT, but also know it folds faster. But I think the big difference is the wheel size and I am sure that makes a difference in handling and ride....

[Blueberry]

I have a Crusoe (so lighter NWT) and have test ridden a Tikit.

One of the main issues I would be concerned with is tire selection. The NWT will have a decent amount of choices available (and BMX tires in a pinch) - but the Tikit has many fewer options available. Although the NWT has many specialized parts, the Tikit has more - therefore, I would be concerned about the ability to get parts on short notice with the Tikit.

Otherwise, I did find the Tikit twitchy and less stable. But, I'd had my Crusoe for a while and was just testing a Tikit, so it's not a fair comparison.

In any case, good luck and welcome to the fold! They're a cool company - bikes, philosophy, referral credits to owners - they do things differently, and it really seems to work.

[Kerry1976]

Makes a lot of sense. I def would buy "pre-loved" and love that they have the 30-day guarantee. I don't know if I need "all of the bike" of the NWT as I would use it for primarily running around town and short out of town rides, but on the other hand love the 20" wheels.

I plan to cart it up stairs each day when going to work, so that is where the Tikit is quite appealing.

May I ask - How easy is it to fold and carry around a NWT?

I'd be going up two flights of stairs at work and two flights at home.

(MTA: This wouldn't even be a "problem" to consider if they didn't have the seemingly perfect NWT in my size - small - on the pre-loved list.....)

[Blueberry]

You know - if you're only looking at the NWT because it happens to be there, that might be your answer....

I don't know that I'd fold a NWT going up and down stairs. I used to live in a condo where coming in meant up one flight, down one flight. I never folded. I would ask about bike weight, and be a bit more concerned with that.

I do think the Tikit is significantly easier to fold. If that were my only consideration, I might get a Tikit. If I needed to take a bike on public transportation daily, I'd take the Tikit. I wouldn't want to fold/unfold a NWT multiple times a day. The "issue" with the NWT is that the handlebar/stem area is sort of hard to manage when folded. It does what it's intended to, but it's a bit harder to velcro/etc. than I believe the Tikit to be. If I were going on ride criteria, though - I'd go with the NWT.

How long do you think your out of town trips might be? I wouldn't put a limit on the Tikit, but my DH has done back to back centuries on his Crusoe (and I've done rides in the 50 mile range). You can always grow into a bike;)

[Kerry1976]

You know - if you're only looking at the NWT because it happens to be there, that might be your answer....

I don't know that I'd fold a NWT going up and down stairs. I used to live in a condo where coming in meant up one flight, down one flight. I never folded. I would ask about bike weight, and be a bit more concerned with that.

I do think the Tikit is significantly easier to fold. If that were my only consideration, I might get a Tikit. If I needed to take a bike on public transportation daily, I'd take the Tikit. I wouldn't want to fold/unfold a NWT multiple times a day. The "issue" with the NWT is that the handlebar/stem area is sort of hard to manage when folded. It does what it's intended to, but it's a bit harder to velcro/etc. than I believe the Tikit to be. If I were going on ride criteria, though - I'd go with the NWT.

How long do you think your out of town trips might be? I wouldn't put a limit on the Tikit, but my DH has done back to back centuries on his Crusoe (and I've done rides in the 50 mile range). You can always grow into a bike;)

Thanks! I honestly don't know how long my out of town trips would be, but I don't see them being very long at all. More short range for sure. Of course, that could change, but for the foreseeable future, this is what I envision.

I will add that I have carried my Trek Pure Lowstep and Fuji roadbike (now sold) up the stairs at my apartment but if I had ridden to work they would have been simply locked up on the bike rack outside the office. I would take my BF up to the office. We have an elevator, but I refuse to use it.

[emily_in_nc]

I don't know that I'd fold a NWT going up and down stairs. I used to live in a condo where coming in meant up one flight, down one flight. I never folded. I would ask about bike weight, and be a bit more concerned with that.

ITA. I live on the third floor and never fold my Crusoe. The only time I'd fold it is for packing into its suitcase. That's where the foldability is important, for travel. Otherwise, it's much easier just to carry it. With the small wheels, it's easier even for a short person like me to get it up high enough to carry up the stairs. I just prop the saddle on my shoulder and go!

I definitely think (agreeing with blueberry) that you'll get a more satisfactory ride on the NWT with 20" wheels. DH and I did a 565-mile bike tour on our Crusoes, and they did great. My Crusoe is my only road bike now, and I just love it for recreational rides as well as errands and utility rides. But for ultimate easy-fold, carrying on buses, etc, I'd go with the Tikit. They're very cool for what they're intended for, which to me is more of an urban commuter function, not really meant for long rides, events, etc. It all depends on what you're looking for.

[Kerry1976]

ITA. I live on the third floor and never fold my Crusoe. The only time I'd fold it is for packing into its suitcase. That's where the foldability is important, for travel. Otherwise, it's much easier just to carry it. With the small wheels, it's easier even for a short person like me to get it up high enough to carry up the stairs. I just prop the saddle on my shoulder and go!

I definitely think (agreeing with blueberry) that you'll get a more satisfactory ride on the NWT with 20" wheels. DH and I did a 565-mile bike tour on our Crusoes, and they did great. My Crusoe is my only road bike now, and I just love it for recreational rides as well as errands and utility rides. But for ultimate easy-fold, carrying on buses, etc, I'd go with the Tikit. They're very cool for what they're intended for, which to me is more of an urban commuter function, not really meant for long rides, events, etc. It all depends on what you're looking for.

Thanks, Emily. This is just what I needed to know. I'm also short, so getting wheels off the ground to carry is important. But, I won't be packing it to get on a bus anytime soon. I figure if I can get my Trek Pure up stairs, I can certainly get a NWT up.

As far as the earlier question regarding why I hadn't considered an NWT previously - I wouldn't have if they didn't have one on the pre-loved list. I figured this bike was simply out of the question due to cost. Having two small frame ones available pre-loved is something I simply don't feel I should pass up.

I've sent an email to Dave with some questions (and yes Denise, I mentioned you!), so we'll see what he says.

[tulip]

Rob English of Green Gear Cycling (the folks who make Bike Fridays) rode across the US on a Tikit. Of course, he's a super-duper racer and ultra cool cyclist who can do most things that the rest of us wouldn't dream of. His Tikit is a very high end one with drop bars and is very light due to some carbon in their somewhere.

I would get a Tikit for urban commuting, particularly if my commute involved a bus or a train, or if there was nowhere to lock up my bike (I'd fold it and bring it to my office). However, I work from home and therefore have no commute anymore. So no Tikit, either.

I fold my Pocket Rocket Pro to fit into the way back of my VW Rabbit on occasion. But mostly it stays unfolded until I need to take it to some exotic locale, which is actually more frequent than before. Since I can take my bike, I usually do.

[hulagirl]

Yeah Kerry - I think it's about what you want the bike to do. Do you plan to travel with it? Commute? Urban travel? Long distance?

Make a list of everything you want to do with that bike. Make a list of the things you want the bike to do for you (easy up hills, no hills to worry about, ride easy in the rain, haul lots of gear, light weight, etc). Then let Dave know what you want. He will guide you in the right direction. He did with me - he didn't try to sell me on one thing or another. He just asked me tons of questions and I told him what I wanted my bike to do/be for me. I didn't put a price on it. I just said what I wanted, he guided me to what he thought would work and then I got a price. I worked back from there.

I'll be getting the Pocket Crusoe as well! Hubby is getting the NWT.

Hope you can find something that works for you. I can't wait to get my BF. Just about 3 weeks to go!

[Kerry1976]

Thanks. My biggest impediment is budget - in terms of deciding what I am willing to spend to get what I want. Have some more "soul searching" to do and then to decide whether to move forward.

[Kerry1976]

Took the first step in the process and spoke to Dave (we got your name in, Denise!). Where I started and where I ended were completely different places, but I think we not only found just the right idea for me, but we also found something that ultimately will be more economical (certainly not cheap, but not as expensive) for me. If I order soon, my bike would arrive mid-July....and would be custom.

We are looking at a NWT with an 8-speed internal hub....of course with fenders, rack, etc. Fortunately, the MKS Lambda pedals I adore will work perfectly on a NWT, and my Brooks B67 will also be perfect.

Will be interesting to get the first quote and move forward.

It was interesting because I mentioned this to my mom today via email and even sent her a link to BF and I assumed she say "what the hell are you doing?" Instead, she said she recently saw a folder at the airport on her trip to Colorado a few days ago and thought it was cool.

[hulagirl]

How exciting Kerry! I can't wait to see what you end up with.

We are still 3 weeks out from getting ours. Patience! DH is having a hard time deciding what pedals to go with. I'm very happy that Speedplay has platforms now for their Light Action pedals as that is what I'll be doing with my BF. This way I can use my SIDI tri shoes if I want to go fast. Or just any old shoe if I want to tool around town.

I'll need to check out the pedals you mention for the husband.

And thanks for getting my name in with Dave! Also - you should know that Samsonite is having a sale via their Facebook page for $25 off $100 or more. The 31" F'Lite is on sale as well. With the coupon we ended up getting 2 for the price of one had we ordered from BF!

[Kerry1976]

And thanks for getting my name in with Dave! Also - you should know that Samsonite is having a sale via their Facebook page for $25 off $100 or more. The 31" F'Lite is on sale as well. With the coupon we ended up getting 2 for the price of one had we ordered from BF!

Thanks, Denise! I don't anticipate flying with my bike, so I don't think I'll need the case anytime soon.

About those pedals - they are flat pedals (not clipless). I heard about them on this forum and had to try them on my bike as my regular shoes would slide on and off and all over on the pedals at any given moment. Someone on this forum, in answering someone else's question, highly recommended these. I couldn't agree more with her assessment. The feet simply don't migrate on, off and around the pedal - they feel very stable and stay in place perfectly. Another feature of them is that they are more long than wide from the bike (Dave called it a figure-8 shape), which is why they should work well with a BF. Since they don't stick out so much, Dave said they wouldn't smack against your leg while carrying folded like standard non-folding pedals do. These pedals, and my Brooks saddle, will end up on any bike I ride....I love them.

The person who mentioned them on here, I believe, called them MKS Grip Kings. That is the Rivendell term, used on their website (they highly recommend). They are also MKS Lambdas. I believe both are the exact same pedal with simply different monikers but I could be wrong. BTW: I apologize to whoever it was that recommended these - I'd love to reference you by name - but I simply can't remember!

[blackhillsbiker]

I have them (the MKS Lambdas) on 3 bikes. Our LBS has started stocking them after I had him order me my last ones. They aren't wide, so they don't strike the pavement on turns, but they are long, so they provide a nice platform for riding. They completely solved my burning foot issue. I've ridden them with hiking boots in the middle of winter, sneakers, mtb shoes and even keen canvas sandals. Have I mentioned that I LOVE them? :)

Deb

[Kerry1976]

I got my price quote and sizing form from Dave at BF. The cost of my bike would be actually less than NWT list/standard due to what I do and don't want.

Going to work on sizing this weekend and go from there.....yikes! Exciting yet scary stuff!

[hulagirl]

That's SUPER awesome! I'm so glad you talked to Dave. He knows what questions to ask to make sure you get the bike you need and will use!

I'm just about 2 weeks out now from getting Ketchup! I picked up my Speedplay pedals (in red of course) yesterday and I'm slowing preparing everything. We basically have to show up in Seattle with all that we need to get the bike up and rolling as we won't have a rental car. Saddle, helmet, lights, pedals, pump! Cant' wait!

[Kerry1976]

My BF NWT should be delivered sometime around the middle of July!!!!!!!!!!!! :D

[hulagirl]

EEEEEKKKK!!!! So happy for you!

[Tri Girl]

my bf nwt should be delivered sometime around the middle of july!!!!!!!!!!!! :d


yay!!!!!:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

[hulagirl]

We got 'em! Ketchup and Mustard have been unboxed, set up and ridden. They are quite fun and cute! And although they ARE funny to look at, they ride just like a regular bike!

The strangest part was that I gave them my Orbea Race bike measurements and when I got on Ketchup for the first time, it was like getting on my Orbea! I was ready to go into my aero bars!

I will say this FULL WARNING! DO NOT attempt to unbox/build your Bike Friday after a red-eye flight, travel, totally tired & loopy day. It was frustrating. Our biggest issues were with centering the brakes. As tired as we were, it took us way too long to figure it out. And then I couldn't find my seat post and almost had a break down. It was still in the box. LOL!

We are going to take both bikes to a local bike shop to just have a few last things tweaked. Shifting is a little odd on Mustard, and I dropped my chain for the first time ever on a bike within 3 minutes of riding Ketchup. And we want to make sure things are tight enough, etc.

Super fun bikes! I'll get pictures up later - right now we are a little behind on work as we spent many hours yesterday setting up the new Bike Fridays.

Denise

[Tri Girl]

yay!!! Can't wait to see pics of them!!!

[Kerry1976]

Can't wait to see pics!

[emily_in_nc]

Alright! I am so excited for you! Hopefully all the little things can be tweaked. I suspect so.

My DH just changed out my blue bar tape for red on my (white) Pocket Crusoe tonight. It was the original bar tape and was getting all torn up and pulling apart on the top of the bars. The red really POPS -- makes me feel like I have a whole new bike! Since I have red bags and accents on my bike, it was a good choice. And I'm sure it will make me faster, right!? ;-)

Can't WAIT to see your photos. How fun!! :p

[Reesha]

If you could recommend a bike friday model for a fully supported bike ride across the country, which model would you recommend?

[emily_in_nc]

If you could recommend a bike friday model for a fully supported bike ride across the country, which model would you recommend?

Well, I'm a bit partial to the Pocket Crusoe :rolleyes:, but there are several that would work -- NWT, Pocket Rocket, even a Pocket Rocket Pro if very light weight is important to you, and since the tour is fully supported. We used our Crusoes for a self-supported tour carrying full panniers, and they worked great and are lighter than NWTs.

Really, call the Bike Friday folks and talk to them about your needs. They are awesome and super knowledgeable! I changed my model choice a couple of times while trying to narrow it down, and I ended up very happy with the bike I chose.

[emily_in_nc]

I'll get pictures up later - right now we are a little behind on work as we spent many hours yesterday setting up the new Bike Fridays.

Denise

Denise, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you are seriously negligent in your picture posting. Don't you know that we have rigorous standards around here?

:p :D :p :D

We want to see Ketchup and Mustard. Soon. Post pictures by the end of the week and no one will get hurt. Or fined for non-compliance. :D

[tulip]

If you could recommend a bike friday model for a fully supported bike ride across the country, which model would you recommend?

For a supported tour, I wouldn't hesitate to take my PRP. I'd even do it with panniers, but not overboard with tents and stuff. But that's just me. I agree with Emily--call Bike Friday folks and ask them. They are very knowledgeable, friendly, and patient. I changed my mind multiple times, too, and they didn't blink an eye at my multiple calls and numerous questions.

[hulagirl]

I suck! I'm sooo sorry! I've been having wayyyy too much fun on this thing!

Basically, I've ridden my Pocket Crusoe every single day since we got it. Except yesterday - when I had to do a 4 mile run for training and was just too dang tired to ride.

We are staying in West Seattle on the beach so any ride other than to the water taxi is up a 400' elevation gain in 1.5 miles. I was dreading this hill at first - expecting my gearing on Ketchup to be similar to the gearing on Serafina (my Orbea Road bike). I was sooo wrong! Dave at BF listened to my concerns about hills and set me up with excellent gears to hit the hills. I started up the hill and was shocked to discover that I had 3 more (maybe it was 4) easy gears to shift down to! Wow. Seriously awesome.

Unfortunately, the closest bike shop wasn't very helpful to us. Not only did they tell us it would take a week for them to look over our bikes and make sure we built it correctly, but they sold us 451 tubes for 406 tires. This will be important later for sure.

Hubby has had some issues getting used to shifting. He's got a Big Dummy at home and is used to grip shifters and thumb shifters so the SRAM double taps were giving him problems. Especially on the front cog. I had no problem with it. But he's getting much better with it.

Regardless we still wanted someone to check 'em over and help put on the fenders. (As we are staying in an office, we are limited to tools to do this stuff) So we took the bikes down to another shop about 5 miles from our place. On the way, hubby got a flat. But we were fine as we had new tubes! THAT WERE THE WRONG SIZE. Ugh. Broke a tire level getting the tire off and discovered that my patch kit is a piece of crap with one tube of the glue having burst a long time ago and the other tube refusing to open. We barely patched the tire well enough to get us to the shop within 10 min of them closing. Luckily they were cool enough to stay later and do all the work for us.

We took the bikes back to them the next day to get slime in our tires and our back gearing soaked in oil. That makes the bike spin ultra quiet. Now we have stealth Bike Friday's! ;-)

We've been to the Seattle REI numerous times and we each have Ortlieb panniers on our back racks (matching colors of course). We use the water taxi and bike lanes of Seattle to get around so easily.

So how do they ride? Well, really I can say they ride JUST like a regular sized bike. I can't tell the difference AT ALL unless I go to make a sharp turn. (They turn on a dime) I've got my Speed Play pedals on and when I'm clipped in - the bike flies! I do wish I had a slightly smaller gear as I've bottomed out while going downhill. But if I had to pick one, I'd keep my bigger gears for hitting the uphills.

On the bikes, I can't see why everyone looks at us so funny. Off the bikes, they look like circus bikes! But they ride so well.

We've ordered Schwalbe Marathon Supreme tires. A litte wider and highly rated by users. We've also got slime in our tubes! Finally get to use it with the lower PSI.

Photos coming! I'm working on them now.

Denise

[hulagirl]

Here they are! They aren't that great as we are just too giddy when we ride them to actually stop and take pictures of them. ;-)

Ketchup - Naked! (This is right out of the box, fresh!)
http://gallery.mac.com/dvanryzin/100196/Ketchp%20-%20naked%21/web.jpg?ver=13082479490001

Dressed and together with Mean Mr. Mustard:
http://gallery.mac.com/dvanryzin/100196/Ketchup%20%26%20Mustard/web.jpg?ver=13082478530001

We also have front racks, but only need the back racks for now with the fenders. In this shot I have the SpeedPlay pedal covers on the pedals. They are super easy to put on so that I can ride in normal shoes if I want to just tool around the town.

[Kerry1976]

Absolutely lovely bikes. Sounds like you have really been using and enjoying them - and doing the extras to really make them work just for you.

The pair together looks so awesome!

My NWT should arrive in the next 3-4 weeks! Can't wait!

[hulagirl]

Kerry - I think you will love it. It was soo strange for me to get on the BF and have it feel just like my Orbea. (I gave Dave my Orbea measurements to match for the BF build)

One thing - make sure you set aside time to do your build of your bike when you can call BF and ask questions. And do not have easy access to small children that can be thrown out of windows! It was very frustrating. More than it needed to be due to somewhat lacking instructions on BF's part. The DVD they send you is not very helpful and the brakes we got are just downright evil to hook up. Have a day to do it and a glass of wine and you should be fine. ;-)

I am NOT looking forward to packing the bikes up into the suitcase for the first time. I know it gets easier with time, but it's an expensive bike that I don't want to muck up.

D

[emily_in_nc]

Denise,

They are absolutely gorgeous and cute as buttons! The color scheme is amazing and not even anything I knew could be done with the cabling and even matching racks! Nice job! The matching panniers look fabulous too!

Thanks so much for posting the photos and so glad you're enjoying your new bikes. I have been loving mine so much this season! DH put red bar tape on mine (which matches my red bags and air-horn) as the blue was tearing and wearing out terribly, and it looks even more smashing to me now. Wish my Candy's pedals were the red ones instead of the blue now!

Emily

[hulagirl]

Here's another for you guys that I took tonight on our way to dinner in Seattle:

It's like seeing double! ;-)
http://gallery.mac.com/dvanryzin/100196/Waiting/web.jpg?ver=13082816420001

Emily - we are looking for horns now. Or a bell. I'm thinking a simple Crane Brass bell will work fine - but I'd love something that I could activate from my hoods. Ha...I like to dream.

We are packing up our panniers for the 3 hour boat trip up to Victoria BC tomorrow. I can't tell you how excited we are to get our bikes out on a trip and on a BOAT and a FERRY no less. I just love these things!

I'd love to see new pic of your bike Emily with the splash of blue! Post away!

Denise

[Tri Girl]

OH MY GOSH! They are the cutest bikes EVER!!! Love them!! :D Enjoy every mile (and it sounds like you will). :)

[tulip]

They look great. Packing and unpacking is not so troublesome. Use the book, go step by step, and be patient. I can pack mine in an hour, and unpack in half that time. Enjoy your new bikes!

[emily_in_nc]

Emily - we are looking for horns now. Or a bell. I'm thinking a simple Crane Brass bell will work fine - but I'd love something that I could activate from my hoods. Ha...I like to dream.

We are packing up our panniers for the 3 hour boat trip up to Victoria BC tomorrow. I can't tell you how excited we are to get our bikes out on a trip and on a BOAT and a FERRY no less. I just love these things!

I'd love to see new pic of your bike Emily with the splash of blue! Post away!

Denise

Awesome photo! They are a match made in heaven!

My air horn (google Air Zound) was inspired by my crash to try to keep free-running dogs away, but it's also come in realyl handy against a few crazy motorists, who wouldn't hear a bell. It's too loud to use on pedestrians, tho. It's red, so would look fine on your bikes. If you usually ride together, maybe one of you could get a horn and one a bell, to have all the bases covered!

I'll try to get a new photo of my Crusoe. It's actually got red accents; only the pedals are blue now with the bar tape change. I'm heading to the markets tomorrow with red Arkel panniers, so that would be a good time to snap a photo or two.

Have fun on your ride. It sounds awesome! Be prepared to get a LOT of attention and answer a lot of questions. Most of the time I don't mind it a bit, but every now and then it gets a bit tiresome and I just want to fade into the woodwork.

[emily_in_nc]

Here ya go -- taken today right before heading to the markets. Mine doesn't look nearly as sleek as yours due to fenders, lots of long cabling from the bar-end shifters, and age (7 years!), but she's still a cutie (to me). If we weren't going to move to Belize soon and leave our Fridays for safe-keeping at my mom's, I'd outfit her with a black & red saddle and red Candies pedals!

http://i816.photobucket.com/albums/zz82/emilys7atgmaildotcom/Cycling/IMGP6784800x567.jpg

[hulagirl]

WOW! That's some serious red! Love it! And guess what saddle I have on my bike? The SI Lady! I figured I'd try it because of the REI return policy (anytime, full refund no matter what) and at first I hated it. Now I totally dig it!

We had a GREAT weekend on our BF's. On the high-speed ferry to Victoria, BC with them. Only got to ride a tiny bit as our friends did not have bikes with them. boo. Then we took them over to Port Angeles and had to do our first quick fold! GASP! They horror and fear! It went ok and will get better. The good news is that after being folded up for 2 days they unfolded nicely and quickly down in Bainbridge, WA! We loaded them up with our 4 days gear and rode onto the ferry back to Seattle. Then a quick trip up to REI and a water taxi back over to West Seattle and back to work.

They were SO much fun and really, the Seattle area ferry system is awesome. It was free to ride our bikes onto the ferry to Seattle. First to board and first off the boat. You can't beat that.

Now I'm contemplating a GPS unit like the Garmin 800 for directions. I'm sick of stopping and pulling out my iphone every 5th block to see where I should be going. Dangerous too. Agh. More money!

Belize???? Waaa? How long?

[Owlie]

Denise, those bikes are adorable! (And yours is too, Emily!)

[emily_in_nc]

Belize???? Waaa? How long?

Don't want to hijack the thread, so this will be brief...I've mentioned this on several other threads here and there, but we are building a condo on Ambergris Caye and are moving there for retirement. No planned end date; we'll stay for as long as it's fun. :D We've moved away several times over the 26 years of our marriage and always end up coming back to NC, but we'll see...we can always rent the condo out and just use it for vacations if it gets boring, but we want to immerse ourselves in a new country for awhile. It is time for a change!

The beach cruisers are coming with us; that's really about all you can ride there (or mountain bikes). The Bike Fridays would get trashed with the sand and salt air, and gears are unnecessary.

Glad you had such fun on your weekend adventure! I agree that a GPS would be a great idea for riding unfamiliar roads.

[Chicken Little]

These bikes are beautiful. I'm starting to feel the need for something more versatile in the garage, this might be it. Thanks for including all the pictures.

[hulagirl]

So here I sit, looking at an empty suitcase and my Bike Friday. Somehow I will need to get the bike into the suitcase without killing anyone. :-)

I really, really hope it's as easy as it should be. And then Ketchup and Mustard make it home to Hawaii in one piece and not messed up by TSA. :eek:

[Blueberry]

So here I sit, looking at an empty suitcase and my Bike Friday. Somehow I will need to get the bike into the suitcase without killing anyone. :-)

I really, really hope it's as easy as it should be. And then Ketchup and Mustard make it home to Hawaii in one piece and not messed up by TSA. :eek:

Hang in there - I'm let's just say mechanically challenged, and I made it! One tip: Put as much in sealed bags are you can (i.e. pedals). TSA took them out of a drawstring bag (that was tied shut) and left them rattling around the suitcase for our pleasure. Next time - Zip loc and pouch. Maybe that will help the [insert not very nice description] TSA agents with the job they *should* be doing.

[Tri Girl]

search the threads here for packing your BF. I'm pretty sure someone (don't remember who) posted about how they packed their BF and even when searched, it made it through unscathed.

I remember that zip-tie'ing as much of the bike as you can (or using velcro straps) is great. It keeps the bike from unfolding when the case is opened. I think I remember them putting a sequence of pictures (4 I believe) of how the bike should be put back in the case.

Let's just cross our fingers that they don't bother it!!:rolleyes:

[tulip]

I pack mine in the soft case that I put in the hard case. When TSA opens the hard case, there is a zipped soft case. They unzipped it and that seems to satisfy their need to check thing out. No problems thus far.

Go step-by-step in the book, one step at a time. Remain calm and think if it as a meditative practice.

I also tape a nice note to TSA on the inside of the case top explaining that this us a folding bike and I include photos of the folded bike in the case.

[Sylvia]

I love the colors on your bikes!! So cute!

I have a Bike Friday, and I took it from California to Maryland to do a ride last October. I took pictures of each step as we packed it. I then printed out the photos with my name and cell number and placed it in an envelope labeled for TSA in the Bike Friday suitcase. This way if for any reason TSA felt they needed to rummage through it or had trouble getting it all back in, they could see from the pictures or could call me. The bike got to Maryland fine and came back fine. No phone calls either. :)

[hulagirl]

I'm sitting in the United lounge waiting for our flight. United took the bags without batting an eye. Came in at 44 lbs per case. So well under weight limit (I have a 70lb weight limit as I'm Premier Executive status anyway).

Packing took us an hour and a half. I velcro'd everything that I could in the case so that if they have to pick up the bike they will do so in one piece. I put a picture up in the case of what it was unfolded and folded in the case. I noted that the case did not contain any C02 or liquids. And I put my name and phone number if they had questions. I can only hope and pray they the TSA is decent about this.

I didn't think about the zip lock bag thing. Next time. I'll get the big freezer bags and label them. I hope my karma level is high and things work out.

Regardless, we just saved $300 by checking the bikes. I guess if we had to put them in a box and pay $300 that the TSA is still going to check things and possibly screw stuff up. So...well...at least I'm not out $300. Gotta count your blessings when you can.

Fingers and toes are crossed. Won't be home until after 9pm tonight so I'll check it all out tomorrow at let you all know how it goes.

Denise

[Blueberry]

Good luck and safe travels, Denise!!

[Tri Girl]

fingers crossed, Denise!

[emily_in_nc]

I bet it will go just fine, Denise! And $300 saved is nothing to scoff at -- just one of the many advantages of Bike Fridays. :)

[hulagirl]

We are home! Yipeeee!

The F'lite cases made it through the trip without a problem. Good thing we have luggage straps on them as the main lock on mine was unlatched. We don't lock it because it's not a TSA lock. One of our luggage straps is a TSA lock though so that's what we use.

Doesn't look like TSA opened them at all. If they did, they didn't leave the note that said "We rummaged through your stuff. Love, TSA" And everything was in the same order/condition we packed it in. Will assemble later tonight or tomorrow after my trail run.

Good to be home! Miss the bike love of Seattle already though!

[emily_in_nc]

Yay! I knew it would be just fine. Good! :)

[Reesha]

Is the listed price for the Pocket Rocket Pro just the frame and fork? I should just call Bike Friday shouldn't I...

[Blueberry]

Most of the prices I've seen on their site are full bikes...

[Reesha]

Well, the pocket rocket pro is fully custom, so I'm not sure how they set a price when there are any number of combinations of componenents. Maybe Tulip can fill me in :)

This bike decision is tormenting me! Part of me wants a caad10 so I can race on it in the spring. Part of me wants the bike friday for the freedom it gives me. Part of me wants a Ti bike for the comfort level. blargh!

[Blueberry]

Reesha-

What they usually do is put "stock" components in the price, and then you can go up from there. On the older version of their website, they would have several price points for each model with component options, and then you could modify from that starting place.

So, when I ordered my Crusoe (which was fully custom), I started with base components, and added component upgrades, different headset, generator hub, etc. I can't get to any of their model pages right now ("could not connect" error) to confirm that they haven't changed this - but if you'll point me to what you're looking at, I'm happy to take a look.

ETA: Folks have tried to buy frame/fork in the past, and Bike Friday has not wanted to do that. Their FAQ on Pricing says:


What is included in the PRICE?

The price shown is for a base model, without any additional accessories or upgrades. Trailers and bags are not included in the price, and, unless noted in the specs, pedals and saddles are usually optional items not included in the price.

All prices shown are in United States dollars, do not include any shipping or import fees, and are subject to change at any time.

[hulagirl]

That's what BF did for us on our bikes. We gave them an "idea" of what we wanted, they said Pocket Crusoe and NWT and gave us the base price.

It all went up from there. ;-) But they did work with my budget and kept me on track.

I highly recommend you call BF directly. They are EXCELLENT on the phone. I spent a good 45 min on the phone with Dave discussing all the options and whys/hows. We had about 2-3 of those conversations over the course of a week. So they work with you very nicely.

Speaking of calling them, I need to email Dave and let him know how thrilled we are with the bikes.

[Kerry1976]

My NWT should arrive sometime in the next week!!!!!

As far as ordering and price, I totally agree that a call is essential. My NWT is much cheaper than the generalized price on the site because I didn't need 24 speeds for the riding I planned to do (instead will have 8-speed nexus). On the other hand, I added a rack and fenders, etc. (even then bike was cheaper than listed price online)

I also had a good talk with Dave about what I needed because I was back-and-forth between the Tikit and NWT and in the end, I really feel that I got the perfect bike for my needs. He asked questions I never would have thought of and was not out to bleed me of my $$ - if I already had something on hand (like my MKS Lambda pedals, my Brooks saddle) he suggested I use those instead of buying different, etc. Each question he had came with an explanation of the options, cost differential, and pros and cons of getting something. He wasn't trying to hard-sell special costly colors, accessories, etc. Heck, he didn't even bring that up - I did! (I went with standard cream soda blue which was free) It was very friendly and warm.

[Crankin]

Reesha, what size are you? My DH has a barely used Pocket Rocket Pro sitting in the case. He used it traveling for about 2 years and rode it maybe 2 times at home. He rides a 52 cm on his regular bike and it was custom designed for those specs (he had a Trek 5500 when he bought the Friday). It has high end components. It's a double, with really low gears.

[hulagirl]

Kerry - did your NWT come yet?

[Kerry1976]

My NWT is scheduled for delivery TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D

Not sure if I'll get to ride right away though - we are in dangerous hot temps here in West Central IL (along with so many others, I know) - tomorrow is supposed to be 97 with heat indices in the 120s - add that with the humidity and it makes, literally, a killer combination. I may try to get out to get around the block if nothing else.

[Tri Girl]

My NWT is scheduled for delivery TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D



Hip, hip hooray!!!!! :D:D:D:D:D
Even if you can't ride it yet, please take pics so we can see it!!

[hulagirl]

My NWT is scheduled for delivery TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D

:eek::eek::D:D:p;):eek::eek: Awesome!!!!



Not sure if I'll get to ride right away though - we are in dangerous hot temps here in West Central IL--tomorrow is supposed to be 97 with heat indices in the 120s - add that with the humidity and it makes, literally, a killer combination.

THIS is why I got the heck out of IL! (Born and raised Chicago area/subs, college in Peoria) IL is either way too cold or too damn hot! (add to that it's as flat as a pancake and well....yawn....off to Hawaii I went!)

Take lots of pics of it packed! You will need it for reference later!

D

[Kerry1976]

Def plan to take pics, and if I can get pedals and a seat on, I'm going to ride, even if just around the building, ASAP. :)

[Kerry1976]

My NWT is here! Just arrived via Fed Ex! Is in a box in the back of my car. Can't wait to get off work so I can go home and open it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Tri Girl]

Just bring it in to work and start putting it together. Surely they won't mind. It *IS* a Bike Friday, after all. Don't they know how exciting that is??? :D

Can't wait to see pics of it!

[hulagirl]

Aghghghg! The suspense!!!

[emily_in_nc]

Congratulations! Can't wait for the photos.

Welcome to the Bike Friday family. :p

[Kerry1976]

Attached is a photo of the basic assembly of the bike. Even though it was 100 degrees with indices in the 115 range, I had to at least ride it around the block! It was amazing but I definitely will have to get used to the Nexus 8-speed internal - it grip shifts just like my 7-speed Trek but in the OPPOSITE direction! A big difference indeed!

I took a break and then tackled the fenders. I don't yet have a picture with those on, but they are lovely!

I was a crescent wrench and brainpower short of getting the back rack on. Once I find a wrench I am going to work on that. The directions have me a little confused and I haven't yet figured out the back fender mounts and the rack mounts overlap or not, but I'll get it soon!

MTA: I need to add, I had to do a little more assembly than I expected and I am glad. I feel like it gave me a chance to better understand how this bike (and bikes in general) work. But in the grand scheme of things, the amount of assembly was pretty minimal considering the bike folds so the chain, etc. was already on and good to go.

[Tri Girl]

it's BEE-YOU-TIFUL!!!!! WOO HOO!!!! Can't wait to see it all decked out! Congrats!!!

[hulagirl]

Ohhh! Love the blue! Very nice!

Ok, is it just me or do you HATE the breaks? Ugh! I finally took Ketchup to my LBS and told them to give me some breathing room on the brake pads. They rub all the time and no amount of adjusting on my end could remedy the situation. And they were soooo hard to connect if you have to take the wheels off. I am spoiled by my road bike brakes.

[Kerry1976]

Okay, here are the "finished" picks of my new BF.

Tonight I plan to take a ride (even though it will be super hot). Looking forward to it!

MTA: i am not completely sold on the rack. we'll see how I like it after some rides

[Tri Girl]

Yes! It looks fantastic all set up!!!! Sooo pretty!!!! :D
What don't you love about the rack, BTW?

[hulagirl]

That is one big *** trunk! LOL!

Which rack is that? We got the BF folding rack and while it's heavy, it's pretty sturdy.

Did you put the nametag on your bike or did BF? Ours just came in a bag and we don't know where to put them. ;-) I guess they didn't know which bike was which. hahaha.

Aren't those fenders a bear to put on?! Not fun with shipping.

Love the Brook's!

[Kerry1976]

That is one big *** trunk! LOL!

Which rack is that? We got the BF folding rack and while it's heavy, it's pretty sturdy.

Did you put the nametag on your bike or did BF? Ours just came in a bag and we don't know where to put them. ;-) I guess they didn't know which bike was which. hahaha.

Aren't those fenders a bear to put on?! Not fun with shipping.

Love the Brook's!

I'm not sure what it is about the rack I'm not sure of, so maybe its just me being weird. I think it was that I wanted the folding rack and didn't get it. They didn't mess up, I did. But, I don't want to pay the difference for a folding rack - I'm cash poor right now (for obvious reasons!). I also kinda like the look of the bike better without the rack. :)

My nameplate came already on, but I bet you are right - they didn't want to mount on the wrong bike for your order.

[Kerry1976]

I had planned to ride tonight but it is nearly 100 degrees and we are still in a heat warning. UGH. And I'm going away for the weekend. May still try if the heat drops a little tonight, but may be having to wait until Sunday or Monday. :(

[Kerry1976]

I did it! I finished the post, sat for about 2 minutes and couldn't stand it anymore. I rode 3.6 miles, on a couple of city roads, over fairly smooth railroad tracks, then over very rough railroad tracks, and ended with the last .75 miles or so on a highway. This bike is amazing, excellent, wonderful. Had the fun and somewhat upright feel (reminding me of my Trek Pure - pure fun) and yet I could go much faster with much less work. It was 100 degrees out and I wasn't pushing it yet I still went 12.25 mi/hr including stopping at one intersection. Heck, even had less stops than would normally on this route - like the Bike God was smiling. And, considering it has been a good 6 weeks since I've ridden a bike AT ALL, I felt pretty good.

[hulagirl]

Yipppee!!!!!!

[Blueberry]

Yay!! So glad you had a good first ride!

[Kerry1976]

Yay!! So glad you had a good first ride!

Me too! It was so different than my first ride on the road bike I had, where I spent most of the time terrified. I had fun but was testing skills at the same time. My Trek Pure was all fun but so SLOW. This was a perfect combination.

[Jiten]

That's one sweet-looking Bike Friday. Congratulations! :)

[deepakvrao]

Figured out my drop bar (3T Ergonova) and won't need to cut that in half as it's pretty compact.
(

Just ordering these for my wife and one for me. Wanted to get our regular compact drop bars which is the FSA Wing Compact. They are as compact as the 3T. So, does that mean, that we can pack the bike without using a split handle bar?

Really confused about the bar for these bikes, and would appreciate any help.

[deepakvrao]

Here's another for you guys that I took tonight on our way to dinner in Seattle:

It's like seeing double! ;-)
http://gallery.mac.com/dvanryzin/100196/Waiting/web.jpg?ver=13082816420001

Emily - we are looking for horns now. Or a bell. I'm thinking a simple Crane Brass bell will work fine - but I'd love something that I could activate from my hoods. Ha...I like to dream.

We are packing up our panniers for the 3 hour boat trip up to Victoria BC tomorrow. I can't tell you how excited we are to get our bikes out on a trip and on a BOAT and a FERRY no less. I just love these things!

I'd love to see new pic of your bike Emily with the splash of blue! Post away!

Denise

Wow, super looking bikes. Especially together. Are those Planet Bike fenders with stays?

[deepakvrao]

Here's another for you guys that I took tonight on our way to dinner in Seattle:

It's like seeing double! ;-)
http://gallery.mac.com/dvanryzin/100196/Waiting/web.jpg?ver=13082816420001

Emily - we are looking for horns now. Or a bell. I'm thinking a simple Crane Brass bell will work fine - but I'd love something that I could activate from my hoods. Ha...I like to dream.

We are packing up our panniers for the 3 hour boat trip up to Victoria BC tomorrow. I can't tell you how excited we are to get our bikes out on a trip and on a BOAT and a FERRY no less. I just love these things!

I'd love to see new pic of your bike Emily with the splash of blue! Post away!

Denise

Wow, just reached here and these bikes look absolutely fantastic. Congratulations.

Are those Planet Bike fenders with stays?

[deepakvrao]

Here ya go -- taken today right before heading to the markets. Mine doesn't look nearly as sleek as yours due to fenders, lots of long cabling from the bar-end shifters, and age (7 years!), but she's still a cutie (to me). If we weren't going to move to Belize soon and leave our Fridays for safe-keeping at my mom's, I'd outfit her with a black & red saddle and red Candies pedals!

http://i816.photobucket.com/albums/zz82/emilys7atgmaildotcom/Cycling/IMGP6784800x567.jpg


Nice. Love the white ones, but they cost more I guess.

Are those BF fenders? Heard that they have a single bolt attachment without stays? Do they flap around?

Which handlebar is that? Is it a split bar?

[Blueberry]

I'm not the original poster but....

Bike Friday is running a special with a "color of the week" through the rest of the year. White is a free upgrade if ordered on 12/9.

Fenders from them are single bolt, and I'll probably replace mine with another manufacturer at some point. I've not had problems, but I don't use them all of the time.

Bike Friday can split any handlebar that is the appropriate diameter - and all of the bars on their folding bikes are split.

[deepakvrao]

Hulagirl is using the 3T bar which is the oversized one and not the 1" clamp size. Also, she gave the impression that her bar was not split, so was wondering.

Thanks for the thumbs up on the colour of the week.

Also, do you find the split bar 'solid'?

[Blueberry]

Hulagirl is using the 3T bar which is the oversized one and not the 1" clamp size. Also, she gave the impression that her bar was not split, so was wondering.

Thanks for the thumbs up on the colour of the week.

Also, do you find the split bar 'solid'?

I'm 99% sure Emily's bar is split (the white bike in your post I replied to). I've been having trouble finding a short/shallow enough bar to make me happy that is the small diameter. That's cool if they've got an alternate clamp for larger bars. Every one I've seen in person has been split, though. I think packing would be difficult with a single piece bar.

No issues with the bar moving or feeling any different from a regular bar. I don't think about it until I pack the bike.

[deepakvrao]

I thought that the yellow and red bikes have standard 3T bars and not split. Have PMed Hulagirl for the details.

Happy to hear that the split bars 'feel' normal.

[Blueberry]

Hopefully, she'll fill you in! Looking at the photo, I think the yellow one has to be split. The Red one might not be (it's nice to know that's an option, as my preferred bar doesn't come in a splittable diameter).

[deepakvrao]

Question is, how difficult will it be to pack a non split bar. I guess a long talk is due with BF guys after the weekend.

[Blueberry]

I'm pretty sure they're open for a little while on Saturday or available via email. We worked with Walter and he was always emailing us before/after "normal" hours. :)

Seriously - getting on the phone with them is your best bet. They're very helpful!

[deepakvrao]

I have a 13 hour time difference :-) Will speak to Walter on Monday I guess.

[emily_in_nc]

I'm 99% sure Emily's bar is split (the white bike in your post I replied to). I've been having trouble finding a short/shallow enough bar to make me happy that is the small diameter. That's cool if they've got an alternate clamp for larger bars. Every one I've seen in person has been split, though. I think packing would be difficult with a single piece bar.

No issues with the bar moving or feeling any different from a regular bar. I don't think about it until I pack the bike.

Blueberry is correct with all the answers she gave you about my bike. :D

The handlebar is a Salsa Poco. One thing to keep in mind is when they split the bar, you lose a cm off the bar width. So I wished I'd gone up a size. I got the 38 Pocos and would have gotten the 40 had I known. The 38s ended up more like 37s, and I sometimes hit my knees on the bar-end shifters when I stand to pedal (which I don't do often) or on a sharp turn.

It feels just like any other handlebar.

Cheers,
Emily

[Triskeliongirl]

My understanding is that if you want to use one of the lighter swan style stems the bars must be split. But splitting is no biggie (and does not impact ride quality at all), just size up as Emily suggests since they do lose 1 cm in cutting (I also made this mistake the first time around).

[Blueberry]

I'm really glad you both mentioned losing a cm. I'm getting ready to put shallower drop bars on my Friday, and they told me that the bar would be the same width after cutting (that they don't lose any) so I don't need to size up:confused::confused: I think I'm going with the TE wisdom (and a slightly wider bar won't hurt on a touring bike anyway).

[deepakvrao]

Blueberry is correct with all the answers she gave you about my bike. :D

The handlebar is a Salsa Poco. One thing to keep in mind is when they split the bar, you lose a cm off the bar width. So I wished I'd gone up a size. I got the 38 Pocos and would have gotten the 40 had I known. The 38s ended up more like 37s, and I sometimes hit my knees on the bar-end shifters when I stand to pedal (which I don't do often) or on a sharp turn.

It feels just like any other handlebar.

Cheers,
Emily

Thanks Emily.

Just looked up that bar and it is a 31.8mm bar. I thought that they could split only the 25.4mm bars, at least thats what I read in another forum. This sounds good as our current bars which we love on our road bikes, are 31.8mm FSA Wing Compacts.

[emily_in_nc]

Thanks Emily.

Just looked up that bar and it is a 31.8mm bar. I thought that they could split only the 25.4mm bars, at least thats what I read in another forum. This sounds good as our current bars which we love on our road bikes, are 31.8mm FSA Wing Compacts.

Deepak,

Definitely confirm with the Bike Friday folks that they can still cut the 31.8mm bars, as my Pocket Crusoe was built in 2004, and it's possible things have changed since then.

Blueberry,

It's also possible they've changed things so that you don't lose a cm when the bars are cut. Both Triskelion and my Fridays are/were older, so I can't honestly say; just relating my experience.

Cheers all,
Emily

[Triskeliongirl]

Check with Walter, he is very good and is the one that told me that the bars lose 1 cm when cut. But I agree with Emily things may have changed (I bought my friday in 2001). My bars that were cut were not 25.4, they were 26mm, but that was the popular clamp size at the time. I think the issue will be what size they are now making their clamps, so again just ask Walter. I also think you wouldn't want to cut a carbon bar. But if you do want to use a carbon bar, I think you could use the other stem style that works with an uncut bar, just realize there is (was) a weight penalty. While its probably easier to pack cut bars, its not difficult to pack un-cut ones, so just discuss your current options with Walter.

[hulagirl]

I thought that the yellow and red bikes have standard 3T bars and not split. Have PMed Hulagirl for the details.

Happy to hear that the split bars 'feel' normal.

My bike - the red one has the 3T bars and they are not split. I have no problem packing them.

Hubby has the split bars and doesn't like them. Wants mine. LOL! :roll eyes:

Here is a picture of the bike packed - note the bars neatly tuck in on the left. Very easy. I've packed both spit bars and solid and I actually prefer packing the solid bars.
url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/49239140@N03/6299827666/]http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6119/6299827666_55b4dc405e_b.jpg[/url]
[url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/49239140@N03/6299827666/]

[deepakvrao]

Thanks Hulagirl. Just the pic I was looking for.

[deepakvrao]

Check with Walter, he is very good and is the one that told me that the bars lose 1 cm when cut. But I agree with Emily things may have changed (I bought my friday in 2001). My bars that were cut were not 25.4, they were 26mm, but that was the popular clamp size at the time. I think the issue will be what size they are now making their clamps, so again just ask Walter. I also think you wouldn't want to cut a carbon bar. But if you do want to use a carbon bar, I think you could use the other stem style that works with an uncut bar, just realize there is (was) a weight penalty. While its probably easier to pack cut bars, its not difficult to pack un-cut ones, so just discuss your current options with Walter.

Just spoke to Walter, and he said that you definitely do not lose any length on splitting the bar. He has suggested the Poco for a shorter reach and drop.

Hulagirl,

Just another question. Do you remember what bar is on your husbands bike? Any reason he dislikes it?

[deepakvrao]

Thanks for all the help guys. We got our bikes in Dec, and leave for a short tour in Thailand on 19th, Italy in May and France in August :)

http://www.rashminursinghome.com/Albums/Bike%20Friday/IMG_1968.JPG

http://www.rashminursinghome.com/Albums/Bike%20Friday/IMG_1983.JPG

[emily_in_nc]

Just spoke to Walter, and he said that you definitely do not lose any length on splitting the bar. He has suggested the Poco for a shorter reach and drop.

Given that, they DID give me a 36 cm Salsa Poco bar while telling me it was a 38 cm. I've ridden it since 2004, so I am certainly not going to quibble, but here all this time, I thought I ordered the wrong size. Sounds like the mistake was theirs instead. :(

[deepakvrao]

I chose to get the Soma Hwy One bars. Short reach and shallow drop, and shaped very similar to the FSA Wing Pro Compact that we use on our road bikes. 42cm for me and 40 for my wife. Nice bars.

[Kerry1976]

Anyone ride their BF on an indoor trainer? Is it possible? If so, what trainers actually work? TIA!

I didn't get hardly any use from my BF NWT this fall due to being ill and focusing on running, but plan to do so in the spring. My bike is begging to be ridden and I am looking forward to it.

[Blueberry]

I believe that the Kurt Kinetic Road Machine can be made to work with a small wheel adapter. More information here (http://www.kurtkinetic.com/compatibility.php). No personal experience, though.

[Kerry1976]

That is awesome. Thanks!