wanted: Bike Friday

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03-22-2009, 05:06 PM
Tri Girl

wanted: Bike Friday

Ok, so I know it seems like I'm stealing some thunder from Beane, but she just happened to post at the same time I was going to ask.;)

I'm selling three bikes of mine to make room for a new one. I want a folder- specifically a Bike Friday (it was between a BF and a Dahon). I've done research for months, have been scouring the craigslists ads, asked my local bike club, and am a member of the Yak list- but no luck. There isn't any place within 300 miles that I can test ride a folder, so I'm going to do the "foolish" thing and buy one without having ridden one. I know they handle a bit differently, but I'm certain it's something I can get used to quickly, and that it won't bother me.

I'm 5'3" with a fairly short inseam and reach. I rode an XS Giant road bike, and my current bike is a 48cm TT bike. I think I could probably get by with a 47-50 BF. I have considered buying new, but thought I would see if there's anything out there first. I'm thinking along the lines of a NWT. I know that I want a triple up front that I can use for all my regular rides/long rides and light touring, but any model that will take a rear rack will work for me.
I'm hesitant to get a custom made bike, because my bike tastes seem to change fairly often, and I'm afraid if I get one custom made, it will be hard to re-sell since I'm short. I may just do one of the 2009 stock models on the BF site.

If you have anything, or know of any for sale- please let me know. My other 3 bikes are up for sale, and I hope to sell them soon to get some funds for a BF.

Thanks, ladies. :)
03-22-2009, 05:36 PM
tulip

Sounds like a good plan, Tri! As you know, I love my Bike Friday. I got dropped bars because mine is set up like my road bike. I rode one Bike Friday with straight bars years ago, long before I decided to buy one. I did not try another one until mine arrived by Fed Ex. Mine's made based on the measurements of my road bike, so I didn't have to guess at the size.

There are quite a few other TEers who have Bike Fridays, and I'm sure they'll chime in with their stories and suggestions.
03-22-2009, 05:44 PM
Biciclista

you're too short for mine.
03-22-2009, 05:52 PM
Tri Girl

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biciclista

you're too short for mine.

:( If only I could grow a few inches, I could fit your bike AND I wouldn't need to lose weight. It would be a win/win. :)

Tulip- thanks for the post. Good to know you bought your BF without test riding it first. Makes me feel somewhat less crazy. I think I'm going to be very happy with a folder. I don't travel a lot (maybe once a year), but I just like the idea of it. They are unique and different- and that's how I like to roll...
03-22-2009, 06:06 PM
Blueberry

Have you called Bike Friday? They're pretty supportive even of their used bikes, and are usually great about helping to hook you up with local folks who ride them. Seriously - they'll give you names and numbers of people who will let you test ride.

Also, they have pre-loved bikes on their website (I think I mentioned that in the other thread too). They sell for less than new, they do sometimes have smaller ones, and they come with a money back guarantee, IIRC.

CA
03-23-2009, 05:06 AM
Aggie_Ama

Oh TG look at Susan's because I want it so bad! LOL. Of course DH told me I could have a folder possibly with his bonus this year then realized he is lucky to have a job and likely no bonus. So shorty snap that up because I am a midget and want it myself. :p:p You didn't even need to drag bikes to Texas, just could have called me I ride 47 cm.
03-23-2009, 05:57 PM
emily_in_nc

I'm 5'2" and have a white Pocket Crusoe, but it is not for sale. I didn't test ride one first -- I ordered mine direct from Bike Friday, providing them with measurements from my Terry Isis (17.5" frame size = 44.5 cm). BF made the top tube a little long the first time since they couldn't believe anyone really needed a 19" TT (they didn't "get" WSD all that well in 2004). I had to send it back for a re-do, so I really have no idea what "size" it ended up as, but it fits me now.

Good luck finding one to fit you -- I've seen small ones in BF's pre-owned listings from time to time.
03-30-2009, 07:40 PM
Tri Girl

I just ordered my BF today through my local LBS (they are not a dealer, but since there's not another dealer for about 500 miles, they said they could order it for me and therefore I get the free lifetime service, tune ups, fitting, etc).
I didn't go custom, because we made sure (with BF) that the 50 would work (and since I just bought a $3K tri bike a year ago- I didn't feel OK with going custom again so soon), so I got the stock Pocket Sport. I'm SO excited. I just hope I love it when it comes in. I still haven't test ridden one, but I just know I'll enjoy it. :)
I'll post pics when it arrives.

Thanks for all your help!!! :D
03-31-2009, 03:46 AM
emily_in_nc

Yay! Welcome to the Bike Friday club! Can't wait to see photos!
03-31-2009, 04:52 AM
tulip

Great news, TriGirl! I'm not familiar with the Pocket Sport--I'm off to check it out right now on the BF website.

EDIT: The Pocket Sport is very cool! If it had been offered when I got mine, I might have gotten it instead (and saved a ton of $$!). Oh, but I do love my PRP and I'm happy to have it. Congratulations!
03-31-2009, 12:14 PM
ASammy1

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tri Girl

I just ordered my BF today through my local LBS (they are not a dealer, but since there's not another dealer for about 500 miles, they said they could order it for me and therefore I get the free lifetime service, tune ups, fitting, etc).
I didn't go custom, because we made sure (with BF) that the 50 would work (and since I just bought a $3K tri bike a year ago- I didn't feel OK with going custom again so soon), so I got the stock Pocket Sport. I'm SO excited. I just hope I love it when it comes in. I still haven't test ridden one, but I just know I'll enjoy it. :)
I'll post pics when it arrives.

Thanks for all your help!!! :D

I'm so jealous... I want one too. Did you get the red?
03-31-2009, 02:28 PM
Tri Girl

Quote:

Originally Posted by ASammy1

I'm so jealous... I want one too. Did you get the red?

Red's the only color offered, so I didn't have a choice. I love the red, though. My mtn bike is red and my TT bike is red and white. I think he'll fit in just fine. :) The next week and a half will take too long. I can't wait.

Tulip- I really wanted a Crusoe or a PRP, but I'm saving a lot by getting non custom. It won't have as good components, but the bones are there and I know I can change stuff out when/if needed. I'm so excited...