FS : Bike Friday New World Tourist

[Meg McKilty]

OK, Dumb post coming:

What really is so special about this bike? I have a touring Bianchi that looks much more comfortable than this for climbing the Himalayas.

[Blueberry]

Meg-

Bike Fridays fold up - they fit in an airline checkable suitcase. You can fly with them (generally) for no excess baggage charges. They also readily fit in car trunks and the like.

They may not look comfortable, but they actually are. My DH did a century last year on his, and he looks forward to many more on it this year. He finds it more comfortable than his big wheel. Ours are configured like road bikes, with drop bars - they really are more comfortable than they look!

[Tri Girl]

I was secretly wondering the same thing as Meg. They must be comfortable, tho, as I see people riding them for long distances. I've read two online journals of people who rode cross country on their BF's. They must be doing something right. And the packing up small without removing all the major parts (handlebars, pedals, seat, wheels)- gotta love that!

[Blueberry]

Paris Brest Paris on a Friday: http://www.mile43.com/peterson/pbpstory.html

[Fredwina]

I was secretly wondering the same thing as Meg. They must be comfortable, tho, as I see people riding them for long distances. I've read two online journals of people who rode cross country on their BF's. They must be doing something right. And the packing up small without removing all the major parts (handlebars, pedals, seat, wheels)- gotta love that!

Not quite!
Yes they do fit in suitcase.
But they usually custom 2 piece handlebars, and you do have take the pedals off(unless your chainring has more then 60 tooth, the you have take the chainring off). They do make folding pedals.
But, it does ride like a real bike and you don't have to worry about extra airline charges, or space on the train(which is why i bought it in the first place), plus the suitcase converts into a trailer for training

[Blueberry]

I think the biggest thing are the oversized baggage charges you get to avoid. You take off pedals and front wheel, split the handlebars, take out the seatpost, take off the stem, and fold it up. Probably about 4-5 bolts + pedals, and the pedals. It really doesn't take long (except the first time) - probably 15 minutes for me now.

CA