BikeFriday

[Sylvia]

I was wondering if there is anyone here that rides a BikeFriday. I'm in the process of purchasing one, in fact I pick it up on Monday. Woo Hoo!!

Never had a foldable bike before, so this is going to be fun.

[kmehrzad]

Hi Sylvia, I have two Bike Fridays. One is a NWT that I bought new three yrs. ago. I love the bike; it's a very comfortable ride. The other is a Pocket Rocket that I bought used. It's a little big for me but it still works.

You're registered for the Wild Goose Chase ride in October, right? Me, too. I suppose you'll be riding your BF? Most likely I will bring the NWT along as well.

[Sylvia]

Yes, I'm planning on bring mine with me. Mine is a Petite Pocket Crusoe in the Candy Apple color. I noticed from photos of last year's WGC, someone brought a BikeFriday to that as well. Good to know I won't be the only one riding a 20 inch wheel.

[tulip]

I have a Bike Friday, and I absolutely love it. It goes everywhere my Luna can go, and alot more places, too (like planes and trains and convertibles).

Enjoy it!

[Ered_Lithui]

I've had a New World Tourist for almost five years. It's become my everyday riding bike. It's great. I hope you'll post pictures of your new ride!

[Tri Girl]

I have a stock Pocket Sport. I like it OK. I think it takes more effort to ride than my big-wheeled bike. The thing I like the most about it is the attention it attracts. There are very few folders in this area, so everyone comments on it- which makes riding it TONS of fun- like riding a conversation piece. Everyone remembers it when they see it. Last year I did a half-week long cross-state tour and I ran into someone just last week I met on that tour and she said: "you ride the Bike Friday, don't you?"

How exciting for you!!!! Please post pictures when you get it.

[kmehrzad]

This past October I rode with several experienced riders who were on road bikes and I was able to keep up with them on my NWT. I don't find it too difficult at all riding with 'the best of them.' I believe that's what makes the BF's so unique - (from their website: "It's all in the gearing. a single turn of the pedals on a Bike Friday will cover the same ground as that of a regular wheeled bike - the small wheel just turns a little more. The gears on a Bike Friday are configured to match the ratios of a regular bike.") People are usually skeptical at first when they see the small bike, but then when you're able to keep up and ride right along with the roadies, you get asked lots of questions about the bike.

[Sylvia]

This is all good to know. I'm planning to take lots of photos when I pick it up. I'm having the bike shop show me how to put it together and take it apart and pack it in the suitcase.

I ordered mine with the capreo hub and cassette. I have a tendency to ride in higher gears on my other bike, so being this has smaller wheels, I thought the capreo cassette with the 9T cog might be the way to go. I had them put a shimano triple crankset on with a 52T chainring in front. So I think this should work.

[kmehrzad]

Sylvia, On occasion I've had my stem stick when attempting to fold. I've learned from a few other friends that they've had the same thing happen to them. Mention this to the BF guys and have them show you what to do in case this happens to you. It's no big deal, just a harder tug is required. But it is something that others have encountered, as well.

[lauraelmore1033]

Dh and I have gone on a couple of tours run by a couple who both ride BFs every where. They said they had even ridden them up Alp D'huez--although they did hear hoots of derision from other riders and the locals.

[Sylvia]

Well I got to see my new BikeFriday today but didn't get to take it home. Ran into a minor issue. Due to some physical limitations, I need a seatpost that is pretty setback (I need a little more crank forward than most people). So I took my seat post with me but they didn't have a shim in stock to fit the seatpost in the seat tube. Need a 22.2 to 26.0 shim. So they will probably have to order it. I didn't get a good picture of it put together, but I did take a few pictures of the bike as they were showing me how to pack it. I'll post pictures of the finished bike once we get there.

[NbyNW]

I love the color! I had a bike that color, once upon a time . . .

[Blueberry]

If I may ask - what seatpost do you use? My Friday fit is now good (they had to send me another seatpost), but I have 2 other bikes with issues...

She's a beautiful bike - can't wait to see her all put together!

[Sylvia]

I've been using a BMX layback seatpost. The setback would be pretty extreme for most people but works well for me.

Here is one similar to the one that I took with me.
http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-BMX-1980...item45f0ea19ca

Here is another similar to what I have on my current mountain bike.
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-generic-chro...item4a9ec183b8

[itself]

I had a BF Pocket Rocket, and it was one of the best bikes I ever owned. Performs flawlessly, easy to pack, and I took it everywhere....if I only could find a recumbent one now...

Lisa