Bike Friday? Anyone?

[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?! 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!

[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.....)