For Sale: Bike Friday

**Susan Otcenas** · 03-22-2009, 08:13 PM

Since there's more than one "wanted" thread, I'm posting some brief info about my Bike Friday here:

Due to the pending acquisition of a Sweetpea http://sweetpeabicycles.com/ , I am selling my Bike Friday Air Glide. Here's a link to BF's page about the Air Glide http://www.bikefriday.com/airglide My Air Gide has drop bars, STI shifters, and an internal 3-speed hub in lieu of a front triple. It's a gorgeous metallic raspberry color. I am 5'4" and ride regular bikes that are 49cm or 50cm.

The bike has seen only moderate use. I've travelled with it a few times. I also used it to bike commute for about 6 months, but then bought a dedicated commuter. The bike comes with all the accessories - rack, fenders, travel case, etc. Because of some neck issues I have, BF also made me a special stem that is adjustable in height via a quick release lever. Should make fitting someone to this bike even easier.

I'll try to rustle up some photos to post here, if anyone is interested. Somewhere, I still have the original receipt, with all the specs listed out. I'll try to find that too.

Susan

**sgtiger** · 03-22-2009, 08:33 PM

Congrats on the Sweetpea! Please post photos when you get it.

**Ana** · 03-23-2009, 05:11 AM

What made you pick Sweetpea over other custom companies (just curious)?

I browsed their site a while back and the bikes look awesome

**Susan Otcenas** · 03-25-2009, 10:37 AM

Ana - I know the owners quite well. The company is right here in Portland, Oregon. The builder, Natalie Ramsland, is an amazing gal. I feel very lucky to be getting a Sweetpea, and to be able to work with her.

It will be a very special bike. I was the high bidder on this bike at a charity auction for the Bicycle Transportatation Alliance. http://www.bta4bikes.org Natalie donated the frame, Chris King donated the wheelset, hubs, BB, etc., and the gruppo was donated by one of the shops in town. Michael Sylvester, a nationally know bike fit specialist, donated a fitting session. I am so thrilled.

I plan to video document the entire fitting and building process, and then post them on the website and the TE Facebook Fan Page.

Susan

**Aint Doody** · 03-25-2009, 10:50 AM

Oooh, Susan! So very exciting.

**Aggie_Ama** · 03-25-2009, 11:00 AM

I am green with envy.

**Susan Otcenas** · 03-25-2009, 12:05 PM

Originally Posted by Aint Doody

Oooh, Susan! So very exciting.

Yes, it is! Too bad I won't have it in time for the CROC ride, which Jeff & I are hoping to make this year. We had so much fun the first year we did it.

-Susan

**Aint Doody** · 03-25-2009, 03:18 PM

I'm so glad you're coming!!! You'll be amazed at how we've improved it. I hope your sell your Bike Friday soon. I had to sell my hybrid when I got my BF--husband's orders!

**ASammy1** · 03-26-2009, 07:36 AM

Hi Susan- I'm interested in seeing pics! I've been lusting after a BF for a while now. How much are you asking for it?

**Susan Otcenas** · 03-26-2009, 07:45 AM

http://www2.teamestrogen.com/images/...s/IMG_0212.jpg

Mine is the pink one.

Total cost to me was $3500. I got top of the line componentry, Chris King headset, 3-speed internal rear hub (no front chain rings to clean, and no front derailler to get thrown out of whack in shipping. Plus, you can shift at a stand still.)

I'd like $2000 for it. Comes with all the goodies - fenders (I think I own two sets, actually), folding rack that packs on the suitcase with the bike, the suitcase, etc. Plus all the felted packing materials, etc. I've also got some spare tubes, a spare tire, etc.

Susan

**Susan Otcenas** · 03-26-2009, 07:47 AM

I should probably also mention how adjustable this bike is to people of different sizes. The beam can be slid out a couple of inches to fit someone with longer femurs, or can be cut down (I have to most of the way in) to suit someone smaller than me (I'm 5'4 with short legs). The seatpost has lots of give either way. And I have an adjustable height stem on there due to some neck issues.

**ASammy1** · 03-26-2009, 08:18 AM

Oooh... It's really pretty! I'm 5'4" with short legs too, but unfortunately that is out of my price range at this time.

**Tri Girl** · 03-26-2009, 12:38 PM

Dang, Susan. You're tempting me. I've already decided that I'm getting a BF, but was going to go with a stock Pocket Sport because custom is just too pricey. BUT... yours is custom for not too much more than the stock bike (considering I'd be paying to get the suitcase and rack anyway). I have to talk to DH... gosh it sure is pretty.

A couple questions: you mentioned in another thread a while ago that changing the rear tire is a pain because of the internal hub. Is is REALLY bad, or just a big inconvenience? I have to fiddle big time with my tri bike rear wheel, so I don't mind fiddling, but don't want it to be near impossible to change it.
Also- with the Air Glide- is there a lot of "bounce" in the ride? I would imagine it's like a softride bike with the suspended seat. Do you move around a lot (up and down bouncy) while riding?

Oh, and one more thing: with the Air Glide, standover height is more of an issue than a regular BF. Do you mind telling me your inseam measurement just to be sure I'd clear it OK?

Sorry so many questions

**Susan Otcenas** · 03-26-2009, 02:08 PM

For *me*, changing a flat on the rear wheel of the BF can be tricky. Here's why - the rack puts some "inward" force on the rear seat stays, so as you put the rear wheel back in, you need to subtly pull apart on the rear stays. This isn't at all uncommon when you have a rack on your bike. My touring bike and my tandem are the same way. I can manage those.

The reason it's hard for me on the BF, is that, because of the hub, there 's no quick release lever. Instead, there's a bolt and a little locking doohickey (technical term, I know). The locking doohickey has to be in a certain direction when you slide the rear wheel back on. I'm one of those people who has trouble walking ang talking at the same time

, so I struggle with pulling the rear stays apart while managing to keep the little locking doohickey pointing in the right direction. It's a piece of cake when someone else is around to help. One person pulls on the stays, and I can slide the rear wheel right into place. But left to my own devices, I struggle with it. I find it frustrating, but I don't have alot of patience for it. Jeff doesn't seem to have any trouble with it (He thinks it's "user error".

) What it probably comes down to is that I don't have great upper body strength.

Re: the beam - it's somewhat like riding Softride, but stiffer. I don't bounce on it. I think some people might, though; if you don't have a "round" pedal stroke, you're definitely more apt to bounce on a beam bike.

I just measured my inseam yesterday (after trying on a vendor sample that wasy way too long

) I'm 28.5 inches from crotch to floor, barefoot.

Susan

**emily_in_nc** · 03-26-2009, 05:43 PM

Originally Posted by Susan Otcenas

I just measured my inseam yesterday (after trying on a vendor sample that wasy way too long

) I'm 28.5 inches from crotch to floor, barefoot.

Same as mine (though I'm only 5'2"). Thank heavens I already have a Bike Friday. Yours is a beaut, and I'd be sorely tempted if I didn't already have my Pocket Crusoe!

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