Strida folding bike, the triangle shaped folding bicycle

Strida folding bike, the triangle shaped folding bicycle

a good review from a commenter on a blog

by chainstrainer at 12:42 AM on 01/03/08
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The Strida 5.0 is a unique folding bike; its appearance is as distinctive as its folding design is innovative. Instead of the four-tube frame, four-tube rear stays and two-tube front fork of a typical bike, Mark Sanders, the designer of the Strida, reduced the form of a bike to the simplest, most stable geometric form - a triangle. Ten tubes become three. This unusual look is either awkward or elegant, depending on your view, but one can't help but appreciate the art and engineering that went into its creation. The three-tube frame works through a clever system of custom stem, pivoting ball hinge, locking clasps and magnetic hubs that allow the frame tubes and two 16-inch wheels to stack next to each other when folded. In six or fewer seconds you can switch the Strida from transportation to transportable, from riding it to pushing it. There are origami bikes available on the market that may fold more compactly but the Strida is small enough for public transit systems or for the trunk/boot or your vehicle but unlike other folders, you need not carry it but rather can wheel it along in front of you like a narrow golf club bag. It is easy to lift it up stairs or into bus because its folded shape is compact (only 9 inches wide), lightweight (under 20 pounds) and easily grasped (along the stem/handle, seat or down tube).

The craftsmanship and finish of the Strida are superb, every design and manufacturing detail is top-notch. The single-speed Kevlar belt-drive is pure simplicity - no gears or chain to maintain and no greasy gunk to smear your clothing or hands. The new ergonomic grips add to both comfort and control. The switch to disc brakes and alloy spoked wheels is a big plus; both features add to the quality of build and to the control of ride, not to mention weight savings.

As for ride handling, the Strida feels disconcertingly twitchy at first due to its extreme upright position and short seat-to-stem distance but it quickly becomes easy to control after a few minutes of riding. The trick is to keep a relaxed grip on the handlebars, avoiding arm tension or pulling on the bars. The low seat position allows the feet to be planted on the ground while seated but at some sacrifice to pedaling efficiency from the resulting limitation to leg extension. The single speed allows a comfortable 10-12 mph pace and is adequate for short, moderate inclines. I wouldn't want to ride this bike more than 5-7 level miles though, due to the single-speed gearing, 16-inch wheels and very upright position. The Strida, however was designed for exactly that kind of short, level commute between public transport and destination (and vice-versa). In that regard the Strida 5.0 fills its goal well.