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Main
Date: 11 Aug 2006 16:40:43
From: M. Bakunin
Subject: Folding bike
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remember (if you're old enough) sir clive sinclair? he's the one who
brought the desktop computer to the masses with the sinclair xt.
now, after various flops, he's coming with a folding bike, which is
more. it seems, than a gadget. worth a look anyway:
http://www.a-bike.co.uk/store/home.php
i'd like to see some review by actual users. so far it's only for sale
in the u.k.
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Date: 12 Aug 2006 06:14:30
From: Earl Bollinger
Subject: Re: Folding bike
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Although the A-bike looks interesting, to me, it seems to be just another
play on those little "razor" scooter things.
I had run across this
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/02/cannondale_jack.php concept bike
designed for Cannondale.
I am fascinated by the hydraulic drive train, no chain or belt used. More
like a car's automatic transmission.
Of course that leads to Bicycle Design http://bicycledesign.blogspot.com/
with all sorts of interesting things.
"M. Bakunin" <A@A.com > wrote in message
news:A-55F4AF.16404311082006@News-West.Usenet.com...
> remember (if you're old enough) sir clive sinclair? he's the one who
> brought the desktop computer to the masses with the sinclair xt.
> now, after various flops, he's coming with a folding bike, which is
> more. it seems, than a gadget. worth a look anyway:
> http://www.a-bike.co.uk/store/home.php
> i'd like to see some review by actual users. so far it's only for sale
> in the u.k.
>
> Posted Via Usenet.com Premium Usenet Newsgroup Services
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> ** SPEED ** RETENTION ** COMPLETION ** ANONYMITY **
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Date: 12 Aug 2006 05:23:48
From: mark
Subject: Re: Folding bike
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M. Bakunin wrote:
> remember (if you're old enough) sir clive sinclair? he's the one who
> brought the desktop computer to the masses with the sinclair xt.
> now, after various flops, he's coming with a folding bike, which is
> more. it seems, than a gadget. worth a look anyway:
> http://www.a-bike.co.uk/store/home.php
> i'd like to see some review by actual users. so far it's only for sale
> in the u.k.
>
> Posted Via Usenet.com Premium Usenet Newsgroup Services
> ----------------------------------------------------------
> ** SPEED ** RETENTION ** COMPLETION ** ANONYMITY **
> ----------------------------------------------------------
> http://www.usenet.com
Quite an entertaining thread on the bike, with thread drift into Sir
Clive's various efforts over the years, on uk.rec.cycling a while back.
One item in the British press mentioned Sir Clive's strange reluctance
to get on the bike and ride it at a press conference. Not sure I agree
with you about it's being "more than a gadget".
k
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Date: 12 Aug 2006 02:08:11
From: Zoot Katz
Subject: Re: Folding bike
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On Sat, 12 Aug 2006 05:23:48 GMT, k <kfelber@earthlink.net >
wrote:
>M. Bakunin wrote:
>> remember (if you're old enough) sir clive sinclair? he's the one who
>> brought the desktop computer to the masses with the sinclair xt.
>> now, after various flops, he's coming with a folding bike, which is
>> more. it seems, than a gadget. worth a look anyway:
>> http://www.a-bike.co.uk/store/home.php
>> i'd like to see some review by actual users. so far it's only for sale
>> in the u.k.
>
>Quite an entertaining thread on the bike, with thread drift into Sir
>Clive's various efforts over the years, on uk.rec.cycling a while back.
>One item in the British press mentioned Sir Clive's strange reluctance
>to get on the bike and ride it at a press conference. Not sure I agree
>with you about it's being "more than a gadget".
I rode one of these British gadgets tonight, the Strida.
http://www.strida.com/demo/index.html
The single speed belt drive is smooth but the steering is more like a
scooter than a bike. After a few minutes you figure out to steer with
your bum and it all comes together but I still wasn't able to ride it
no-handed. It folds or unfolds in under 10 seconds and is respectably
light at about 20 pounds.
It strikes me more as a "lifestyle accessory" than a bicycle. It has
too many proprietary components for my liking. It could be useful to
people living in downtown condo towers that don't allow bicycles in
the elevators. It's not a bike for long distance riding though it
would travel well.
The bike is held in the folded position by powerful magnets on the
axle ends. Unfolding it would present a challenge to weak or
arthritic people.
It handles easily while folded. It rolls on its own wheels. The
handlebar stem makes a convenient handle.
--
zk
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Date: 04 Sep 2006 19:36:15
From: john
Subject: Re: Folding bike
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On 2006-08-12 10:08:11 +0100, Zoot Katz <zootkatz@operamail.com > said:
> On Sat, 12 Aug 2006 05:23:48 GMT, k <kfelber@earthlink.net>
> wrote:
>
>
> I rode one of these British gadgets tonight, the Strida.
> http://www.strida.com/demo/index.html
>
>
> It strikes me more as a "lifestyle accessory" than a bicycle.
It's a bicycle. I've had one just a few weeks & ridden > 100 miles. I
expect to do nearly 100 on it next week sightseeing :-)
> It has
> too many proprietary components for my liking.
Can you elaborate on that please?
Standard on my Strida 3:
Tyres,
Inner tubes,
Brake cables,
Pedals,
Cranks,
Brakes (they're in the hubs, standard moped type)
The drive belt is the same tiiming belt as fitted to some cars, & has
a long guarantee from Strida.
It's hard to see what in the normal use of the bike could be described
as "proprietary".
The brakes will need adjusting far less than rim types.
> It could be useful to
> people living in downtown condo towers that don't allow bicycles in
> the elevators. It's not a bike for long distance riding though it
> would travel well.
Most trips I've done have been 8 to 15 miles, no problems.
>
> The bike is held in the folded position by powerful magnets on the
> axle ends. Unfolding it would present a challenge to weak or
> arthritic people.
The "powerful magnet" is adjustable so you could make the join as weak
as you like :-)
> It handles easily while folded. It rolls on its own wheels. The
> handlebar stem makes a convenient handle.
Yes, very convenient for trains, airports, bus queues etc.
john
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Date: 04 Sep 2006 12:34:44
From: Zoot Katz
Subject: Re: Folding bike
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On Mon, 4 Sep 2006 19:36:15 +0100, john <skyeman@fastmail.invalid >
wrote, in part:
>> It has
>> too many proprietary components for my liking.
>
>Can you elaborate on that please?
>
>Standard on my Strida 3:
>
>Tyres,
>Inner tubes,
>Brake cables,
>Pedals,
>Cranks,
>Brakes (they're in the hubs, standard moped type)
>The drive belt is the same tiiming belt as fitted to some cars, & has
>a long guarantee from Strida.
>
>It's hard to see what in the normal use of the bike could be described
>as "proprietary".
Most parts comprising the drive, braking and steering systems appear
to be proprietary.
I mean, what's a "steering ball socket" or "steering pin"? How does
one go about changing the gear ratios without buying new "pulleys"
from Strida?
Many parts from the previous two versions have been redesigned for
safety and it's recommend that owners upgrade to the newer versions,
if possible. Some of the "upgrades" won't fit the Strida 1 model so
Strida recommends not riding their older bikes.
\
>> The bike is held in the folded position by powerful magnets on the
>> axle ends. Unfolding it would present a challenge to weak or
>> arthritic people.
>
>The "powerful magnet" is adjustable so you could make the join as weak
>as you like :-)
I didn't realise that. Thanks for the tip.
--
zk
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Date: 04 Sep 2006 22:53:08
From: john
Subject: Re: Folding bike
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On 2006-09-04 20:34:44 +0100, Zoot Katz <zootkatz@operamail.com > said:
> Most parts comprising the drive, braking and steering systems appear
> to be proprietary.
> I mean, what's a "steering ball socket" or "steering pin"?
It's quite a different design to a traditional upright bicycle, very
simple in comparison.
> How does
> one go about changing the gear ratios without buying new "pulleys"
> from Strida?
One doesn't :-) I believe after Strida did its research & testing with
different gear ratios, they discovered it's exactly the same as that
specified for British Post Office single speed bikes :-)
>
> Many parts from the previous two versions have been redesigned for
> safety and it's recommend that owners upgrade to the newer versions,
> if possible. Some of the "upgrades" won't fit the Strida 1 model so
> Strida recommends not riding their older bikes.
I wasn't aware of that recommendation, thanks. I've only seen a Mk.1,
briefly, a few weeks ago in fact in Cambridge, UK, & that guy was not
dawdling along ;-) So maybe he upgraded, I don't know.
Here's a great site with some pic's of the Mk2. - the guy had problems
with his 3, but Strida replaced it & he's been very happy since:
http://long-john.com/pagestrida.htm
> \
>>> The bike is held in the folded position by powerful magnets on the
>>> axle ends. Unfolding it would present a challenge to weak or
>>> arthritic people.
>>
>> The "powerful magnet" is adjustable so you could make the join as weak
>> as you like :-)
>
> I didn't realise that. Thanks for the tip.
You're welcome. You can actually download the user manual from Strida's
site if you're interested.
john
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Date: 04 Sep 2006 18:24:35
From: Zoot Katz
Subject: Re: Folding bike
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On Mon, 4 Sep 2006 22:53:08 +0100, john <skyeman@fastmail.invalid >
wrote:
>You're welcome. You can actually download the user manual from Strida's
>site if you're interested.
I am interested because it's a neat human powered device. I browsed
the FAQ and looked at the parts lists/exploded drawings.
I'm a sucker for common objects that do exceptional and surprising
tricks. It's for that they need the special parts.
Lots of stuff there that are not normal bike-shop wares.
I can see that it has some advantages over a more traditional folding
bike, which, to be fair also require proprietary or odd-ball parts
The Strida looks practical for door to door multi-modal
transportation or cruising tourist vacation sites. Neat sorta bike.
It will probably add several minutes to any commute as you're delayed
by the curious chatty cyclists.
I don't think I'd make it my priy bike unless I lived in a phone
booth but it was fun to ride one.
--
zk
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Date: 05 Sep 2006 09:24:07
From: john
Subject: Re: Folding bike
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On 2006-09-05 02:24:35 +0100, Zoot Katz <zootkatz@operamail.com > said:
> On Mon, 4 Sep 2006 22:53:08 +0100, john <skyeman@fastmail.invalid>
> wrote:
>
>> You're welcome. You can actually download the user manual from Strida's
>> site if you're interested.
>
> I am interested because it's a neat human powered device.
Indeed it is, & like you I was intrigued. My other (working) bike is a
BikeE recumbent, which I really like, but it's far from portable, so
I've some great fun so far with the convenience of the Strida.
I've been surprised by how practical the single gear actually is. I
rode through a huge downpour recently & the brakes were working ok
through all of it. Plus I didn't get covered in grease, just a bit of
mud which soon came off both me & the bike.
>
> I'm a sucker for common objects that do exceptional and surprising
> tricks.
Me too :-) Whilst researching stuff on the web, a search engine often
brings up totally unrelated hits, but they sometimes are *so*
interesting :-)
> It's for that they need the special parts.
Yes.
> Lots of stuff there that are not normal bike-shop wares.
Not so sure about "Lots". The "special parts" are not things which are
going to need frequent replacement, & from my limited experience so
far, their service (in the UK) has been excellent, with prompt response
by email, & they ship parts for next day delivery. I'm afraid my LBS
experience for conventional bikes hasn't been brilliant.
>
> I can see that it has some advantages over a more traditional folding
> bike,
It does, interestingly borne out by people who regularly ride more than
1 folder, eg. on that site I posted. I tend to give much more credence
to posts from people who have *ridden* machines they're talking about
:-)
> which, to be fair also require proprietary or odd-ball parts
only usually more of them :-)
I prefer the simple approach, if I can accept what limitations that brings.
> The Strida looks practical for door to door multi-modal
> transportation or cruising tourist vacation sites. Neat sorta bike.
Good observation.
I use it for more situations than it was intended for really, but it
seems to work fine, so I'm happy.
>
> It will probably add several minutes to any commute as you're delayed
> by the curious chatty cyclists.
Absolutely spot on, also kids (who generally comment "what a cool
bike"), Mum's, etc. :-)
>
> I don't think I'd make it my priy bike unless I lived in a phone
> booth but it was fun to ride one.
Glad you enjoyed it :-)
john
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Date: 04 Sep 2006 18:59:35
From: Bill Baka
Subject: Re: Folding bike
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john wrote:
> On 2006-08-12 10:08:11 +0100, Zoot Katz <zootkatz@operamail.com> said:
>
>> On Sat, 12 Aug 2006 05:23:48 GMT, k <kfelber@earthlink.net>
>> wrote:
>>
>>
>> I rode one of these British gadgets tonight, the Strida.
>> http://www.strida.com/demo/index.html
>>
>>
>> It strikes me more as a "lifestyle accessory" than a bicycle.
>
> It's a bicycle. I've had one just a few weeks & ridden > 100 miles. I
> expect to do nearly 100 on it next week sightseeing :-)
>
>> It has
>> too many proprietary components for my liking.
>
> Can you elaborate on that please?
>
> Standard on my Strida 3:
>
> Tyres,
> Inner tubes,
> Brake cables,
> Pedals,
> Cranks,
> Brakes (they're in the hubs, standard moped type)
> The drive belt is the same tiiming belt as fitted to some cars, & has a
> long guarantee from Strida.
>
> It's hard to see what in the normal use of the bike could be described
> as "proprietary".
>
> The brakes will need adjusting far less than rim types.
>
>
>> It could be useful to
>> people living in downtown condo towers that don't allow bicycles in
>> the elevators. It's not a bike for long distance riding though it
>> would travel well.
>
> Most trips I've done have been 8 to 15 miles, no problems.
>
>>
>> The bike is held in the folded position by powerful magnets on the
>> axle ends. Unfolding it would present a challenge to weak or
>> arthritic people.
>
> The "powerful magnet" is adjustable so you could make the join as weak
> as you like :-)
>
>> It handles easily while folded. It rolls on its own wheels. The
>> handlebar stem makes a convenient handle.
>
> Yes, very convenient for trains, airports, bus queues etc.
>
> john
>
That bike looks totally impractical. No gears that I could see so maybe
you just pedal at 10 MPH and be happy you have a bike at all???
Bill Baka
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Date: 04 Sep 2006 22:40:20
From: john
Subject: Re: Folding bike
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On 2006-09-04 19:59:35 +0100, Bill Baka <bbaka@syix.com > said:
> That bike looks totally impractical. No gears that I could see so maybe
> you just pedal at 10 MPH and be happy you have a bike at all???
For sightseeing, 10 to 12 mph is just fine :-) It's not meant for
racing - the rider has an upright position.
The single gear copes fine with moderate hills.
It's also easy to transport it to places of interest via other forms of
transport.
I find it very practical, & for average road or park surfaces, quite
comfortable.
If you'd like to see for yourself, Strida does a 60 day trial period.
Mine is certainly not going back :-)
john
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Date: 11 Aug 2006 17:18:31
From: catzz66
Subject: Re: Folding bike
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M. Bakunin wrote:
> remember (if you're old enough) sir clive sinclair? he's the one who
> brought the desktop computer to the masses with the sinclair xt.
> now, after various flops, he's coming with a folding bike, which is
> more. it seems, than a gadget. worth a look anyway:
> http://www.a-bike.co.uk/store/home.php
> i'd like to see some review by actual users. so far it's only for sale
> in the u.k.
>
>
For nostalgia value, I kept my Timex version of the Sinclair computer.
It is smaller than a desktop calculator.
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