The Folding Cyclist

Folding Bike News

Keith Henderson Three-peats at 2010 Smithfield Nocturne

Keith Henderson rode to his third consecutive win at the 2010 Smithfield Nocturne folding bike race aboard a Dahon Mu EX.  David Rees and Antonius Wubben, both riding Bromptons, took 2nd and 3rd places respectively.  Video of Keith being presented with his first place prize of a Dahon Speed Pro TT can be found here.

Aaron Ritz Wins Brompton U.S. Championship

Aaron Ritz of Philadelphia won the men’s competition and a trip to England for the Brompton World Championship in October.  Aaron finished the 6.2 mile course in 18:28, aboard a Brompton S2L-X.  The top woman finisher, Beth Green, rode a single-speed Brompton S1E-X to victory and will also receive a trip to England for the World Championship.

The 5th Annual Brompton World Championship will be held on October 3, 2010, at Blenheim Palace, England.

2010 Smithfield Nocturne Folding Bike Race

This year's Smithfield Nocturne on June 19th is likely to be bigger and better than last year, with 15 thousand spectators expected to enjoy a range of events from the Elite Criterium to the Longest Skid competition.

A regular crowd pleaser is the folding bike race which sees 80 riders battle it out for the title of London's fastest commuter.  Southborough Wheeler's Keith Henderson, who has triumphed the last two years in succession will be riding again in an attempt to make it a hat-trick.  Choice of bike, and the resultant constructor's championship is also hotly contested as the manufacturers fight to be top dog on the day.  Last year, Brompton fielded a suitably well blazered team, and Rapha's Graeme Raeburn came a close second on his custom Brompton.  However, with Dahon as the main event sponsor and Keith riding his Dahon MuSL bike into the top spot for the last two years, the US based manufacturer will be providing Keith with a 2010 Mu EX in an attempt to give him an edge in this fast paced and hotly contested event. The Mu EX - Dahon's top of the range bike - sports a full Sram Red drive train amongst it's top end specifications. The first of the evening's races starts at 5.30pm.

Brompton U.S. Championship

The first annual Brompton U.S. Championship will take place March 20, 2010 at Memorial Hall in West Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, as part of the Philly Phlyer Collegiate bike race.  The race will begin at 1 p.m.  Entry to the event is limited to Brompton folding bikes and like the Brompton World Championship, all participants are required to wear business attire will run to their folded bikes at the start, Le Mans style.  The top male and female finishers will receive roundtrip airfare and free entry to the Brompton World Championship at Blenheim Palace, England.  More details and online registration can be found here.

Montague Announces Crosstown Folding Bike

Montague has announced the availability of a new folding bike called the Crosstown.  The Crosstown features 7-speeds, 700c tires, and the CLIX™ Wheel Release System.  The bike also incorporates a new invention called the Octagon, a stem that is height-adjustable with just a simple click of a button.  This allows the rider to have the handlebars at whatever height feels comfortable.  The Crosstown is available for purchase at a suggested retail price of $659.

Jango Bikes to Introduce Flik Series Folding Bikes at Interbike

Jango Bikes will be introducing their new Flik series folding bikes at the Interbike International Bicycle Expo in Las Vegas this week.  The Flik’s innovative hydroformed aluminum frame features the patented "VertiLink" folding mechanism which offers three utility positions: 1) Riding, 2) Shuttling and 3) Storage.  The manufacturer claims a 4 second folding time to change from riding mode to storage mode.  The Flik series will come in 5 configurations: the T8, V8, V8i, T9, and V9 and range in price from $1199.00US to $1599.00US.  Expected availability is March, 2010.  The press release, photos, and configuration details can be found here.

Montague Introduces The Boston - First 700c Fixie Folding Bike

Montague Corporation, well known for its line of full-sized folding bicycles, launched the Boston - the first 700c single speed folding bike.  The Boston is powered by a single-speed drivetrain featuring a flip-flop hub. This special hub allows riders to change between a fixed-gear and free-wheel setup with little effort. The 42 X 16t drivetrain is geared  for city riding.  The Boston retails for $699.99US and will be available in January, 2010.

AMiiVA Launches Folding Bike Line at Eurobike

Created by Philippe Poupard, AMiiVA portable bikes are the first bikes with a folding frame manufactured in France to use the proprietary "Hingenious" Technology developed by Ciel & Vents. AMiiVA bikes are built with a light full-sized suspended folding frame made of high grade aluminum alloy (total weight between 10 and 11.5kg) and the Hingenious folding mechanisms (handlepost and central hinge) that make folding and unfolding safe, fast and easy.

The AMiiVA Hingenious front stem hinge is totally integrated into the stem enabling the use of standard adjustable handlebars and integrated headsets. The Hingenious central hinge is designed to lock up automatically when the bike is ready to go and to keep the front and rear wheels securely locked together when folded.

The AMiiVA line consists of 3 models: The Smart² (825€), a 3-speed fitted for the occasional rider; The City (999€), a 5-speed for everyday biking; and The Quartz (1,240€), a 5-speed for enthusiasts.

Dahon Announces an Electric Folding Bike - The Boost

Dahon is set to launch the Boost, an electric folding bicycle, at the upcoming Eurobike show.  Equipped with a 250W motor and a 3x3 gearing system, the Boost can achieve a top speed of 25km per hour.  It can also be used as a regular pedal powered bike when the electric drive system is turned off.  The fully equipped weight of the bike is 19.6kgs.  No word yet on pricing or availability.

Dahon to Unveil New IOS Folding Bike Line at Eurobike

Dahon will introduce the IOS line of full size bicycles with an ultra compact fold at Eurobike next month. The IOS XL pictured above uses uses Hydroforming technology to shape the aluminum tubes of the bike.  The bike features a new adjustable stem design, an integrated light, phone/GPS/device charger, and pump.  An 8-speed Shimano hub gear rounds out the features.  The IOS bikes will be available in 2010 priced at €999-1499.  Update:  The IOS XL took the Gold Award in the folding bike category at the Eurobike show.

Separately, Dahon announced that they sold 254,000 folding bicycles in the first half of 2009 compared with 239,000 units during the same period in 2008.  This represented a 6% increase in unit volume and a 27% increase in revenues compared with the year earlier period.

Folding Bike Wins Australian Design Award

Robert Dumaresq was the Gold Winner of the 2009 Australian Design-James Dyson Award with his "Switch" commuter folding bike.  The design innovation is Switch's ability to fold in one smooth motion making it one of the fastest bikes to fold.  Switch does not rely on any structural locking mechanism to fold as the weight of the rider keeps the frame open and rigid.  There is a spring loaded ball bearing that stops the rear section of the frame from unfolding prematurely when maneuvering or handling the bike.

The bike is manufactured from carbon fiber and aluminum.  The carbon was used in the upper part of the frame and seatpost, the rest of the frame is aluminum.  The handlebars fold for a more compact package.  More info on the bike and award can be found here.

A Folding Bike Takes 2nd at the IBDC

The 13th International Bicycle Design Competition winners were announced on the opening day of the Taipei International Cycle show that was held March 17-20.  Folding bikes made a significant presence at this year's competition comprising 11 designs in a field of 20 finalists.  Taking 2nd place in the competition was the "Anytime" folding bike designed by last year's IBDC winner, Larry Chen.  The bike features a removable power assist unit called the "power pack".  The externally mounted power pack design integrates a motor, control unit, battery and tail light.

Kukuxumusu and Dahon Launch Limited Edition Bike

Dahon unveiled a limited edition folding bike created in partnership with Kukuxumusu, a Spanish company whose name means "kiss of the flea" in the Basque language.  Kukuxumusu specializes in product design and clothing and is known for its distinctive as well as humorous style.

The sheep themed bike is based on the Dahon Curve D3 model.  Dahon will produce 1000 units of this limited edition bicycle and will ship to distributors worldwide in June.

Pacific Cycles iF Mode Wins International Forum Design Award

The awards keep on coming for the iF (Integrated Folding) Mode folding bike from Pacific Cycles.  This time it is a Gold Award from the International Forum (iF) Design presented at the opening day of CeBIT in Hannover, Germany on March 3.  Perhaps Pacific Cycle's use of the "iF" moniker helped in winning the iF Design award?  The prestigious iF Design awards are presented annually in 16 categories.  The iF Mode won its award in the leisure/lifestyle category.  Mark Sanders, the bike's designer accepted the award on behalf of Pacific Cycles at the award ceremony.

"This folding bike from Pacific Cycles also functions as a high-class city bike which can be brought into highly compact form in just a few easy steps.  This represents a variable functionality which is required in today's city bike.  It could become an ideal supplementary transport medium to help relieve congested downtown areas," stated the award jurors.

Merida Recalls Problematic Folding Bikes

Merida Industry Co. announced a recall of its first generation Freeway CT03 and R3.0 folding bicycles.  The company is urging anyone who bought one of these bikes to return it to the store were they purchased it to replace a problematic safety device.  Merida introduced a patented safety folding button on these bikes between June and July 2008.  This device can be easily damaged when users try to unlock the button forcibly.  The recall effects 1,800 bikes.  The company began manufacturing bikes with an improved version of the button in August.

First Dahon Flagship Store in Taiwan Opens

Dahon announced the opening of the company's first flagship store in Taiwan.  The store, opened in partnership with Dahon's local distributor, features over 1,000 square feet of retail space and is located next to one of Taiwan's busiest bicycle paths in Taichung County, Taiwan's bicycle manufacturing center.

Along with a wide range of folding bikes, which customers can test ride, the store carries a full array of accessories as well as an assortment of bike clothing.  A fully equipped service center completes the store's facilities.  Besides this new flagship store, there currently are over one hundred Dahon concept stores in China.

Oyama Folding Bikes Coming to Europe

Blomson International BV, a Dutch bicycle distributor, has partnered with Taiwanese folding bike manufacturer Oyama to develop a line of folders for the European market.  The line will consist of 8 models varying from hub gear equiped to lightweight derailleur bikes.  The bikes will debut at the Bike Motion Show in Utrecht, The Netherlands with availability expected in 2009.

Brompton World Championship Results

Scotsman Alistair Kay stunned the Spaniard Roberto Heras by winning the 3rd Brompton World Championship held over the weekend at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire.  Heras, a retired professional cyclist, former teammate of Lance Armstrong, and three-time winner of the Tour of Spain was favored to win.  Kay, an experienced road racer who rides for York Cycleworks, bested Heras by a three second margin.  Kay is shown accepting his prize of a Brompton S2L-X.

Strida to Launch 3 New Models

Strida will introduce the following three new folding bike models at the upcoming Interbike Expo in Las Vegas.  The expected availability is spring 2009.

The new "MAS Special" is the Mark A. Sanders (designer of the Strida) special signature edition.  This bike features a 2-speed Schlumpf drive that shifts with a tap of the of the heel and a black anodized frame.  MSRP - $1400.00 USD.

The new Sport Duo features a 2-speed Schlumpf drive and a brushed aluminum frame.  MSRP - $1200.00 USD.

The new Strida XT was designed to accommodate taller riders with a larger frame and 18" wheels.  It has a single speed and a brushed aluminum frame.  MSRP - $1000.00 USD.

Pacific Cycles iF Mode Wins Eurobike 2008 Award

The new Pacific Cycles iF Mode won a Eurobike 2008 Award for the folding bike category at the recently held Eurobike show in Friedrichshafen, Germany.  Pictured receiving the award on behalf of Pacific Cycles were designers Michael Lin, Mark Sanders, and Ryan Carroll.

Dahon Reports Record First Half 2008 Sales

Duarte, California - September 3, 2008 - Dahon today announced record sales for the first half of 2008, representing a 32% increase in unit volume and a 30% increase in revenues relative to 2007.

"Sales have gone very well considering the general economic environment," stated Dr. David Hon, Dahon president and CEO. "We're seeing a lot of consumers turning to cycling as high gas prices and concerns about global warming begin to hit home. In a way, the current economic downturn is a blessing in disguise for the planet because people are getting a real taste of what will happen when we deplete the Earth's scarce resources."

Dahon sold 239,000 folding bicycles in the first half of 2008 compared with 180,000 units during the same period in 2007.

Citizen Develops Folding Bike for Google Employees

Citizen Bike has established an ongoing project with Google Inc. to offer their employees a specially designed folding bicycle named the Searcher.  The bike will be available to all Google employees through a company-wide incentive program to promote healthy and earth friendly transportation alternatives.

Brompton Inventor Andrew Ritchie Speaks at iFest'08

Andrew Ritchie, inventor of the Brompton folding bike gave a recent speech at iFest'08 in Barcelona.  iFest is a business innovation event held annually by Infonomia.  Ritchie spoke about the founding and history of Brompton and of the personal struggles he endured to launch the company.  You can see a video of the speech here.

2008 Brompton World Championship

The 3rd Brompton World Championship will be held on Sunday September 28, 2008 at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, UK.  The first two championships were held in Barcelona, Spain so this will be the first year that the event will be held in Brompton's home country of Britain.

The event will be a true race overseen by British Cycling but there will be a bit of added whimsy since the participants will be required to wear a suit jacket, collared shirt, and a tie.  The course will consist of two laps around the Blenheim Palace grounds totaling 13.15km.  The top placed male and female competitors will receive a Brompton S2L-X.  More information and race registration details can be found here.

GO Transit Launches Folding Bike Pilot Program

The Greater Toronto Transit Authority (GO Transit) began a folding bike pilot program on June 30, 2008 whereby one can bring their folder on all GO Trains, including during peak-period travel times.  Regular bicycles are restricted to off-peak times.  Folding bike etiquette tips were introduced to help ensure the success of the pilot program.

Smithfield Nocturne Folding Bike Race Results

The 2008 Smithfield Nocturne folding bike race was run over the weekend in London.  Keith Henderson, pictured above, won the event riding a Dahon.  Second place went to Nigel Foskett riding an Airnimal Chameleon.  Finishing in third place was Richard Bailey on his Xootr Swift.  Keith was awarded a Dahon Speed Pro TT for his win.  Not surprisingly, Brompton, made in the UK, was the most represented brand bike in the race with over half the field riding one.

Bigfish Update

As an update to a previous posting about Bigfish, they have launched an English version website and have begun taking orders at an enticing introductory price of 399 €.  Bigfish also made a public debut in London by participating in the Smithfield Nocturne folding bike race (story above) over the weekend.

IKEA Experiments with Folding Bike Sales

IKEA, the Swedish retailing giant, recently started selling a folding bike, the Förvåna € 249, on a trial basis in the Netherlands.  A child's non-folding bike, the Föråna € 169, was also introduced.  IKEA has been rumored to be interested in entering the bicycle market as their representatives have been spotted at major international bike shows in recent years.  IKEA showed it's affinity for folding bikes back in December 2006 by giving 9000 of their UK employees a folder and encouraged them to bike to work.  The Förvåna appears to be a rebranded Schwinn Loop whose design is reminiscent of the so-called U-frame folding bikes from the 1970's.

New Birdy Pedelec Folding Bike

Riese & Müller, maker of the reknown Birdy, announced that they are entering the "pedelec" market.  Pedelecs, as opposed to e-bikes (electric bikes), only supply power when the rider is pedaling.  This new bike, dubbed the "Birdy Hybrid Pedelec" uses a BionX motor and controller.  The battery pack is hidden in a small bag mounted on the handlebar.  The electric-assist system adds about 6.5kg to the unpowered Birdy, bringing it's total weight to 18kg.

Along with the new Birdy Hybrid, Riese & Müller will introduce two non-folding pedelec bikes, the Jetstream Hybrid and the Delite Hybrid, at the upcoming Eurobike 2008 Show in September.

London's Folding Bike Race

Building on the success of last year's inaugural Smithfield Nocturne folding bike race, it will held again on June 7, 2008.  In true London commuter spirit, the competitors, dressed in business attire, will run to their bikes, carry them for a distance, unfold them and race for 5 laps.  More info and entry details can be found here.

Folds Up! Folding Bike Ride and Festival - New York

 

Times Up!, a New York City based environmental non-profit, will hold its annual folding bike ride and festival on May 10, 2008.  A leisurely 10 mile ride through Manhattan and Brooklyn will be followed by a festival where you can learn about folding bicycles and see and try out different models.  Click here for details.

Metal Matters

We get emails frequently from people who are in the process of buying a folding bike asking a common question.  "Should I buy a steel bike or an aluminum bike?"  We asked our good friend and bike frame expert Peter Whitford to answer.  His response can be found here.

Slovenian Folder

I came across this new folding bike from a Slovenian company called Bigfish.  The front end is reminiscent of a Birdy but the back end folds in a different way.  You can check out a video of the bike here.  I'm waiting to hear back from Bigfish regarding pricing and distribution, I'll update as more information comes available.

Strida Musings

A few readers have alerted me to the rather disparaging article about the Strida on the Wired Magazine blog with its fairly humorous video. As I have written before, I've never been a big fan of the Strida. I rode one of the early models and have briefly ridden the new Strida 5.0. I think its a reasonable bike for multi-modal transportation where you need a compact, lightweight folder for a shortish ride to and from the bus or train. Other than that, in my opinion, the bike is too limited in terms of gearing and ride quality to be used in a more general fashion. Its also a bit on the pricey side at $800. As for styling, its really not my cup of tea and I have always taken exception to it being called "revolutionary" or as Strida's marketing pitch puts it "the first completely new bicycle geometry in 95 years".  Well, here is a bit of a history lesson.  In 1919, Charles Haskell Clark filed a patent (granted in 1921) for a portable bicycle that was easy to carry onto trains or street cars.  Below left is a photo of Mr. Clark from the December 1919 issue of Scientific American with his "city bicycle" and below right is his patent drawing.  There are very few advances that are truly revolutionary in the bicycle world, most are evolutionary.