Folding Bikes - My Joey

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I rode a couple of the Airnimals (Joey and Rhino). Nice bikes but the problem for me is I need a bike that will be compact to travel on metros or buses and the Airnimals don't really fit the bill even though they fold.

They are more of a travel bike rather than a "folding" bike. There is no way it will fit in a normal suitcase and that was the downside for me. Other than that they are awesome bikes. My LBS, Calhoun Cycle is unloading their last Joey for a pretty good price; $850. They have a few frames too so you can build out to the specs you want.

Enjoy your Joey!

Calhoun is a great dealer. super nice people.

They are more of a travel bike rather than a "folding" bike. There is no way it will fit in a normal suitcase and that was the downside for me.
I think you should check their website again - I get the impression that it DOES fit in a standard suitcase.

I also tested the Joey and found it fabulous. The fold is surprisingly compact because of the frame design. It's barely larger than the 24" wheels. However, it seemed like a major annoyance to me that the front wheel HAS to be removed to do the fold. Unlike the Swift, you don't have the option to just turn the wheel sideways if you don't need the smallest possible package. I was also put off by the 24" wheel size, due to less choice and availability in tires. This may be just psychological, I've never had a tire fail on me in a way that meant I didn't have plenty of time to order a new one.. ;)

Airnimal’s case measures 30 x 24 x 12 inches.

Check out Jim Langley's review at: http://www.jimlangley.net/ride/airnimal.htm

My point is it doesn't fit into a standard airline legal (ie. not oversized) suitcase. My experience has been that airlines are getting (or are already) very strict about linear inches of the suitcases they take. I had an oversize suitcase (but still a suitcase but big like the Airnimal) and they wanted me to make a RESERVATION for it if I wanted to make sure it was on my flight. Fortunately it was coming back to the US and it wasn't critical if it was on that flight or not but it taught me a valuable lesson.

According to Airnimals own philosophy "Quickness of folding was not one of our main design criteria, as we thought there are already excellent bikes on the market that achieve this. The challenge was to produce something that rides as well as, if not better than, a 700C road bike or a 26" mtb, but at the same time gives a most compact fold. So we were aiming to achieve both extremes. The challenge was reconciling these two extremes.

We realised that most folding designs work with the wheels attached, which necessitates the use of small wheels. Since our main aims are performance and a "packable" bike rather than a quick-folder which stays as one unit, we did not have to consider the wheels as part of the folded package. The removal of this constraint immediately presented many possibilities. "

This counter to what I need a folder for. I need a folder for quick portability AND packable in a standard suitcase. While the Airnimals are great bikes they fail in my 2 most important criteria. If I can't take the bike with me, I can't use it. I would say the Airnimal range is more "travel bike" than a folder per se. It would not save me money on most airlines now when I travel to Europe. My Dahons, Bike Friday or Downtubes will all fit in an airline legal suitcase. A few years ago airlines weren't so strict but with higher fuel charges they watch every pound. Of coures where you may live it may be different and this isn't a consideration. I don't live my bikes outside when I am in Europe and the again the Airnimal isn't such a foldable bike and it would be a PITA on most metros.

I loved how it rides and performs. It just isn't very useful for me. If the airlines you use are more lenient then it is a great choice. Most airlines allow a maximum of 62 linear inches and 50lbs and some are as low as 55 linear inches for a second bag. Max weight (for all bags) is down to 50lbs for almost everyone now it seems.

I too love the Airnimal but for me the downsides already mentioned by others also apply. Additionally i think The Airnimal looks a lot more high tech, flashy and expensive than most folders (and also less odd because of the bigger wheels). In practice this means for me that it would be a very unpractical bike as there is no way i would dare leaving it outside without me worrying about it being stolen or vandalized, the natives of my city would almost surely try either. A bike i can't park outside is a bike i can't really use or will use a heck of a lot less (my staircase is Steep!).

None the less it is a great performance bike that packs that might be just the ticket for people with other priorities (and fairly deep pockets).

Good summary of the problems. It appears that transporting a folding bike (in conjunction with the average personal effects luggage load) in any kind of a suitcase without provisions for extra charges and/or RESERVATIONS for the BIKE, may be soon be universally relegated to the happy airline transport days of yesteryear.

Brian 1,
That's a nice looking folder. Unfortunately I live in a area that doesn't sell folders so I am relying on peoples opinions. Curious how tall you are. I am 6'5" and like the bars and saddle level so curious if the bike would work. Any weight limitations w/ the frame. Did you build it up?
Paul

Rivendell, huh.. nice! Pics?

I really liked the Airnimals and they were on my short list of what to buy for a high performance travel bike. It was the suitcase size that got me. The lack of tire selection didn't help either. The bike looks so nice in person that the website doesn't do it justice.

Unfortunately I travel a lot to areas like Moscow where anything nice looking is a target for thieves. A Brompton got ruled out because of the small wheels and cramped position for me. I really really really wanted an Airnimal. I must have went to Calhoun cycles a bunch of times and came this close >< to buying one but then I noticed they started carrying the Xootrs (aka Swift). Took one for a ride and fell in love. Put my Dahon SpeedPro up for sale and that was it.

I still wander back to look at the Airnimals. They are just gorgeous but I know in my travels someone would want it more than I would and they'd be the new owners of it not me. The airline charges are just getting insane so the suitcase issue was a real killer for me. Out of my last 6 trips to Europe, the airlines have literally measured my big "bike" suitcase 4 times. It is legal at 61" but they were ready to surcharge me and almost were able to because it was over 50lbs. I had a ton of FF miles and the lady let me pass.

I would LOVE an Airnimal with 20" wheels that would fit in a normal suitcase. I would buy one immediately and paint it an ugly color so it wouldn't look so flashy.

Thats a beautiful set up especially w/ the silver bar tape. A lot of people think they are out there, but I appreciate (most of but not all of) Rivendell's philosophy.

Forgot to mention Brian 1, I couldn't find any specs regarding weight limits but have since traded a few emails w/ Terry at Airnimal. He said the Chameleon isn't suitable for someone my weight but said the Rhino was. However the Rhino is a full suspension which I don't like for touring. Perhaps the front fork can be swapped for a rigid one?? I will let you know.

I believe it. My most memorable tour was my first one when I toured on Vancouver Island and the San Juans in Washington for a week on an old Fuji S12S. We carried our gear in internal frame backpacks which was ridiculous but we didn't know better. The places and people were the focus not the bikes. Much to my disatisfaction I spend more time now tinkering and, when I run into another tourist, talking about the set up. Ignorance to a certain degree wasn't a bad thing. Then again, back then I was only a thumb and credit card away from services.

Yeah very good points, a balance is really important in these things. I am also most happy when i am in the moment and enjoying the feeling/sensations rather than focusing on tasks, tolerances and techinical details. On the other hand i sometimes experience a lot of joy when tinkering as well, it can be a zen like endavour. Both sides of the coin are valuable and can potentially enhance one another.

My point is it doesn't fit into a standard airline legal
Sorry, I guess I'm the one who should be checking their website more closely ;)

That case looks so normal, I guess it was wishful thinking. Normal compared to non-folding bike cases, that is. But sadly the linear inches add up to over 62"... :(

I love the Airnimal Chameleon. I may bring one back from the UK on my next trip. It lacks the "tuck under" tendency of 20" bikes when standing on the pedals. For me, tire selection is adequate. For international travel, the suitcase size is not an issue, at least on NW. NW international pax luggage allowance includes "one bicycle" as one of the checked items. Requirements: pedals off, handlebars aligned longitudinally, and boxed.

Wavshrdr, you may want to consider another international airline if your regular airline doesn't permit a bike as a non-fee item.