Folding Bikes - Differences between Tikit Model T & Stock Hyper-Folding Tikit...

My GF is keen on a folding bike, but didn't want to spend the $$$ on a Tikit. Now that they have a cheaper model I thought I clarify the differences with BF so I could compare the different Tikit options.

Stock Tikit 8spd (http://www.bikefriday.com/node/6289?components=1) = $1195
- comes with cable activated stem hinge
- comes with fenders

Model T Tikit (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_fyMxi5DDs) = $999
- comes with knob activated stem hinge
- no fenders

All other features/options/components are the same and the Model T is available in any of the three sizes [SM, Med, Lrg]. I think the only colour option for either version of the Tikit detailed above will be black, but I'm not 100% on this.

Fenders typically cost around $60 for Bike Fridays, but I haven't confirmed the cost of the Tikit specific fender set yet. If the metal support strut is part of that set it might be more than $60.

The price differential between the Model T and the Hyper folding stock Tikits is now in the range of $100 - $135 depending on the cost of the Tikit fender set.

Note that there is a promotion on at the moment until the end of January 31st. I don't have all the details on it though.

Note that there is a promotion on at the moment until the end of January 31st. I don't have all the details on it though.
Bike Friday promotion:

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If you order a NEW Bike Friday by January 31st:

* You'll receive 10% off the 2008 price (even on the models that didn't exist in 2007)
* We'll double your Returning Customer Discount - making it $100!
* We'll extend the Best Trade-in Program in the industry to you (up to 40% of the original invoiced price of your Bike Friday)!
* And of course, the Bike Friday 100% money back guarantee if for any reason you are dissatisfied with your Bike Friday.
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Bike Friday promotion:

-----------------------------------------------------------
If you order a NEW Bike Friday by January 31st:

* You'll receive 10% off the 2008 price (even on the models that didn't exist in 2007)
* We'll double your Returning Customer Discount - making it $100!
* We'll extend the Best Trade-in Program in the industry to you (up to 40% of the original invoiced price of your Bike Friday)!
* And of course, the Bike Friday 100% money back guarantee if for any reason you are dissatisfied with your Bike Friday.
----------------------------------------------------------------

So, the $999. price also includes the existing/returning customer $100. discount, or not?

I'm a little confused I guess.

So, the $999. price also includes the existing/returning customer $100. discount, or not?
I don't think it does. Here's how I interpret the email:

$999 = list price

$999 minus 10% discount = $899.10

Usually returning customer discount is $50 off for a NEW bike. They're doubling it to $100, thus:

$899.10 - $100 = $799.10 for a Model T

Now, if you sell back your existing Bike Friday, it's in good shape, and they give you the maximum of 40% of your original invoice, then that's potential $100s right there; in my case around $260:

$799.10 - $260 = $539.10 for a Model T

However, on the open market, your old Bike Friday might garner more on eBay, craigslist, etc., but it's a gamble. Point is, if you want to deal exclusively with BF, the above is your potential price. I don't know how long it will take for them to determine the worth of your old bike once you've shipped it to them for inspection, so I guess that's a gamble too.

Anyway, you'd have to call them to make sure the above is accurate if you're really interested. :D

I'm not giving up my custom NWT - hey it's a 2007 - but a possible $799 on a new tikit, if true, has got to make one think a bit.

Thanks.

I'm not giving up my custom NWT - hey it's a 2007 - but a possible $799 on a new tikit, if true, has got to make one think a bit.

Thanks.

Yeah, that seems like a good price for the bike.

I'm not giving up my custom NWT - hey it's a 2007 ...
:lol:

Yeah, it's not worth it if your bike's that new; plus, you have a custom!

Mine is one of their old stock models, so naturally I'm thinking harder.

Vik -- Thanks for digging into the differences. Missing the fenders is fairly significant since the fenders are pretty custom. They start with Planet Bike 16" front fenders, but all of the mounting hardware is non-standard. Duplicating the fender stay/rear wheel rest would be difficult for a normal home mechanic (since you need an expensive tubing bender to make it).

alex

Model T Tikit (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_fyMxi5DDs) = $999
- comes with knob activated stem hinge
- no fenders


The Model-T tikit in the YouTube video has fenders. They are hard to see because of the black on black, but they are there.

Do you have some other source for the "no fenders" status?

Speedo

I don't think it does. Here's how I interpret the email:

$999 = list price

$999 minus 10% discount = $899.10

Usually returning customer discount is $50 off for a NEW bike. They're doubling it to $100, thus:

$899.10 - $100 = $799.10 for a Model T

Anyway, you'd have to call them to make sure the above is accurate if you're really interested. :D

This almost seems too good to be true. I've sent Bruno at Bike Friday an e-mail to get the call on how the discounts would pan out.

Oh, and I also asked about the status of fenders, and color (black only?).

Speedo

It is a little confusing, but the models page on the Bike Friday site is worth study if considering ordering.

http://www.bikefriday.com/ModelsList

From what I see, the "tikit 2 ride" is the hyper-folding (non-T) version, with fenders as well as the transit cover included. It lists for $1295 and I think this is the version as it has been sold to this point, and seems to include the transit cover. I would assume that if ordered before 1/31, then it would be $1295 minus 10% plus $50 credit for an accessory of choice (per the e-mail I received) plus shipping or tax.

The BTO (built to order) tikits include the "T" model "Just the tikit" at $1150 (as well as the DD, fixed and Express versions at various prices). It has the "T" (Impulse fold) features, no fenders and no transit cover and lists for $1150. I think that may be where the $999 price comes from (approximately). If you ordered this prior to 1/31 it would be $1150 - 10% + $50 credit toward an accessory plus tax or shipping. Maybe there is a $999 version, but it would not seem to be on the stock list.

I could definitely be off on some of this though and there may certainly be details I missed. It starts to explain the price differences a bit more though. I have not done the math, but it would seem that the "T" configuration, by itself, does not account for the price difference - the fenders and transit cover come into play as well.

Just "pre-coffee" ramblings, so a call to Bike Friday would definitely be the right thing to do if interested.

Bob

The BTO (built to order) tikits include the "T" model "Just the tikit" at $1150 (as well as the DD, fixed and Express versions at various prices). It has the "T" (Impulse fold) features, no fenders and no transit cover and lists for $1150. I think that may be where the $999 price comes from (approximately). If you ordered this prior to 1/31 it would be $1150 - 10% + $50 credit toward an accessory plus tax or shipping. Maybe there is a $999 version, but it would not seem to be on the stock list.
Unfortunately, what you wrote above sounds more like Bike Friday; I thought a price of $800 would be too good to be true.

But if they've already included all the discounts in their $999 pricing, then their email advertisement is misleading. First, there is no indication in their email that the $999 is an introductory price, but the actual price. Second, there is no indication that the discounts they mention (-10%, $100 off, etc.) would not apply to the $999 Model T price.

But you're right: the Model T has already assumed an $1150 price in their catalog, so all bets are off.


... a call to Bike Friday would definitely be the right thing to do if interested.
Pity they can't be more clear in their marketing.

Edit: Here's the text in full (their bold):

-----------------------------------------------------------
January 2, 2008

PSSST!

Dear Bike Friday Owner,

Here's your last chance to buy a Bike Friday at a 2007 price for your Spring 2008 bike adventures ... plus a special deal.

With the falling dollar and our manufacturing and bike component costs rising significantly this year, we're forced to raise many of our prices 5-15% for 2008. But here's the deal: if you order a NEW Bike Friday of your choice, size and color by January 31st you can pay LESS than the 2007 price!

This offer applies to all our participating dealers as well.

You and your friends (through you) are our favorite people to work with. It saves us money to work with existing customers, and we're thrilled when you refer a friend to us. So we are taking this opportunity to pass savings onto you.

We want to continue giving you that great personal service you've come to expect at Bike Friday!

If you order a NEW Bike Friday by January 31st:

* You'll receive 10% off the 2008 price (even on the models that didn't exist in 2007)
* We'll double your Returning Customer Discount - making it $100!
* We'll extend the Best Trade-in Program in the industry to you (up to 40% of the original invoiced price of your Bike Friday)!
* And of course, the Bike Friday 100% money back guarantee if for any reason you are dissatisfied with your Bike Friday.

Just the tikitTM just got simpler ...

We have just released several new Built To Order tikitTM models as well as a New 2008 tikitTM model for only $999 (the 'Model T').

This base model tikitTM features a simpler folding mechanism but is designed to give you the same famous Friday ride. Note that our flagship stock model, Just The tikitTM - "the world's fastest folder" - is also available as an upgrade option for those who need the truly lightning fast fold.

Give us a call at 1-800-777-0258 and talk to any of us about what Your New Dream Bike will be like. You can also e-mail us at sales@bikefriday.com

Mention Magic code #1438 (Not to be combined with other offers.)
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^^^^

I think you've hit the nail on the head blovejoy53.

I've got an e-mail in to BF. I doubt that they'll get back to me until Monday. I'll post anything I learn here.

Speedo

Pity they can't be more clear in their marketing.

+1

There's been a fair amount of complaining in the forums about how BF presents model and pricing information. I've never felt the criticism was justified until now.

Speedo

+1

There's been a fair amount of complaining in the forums about how BF presents model and pricing information. I've never felt the criticism was justified until now.

Speedo

Well from my first visit I found the BF website chock full of info and entertaining, but challenging to use efficiently. I don't think it is a conspiracy or anything, but I think they are having trouble conveying all the options and promotions effectively. I also think they are changing things so fast on some models [like the Tikit] that they can't keep all their communications straight.

On the plus side there is lots of information to get you going on their website and a phone call will readily resolve any questions you have. Shopping the Dahon website is much easier as they set a model range and price once a year and that's that. BF's huge number of options and custom production is both a blessing [you get exactly what you want] and a curse [not very easy to get everything sort with a quick visit to their website].

If you are interested in a BF use their website to narrow down your options then call or email them for a quote. They'll happily provide you with a written quote that you can study at your leisure so you can make a decision at your own pace and be certain of the cost/specs.

I'll admit I prefer the simplicity of the Dahon website, but I'd happily put up with a lot of hassle to get a bike built just the way I want it and to be able to call up and order custom accessories/modifications to my bike. Obviously that level of responsiveness and low volume production costs more, but I'm at a point in my life where being able to get what I want is more important to me than getting the lowest price.

It's only with conversation and confusion like this that they will understand the need for VERY clear presentation of pricing specials.

After all, they do not have a Corp. Legal Dept on the 12th floor to pass on such releases before they are posted or e-mailed out. (Actually, they don't have floors 2-12 or a legal dept. in their building.)

Maybe we should volunteer to review these things before then send them out.

Hey guys, I just bought a Model T Tikit yesterday cause the $999 price was so tempting. Here's the deal. The Model T is $999. The 10% promotion comes off the $999 price so you are paying $899. I received a $50 credit for some reason off accessories. I guess this is part of the deal, so I spent it on the fenders which were $50. So the bike came to $899 and with shipping it'll cost $962.50. They were so helpful and a real pleasure to deal with.

Hey guys, I just bought a Model T Tikit yesterday cause the $999 price was so tempting. Here's the deal. The Model T is $999. The 10% promotion comes off the $999 price so you are paying $899. I received a $50 credit for some reason off accessories. I guess this is part of the deal, so I spent it on the fenders which were $50. So the bike came to $899 and with shipping it'll cost $962.50. They were so helpful and a real pleasure to deal with.

Hey great! Somebody with the facts.

Congratulations on your new bike!

Was there a choice of color?

Thanks
Speedo

No choice on color, just black, but actually that was the color that I wanted anyway. I can't wait! I was set to buy a swift folder (which I test rode and loved) or a NWT, but last Sunday went to try the tikit at NYCE Wheels for the hell of it. The ride was nimble and quick and the design is really cool. This of course made the decision really hard. I was never thrilled with the fold of the swift folder, but the ride was so impressive. I was holding out to try the New World Tourist, but again, for the price, the components seemed so unimpressive. This was leading me back to perhaps going back to a Dahon (a Mu P24 or the new Mu XL Sport). When I saw the post about the new lower price tikit model, I knew the decision had been made. I just assumed that the $999 price was the already discounted price so I was pleasantly suprised to find out that the bike actually cost $899 with the promotion. I'm glad I waited till after the holidays to buy. Anyway, I will update everyone once I receive the bike. Cheers.

No choice on color, just black, but actually that was the color that I wanted anyway. ....snip...When I saw the post about the new lower price tikit model, I knew the decision had been made. I just assumed that the $999 price was the already discounted price so I was pleasantly suprised to find out that the bike actually cost $899 with the promotion. I'm glad I waited till after the holidays to buy. Anyway, I will update everyone once I receive the bike. Cheers.

Congrats!...:) I quite like the black I hope you have lots of enjoyable miles on your Tikit. Are you using it for commuting?

No choice on color, just black.......

That may be where the idea for calling it the Model "T" came from - just like the original.

(Model t may be better?)

No choice on color, just black, ...


Thanks for the info.



I was set to buy a swift folder (which I test rode and loved) or a NWT, but last Sunday went to try the tikit at NYCE Wheels for the hell of it. The ride was nimble and quick and the design is really cool. This of course made the decision really hard. I was never thrilled with the fold of the swift folder, but the ride was so impressive. I was holding out to try the New World Tourist, but again, for the price, the components seemed so unimpressive.

If you weren't thrilled with the fold of the Swift you probably wouldn't have been thrilled with the fold of the NWT. I have a NWT and it's more packable than foldable.

I hope you enjoy your new bike!

Speedo

I don't think it does. Here's how I interpret the email:

$999 = list price

$999 minus 10% discount = $899.10

Usually returning customer discount is $50 off for a NEW bike. They're doubling it to $100, thus:

$899.10 - $100 = $799.10 for a Model T

Anyway, you'd have to call them to make sure the above is accurate if you're really interested. :D

Well, I heard back. The above assessment is accurate.

Black only. It comes without fenders. Adding them is a $48 upcharge.

Wow.

Speedo

That's a great deal.

alex

Well, I heard back. The above assessment is accurate.

Black only. It comes without fenders. Adding them is a $48 upcharge.

Wow.

Speedo

Is that the sound of a trigger being pulled that I'm hearing?....;)

Is that the sound of a trigger being pulled that I'm hearing?....;)

The friction of my credit card being whipped out of my wallet set the magnetic strip on fire.

It is a good deal. I'm very tempted.

Speedo

ok, my visa is out of my wallet but I still can't decide between birdy classic. http://birdy.yeahbike.com/alivio8.html
or model T. Both are within my price range. If BF didn't have this deal I would swing towards the birdy. The easy folding of the T is unbeatable but Birdy is a refine machine after many years on the market. Has anyone tried both of them?

ok, my visa is out of my wallet but I still can't decide between birdy classic. http://birdy.yeahbike.com/alivio8.html
or model T. Both are within my price range. If BF didn't have this deal I would swing towards the birdy. The easy folding of the T is unbeatable but Birdy is a refine machine after many years on the market. Has anyone tried both of them?

Compared to my Dahon Speed D7 and my other full size bikes the Tikit seems like a pretty refined product - I have the new hinge/cable assembly. How it folds is impressive and how it rides is very nice. I'm not uber familiar with Birdy's, but one thing I really like about the Tikit is being able to get it in different top tub lengths. It fits like a full size bike which for me at 6' is a nice thing.

One thing to consider is that BF seems to be putting a lot of energy into the Tikit at the moment and it looks like it will be one of their flagship products for the foreseeable future. That means lots of support, lots of innovation and lots of accessories/upgrades. You'll also get a bike made in Oregon and be able to call and talk to someone about your bike toll free anytime you need help, have a comment or question. Just look at the Dahon customer service thread for why avoiding the distributor/dealer model might not be a bad thing and going straight to the manufacturer for your bike.

I do find the Birdy design quite intriguing. I'd like to test ride one, but that doesn't seem likely.

I have a Birdy and really like it. I've only seen the Tikit on the web so I can be sure how I would feel on one.

I see the advantages of the Birdy as follows.

- Full suspension designed for road use and with antidive geometry. On the road, its nothing like riding my FS mountain bike. To me it feels more like a rigid frame but without the bumps and vibration

- Light weight

- Compact fold

- A design proven and refined over many years

- Able to handle relatively heavy riders in standard form

- It seems to comfortably accomodate a huge range of rider size (I'm 6'2" with long legs). It may be that the availability of stem risers with two different angles achieves a similar effect to having different horizontal tube lengths available but avoids increasing the folded size.

I'd love to try a Tikit but I think I'd still choose a Birdy.

David

ok, my visa is out of my wallet but I still can't decide between birdy classic. http://birdy.yeahbike.com/alivio8.html
or model T. Both are within my price range. If BF didn't have this deal I would swing towards the birdy. The easy folding of the T is unbeatable but Birdy is a refine machine after many years on the market. Has anyone tried both of them?

Yes. The Birdy rides much better. Feels more like a full sized bike. It's less squirmy.

The Tikit I rode was the first model out, so take it with a grain of salt. It folded much more quickly and reliably. But the folded package was significantly larger, the ride was harsh and squirmy, and the bike was slower and heavier (subjectively).

The Birdy, by comparison, is a dream to ride. It is great for touring and I've used it for fast group rides, centuries, etc. But it occasionally gives you grief when you fold it. It takes about 10-20 folds to get it down. It takes more to get the fold down to 10 seconds. If you are not careful to catch the chain, it can fall off the bike. I throw it on the roof of Thai busses for 4 hour drives and something inevitably gets rattled enough to cause difficulty unfolding. Nothing worse than a curse and some dirty fingers.

If you are a performance rider, you'll need to upgrade the seat and tires on either bike. So there is an added cost.

Oh, and another caveat on that comparison is that my Birdy is heavily modified. I'm not sure what the actual weight difference is between the two.