Bike Friday in Milano

[Diode100]

It's a slow day here in the office, so I thought I'd post that on the ride back from the centre of Milan yesterday (Sunday 13 April) i saw a dark blue Bike Friday sauntering along the other carriaige way, between Porto Romano & Lodi. Might not seem such an event to you guys in usa, but here in Italy decent folders are rarer than rocking horse sh*t. A few of the british guys in the office have Bromptons, but 95% of the bikes you see around are italian home grown steel diamond frames. What folders there are are the ubiquitous old style 20'' wheel U frame with the centre hinge and retractable handlebar stem, & most of them are in dismal condition, real work horses. The local LBS has a nice red dahon Curve D3 on the floor, all ready to go at 585 euros, a massive uplift on even London prices, I'm guessing it is going to be on the floor of his shop for a good while to come. So you can see why it was so nice to see the Bike Friday, asd if the rider ever wants a cup of coffee and a chat abou folders, let me know.

[James H Haury]

I thought Milan would be a haven for stylish folders.

[mulleady]

italians think themselves far too sophisticated to be seen on folders. Little do they realise we are the sophisticated lot who use them lol!

[Diode100]

I thought Milan would be a haven for stylish folders.

most bikes on the street are strictly work bikes, 26'' wheels, steel frame, carrier racks front & back, one gear only as terrain is flat, flat, flat. Rarely see a stylish bike around, that may be something to do with the crime rate, in three months I've already had one bike stolen. The raods in Milan are pave block, very uncomfortable in the dry, and lethal in the wet, add in tram rails, and it makes for an exciting time. A full suspension DT would be ideal !