It was a 3, I think, and I was shocked. The folded package is HUGE! My Mini is more convenient! It had the plastic BB shell, which also appalled me, but I know that's been changed now. Those of us thinking about the "better Strida" project would do well to aim for a much smaller fold. Bromptons stuff Stridas into a cocked hat for fold, which was NOT what I'd expected.

The folded package is HUGE! My Mini is more convenient!

Sure, but the Strida rolls like a Maclaren buggy. I want to see you, no wait, better a woman, on a train station carrying upstairs (& downstairs) your folded Mini or Brompton.

I certainly wouldn't call the folded Strida HUGE. It's just taller than the mid-frame folding bikes. But it takes much less footprint.

I think it's just different. For their intended purpose, Strida is really a marvel.

I agree with Sammyboy, i was on a train when someone came in and laid a Strida out on the floor, and yes, it's a real space filler, like travelling around with a step ladder. It may be convienient to push along outside, but I wouldn't like to be travelling rush hour with one. I'd still like one though, a plain alloy 5.0 please.

A folded Strida does a very good impression of looking like a couple of NHS crutches. Something to do with all those grey plastic parts ;)

You can also block the brakes and sit, like a pole.

Sure, but the Strida rolls like a Maclaren buggy. I want to see you, no wait, better a woman, on a train station carrying upstairs (& downstairs) your folded Mini or Brompton.

You'll see this every time I fold it, but I am 6'3 and 250 lbs, so it's not really a fair test, I suppose. Nevertheless, when I design my folding bike, the footprint will be similar, but the overall package MUCH smaller.

Sammyboy on a strida attack lol!

And Brompton rides best too :P

Running for cover!

But this folds smaller than Strida! Rolls better too...

"Heh, Mulleady (running closely behind) - save a spot in the fox-hole for me too...." :)

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l260/oldiesonfoldies/TuahwalakeCMR-1.jpg

But this folds smaller than Strida! Rolls better too.

Yes. The CarryMe Duo with 2 speeds was another serious option, but man, the lack of European support and that nasty chain...

Getting on the train home last night the conductor saw me carrying the folded strida onto the train and he said 'No more bikes'. I replied that I could keep it with me between my legs so he let me on, and I sat there with the damn thing between my legs the whole way home.

:)

I agree, even my Chinese brand folder, that folds in the center ala dahon, is a more compact package. Ok for storing but not that great for transporting alongside, either when I'm in ikea or a trainstation or the grocery. The beauty of the strida is that as a folded package, it is as wide as the saddle, being the widest point. Sure it is not small as the brommy, but the smaller packages, save a brompton or Ori, are clumsy at being mobile in tight quarters. I admidt the strida is also clumsy unless you are used to pushing a 20lb cane around, however, I think it takes much less practice to skillfully weave in and out of masses of pedestrians with strida. Ikea is one of the busiest places I had visited and I didnt have a problem at all.

Rush hour subways? Well it does look awkward at first but you wouldnt be lying strida down on its side, I stand with the crowds and keep the folded bike infront of me. Easy peasy! Its so thin that I don't even get the glaring stare and it works out nicer than the guy 3 ppl down from me with the huge back pack. Its also easily movable should I be in someones way - I don't have to crouch down to lift it. Now that doesn't sound like a big deal, but on a train where you cannot even reach for your cell phone cuz you are so crammed, this is quite handy.

We don't have any overhead storage on our subways, nor a bike section.

I need to go into the busy Borders bookstore on Michigan avenue here in Chicago tonight. I don't have a lock with me so I'm either pushing the Strida around in there or not going in. *shrug*

Yes. The CarryMe Duo with 2 speeds was another serious option, but man, the lack of European support and that nasty chain...

What's wrong with the chain? Isn't it better to have standard mechanical parts than stuff that's only used on bicycles?

What's wrong with the chain? Isn't it better to have standard mechanical parts than stuff that's only used on bicycles?

Nothing... as long as the chain is well hidden:

http://www.mas-design.com/Swivel-Head/Press/IF/IF_Mode_Pac1.jpg

Nevertheless, when I design my folding bike, the footprint will be similar, but the overall package MUCH smaller.

When *I* design my folding bike, it will fold into another dimension so that only the handle stays in this dimension. And I will be able to keep that in my pocket.

I hope that there are no bike thieves in the other dimension, though, as I would hate to pull my bike out of N-Space and discover that some creature had stolen my seatpost or eaten my chain.

my new not-a-brompton merc, Carlos71, I bought to lift up and down stairs to the platform, and no doubt it is doable. It does feel heavy, for sure, but as I remind myself, this is the first time I have really been able to lift a folder as a manageable package with one hand.

Now, whether the ride is any good is another matter, which I am working on. At 6 foot I certainly need a bigger than standard seatpost.

It was a 3, I think, and I was shocked. The folded package is HUGE! My Mini is more convenient! It had the plastic BB shell, which also appalled me, but I know that's been changed now. Those of us thinking about the "better Strida" project would do well to aim for a much smaller fold. Bromptons stuff Stridas into a cocked hat for fold, which was NOT what I'd expected.

The Strida may appear large but it's THIN and this is a huge advantage. Overhead racks on buses and trains may not fit a thick package but they will fit a thin one! In fact, a large bicycle like the Brompton or Dahon would stick out of many overhead racks and worry other passengers including the conductor. I like the fact that the Strida can fit between your legs while the Brompton would have to take up another seat on a bus. You would create a situation if your bike had to take another seat while others are standing! In a crowded train, you'll see Brompton and Dahon owners standing to a side next to their bikes because they can't sit down or the folder will be in the middle of the train getting in everyones way. Strida owners can actually sit down with the bike between their legs. A huge benefit.

If you give me three bikes to carry across a train platform, (Strida, Brompton, Dahon) I would take a Strida hands down. It would start to get heavy after a city block but it rolls much better than either a Brompton or Dahon. Another huge benefit.

And now that I've learned how to increase the magnet's strength to keep the wheels together, I'm doing a lot better rolling my Strida. I don't really need a sub 10 sec fold speed... I just need it to stay together when it should and I always reach down and pry the wheels apart when it's time to ride so it's all good...

Now... to get the mechanic at the LBS to install a 3 speed internal... I might have to buy him dinner or something... ;)

STRiDA is the easiest to push around and manoever in a crowd. No contest!