Folding Bikes - Do these bike part differences mean much?

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bettybl
06-30-09, 09:10 AM
I am comparing between the standard issue Bike Friday Pocket Companion and their lowest cost model of New World Tourist. Here are the main differences I have found based on the specs list but I don't know what it means:

Price
Pocket Companion: $895
NWT: 1095

Front Derailleur
Pocket Companion: MicroSHIFT braze on triple front Deraileur FD-
NWT: Shimano R443 Braze triple Ft Der

Rear Derailleur
Pocket Companion: Shimano Deore SGS M531 (34tmax & 45 tooth total)
NWT: SRAM 3.0 ESP Long Cage (34t)

Gear Shifters
Pocket Companion: SRAM MRX 8x3 twist shift Shim compatable
NWT: SRAM 3.0 Comp 8spd shifter set (3X8)

Inner Tubes
Pocket Companion: 20x1.5 to 1.75 "PV 406
NWT: 20x1.35 to 1.75" SV 406 (NOT for 1"-1.25 width tires)

The rest of the specs between the 2 bikes are about the same. Do these differences in specs really make much of a difference? Thanks.

Bacciagalupe
06-30-09, 10:03 AM
Not sure what the "Pocket Companion" is -- there isn't much info on the site.

That said, I expect the real difference between the Pocket Companion and the NWT isn't the components, it will be the geometry. NWT is specifically made to be a touring bike, so it is probably going to have a more stable ride.
feijai
06-30-09, 10:23 AM
Not sure what the "Pocket Companion" is -- there isn't much info on the site.

It appears to be an off-the-shelf version of the NWT, just as the blue hyperfold and black model T are the off-the-shelf versions of the Tikit.