Folding Bikes - IF Reach Reviews

I know this bike has not been released broadly in North America, but was hoping some of the international forum members could give some feedback. Judging by the limitted youtube videos it seems easy to fold (almost as quick as a tikit) and easy to wheel around. Looks like it can be balanced to stand as well. I'd like to know how it handles/rides. I'd imagine that the suspension should make for a comfortable ride! Also about how easy is it to pack up in a suitcase?

http://www.diginexx.com/IF.html

Thanks.

Based on past Reaches and its full suspension, I expect it would ride great.

The fold/unfold doesn't seem particularly fast to me - still some fiddling around with quick releases, saddle adjustment, etc. Not slow, but not in the same league as the hyperfold Tikit or Strida, IMO. The fold doesn't seem very compact either.

Rollability should be good for all the IF bikes.

That site shows the Reach to be priced about the same as the hyperfold Tikit, but with full suspension. Yum....

Looking forward to some real hands-on reviews of this beastie.

Yeah, I'm a little confused in that there are a lot of "Reaches" but then what looks like a new series of IF integrated fold models.

This's a video of the folding; it seems to take him about 15 sec. to unfold (little longer than IF Mode).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRfRpgyYaAw
What's impressive isn't the folded down size but how easy it is to trolly the bike.

The weight is also said to be around 26# which is close to a regular Tikits but the IF Reach includes double suspension! Still, a ride report would be important.

I agree and would like to hear more reviews. I hope to add one about IF Urban (the 700c version) .. but still waiting.

here is another video of IF Reach: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMNwbTCXrt0
The amount the seat post is pushed down seems make a big difference to folded size.

I've quite a few friends who bought the IF Reach from Diginexx when it was released. A good friend of mine has changed quite a bit of stuff on the bike.

THe stem is integrated into the bike, and the bar front folds inwards. So while the stem dia is standard 25.2, the shape and how it fits after folding needs to be considered.

My friend often rides hard and fast with SPDs so I would gather that it is a solid bike able to stand up to hammering and stays steady at higher speeds.

If there are any specific qns, I can ask him and post his opinons here.

I guess a general ride report to start with?
I'd like to know of any disappointments or mechanical issues after the bike?
What modifications/adjustments did they make?
How easy is it to get it into a suitcase for airtravel?
I'd like to know of comparisons to other folding bikes?

It's not the quickest fold, nor the most compact, but it looks like it should provide
a good ride, and it appears to use standardized parts w/ a great range of gears.

Main downside is that it's 400-500$ more than a Tikit/Brompton. Not sure if there's a good rack/pannier set for touring either?

My first question is always "will it fit me?", because most folders don't, out of the box.

I'd want to know if it can handle a 6 footer with long inseam - that is, can the seat rise that much, and can the handlebars also be raised to the same level.

On the IF Reach, the seat looks possible, but that handlebar doesn't look like it can be raised much. Hmmm.

I've been riding it for a year.
Top speed on flat ground, 53-55 Km/H (55 mayhave been help from tailwind, but can't confirm)
In singapore, to get on the train, I only fold the body, not the stem or pedals.
I've been clocked at 2.5 seconds for the fold, 3.5 seconds for the unfold.
Attached is how I get it to stand after being folded.
It's speed and accelleration is unlike any normal folding bike because of it's stiff lockup of the folding mechanism and the wheelbase/bike geometry.
I've changed the handlebar to a butterfly touring bar and the seatpost.
Brought it to thailand for a 79km ride, folded and packed into the cardboard box it came in, tied and secured (Had to deflate tires, remove pedal and seatpost)
With all the toys I added to it, It weighs 15.3kg

I'm 1.75m tall, weigh 89kg

All in all, I love the speed and the handling.

*As requested by Mark S, this is my review

Thanks for your report. This is very helpful.