Folding Bikes - Wired magazine review of Giant Clip

Wired magazine reviews a folder by Giant that I was unaware of. The article was part of some "Back To School Gift Guide" series.

Looks interesting as the frame does resemble a "giant" (pun intended) paper clip. See for yourselves:

http://www.wired.com/reviews/product/pr_clip_foldingbike

Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder

Seems that this one is only available for the Belgian market. Giant also has some cool mini-velos, nfortunately not available to the Americas. Here some pictures of what is NOT available. :(

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/_upload_be/bikes/models/zooms/2009/CLIP_BLACK.jpg



http://www.giant.co.jp/giant09/images/bike/L/L0617073_m.jpg



http://www.giant-bicycles.com/_upload_ch/bikes/models/zooms/2009/TALLERWAY8.0DB(L).jpg

That review raises interests, but is so deficient in content (like an ad).

If I hadn't read the comments, I wouldn't have known that it was a "mono-fork" like the Giant Halfway is.

That seatpost-kickstand is nifty-looking.

There must be something really special about that folder if the RRP is $1000+.

Poked around with a Clip at my LBS. Seemed that, even with a telescoping seatpost, it wouldn't handle anyone close to 6 foot, so I didn't bother asking for a test ride.

Cute, but a non-starter for me.

Yep! One can be very surprised at the models that are not available in the states. Several months ago on eBay, I seen a bike that looks just like the red model below but can't remember if it was badged as a Giant. It had narrow tires though, that much I do know.

Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder


Seems that this one is only available for the Belgian market. Giant also has some cool mini-velos, nfortunately not available to the Americas. Here some pictures of what is NOT available. :(

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/_upload_be/bikes/models/zooms/2009/CLIP_BLACK.jpg



http://www.giant.co.jp/giant09/images/bike/L/L0617073_m.jpg



http://www.giant-bicycles.com/_upload_ch/bikes/models/zooms/2009/TALLERWAY8.0DB(L).jpg

That red bike looks sassy.

My all time favorite is the Giant Halfway

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-au/bikes/lifestyle/2536/32651/zoom/

What is most cool is the single sided fork and rear wheel.

http://www.electricvehiclesnw.com/fbw/images/halfway/halfway-olson.jpg

Not that light though

Yep, I have a Giant Halfway. It's not a bad bike at all, but the non-standard fork makes it a bit of a problem to service and upgrade. The weight isn't as much of a problem once you figure out how to roll it (leave the handlebars up instead of folding them with the rest of the bike).

Also of note is that when I needed a replacement part, Giant's response was that I needed to initiate the request through a Giant dealer. I did that, but Giant never was able to send the part. Since the part was important (part of the fold latch), I haven't ridden the bike since.

I now own a Bike Friday Tikit... which is a great bike that I feel is better than the Halfway in just about every way. It is, however, a bit more expensive.

I saw this bike at my LBS as well. I thought it looked great. It actually reminded me of a concept bike from Cannondale a couple of years back, the Cannondale On bike.

I saw a Halfway at an LBS once. It was a heavy beast. I think it may have approaced 30lbs.

In the comments section of the OP's link, I found this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9_XEgGQBkQ&feature=player_embedded

Good concept, but doesn't look like that bike has a chain. shaft driven?