Folding Bikes - Montague Folding System Paratrooper Bike

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Binxsy
12-07-09, 08:49 PM
Any thoughs on this bike?

I might be able to get one for under 200$

http://www.lickbike.com/productpage.aspx?PART_NUM_SUB=%272753-18%27

it is the model above.

Bop
12-07-09, 09:11 PM
I bought one new, without wheels, for a l-o-w price. I put a decent wheelset and tires on and did some very minor component upgrades before selling it to a friend. He likes it a lot and I think it is an okay bike. When folded, it isn't all that small though. It is marginally easier to fit into a a car, but it is not like a 20" wheeled folder by any stretch ( I ride a Swift). The frame feels stiff, the welds look good and the ride is fine. The normal price is too high for what you get, since the fold is really no advantage. But if you can get it at that price, it is a cool design and fun to ride.
Nate1952
12-09-09, 01:25 PM
I've owned a Paratrooper for about a year. Here are some quick thoughts:

- Montague claims that standard accessories, such as fenders and racks, will fit. But what they actually mean is that these things will "fit" after considerable effort. The bike is essentially designed to run, and to fold, "naked".

- The folding requirement means that you end up with a machine with a much shorter wheelbase. If you put on a rear rack with large panniers, you'll end up hitting the bags with your heels at each pedal stroke.

- At about 600 USD, it is the cheapest bike I have so far purchased - and, mechanically, it has been a good experience. Very solid. I especially appreciate the disc brake (my first disc brake as well).

- The folding mechanism is robust, but folding it does take some practice - and, even after folding, you don't end up with a very convenient package. It doesn't roll, for example. You have to lift and carry it. I acquired the Montague travel bag, but still have not managed to successfully get the entire bike inside the bag.

- Montague sells an outrageously priced airline case for this bicycle. But, even once you get it into the case, the box is so large that you would be paying substantial excess baggage charges to fly with it. The Paratrooper seems to be a good solution for someone who wants to get a bicycle more easily into a car, rather than someone who wants to transport their bike by plane.

See you down the road....