Lil Bear

I have an awesome wife. For our anniversary this year I suggested we get folders, and she thought it was a fantastic idea. So I searched and researched as much as I could... It's actually how I found this site. I have decided that I'd like a 20" wheel (406 or 451... semantics, I suppose). After a little discussion, turns out I'd also like to be able to check it on a plane, and have a trailer.. we do our shopping on bikes for most of the year - Costco runs could use a little extra space. I read the Gazelle fits in Origami's big suitcase. I'm not sure about the Crane8... fenders and rack might push the limit? I know Bike Friday has a similar setup, but my awesome wife said no whey. If we end up using the folders a lot, maybe a BF, but she don't want to pony up for a first bike. She seems really smart right? Somehow still married me... I also found like 5 Dahons that I thought were pretty awesome. They have too many models, but that's for another thread...

Ok... I'd like some feedback, good or bad, from anyone running a 20" Origami bike with multiple gears. I hope to read posts from people that have put some miles on... we don't ride a ton, but 30 miles a couple times/week is pretty common. 10 miles/day is, well, a normal day. Plan B is a Dahon, but that will take some lobbying on my part... my awesome wife is a penny-pincher at all the wrong times! She is sold on the case/trailer, though... so Origami should invest in competitors' bikes and provide info on what can fit (hint, hint) so that they can sell more cases.

I'd like to get a few years from a bike without upgrading components. Seat and grips don't count - those might change no matter what we got.

Disclaimer: I mentioned my awesome wife a couple times, and just want everyone to know I WAS NOT BEING SARCASTIC. If she wasn't here, I'd probably talk to myself until I starved to death.

Pinigis 

Lil Bear, if your wife chose folding bikes over jewelry, she is a keeper!

I am the owner of Origami Bicycles, so I can tell you more our products. First, the Gazelle does not fit in our suitcase because of the disc brakes (the rotors take up too much space and the calipers make it difficult to nest the fork into the frame). The Crane 8 does fit perfectly into the case (with minor disassembly that takes about 5 to 10 minutes) since it was designed in parallel with the case. There are too many competitors out there to ensure that our case will fit all of them, but we maxed out the dimensions at 30 x 20 x 11.75 to keep the case just under the airline limit of 62", so there are many bikes that will fit (although we prefer our own).

The Crane 8 uses a Shimano Acera derailleur with a 11-34 tooth cassette for a 300%+ gear range.

We are very proud of the quality of the components on the Crane 8, so don't make any plans for upgrades (even the seat and grips) until you give them a try.

HGR3inOK

Lil Bear - Where are you located?

-HANK RYAN-
Norman, Oklahoma USA

Lil Bear

Thanks, Pinigis.. that's info I needed. Will the trailer frame fit in there with the bike?

I'm in NW Montana, HGR

bhkyte

I believe the trailer doubles up as the suitcase.
I wish Dowmtube and origami were available in UK.

The latest origarmi suitcase and range is really moving them up in my estimation as a total solution.

Pinigis 

Yes, the bike and the trailer kit fit in the case together.

downtube

bhkyte,

Downtube does ship to the UK. Yesterday I spent tons of time cutting down an 8H box to ship to Spain.

Thanks,
Yan

Lil Bear

Can't send a pm yet, but it looks like I'll be visiting your website tomorrow. Yellow bikes, blue trailers ... MSU Bobcat colors - bonus!
Didn't get any feedback from other owners - guess we gotta put some miles on so we can answer next time someone asks.

E: Relayed the info about the trailer kit fitting inside, and the blue cases. Only question my wife asked was "When will they arrive?" hehe

Pinigis 

We usually shop witHin 24 hours. UPS takes about two to five days depending upon your location.