makingmark

So I've ridden my Strida 5.0 about 5 times now on a 6.5 mile (one way) commute to work. Like it. My main wish is for a higher gearing, but I'll wait to see if I get used to pedaling at a higher cadence - particularly as the upcoming 2 speed models are looking significantly more expensive.

Couple of questions I'd like help answering:

1. Tire pressure - the Kendas are marked as max pressure of 65 psi. This seems low to me for the alloy rims that the bike came with. Sheldon Brown's page on tire pressure suggests that tire manufacturers are conservative in rating max pressure, and I'm willing to experiment, but would love to know if any other Strida 5.0 owners are putting higher pressures in their stock tires.

2. Frame protectors - the clear plastic "blisters" that protect the two top tubes from metal-on-metal rubs from the bottom tube when folding are quickly wearing off. Strida EU/UK is selling frame protectors but Areaware seems not to offer them at present (I'm checking with them, but they're not on the site). Does anyone know of a source for these for US shipment? Also, if I go sans protection, how much paint damage will I incur (based on your own experience with a Strida)?

jur

Tyre pressure: The tyre rating is based on the casing strength. If you exceed the sidewall value, the strings in the casing may start to rupture. Once they do, the tyre will bulge out and is toast.

But why do you want to go higher in pressure? The Kendas are good tyres and you'll not gain much at all by increasing the pressure, but it will become very harsh to ride.

makingmark

My other bike is a Brompton and I like to run 90psi in my Schwalbe Marathons, after experimenting with lower pressures. Those tires are harsh and the bike is definitely more comfortable at say 75psi, but I also feel there is noticeably more rolling resistance at that level. In the end, I feel that the gain in speed outweighs the penalty in comfort.

I'm thinking I could see the same results with the Strida. It may very well be that I won't see the same tradeoff relationship, but I'm willing to experiment - but not if it's dangerous.

Carlos71

I do not exceed the recommendations, but too often I have to check the pressures on both bikes: Strida 3 (45 psi) and Strida 5 (65 psi). It doesn't really matter if I use a bike or not, a week later there's a significant pressure reduction/leak (about 25%).

So here's a question, how often do you check tire pressures?

Simple Simon

Strida3 60psi (max for plastic rims), Strida5 75psi, or upto ~90psi for long smooth road only rides. I followed Jur's advice and switched to Schwalbe inner tubes .... wow what a difference ! ... instead of topping up pressures every 2 weeks out of necessity they now go over a month / 6 weeks. All down to the improved permeability of the Schwalbe tubes.

On brushed aluminium I accept the local 'polishing' from folding, I've seen those protectors but prefer these small wear 'scars' than adding more 'stuff'... The 1st scar is always the worst (top of seat tube scratched against a rough wall).

makingmark

Carlos - I expect to check weekly as that is my practice on my Brompton. On my Brompton I, as you, get significant enough pressure reduction in a week to top it off.

Simon, thanks for your responses.

Interesting about the tubes. I wonder if mine aren't Schwalbe - the tires are, and everything is stock from when I bought the Brompton about 1.5 years ago...

I too would prefer to just accept the scratches, as I have on my Brompton, but the presence of the blister protectors in the original packing left me wondering how serious the frame would get scratched up. (For example - Brompton has no such things to protect against cable rub) I'm not super picky about that sort of thing (and I'm like you - I hate the first scratch, after that it just looks well used).

If anyone with a painted Strida can post their experience - great. Simon - if you'd be willing to post even a crappy (e.g. mobile phone cam) photo of rubbing on that area of the frame, that would be useful to me. If I end up going this road myself, I'll do the same.

chainstrainer

I tried Areaware first but they only had mudguards at the time. So I went with Green Urban Utility in Hong Kong: www.GUM.hk

They stock a full range of Strida accessories at good prices:
https://www.strida.hk/accessories.htm

I found the service at GUM to be top-notch. Their e-mail response is timely and in excellent English. I purchased six accessory items, including the frame protectors, in May 2008. Everything arrived in a week and totaled $150 (USD) including the shipping. It could have cost less if the U.S. dollar value wasn't so weak, even against the HK dollar.

The plastic blisters on my Strida were taking a beating from all my folding/unfolding so I was imagining what the rubbing would do to an unprotected frame. I was initially interested in just the rubber frame protectors at GUM but I found I could get other accessories for just a bit more shipping cost of the frame protectors alone, so I went for it. Everything works great though I have scratches elsewhere from the cranks hitting the frame on unfolding.

Tire pressure: I pump 70-74 psi into the Kwests and have no sidewall bulging yet.

makingmark

I "ripped off the band aid" or in this case, the blister protections and will try going without the frame protectors. I'll report back...

Simple Simon

Pictures below (should) show scratches on Strida3 (~4+ yr old hack) & Strida5 (~9 months old).
The brushed Aluminium looks more natural - sort of polished, I suspect the painted Strida5 may need occasional touch-up.

makingmark

Thanks Simon - that amount of wear is completely tolerable to me.