Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Folding Bikes
Reload this Page >

Airnimal Chameleon Vs Pacific Reach Racer

Search
Notices
Folding Bikes Discuss the unique features and issues of folding bikes. Also a great place to learn what folding bike will work best for your needs.

Airnimal Chameleon Vs Pacific Reach Racer

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 08-05-12, 07:19 AM
  #1  
The Metropolis, UK
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,353
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Airnimal Chameleon Vs Pacific Reach Racer

Both great folding road bikes but which do is the best in your opinion?
mulleady is offline  
Old 08-07-12, 09:28 AM
  #2  
Part-time epistemologist
 
invisiblehand's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 5,870

Bikes: Jamis Nova, Bike Friday triplet, Bike Friday NWT, STRIDA, Austro Daimler Vent Noir, Hollands Tourer

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 122 Post(s)
Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts
Does the Reach have 406 or 451 wheels/tires?

If it's 451, then I would just go with the Chameleon's 520 wheels/tires assuming that the Chameleon can fit on a flight legal suitcase. Note that something in the back of my head is whispering that the Airnimal suitcase is considerably large than 62 linear inches. (66? ... a mind is a terrible thing to lose) If that whisper is correct, then I would have to think harder about the choice.
__________________
A narrative on bicycle driving.
invisiblehand is offline  
Old 08-07-12, 09:36 AM
  #3  
The Metropolis, UK
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,353
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Originally Posted by invisiblehand
Does the Reach have 406 or 451 wheels/tires?

If it's 451, then I would just go with the Chameleon's 520 wheels/tires assuming that the Chameleon can fit on a flight legal suitcase. Note that something in the back of my head is whispering that the Airnimal suitcase is considerably large than 62 linear inches. (66? ... a mind is a terrible thing to lose) If that whisper is correct, then I would have to think harder about the choice.

The Reach is a 451 size. I must check regarding the case as that is very much food for thought. I have the IF Reach but just bought an Chameleon on eBay!

Last edited by mulleady; 08-07-12 at 11:09 AM.
mulleady is offline  
Old 08-07-12, 10:20 AM
  #4  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: San Rafael, California
Posts: 2,097
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 113 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times in 6 Posts
The Chameleon will not fit today's flight legal suitcase.. with the wheels removed, the frame folded with mild disassembly will fit carry-on bags .. the wheels would be checked separately in a box or padded bag... the Delsey case is quite oversize, much like the Dahon Airporter.. you might get away with it, but it is not 62 linear inches.. in the reverse, the frame without the wheels will easily fit a 62 linear inch case, and then the wheels could be bagged as carry-on ..
BruceMetras is offline  
Old 08-07-12, 11:10 AM
  #5  
The Metropolis, UK
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,353
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Originally Posted by BruceMetras
The Chameleon will not fit today's flight legal suitcase.. with the wheels removed, the frame folded with mild disassembly will fit carry-on bags .. the wheels would be checked separately in a box or padded bag... the Delsey case is quite oversize, much like the Dahon Airporter.. you might get away with it, but it is not 62 linear inches.. in the reverse, the frame without the wheels will easily fit a 62 linear inch case, and then the wheels could be bagged as carry-on ..
I must try packing the IF Reach and report back on it!
mulleady is offline  
Old 08-08-12, 07:30 AM
  #6  
Part-time epistemologist
 
invisiblehand's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 5,870

Bikes: Jamis Nova, Bike Friday triplet, Bike Friday NWT, STRIDA, Austro Daimler Vent Noir, Hollands Tourer

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 122 Post(s)
Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts
Originally Posted by BruceMetras
The Chameleon will not fit today's flight legal suitcase.. with the wheels removed, the frame folded with mild disassembly will fit carry-on bags .. the wheels would be checked separately in a box or padded bag... the Delsey case is quite oversize, much like the Dahon Airporter.. you might get away with it, but it is not 62 linear inches.. in the reverse, the frame without the wheels will easily fit a 62 linear inch case, and then the wheels could be bagged as carry-on ..
By coincidence, I was showing something at the Calhoun Cyclery to a bud yesterday. They are an Airnimal dealer so I peeked at their website for what suitcase they sell. It appears that they sell the S&S Coupler suitcase for the Airnimal which is 62 linear inches.
__________________
A narrative on bicycle driving.
invisiblehand is offline  
Old 08-08-12, 07:42 AM
  #7  
The Metropolis, UK
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,353
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Originally Posted by invisiblehand
By coincidence, I was showing something at the Calhoun Cyclery to a bud yesterday. They are an Airnimal dealer so I peeked at their website for what suitcase they sell. It appears that they sell the S&S Coupler suitcase for the Airnimal which is 62 linear inches.
Ouch I just looked at the prices of those hard shell cases!
mulleady is offline  
Old 08-08-12, 08:20 AM
  #8  
The Metropolis, UK
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,353
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Just picked up the new steed from a very nice gentleman in Portsmouth. Former professional cyclist and still runs ultra-marathons. You meet very interesting people who love cycling and especially respect folders. Will post pictures and some thoughts soon. Here was the listing I won on eBay. I have to say it's a beautiful frame and pretty lightweight!

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3307712104...#ht_500wt_1288
mulleady is offline  
Old 08-08-12, 09:26 AM
  #9  
Part-time epistemologist
 
invisiblehand's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 5,870

Bikes: Jamis Nova, Bike Friday triplet, Bike Friday NWT, STRIDA, Austro Daimler Vent Noir, Hollands Tourer

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 122 Post(s)
Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts
Originally Posted by mulleady
Ouch I just looked at the prices of those hard shell cases!
Yeah ... sadly you almost never see a used suitcase without an associated bike.
__________________
A narrative on bicycle driving.
invisiblehand is offline  
Old 08-08-12, 10:43 AM
  #10  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: San Rafael, California
Posts: 2,097
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 113 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times in 6 Posts
Originally Posted by invisiblehand
By coincidence, I was showing something at the Calhoun Cyclery to a bud yesterday. They are an Airnimal dealer so I peeked at their website for what suitcase they sell. It appears that they sell the S&S Coupler suitcase for the Airnimal which is 62 linear inches.
I forgot about the S&S case .. That's not really a commercial suitcase, more of a purpose built box designed for their coupled bikes .. but certainly an option .. the S&S site had some 26x26x12 cases marked way down under $200 ..

Mulleady, if the price is a bit steep, here's something under $40 that is airline legal size at 26x24x12.. a couple of straps and you're all set.. even has wheels and a handle

Attached Images
File Type: jpg
26x24x12.jpg (21.1 KB, 36 views)
BruceMetras is offline  
Old 08-08-12, 02:28 PM
  #11  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 89

Bikes: Folders, MTB's, Road bikes, Omafiets

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Blood brothers - same (pacific) factory :-)
Enjoy that new steed - talk about folderitus :-)
Human_Amplifier is offline  
Old 08-08-12, 03:31 PM
  #12  
Full Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 362

Bikes: Dahon Mu P8 and Mezzo D9

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 37 Post(s)
Liked 10 Times in 10 Posts
Originally Posted by Human_Amplifier
Blood brothers - same (pacific) factory :-)
Enjoy that new steed - talk about folderitus :-)
Airnimal and Pacific made in the same factory?
keke is offline  
Old 08-08-12, 04:08 PM
  #13  
The Metropolis, UK
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,353
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Originally Posted by keke
Airnimal and Pacific made in the same factory?
Yes Pacific make both Airnimal & Birdy bikes. Designed in the UK & Germany respectively but a very capable Taiwanese partner. Pacific are very very skilled at making great frames.
mulleady is offline  
Old 08-08-12, 04:09 PM
  #14  
The Metropolis, UK
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,353
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Originally Posted by Human_Amplifier
Blood brothers - same (pacific) factory :-)
Enjoy that new steed - talk about folderitus :-)
You can blame blame people like Sesamecrunch for passing the virus on to me lol!
mulleady is offline  
Old 08-08-12, 06:12 PM
  #15  
weirdo
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Reno, NV
Posts: 1,962
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts
Originally Posted by BruceMetras
Mulleady, if the price is a bit steep, here's something under $40 that is airline legal size at 26x24x12.. a couple of straps and you're all set.. even has wheels and a handle
Doh, just a LITTLE too short for my Friday!
Great idea, though. I think I need to start exploring teh Rubbermade isles in the box stores for similar products. Maybe one of those flatter boxes meant for stacking would hit the magic dimentions between too tight to fit and out of bounds.
rodar y rodar is offline  
Old 08-09-12, 04:53 AM
  #16  
The Metropolis, UK
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,353
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Originally Posted by Human_Amplifier
Blood brothers - same (pacific) factory :-)
Enjoy that new steed - talk about folderitus :-)
Yes i have the virus long-term, diagnosed as incurable lol
mulleady is offline  
Old 08-12-12, 08:39 PM
  #17  
Eschew Obfuscation
 
SesameCrunch's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Posts: 3,845

Bikes: 2005 Fuji Professional, 2002 Lemond Zurich, Folders - Strida, Merc, Dahon, Downtube, Recumbent folder

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by mulleady
You can blame blame people like Sesamecrunch for passing the virus on to me lol!
Hey Mully! My Folderitis has transmogrified into recumbent-itis, thereby proving that I am, if nothing else, consistent. Here's what I'm riding now:





But, don't worry, I still have the Hot-Lava Moulton (which I first saw at your house 4 years ago), a Brompton, and Downtube Mini (now my son's bike). Something for any mood.
__________________
SesameCrunch is offline  
Old 08-13-12, 01:02 AM
  #18  
The Metropolis, UK
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,353
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
LOL Sesame your blue & black recumbent is quite something but I expect your recumbents to fold lol!
mulleady is offline  
Old 08-13-12, 11:11 AM
  #19  
Eschew Obfuscation
 
SesameCrunch's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Posts: 3,845

Bikes: 2005 Fuji Professional, 2002 Lemond Zurich, Folders - Strida, Merc, Dahon, Downtube, Recumbent folder

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by mulleady
LOL Sesame your blue & black recumbent is quite something but I expect your recumbents to fold lol!
They would probably fold under pressure from your Franken-calves!
__________________
SesameCrunch is offline  
Old 08-14-12, 12:04 PM
  #20  
The Metropolis, UK
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,353
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Originally Posted by SesameCrunch
They would probably fold under pressure from your Franken-calves!
I have a very funny story for you. I visited a major shopping centre outside of London 2 weeks ago. The local health club/gym had a stand fundraising for charity in the mall. They had a virtual exercise bike simulating a velodrome sprint over 60 seconds with increasing resistance. I was spinning like a maniac until the last 15 seconds and my legs were like jelly at the end. Thought I had done hopeless until I was informed I'd done the fastest time all week and beaten all the young male personal trainers as well! I guess those calves are good for something Alan lol!

PS. I should come over and apply some real torque to your recumbents to test those chains!
mulleady is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Dheorl
Folding Bikes
18
09-10-16 09:08 PM
mooder
Road Cycling
4
04-23-15 11:51 AM
mulleady
Folding Bikes
4
04-10-15 05:12 PM
mulleady
Folding Bikes
10
09-03-12 06:24 AM
adlai
Folding Bikes
5
06-12-11 04:11 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.