Originally Posted by sweeks

My first folder was a Strida 2. I put 1,000 miles on it, but was constantly fiddling with and adjusting the wheel bearings. I had some e-mail communications with Mark Sanders who told me that the bearings should not be wearing out. I replaced at least one axle, the bottom bracket and the bearings. The crank axle broke as I was starting up from a stop and I nearly castrated myself (but didn't!). Eventually the wheel bearing cups (stamped steel pressed into plastic wheels) cracked around their circumference where the balls made contact.

In spite of all this, I actually liked the bike. It just wasn't up to my weight (210, though that is within spec) and the miles I was putting on it. It sure did fold up fast, and I could squeeze myself and the bike into a single seat on the train. I have kept it, and some day I will look into upgrading the wheels. It's a nice bike to tool around on and, as has been noted above, is a real conversation starter. I think the design is quite clever.
Steve