Originally Posted by Fear&Trembling
I think that is part of the reason, and why I would suggest the 5.0 bike will do well in Japan etc (they have a greater range of deluxe/optimally specced folders over there), but probably not so well in Europe and the US. I always liked the pared down simplicity of the Strida - less things to go wrong (although some of the components seem a bit fragile).Discs apart, the rest of the improvements seem worthwhile.
It does look that way, yes. I imagine as space is at a premium in their cities, folding bikes will become more desirable there, & they do indeed have an amazing range of folders available.
I too am attracted by the bike's simplicity. Apparently there are less than 150 components in a Strida 3 for example.
I haven't in practice found any fragile components, so maybe that was your impression from the earlier (Mk1 or 2?) bike you rode.
I'd be interested to get an older version, but the few I've seen are asking almost the price of a new one!
I'd hazard a guess that the transmission (BB) improvements would be the most useful.
Originally Posted by Fear&Trembling
Precisely, the taller you are the higher you need to raise the seat, and in so doing this brings the saddle closer to the bars. This is unfortunately the opposite of what most taller riders need. I found the position (at 6' 2") uncomfortable.
That's interesting, as I believe the Strida's designer, Mark Sanders, is 6' 4". Maybe he compensated, being the designer :-)
In my wife's case, ( ~ 5' 7") she finds the handlebar distance the best of any previous bike.
Originally Posted by Fear&Trembling
I didn't say the Strida was only suitable for 2-3 mile rides, but I would contend that is what the bike does best - particularly in concert with trains/buses/cars. I am sure longer rides are possible (I have only had a test ride on an older model), but there are many other folding bikes I would rather ride 15 miles on. I have no doubt someone will suggest that it is possible to do the Paris-Roubaix on a Strida, but that doesn't mean it is the best tool for the job.
Well, yes, and you could probably say that for almost any example of transport, car, etc. I'm sure I'd enjoy journeys in Morse's old Jag' rather more than our Rover 214 ;-)
I suppose it often boils down to getting the best value for what one can afford :-) I have yet to see a comparably priced folder which offers similar Strida features that I've come to find very practical.
Originally Posted by Fear&Trembling
I have used the Panaracer Flataway Liner which is similar and likewise effective. Easy to get hold of in the UK. Try Wiggle.
Thanks for the Flataway tip! I've just been to Wiggle's site for a look. Presumably I'll need 2 of these (ie. not enough in 1 pack for 2 * 16" tyres)? I'm trying to imagine how they're actually inserted :-)