I don't know where you get these 'notorious' reports on the unreliability of Stridas! LOL!
I probably use my Strida 5 as much as anyone, (plus it gets used by band members, mine & my Lady's kids) It's bashed & battered, totally un-pampered & ultra reliable.
My Strida 3 just broke it's rear inner brake cable, 1st prob (apart from punctures) for years!
Strida is notorious!
For being lambasted by people who've hardly (or never!) used one!
Happy & reliable Strida-ing my fellow Stridanauts!
Triangulation across the Nation! LOL!