They said "chain" versions will be available later, perhaps a der iteration as well.

There's a line saying that they'll allow buyers of the elite to customize it with gearings later. I decided to pledge for the elite but am still waiting to hear back on what they're actually doing to get it to 15lbs.

As a current brompton owner, This bike struck me for a few reasons:

- It's a straight handlebar by default, I have the curved 'M' brompton handlebars and the frame flex can be annoying.
- I'm hoping that by not having a rear 'rubber block' suspension and not having a fold on the top tube there's going to be a lot less frame flex. The power-loss in the Brompton really bugs me when trying to ride up hills.
- Custom sizing - I'm 5'10ish and always felt like I had to move the brompton seat far back, possibly causing issues with the weight balance. Hoping the varying frame sizes fixes this.
- Belt drive - I already had been wanting to eventually modify my brompton for this, based on Belt-drive Bromptons
- The weight: ~15lbs (even for a singlespeed) at the early bird price is really good deal compared to the Bromptons I've seen modified and sold to get near that weight over the years.

Concerns:
- I hope they're not achieving the 15lbs via carbon parts, anyone know what they're doing? Is it titanium parts for some of the Elite frame bits?
- I still want to mount a bag on the front, I hope there's going to be some type of mount at the front.
- Similarly, I also want to mount a bag on the back via a minimal rear rack instead of a clickfix for versatility. Right now with the brompton I can getaway with using a typical backpack on the rear and a messenger bag on the front.
- I didn't notice this until seeing the "new bike update #2" video, but putting the bike in a backpack involves removing the front wheel. Still debating how much that and the larger folded dimensions bug me.

Ok,
As far as I can tell, there are 4 models

• Single Speed Packit, 19.2 lbs: Early: $999, Late: $1,300
• Three Speed Packit, 19.8 lbs: Early: $1,200, Late: $1,500
• 11 Speed Packit, 22 lbs: Early: $1,700, Late: $1,990
• Single Speed Packit Elite (either 14.9 lbs or 15 lbs, depends on where it is listed): Early $1,800, Late: $2,300

Backpack. $200 more. Kickstarter generally doesn't allow selecting more than one reward, but in some cases that can be done post KickStarter compaign.

The Packit Elite doesn't seem to come in multi-speed options.

I have the opposite problem. I test rode the Brompton again this weekend and it confirmed my serial issue--short arm reach. I test rode with the M bar tilted towards me which worked well. Problem is the famous Brompton fold is affected. Is there a point of dropping the 1.5-2K if you're not going to get the proper Brompton fold? Very annoying.

If the elite retail price for a single speed is going to $2,600...what are prices going to be for the multi-geared?

Let's hope the Helix turns out well...

UPDATE: Just heard back on them on a few things:

- The 'Elite' version's weight savings comes from using lighter wall cromoly tubing. Yay mystery solved.
- They don't have a front stem luggage mount since it sticks out too much for them to fit in the backpack.

I'm a bit torn on the lack of front luggage bit, I'm pretty impressed by the bike design though since it looks like it'll be a more solid ride.

Hmmm...interesting about the cromoly, will have to google that.

They should include the luggage mount plate and let customers decide if they want it or the backpack. Surely the bolt mount itself isn't the issue? That's like, what, an inch bump? I have serious doubts about the backpack. It's enormous, blocking out the entire torso of the carrier. If I have the 11 gear hub version with a rack and fenders and the bike is nearing the mid-20's in weight--it's not going to be a light carry...at least for the smaller folks like me. And wearing that size of a backpack in the summer when it's 90 degrees with 90 percent humidity doesn't sound like much fun either.

Good point. Honestly I wasn't thinking too hard about the backpack, my other concern was just how 'carryable' it is relative to the brompton. In it's folded state the handlebar is above the top tube you're grabbing to carry with, they briefly show carrying it at 1:47 in the kickstarter video and it seems okay for brief carrying but i'm not as certain carrying longer distances / up stairs. Could maybe be solved via a handle accessory a la the off yer bike ones for brompton

The video is disingenuous when showing the Brompton around 1m20:

• When carrying out of the car trunk, it looks like it's going to fall apart
• It looks like you have to spin like a circus monkey, although the six-speed version with a 50T chainring offers 33-100 gear inches (2.63-8m)
• When comparing folded sizes at 1m50, they "forgot" to fold the left pedal on the Brompton. They also forgot to show the bikes from the side…
• For some reason, the bike won't let you hang a bag in the front, although it's super convenient

Hub Gear Calculator

That bike is too complicated and too big to use as a commuter bike that you'll have to fold/unfold several times a day. As a travel bike, however, how does it compare to the existing range of BF bikes?

On the positive side, I like the belt drive, the Alfine 11, and the different sizes the bike will be available.

Nice brompton film. Now plse give us the PackiT film

I was a bit confused too on what he was talking about vs the film.

https://ksr-video.imgix.net/projects...-h264_high.mp4

all I can say it's about marketing their bike and i'll try to answer these:

-When carrying out of the car trunk, it looks like it's going to fall apart

They're just saying it's heavy not clumsy to take out which vs a normal single speed non titanium version is 23lbs vs their 19.2lbs similarly priced version. doesn't sound like much but to some 4lbs is the weight of a heavy laptop already.

-It looks like you have to spin like a circus monkey, although the six-speed version with a 50T chainring offers 33-100 gear inches (2.63-8m)

That wasn't even a Brompton they are comparing to, but there are some low end folders out there with really junk gear ranges. (I guess they are competing against the under $300 folding bikes also?) any $500+ dahon would be geared really well usually (30's to 90's) that's alot of usable range. They aren't singling out the Brompton here but the overall folding bike market it seems.

-When comparing folded sizes at 1m50, they "forgot" to fold the left pedal on the Brompton. They also forgot to show the bikes from the side…

Why in the world would they show you the side view when it's THEIR marketing? doing that it would look like the BIGGEST fold! now that's just silly shooting yourself in the foot. for the pedal Probably the cameraman didn't know how it folds? still gives you the overall thiness, heh.

-For some reason, the bike won't let you hang a bag in the front, although it's super convenient

R&K bags would mount on that just like any bike. Just nothing proprietary from BF. But if you wanted it on the frame like Dahon and Bromptons, I'm guessing you can easily request for it since BF does everything custom and it's not a assembly line of all the same thing so they can easily weld some screw mounts for you

I don't think it is going to be used to fold multiple times daily by most buyers, at least not a full fold. Once into the office and reassemble to go home. You can take unfolded bikes on many transit systems and, in the US, the options are increasing. As a short-travel bike it is unique and remarkable. Much easier than the normal BF to take for a short trip yet you still have a "real bike" ride.
But if you did need to fold a lot, the quick fold is easy. drop the seat, snap the stem onto the pin, rotate the wheel. done. easy to carry because of the very light weight. (would not bother with the bag at all).

Although I'm not in the market for a bike like the pakiT I'm sure that the people who got excited over the Hummingbird now have something to legitimately look forward to.

Yay, you are back!

They've upped the ante, now offering the 11 gear hub at an elite 19.2lb. Now we're talking. Estimated retail price will be $2,800. I'm going to call this bike, Packet (of wages to freaking own it!). No early adopter here, but this is definitely intriguing.

Add luggage mount please...

But BF is calling it a city bike and the promo advertises it as a daily urban bike which implies lots of folding. Perhaps BF figured this out with the semi-fold.

You're right about the bag. Can you imagine what it looks like on short people from behind? A tiny bit of a head showing, a giant rectangle carapace of a backpack and then legs. Basically a turtle standing on its back legs.

My BF is a city bike and I use it as a daily urban bike but I only fold it at most once a day. In the Bay area, I can get on all buses and Bart without folding it. You don't see people rolling folding bikes in stores here - everything is just too crowded. The few people I know with Brompton bikes might fold them on Bart but they don't have to do so and I've never seen a folded Brompton in a store or restaurant or bar here. Maybe all that excess folding is an east coast thing, what with the trains you use there.

The quick fold is very quick less than 30 seconds and easy to carry with no bag. Being a belt drive, you don't have to worry about grease, either.

I don't see the attraction for this bike other than perhaps a BF ride feel.
Also, perhaps it makes sense for US folks as options for foldables are more limited as well as max weight concerns.


A CRIUS SMART is 7.6kg for the single sp and 8.6kg for the 3sp IGH.
Its fast to fold and easy to handle as its very light. (I have the 3.0)

Folded, it can be pushed around and it certainly can be carried in any bag if necessary esp if one adds removable pedals (eg. like the MKS ones)

To me, laziness is king.
More so in the tropical weather I'm in.
Stooped over to fix up the bike after a ride from home to the train station for example and I'd really not want to be sweating too much in the humidity and heat fixing up the BF.

Some people wants bikes that ride great that happen to also fold.
Some people want bikes that fold great that happen to also be ride-able.
Different strokes....

Not sure why the bag size is an objection. Sure it's not the size of a backpack (which is unrealistic) but it was never said to be small. It's just smaller than most bike backpacks (assuming they exist). The point is the bike is quite light so toting it won't be a massive pain after a short while. Why would you care if the backpack is a bit larger than a big pack? As long as it doesn't snag on every pedestrian you pass... you might have a problem in a massively crowded place... just carry an open can of paint in each hand and you'll have bucketloads of room.

You certainly have a wider selection in SE Asia. Makes me wish my uncle was still living in Malaysia--used to pop over via Singapore when I was living in Japan. Hadn't heard about the Crius--googled it and it looks like ThorUSA is taking pre-orders.

I agree with Linberl--the Pakit is slightly oranges to Crius' apples.

Just think with its shape and size, perhaps a backpack isn't the best choice. A shoulder strap or messenger type bag may decreased the ninja turtle look a bit.

I'm thinking people would probably only use the bag if stowing it on a train, etc. It's so light, and grease-free, and the stem/seat connect instead of flopping around, so it would just be easier to quick fold and carry as is. that's what I do with my BF except I have a "shroud" to cover the wheels and chain to avoid grease and dirt, and that is not necessary here. For most people it would be a one-handed carrry, leaving one hand free. If you want both hands free I am sure you could get someone to sew a clip on the other long side of the bag and attach a shoulder strap. Would have been nice if BF had done that, giving some options for carrying, but maybe the weight shift is weird. Have to wait until some folks get them to see what works best.

Sorry, not for me. The weight is fine, but I'm not going to be bothered fiddle faddling putting it together and taking it apart every time I make a stop. I agree, that the bike is probably built well, but for ease of use, there's nothing I've seen as yet that comes close to the Brompton. It folds fast and easy so I can go in an out of a store, train or whatever without messing with parts, especially it they are all wet and muddy.

I think they could have been clearer that there are two modalities, one does not have to use the complete disassemble and bag for quick stops. All BF have a quick fold: rear wheel under, rotate the front wheel back, and then (depending on the model) fold or remove seat mast/stem. On the PakiT, both the stem and seat mast clip to the bike so it is a "one piece" carry and there is no greasy chain. Quick fold is maybe 15 seconds and the weight makes it a one hand carry for most people. Perfect for stores.

Now, for a train where you have to stow it in the bag, it is a bit more complex. But not all commuters have that issue. And the Brompton does not offer 11 speeds nor a belt drive, AFAIK. It's all trade-offs for what matters to you.

Looks like the PakiTs are starting to come in now. Supposed to pick up mine next week.