Stretching bikes
 

I've been getting a lot of spam lately from people who claim to be interested in my blog, but it just ends up they want me to visit their "blogs" which are really all sorts of strange online bike stores.

I just got this one, and thought it seems pretty interesting, although almost humorous for some reason.
"But stretching is better!" it claims.
http://ridethisbike.com/stretching_v...lding_bike.htm

Anyways, never heard of a stretching bike, are they common?

mEh. Those are "Giatex" brand stretching bikes.

For starters, do all of us a favour, including yourself: if you DO buy a product, go out of your way to NOT buy it from whoever spammed you. In the long run, if everyone makes that choice, spam will dry up.

I rode a 16" and 20" wheel Giatex at an airshow about a year ago. Not bad - seemed like a good value for the money. Components were comparable to what you'd find on a Dahon or similar bike of the same price category (entry level but not "Wxxlmart")
Seemed like a good value. They were offering them discounted at the airshow for something like $350CAD.
"Target" stores in the US have them for $350US. See this link.

Visit their main, international website for the definitive source of info on their bikes and, presumably, a list of NON-SPAMMING DEALERS! :D

I suspect they'd hold up well as there's no hinge to wear out and the slide was pretty beefy, being the frame and all.

There are some online reviews of these bikes so you can opinions before you buy - and as with all bikes, TRY it before you commit. If you can't find one where you live, either take a trip somewhere that has it or look at other brands.

Review #1
Review #2

A review I did of several folders - more of a "mini-buyers guide" that included the Giatex and a number of others.

...and a good site for advice.

Wheels are only 16". Too small for my liking. The one feature I do like however is the ability to roll the bike even when it's folded. If they decide to produce a 20" model, it could be interesting. The price is certainly right.

There is a 20" wheel model. Look *carefully*...

Hammacher Schlemmer (I think that is the name of the cataloger) also has a similar bike listed in its catalog

I started a thread on these last year:

Giatex "Stretching" Bikes?

Some good comments there.