Named after Robinson Crusoes companion, Bike Fridays have put their tyre prints on the remotest islands on earth. They fit neatly into a suitcase, so travel anywhere in the world, by air, boat, train, or car. Portability isnt their only strength: the Bike Friday was designed from the outset to ride like a real bike, as a training bike or tourer for the air traveller.
The emphasis on performance has been retained as the range of bikes has diversified. Even the entry-level Metro, with components selected for commuting or around-town cruising, uses the same stiff cromoly frame as the more expensive models. The Metro is available off the peg, however, while the rest of the range is custom-built for you: you get an engraved name-plate on your Bike Friday to prove it.
Theres a Bike Friday for every purpose. Commuters will want the Metro, the higher-spec Pocket Nomad, or maybe even the Pocket Llama - a Bike Friday MTB. For touring, its got to be the New World Tourist, which is offered with a wide range of different components; custom front and rear racks are also available. For racing, training, or just riding fast for fun, the Pocket Rocket is a travellers favourite. Larger 24" wheels with narrower tyres reduce rolling resistance without sacrificing comfort, and it weighs under 25lb. The Dura-Ace equipped Pocket Rocket Pro goes one better, tipping the scales at under 20lb (9.1kg).
Top of the Bike Friday range is the AirFriday series, which was originally designed for world-class triathletes. The titanium suspension beam helps to isolate the rider from road shock, thus reducing fatigue. The AirFriday has alternative geometries for triathlon and road racing, and there is a version for touring, the AirGlide, and for mountain biking, the AirLlama.
All except the AirFriday series quick-fold for easy transport in 15-30 seconds. And all pack into an optional bag or hard-shell suitcase in minutes. If youre touring unsupported, get the TravelTrailer - a hard shell suitcase that converts into a 100lb capacity bicycle trailer.
The options dont stop there - Bike Friday also make tandems, triplets and recumbents, featured elsewhere in this Encycleopedia.
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