Cruising Sailors Forum Archive

Bike Friday

I've got a Bike Friday New World Tourist http://www.bikefriday.com/ . Bike Friday make a real quality folding bike that is nearly the equal of high end regular bicycles in rideability. I've done 30 mile days on mine without a problem other than my old tired legs. The 27 speed gearing really helps if you travel loaded or have significant hills. They can be ordered with a suitcase that turns into a trailer. The suitcase/trailor is really handy if you have to haul bulky/heavy items. The trailer will easily handle two or three jerry jugs if you have to haul fuel or water any distance. The suitcase is also great because you can send the bike as luggage and not have to pay the airlines hefty bike shipping charge, only the luggage charges unless you are flying on SW. The NWT will cost out over a $1,000 with a few options. Mines got a three speed hub and a 9 speed rear cassette for 21 speeds. Plenty of gears to go from tree climbing to traffic speeds. With a rack and panniers, used the bike to provision for this summers solo TransPac. Ended up having to turn back twice for equipment hiccups so spent time Sausalito at a strange marina. The bike was great for going from one end of Sausalito to the other getting parts or just going out for drinks and dinner. BF make cheaper sidewalk models with just a rear derailleir that are suitable for most normal around island riding. The bike frames are steel but haven't had much of any problem with rust. I store mine in a soft bag to take it ashore which keeps it dry. The bikes are not instant folders, takes15 minutes or so to pack in the suitcase. Only takes a couple of minutes to fold and stuff in the soft case, however. As I said, they aren't cheap but are worth it if you like to ride. They come up on Ebay constantly but don't sell at tremendous discounts from new.

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