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Strida, The Perfect Bike for Teachers

    
Efficient Folding Bike

Traveling from one country to another every few years and having to move personal items can be a challenge. When considering purchasing a bike for transportation, having a folding bike is a good idea for many reasons. Since many of the international schools are located in densely populated cities where teachers are limited to living in compact apartments, having a folding bike is beneficial as it physically takes up less space. Another benefit is that many teachers' commutes still require a short walk even if they take a subway or bus. In addition, a major benefit to the Strida folding bike is it doesn't have a conventional greasy chain to get your work cloths dirty.

After doing quite a bit of research online for a folding bike, we came across the Strida folding bike. What really struck us was the A frame design, which allows for the bike to quickly compact into a nice easily portable package. Another feature that struck us was the grease-less chain, or low maintenance belt drive. Most other folding bikes compact nicely, however they are not easily portable, especially if you need to fold it quickly or have to carry it any distance. In other words, most other folding bikes' folding design are centered around storage rather than ease of folding and portability.

Calling up Philip at the official distributor of Strida in Hong Kong, STRIDA Cafe, we met to take a Strida for a test ride. Philip was super helpful and very informative. He showed us a couple of sweet custom setups that they make such as the Creme and Noire.

The Ride

Upon riding the Strida, we quickly found that the ride is smooth and somewhat effortless. The body position on the 5.0 allows for a comfortable ride while not losing pedaling efficiency. The Strida 5.0 has a tight turning radius. The balance on the Strida is a bit unique to that of other bikes. Most bikes simply require the rider to turn the handlebars. However, we found that turning the handlebars in conjunction with a slight lean in the direction of the turn works extremely well. Overall the ride is extremely relaxing and is conducive to many types of riding. The Strida 5.0 possesses good manueverability and works well on simple straights as well. In short, the 5.0 has a fun feel to it and somehow makes you want to ride more. It is definitely different than other bikes, but the difference are what make the Strida so interesting and enjoyable to ride. 

A question we had was whether the bike would do well on a longer commute, say more than two miles. Philip put that question to rest by informing us that the local Strida bike club often does excursions that take a good part of the day involving many miles. He even supplied us with an article of Régis who rode a Strida through the Sahara Desert! 
 
Accessories
The Strida 5.0 comes with a wide variety of useful accessories. A vast array of fenders that easily mount are availble for the Strida 3.2 and 5.0 models. 16" and 18" wheels are another option from which riders can select. These two wheel sets can be swapped out on the Strida 3.2 and 5.0 models. An aluminum rear rack with bungee is also avaible for additional stowage. A bag that custom fits to the rack is handy to store items and also fits easily between the bottom of the seat and on top of the rack. Silver, folding metal pedals are available.

Strida also makes a couple of different bags to protect the bikes when transporting in an airplane or train. One model of bag is designed for use in subways where the wheels are exposed so you can still wheel it around while folded. This is an important point as many public transit systems don't allow bikes on board as to not get grease on other passengers.



Appendix
Part 1 includes:
Unpacking and Assembly
Test riders
Lia, Angel, and Ksenia

Part 2 includes:
Strida on the Bus
Test riders
Ksenia, Daniel
Falling off of Srida 5

Part 3 includes:
Strida in the Subway
Test riders
Daniel, Dara, Jermain

Part 4 includes:
Strida in the rain
Test riders
John, Ted, Jordana

Part 5
Test riders Jasper, Lawrence

Part 6 includes:
Conclusion and Usability notes
Freestyling about Strida, El Capitain

Audio interview with Mark Sanders (inventor of Strida)