I chose the Pocket Llama (mountain bike version) for the smooth ride and the versatility. The thickest Schwalbe Big Apple Tires fit my Llama fork and frame. It is supposed to be an efficient tire. I don't feel like I'm losing much speed with the low rolling resistant tires. I don't feel the bumps in the roads and found out by chance that the tires will soak up a lot. It probably doesn't have the precise handling of a road tire. But the 20" rims keeps the handling predictable. Although, I usually ride on decent trails, I will probably need the semi off-road capability when I go back to Switzerland. Of the many bikes that I own, I always ride the Bike Friday. It has been reliable and comfortable. Add ons: Brooks B17 Saddle, Origin 8 Drop Bar Ends.

I've had my Pocket Llama since 2006. I have a Pocket Crusoe as well, but if I could only have 1 BF it would be the Llama for its flexibility. I've taken it to Vietnam (road and off-road), the Danube Cycleway, bike/camping around Alaska, and the roughest trip of all - Lhasa to Kathmandu. I just change the tires depending upon the road conditions. It's also my favored summer commuter bike here in Anchorage because I can take short cuts through the trails. If I don't feel like riding home I can throw it into the back of my husband's Prius, folded up. I also like the low step-over of BFs. It came in handy when I was hit by a right-turning vehicle and was able to hop off the bike and avoid a fall. I have the Samsonite suitcase which has taken a beating but is still functional with the help of duct tape. My Llama has H-handlebars with the brakes mounted on the vertical part (very comfortable and ergonomic), twist shifters (very reliable), and the Thud Buster seat post. Despite the frequent packing/unpacking, I haven't had any issues with parts knocked out of alignment. I made a spacer from PVC pipe to hold the bike in place in the suitcase to prevent the chain ring from hitting the suitcase and getting bent. I highly recommend the Llama.

I've owned my Llama since early 2005 and it has enriched my travel experiences throughout the world. It's been to Alaska, New Mexico, Minnesota, Japan, California and currently in Afghanistan. I love the ride and it has never let me down. It came with the Cane Creek Thudbuster seatpost from the Pocket Gnu and the 27 speed drivetrain with SRAM shifters. I've added road, mountain, touring and studded tires, fenders, seat post rack & pannier trunk, lights, handlebar bag and a GPS/heart rate monitor with exercise logging. I usually use a Brooks Conquest saddle on a basic alloy post, but the conditions here in Afghanistan (rain, heat, dust) convinced me to use the Thudbuster with a WTB saddle. My future plans include turning its Samsonite suitcase into a trailer.