Green Gear AirFriday

Imagine if your bicycle were as portable as say, a pair of running shoes or a set of in-line skates. Chances are you'd take it anywhere, including the annual "are-we-there-yet?" excursion to Yosemite, or even to that year-end budget meeting the boss always makes you attend in Ennui, Oklahoma.

The Green Gear AirFriday makes it all possible. It represents the pinnacle of portability, collapsing to fit into a suitcase.

This miracle of miniaturization is accomplished by matching small, but easy-rolling 20-inch wheels with a centrally hinged frame. But what differentiates the AirFriday from the company's popular BikeFriday Pocket Rocket model (reviewed in New Products, March '95) is the use of a long, cantilevered titanium beam to support the seat. This slides out and enables the frame to get super small - there's even enough room in the suitcase for a helmet and a weeken's worth of clothes. With practice, the packing/unpacking drill takes less than 10 minutes.

Fortunately, the AirFriday isn't just a curiosity piece or something left over from the set of Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Because each AirFriday is made to order, it fits you just like your regular bike. This makes it a pleasure to ride long distances, or even to race. We're betting you may even end up liking it more than your big-wheel bike.

Overall, the AirFriday provides a great means to explore new areas, and serves as the perfect antidote to endless business meetings. There's also a tremendously smug feeling that results from knowing that your bike is ready for use upon your arrival.

AirFriday models start at $1,900 with Shimano 105 STI components and conventional (not aero) wheels. The suitcase, packing material and tool kit are an additional $265. Green Gear Cycling, 800/777-0258 (OR).