*LATEST* The 'NO, YOU DON'T HAVE TO PEDAL MORE' Corner

We always get little comments from delighted owners ... like, "Now that we have our Dura-Ace Pocket Rocket Pros we never ride our Litespeeds anymore...". Not bad for a travel bicycle, eh? Many folks are generous enough to immediately write a short review which saves our Salesguys a lot of saliva ("Don't you have to pedal more? Can I keep up with my friends? Is it sturdy enough? Don't you have to pedal more? Don't you have to...."). Watch this spot for these random comments about BF that might help you decide to join the fold after you've been on our database for 10 years. Call the people who can make it happen: the BF Sales Experts. READ/WRITE A REVIEW OF YOUR BIKE FRIDAY

CLICK HERE FOR PRAISE FOR OUR CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT

From Richard Lim, May 2007 on the YAK!

Just did Bike the Drive in Chicago on my new Pocket Rocket Pro. For those of you not familiar with the ride, it is a 30  mile loop on Chicago's Famous Lake Shore Drive.Anyhow, this was the first real shakedown ride on the PRP and  although it was raining and there was a fair amount of standing water on the pavement, the bike did great!  I was most amazed at 1) how  fast the bike accelerates and 2) how comfortable 1 1/8" tires really  are (despite being 20" in diameter.)  I have ridden a lot of bikes and own al ot of nice 700c bikes, but gotta tell you (as most already know) this bike really holds its own in the big wheel world.  All of  this AND the ability to fold it up and put it in the back of my SUV in 30 secs!! This was especially useful today as it was raining and  I'd hate to have my bike out on the back of my truck picking up all the road dirt while driving to the event...

From Eric Tseng, Taiwan, May 2006

By the way Walter, I chatted with my friend who owns a professional bicycle shop. He has provided the maintenance once for a Bike Friday owner who traveled alone here in Taiwan years ago. I invite his comment about Bike Friday product. Compare to those from Japan or Birdy which is very popular here, the design and quality of Bike Friday is quite impressive. He seldom recommend folding bike, but he rates Bike Friday high. Just share with you ...

From Jeffrey Robinson, June 2006

You are one of my two favorite companies in the world (the other being Feathercraft Kayaks).

From Norman Sutcliffe on returning from Vietnam, May 16, 2006

We also want to thank Bike Friday for making such a good product. In a 1,000 kilometres of cycling we didn't have any mechanical problems - not even a single puncture! The ability to fold up the bikes and carry them in canvas bags meant we were able to use a train, several buses, taxis and on one occasion - a pair of motorbikes! Vietnam is a great country to visit but there are parts that would be quite boring to cycle - long stretches of main roads - and so the fold up bikes gave us the flexibility to catch other modes of transport.

From John Day via the YAK!, April 10, 2006, answering a query posted by a newbie

Dave,

Your letter brings back memories. I was certainly undecided and a bit apprehensive about buying a Friday, particularly without riding one. I finally decided that they offer a great 30-day money back guarantee, which they could not afford if very many folks did not like their new rides. So I bought a New World Tourist with Ultegra components and a three-speed rear hub.

You ask about speed. I see no difference. I keep up with the folks I used to keep up with, and get dropped by the same guys that are thinner and faster and younger. I usually ride a Waterford RS-22, which is a lighter bike than the Friday, but I find that I can keep up on the Friday.

You asked about long distance comfort. I have done the 2-day, 208 mile STP (Seattle to Portland Classic) twice, once on the Waterford and once on the Friday. Comfort was comparable. The smaller wheels are a bit twitchier and show the bumps, but on reasonably smooth surfaces, there is not much difference. If I were to switch from the Stelvio tires that my salesman recommended and that I later purchased, I would notice more of a speed difference, but improvement on rougher roads. So I like having the option to ride fast and smooth, or a bit slower on rougher surfaces on some Conti TopTouring. Like everything else in life, there are tradeoffs.

The Friday is built like a truck. Mechanical issues have been few and mostly related to the beating the bike takes as TSA and the airlines handle the machine. Brakes may need adjusting, a cable may be damaged, a spoke bent. Nothing too big, and usually something I can handle, and I am not inclined to fix my bikes because that is not one of my skills,. Once I had to take it to a shop because a cable end became dislodged. They dropped everything for a chance to work on this different kind of bike. But what's different is the frame. The mechanicals are the same, so service is usually not an issue.

When I bought the Friday, Steve Strickland at BF emphasized that the ride would be similar but not the same as my standard frame Waterford that cost twice as much. He was right, it is different but very agreeable. I rode the Friday yesterday because the Waterford was getting new wheels. It is great fun to ride. I just took it out of the case and was on the road in about 10 minutes. Assembly is a snap, particularly if you do it once in a while.

I have the three-speed hub which I like, but which feels a bit heavy in the rear end. One of the riders in the club, a 70-plus-year-old nun dryly observed that we are a good match, because "You're heavy in the rear end too!"

In short, I would encourage you to try the NWT. I like the flexibility, the durability, and the way I can take MY BIKE to parts unknown. I doubt you will regret the purchase, but if you do, send it back. If you are anywhere near Springfield, IL, come ride mine. Folks who do usually like it.

From Doug Campbell, AZ, Oct 16, 2005

I am sure that you are used to getting effusive memos from new BF owners talking about their love of their new bikes. However, I can't resist adding my two cents worth. What a wonderful machine. On an engineering level, I can't help be impressed with the many elegant solutions that you have incorporated into the design (by the way, who was the genius who thought of using air hose and fittings for the trailer hitch- a simple and effective solution to a problem?) From a bicyclist perspective, wow! I've spoken to a couple of BF riders who have never ridden a "big wheel" bike since.

Now I understand. I got a NWT with Ultegra components and the Capreo rear hub. I found the bike to be responsive and efficient. It fit like an old glove and is VERY comfortable. In the past, I have forsaken my other bikes and always returned to a Trek 520 that I've had a long time because of its comfort. The New World Tourist is better! The only thing that took a little getting used to was the slight flex in the long handlebar stem. I'm glad that I got the Chris King headset with the bike, as it would appear that the headset takes more stress than on a conventional bike. [Note: A stiffer stem is available for those who request it. Just call us and ask - Hanz] I doubt that I will ever ride another bike (except another BF), again. THANKS!

From John Rohland, BF Club of Rhode Island Leader, Oct 12, 2005 - some folks really like the website!

The BF website and the many proud BF owners like the BF Clubs around the country and Yaksters do the work of a complete network of bike shops. Other manufacturers spend large sums of money moving tons of bikes around the country to mantain inventory - Bike Friday does a better job building the right bike for a customer who really wants that bike because the website, the BF customer service area and a lot of happy customers do such a complete job. The website works because it is fun, informative, dynamic, easy to use and backed up by a company that supports it, its products and its customers.

From Alan B, Sep 20, 2005

Walter: just wanted to thank you again for all your help in getting my new Pocket Rocket Pro to me in May. I have taken 4 trips with the bike and am thrilled with the way it performs. We just returned from 2 weeks in Spain and Portugal where I rode daily. many of the European riders are familiar with Bike Friday and they are amazed at the quality and performance of the bike. I am thrilled with my new bike, you guys are incredible. Thanks again and keep up the good work. - Dr. Alan Bragman, Atlanta, GA.

From John Whitton Bria via the YAK!, June 2005:

I find the PRP to be a wonderful bicycle. Riders on exotic bikes with bigger wheels do not zoom by and leave me in the dust, but riders with better legs do, no matter what the bike. The PRP and I are registered for the Mount Washington Hill Climb, and I have far more faith in the PRP's ability to ride a good race than in my own. If I had to have only one bicycle, the PRP would be it.

From Masaya Fukushima, Japan, June 2005

My first impression for riding the Pocket Rocket Pro is 'Hey, this is A REAL THING, isn't it?'. Of course it's a real bike, not a toy. But after riding the PRP, my Birdy seemed like a toy bicycle as for the feeling of riding ...

From Birgit Kovacs, M.D., CT, USA, June 2005

Just wanted to give you some feedback about my Bike Friday - first of all I was positively surprised that it arrived a week before the expected date, that rarely happens! Then it takes me only about 10 minutes to assemble/disassemble it. The bike is a perfect fit, the only adjustment I had to make was to the front derailleur. I took the bike on a 1 week business trip to Germany and Switzerland last week. I rode in Southern Germany, then near the Bodensee and around Munich. I had a great time - the bike will be a true enrichment for many trips to come!

From Geni Hart, Fargo, North Dakota, Mar 2005

We just finished a trip on the Camino del Santiago with our Bike Friday's. WOW ... climbing the Pyrenees was a wonder with these machines. At 61, I raced around young chaps trying to muscle their way up to the top. We are impressed. Everyone assumes we are slow because of the small wheels. Not so. I love my bike. Because the center of gravity is much lower, I can handle it so much better than my Cannondale Touring bike. I always come back from trips with "owies" but not this time. Even my husband commented on this fact.

We were boarding a train in France and the conductor said a definite NO to bringing on bikes. We were 2 minutes from the train leaving and who knows when a train that would take bikes would leave. I simply said we have a ticket, we can get our bikes into bags and Voila they will be gone. He said that if they were not gone at the first stop, he would throw us off the train. Well, they were stowed and our connections were perfect. What a great investment. GENI HART Fargo, ND

From Jeff Sugarman, Cleveland OH, Mar 2005: Some time I will explain to you, how as a non driver, Greengear has made a huge impact in the way that I live my life. It has helped me make some changes, that I otherwise would not have made. I know that you guys aren't working there to get rich. So it is important for me to remind you guys that what you do, has a huge impact, and is greatly appreciated. Enough mushy stuff.

From 'Paul', November 2004: Just wanted you to know how pleased I am with my new Pocket Rocket Pro. This is my third Bike Friday as I have owned a Pocket Rocket vintage 1996 and an Air Friday circa 2000. To me, this is the best Bike Friday of all. The ride characteristics are superb. The bike is extremely well balanced and lively. You've managed to make this bike truly approximate the feel of some of the full size bikes that I own and some of them are touted to be among the best. Before, on my previous Bike Fridays, I could feel a big difference in ride characteristics, but with my new Pocket Rocket Pro you have appreciably closed that gap. The build out was first rate and the changes in frame design, though subtle really made a difference in the ease of packing and I suspect in the overall ride performance, as well. The new wheel and tire combination are amazing, lending to an overall feeling of stability and agility. Finally, not unlike my frame, the weight loss on the Pocket Rocket Pro is much appreciated and goes a long way towards making this the best Bike Friday yet. You guys are to be congratulated for all your hard work and well thought out research leading to a job very well done.

From Bob Thomas, NY, November 2004: The Bike Friday absolutely made my bike trip doable. Cyclists with full sized bikes are limited to only a few trains per day to most destinations in France. With a Bike Friday and a bike bag you can hop any train that stops that doesn't require a reservation and move along to the destination of your choice. Read about Bob's Tour de France experience ...

From Mike Roark, CA, to Salesguy Dave Seybert, July 2004: Dave, It's nice to find a company that really knows their product and can speak knowledgeably about it. I could tell you had done this many times before and you especially helpful in answering all of my questions not matter how insignificant they were. We all know this is no rocket science...I'm just buying a bike here...however so many of today's retail transactions are very frustrating because the consumer (that would be me) gets the old double shuffle. It's like, "Here's what we sell; give us all your money, and buh-bye." I first heard about Bike Friday from Nick Gerlich, in Canyon, TX, when he was our Race Director in RAAM. Then, Lon Haldeman told me about the popularity of his Bike Friday section of Desert Camp, and I was hooked. I also spent quite a bit of time on the website reading about the bikes and their owners from around the world. I'm not going to put any mega miles on my bike but I figure almost anywhere I go there'll be someone else with a Bike Friday nearby. Thanks for all your help in refining my choice. I'll be looking for that little green Crusoe at the end of the month. Cheers, Mike

From Gerald Rooney, New World Tourist, April 3, 2004:

I'm delighted with my Bike Friday. In 40 years of adult cycling, and after owning many, many bikes, I must say this one is the best climber I've ever ridden. I might change it's name from the "Bumble Bee" to "The Goat"! TGIF = "Thank God Itsa Friday!" Best to you, Jerry

From cycling luminaries Ed Pavelka and Fred Matheny of www.RoadBikeRider.com e-newsletter, 4/16/04:

Fred's back from another week of coaching in Arizona. Besides sharing his wisdom with more than 70 roadies during two PAC Tour camps, he racked up 900 valuable training miles. The most recent camp was sponsored by Bike Friday and catered to owners of its foldable, 20-inch-wheel, high-performance travel bicycles.

We've taken trips with our Bike Fridays for 10 years. Ed's ridden the little wheels in centuries, brevets and eight cycling camps. Fred has rolled his Pocket Rocket through two Hotter'n Hell Hundreds, two El Tours de Tucson and a seven-day tour in Ireland.

Here's the best part: We haven't spent one extra cent to fly with these bikes to all those events. They pack easily in a regular Pullman suitcase, avoiding as much as $150 in rip-off bike charges per roundtrip flight.

Other good solutions for bicycle transport have been introduced in recent years (S&S couplings and Ritchey's Breakaway bike, to name two). But we remain so pleased with our Pocket Rockets -- and Bike Friday's customer service -- that we're not tempted to change.

From: "Mark Atwell" via the YAK! Subject: Solvang Century Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2004 17:14:14 -0500

A FABULOUS RIDE!!! A chilly start but a sunny, warm end. 4700+ riders. Three bananas, 1 PBJ (peanut butter and jelly for the non 'merican readers) sandwich, 2 powerbars, 10 water bottles. Lots of "how do you go so fast on that little bike?" "Hey, your bike shrunk" Numerous pacelines at 25 mph. Folks literally shaking my hand at the sags for "riding THAT thing 100 miles"! 5000+ feet of climbing, 102 miles, 6:04 saddle time, 7:00 on the course. One tired, happy puppy.

Mark "Snake" Atwell Air Friday R1000 9.9 Pro MD-11

BETTER THAN HIS.... HIS.... From Mark Greenleaf, Pocket Rocket Pro, received Oct 14, 2003:

"Recently rode my Pocket Rocket Pro in the annual Mt. Washington Hillclimb in New Hampshire. The bike performed great; as well or better than my Merlin, which I have used in past years. You make a great bike."

Peter Johnson, Shropshire, UK wrote on March 11, 2004

"The best thing I like about my Pocket Rocket is its handling - better than virtually every standard wheel bike I have ridden. It's brilliant for descending Alpine passes - not a hint of a wobble at speeds of 40mph-plus and goes round hairpin bends as if it was on rails."

From Franklin Furlong, Crusoe and New World Tourist owner, Thursday Aug 20, 2003:

Riding home on the Crusoe yesterday and waiting at an intersection for GO! this mock whiny voice behind me said, "I can't believe people ride these bikes with small wheels!". I immediately turned around ready to jump to spout all the defenses of small wheels - and did a double take because the guy was riding a red with black lettering Pocket Rocket Pro. He said he was from Austin up for a 2 week banking seminar at the UW. I always get a comment or two going home every night from work. Not in the morning yet maybe people are still waking up. Bike Fridays make for instant community.

From Jonathon Sacks, Pocket Rocket Pro owner, Bristol UK, on Aug 13, 2003:

I just got back from an unexpected invite to a 45 mile hammer ride through the Bristol mountains in upstate NY. Since our minivan was in for service I just had my two seat sports car to drive the 35 miles to the ride. I can't get my road bike into the car, even in pieces. This was an unplanned opportunity for a maiden (hammer) voyage with the Bike Friday. I got some comments about little wheels and boat anchors at the beginning. The ride was tough, and I certainly wasn't taking long pulls, but I was thrilled that I was able to hang in there and finish the ride - they sure tried to drop me but they didn't!

From Rick Groyon, Kansas, AirGlide owner, Aug 13, 2003:

I just wanted to tell you all at Bike Friday how much I am enjoying my new AirGlide. I don't think I could have made a better choice for the type of riding I do. You must have had a great time building this bike - it's gorgeous!

When I first put it together I just wanted to hang it on the wall and admire it as a piece of art. It looks like it's going 50 mph standing still.

The bike perfectly suits my needs as a daily "time trial" fitness bike. I am consistently 1-2 mph faster than I was with my previous bike and just a couple days ago set a personal best of 18.8 mph average over my little 20-mile loop. This loop includes some stops and starts, curves, and a couple of serious hills (yes, Kansas does have hills, especially in Eastern Kansas where I live). I'm really happy with how comfortable my little "beamer" is and how reliably it shifts. Special thanks to Walter for guiding me through setting up the shifter over the phone and for sending me the shifter rod to replace the broken one.

I have added a couple of personal touches to increase the comfort. The T-bars are nice but I needed more hand positions so I found that by bolting on an old set of Concept extensions I had, the bars would curve inward, forward and up, giving me a great "time-trialing" position. I am using a Specialized anatomical seat which, with the Ti-beam, gives an incredibly comfortable ride. I also added a V-shaped sweat guard that extends from the front brake levers to the seat post. It's made from an old t-shirt and protects the bike from the profuse amounts of perspiration generated during a humid Kansas summer - works great!

I like this bike so much that it has become the only one I ride - I just put my 500th mile on it the other day. I really enjoyed working with you and having a new bike that worked well and fit perfectly right out of the box, er, suitcase. I will definitely continue to be a loyal Bike Friday customer.

From Wolf H who dropped by the shop, July 9, 2003:

Wolf is a real BF fan. "I don't ride my Klein or my Cannondale anymore ... after riding my New World Tourist they feel uncomfortable." Wolf, who raced and built bikes in a previous era now plans to join the ranks of Cyclesport Magazine's Phil Liggett & Tim Grady, RoadBikeRider.com's, Fred Matheny and Ed Pavelka, et al, and order a Pocket Rocket Pro. But don't take it from us. Take it from Wolf:

1. I was surprised by the number of travelers who actually knew about BF

2. The reception the bike got from the locals was fun. We had folks cheering us on, wanting our picture etc. Wonderful conversation starter with the locals which is what traveling lightly is all about.

3. Traveling with the Friday is so easy. Suitcases work great. Thanks for making a great product!

From Chris G on the YAK! Date: Sat, 5 Jul 2003

I log each ride with my Bianchi Volpe and my NWT. I have been unable to see any measurable difference between average speeds of 20" the wheels on my NWT (1600 miles in 2 months) and the ordinary wheels on my Bianchi (4,300 miles in 9 months).

Posted on the YAK! by Scott D., July 4, 2003:

I've ridden from Wintrop WA, over two mountain passes to Seattle (200 plus miles), with the suitcase trailer loaded to 90 lbs (well over design capacity), including two pairs of cross-country skis and a pack strapped on top, plus 30 to 40 lbs in panniers (front and rear). I had an appointment and did the ride in two days. A bit extreme, but shows what the BF travel system can do! It really works very well.

Received July 2, 2003 from George J in Montana:

I just took a ride on my Paramount, that I used to think was the best bike in the world, and seemed to me to handle like a TRUCK in comparison with my Crusoe, now, and be nowhere near as much fun to ride and only a soupcon faster!

Received July 2, 2003 from David M. in Houston

... I'm still delighted with the Pocket Rocket. I rode the LeMond to work today and at low speeds it seemed sluggish and stately by comparison with the BF. At speed it's hard to tell much difference.

Shortcut to this article: http://www.bikefriday.com/bf/praise

For more information, follow this link http://www.bikefriday.com/CReviewRead.cfm.