Strida Folding Bike Review

There is a very thorough review of a rider's first encounter with the Strida folding bike on the Commute By Bike blog. I am looking forward to an objective review of the actual riding experience. This first installment covers the trials and tribulations of assembling the bike out of the box.

Of course, if you live in Chicago, you can skip that step, as Rapid Transit is part of Strida's fledgling dealer network, an we'll do all that stuff for you, plus teach you how to fold it, so you can just enjoy the ride.
But perhaps, we could do something about posting that instructional assembly video o YouTube? Hm...

Comments

[Fritz]

Service is the differentiator! Long live the LBS.

Your photo is of the older (and more affordable) 3.2 model -- do you have the 3.2 and 5.0? The folding is amazing fast, but it's still a bit clunky carrying it on the bus and this is *not* a comfortable bike to ride.

[Justyna]

Thank you, we aim to please.
Yes, it's a 3.2. At the time I took the photo, we had not yet received the 5.0m, but we do have them in stock currently.

[Fritz]

I know the differences between the 3.2 and 5.0, but is there any real *practical* reason to go with the 5.0?

[Justyna]

The Strida is not a bike for long commutes, which I believe you can even gather from their own website. I see its ideal application in downtown setting, where one might have to walk several blocks from the train to the office, and be able to bring a compact, and relatively clean bike, free from sharp chainrings, into a slick office building.
Either version of the Strida will do that, but the 5.0 does it with a bit more grace. While it's the component package that largely justifies the price difference between the 3.2 and the 5.0, the spoked wheels and whatever the designers have done to tweak the frame make a difference in the ride. The 5.0 is a more stable ride, that handles bumps and debris in the road with more agility.

[chainstrainer]

The Strida is a clever folding bike melding strikingly simple design, thoughtful engineering and superb workmanship. It is not a comfortable ride for long distances but was not intended to fill that role - it is a clean, compact and easy-to-use short distance commuter. Among the changes in the 5.0 are mechanical disc brakes instead of drum brakes. While this does improve control I've never really moved so fast on the Strida to see the need for this but I'm pleased they are standard nonetheless. Other improvements include comfortable ergonomic grips (instead of cylindrical), a metal bottom bracket shell (instead of plastic), alloy spoked wheels (instead of plastic), rear hub freewheel (instead of the crank) - or so I understand. Overall weight has been reduced to 9kg (under 20 lbs.) If you shop around on-line it is substantially lower than the $799 list price.

[Justyna]

Yes, that is true. But please see my January 13 post about why I don't recommend buying bikes online.

[chainstrainer]

Don't get me wrong, my LBS is my first choice for conventional bikes where assembly, quality of fit, warrantee and all those other important issues you mention, are paramount. But the Strida, like my recumbent lowracer before that, is such an unusual bike that the rules of fit, assembly, etc., don't appear as applicable. In addition, it's difficult to locate such an unconventional product locally. "Caveat emptor" applies to any purchase, especially on-line of course, but if you do your homework (check out the vendor and their customer feedback, check for some kind of guarantee, read detailed product descriptions, etc.), you can reduce the chance for disappointment. If you save money as well, so much the better. I'm perfectly happy with my Strida 5.0 for which I paid $560.00 plus $39.00 shipping. This was before Areaware became the U.S. distributor - there was no other way to buy the Strida in the U.S. at the time but on-line.

[Justyna]

I understand. In some cases you may have no other option. And who can say no to saving two or three hundred bucks? I've done it myself. In your case, the savings appeared to have been worth it.
But for some buyers, it's not. As a shop, we often deal with buyers disappointed, or downright disgruntled, with a purchase they made on the internet. If they made that purchase through us, we would do everything in our power to make it right. But if they did not, there is very little we can do. And certainly not free of charge.
Many (though certainly not all) LBS's are willing to order a product they don't carry in stock. It might not save the buyer a lot of money. At least not initially. But it might save them a headache.

[chainstrainer]

I'm encouraged that the U.S. now has a distributor and a growing retail network of LBSs that make such a wonderful product like the Strida more widely available. Yes, I saved money buying mine on-line but I didn't do so because I'm an inveterate cheapskate who only cares for the bottom line. I support local businesses because it they support me, especially the brick-and-mortar LBS. My cherished MTB and road bike were from local shops. They could have ordered other folders but no one had even heard of the Strida when I went searching for one to look at and possibly purchase. Hence my on-line excursion. If I had to do it over today I would have taken the one hour drive to the nearest LBS that I know of that has the Strida available. The 5.0 I believe will become an icon for what a short-distance folding (collapsing?) commuter bike should be. It is a brilliant design with top-notch quality. I hope you sell a lot of these in Chicago.

[exploration xrf]

HI,
Nice bike.i think this the world's simplest folding bike, lightweight and ultra-portable. Its unique triangle construction, grease less chain, and six second fold time truly distinguish it from the legions of overly complicated and heavy folding bikes on the market.

[newport driving schools]

Hi There , I,m interested in possibly buying The Strida 5…..do you know who sells them in the U.S.A……..Thanks Tom

[Justyna]

We actually do sell them in our store, Rapid Transit Cycleshop, in Chicago. We currently have the 5.0 black in stock. For details, you can call 773-227-2288.

[Shaun Snapp]

This bicycle is exceedingly difficult to ride. However, the bigger problem is that Strida through their US distributor Areaware does not offer any refund. Here is their policy.

“Any bike received damaged must be reported immediately. It will be replaced by the factory if it is returned in its original packing and has not been ridden. If the bike has not been ridden and is in original packaging and customer simply changes their mind, there will be a 30% restocking fee plus any shipping and handling charges. If the bike has been ridden it may not be returned. Authorizations must be received from the factory prior to return.”

This means for all intents and purposes, there is not return policy. Secondly, in addition to being deceptive, Areaware is extremely insulting to its "customers." I was told that they hoped I would "enjoy my purchase." Nine months later it sits in its packaging in my garage. This is an experimental bike, they need to have a fair return policy. This bike I have has been ridden around the block. That is it.

[Justyna]

As is very clear form the comments above, one bike can elicit quite different reactions from different riders. No bike will satisfy every customer.
Unfortunately, I cannot take responsibility for Areaware's policies. Our own policy at Rapid Transit Cycleshop is quite different. First of all, we would work with you to see if there is an obvious problem with the bike that may prevent you from enjoying the ride. If you continue to find the bike uncomfortable/unrideable/unsatisfactory (Or if you just changed your mind), it is our policy to issue a full refund.
It mystifies me why all businesses, retailers or distributors, do not do this. To take a product back is a very small price to pay for the privilege of retaining a customer. After all, a person is not only a customer at the moment of handing over their credit card. Hopefully, that is only the beginning of a long, and mutually rewarding relationship. I am sorry you have had this experience with the vendor.

[Shaun Snapp]

Yes, Justyna's comments are completely true. The problem is with Areaware and the retailer I bought it from.