Macarthur Bicycle Users Group / Macarthur Bushwalkers

The Frustrations and the Joy of Purchasing a New Touring Bike

My requirements

Hi! My name is Ken Hall, a member of MacBUG, I live in Campbelltown (near Sydney) New South Wales (NSW) Australia.
About four months ago I decided to buy a touring bike, previously my wife and I had made the decision to dispose of a second car to reduce overheads and to help the environment. Suzanne has a new car, I will have a new bike:).
Eventually I decided to buy a Bike Friday folding touring bike.
It was so frustrating trying to locate a bicycle to fit my requirements prior to discovering Bike Friday that I decided to write it up to help others, read on.

I had decided to walk everywhere (it's good for you) which was typically what I did anyway as an ardent bushwalker.
Living about 4.5 km from Campbelltown City Centre meant my trip to the shops became quite a task with each trip to the shops taking 3 hours or more including shopping. It was a big chunk out of the day and the return journey is all uphill, there is also a limitation on what I could carry.

The obvious choice was to purchase a touring bike and fit panniers. I already owned a quality mountain bike with racks and panniers at the rear which I used for my trips in the bush and general rides with MacBUG. The MTB with its short competition frame has limited the size of the panniers (heels catch on a fully loaded pannier), its OK for overnight rides in the bush traveling light. I rejected the idea of new MTB wheels with slicks because of gearing and weight.

The Decision

The decision was made, little did I know that I was starting a project which was to take me through months of research on the Internet. Would require many phone calls to bike shops and into endless conversations with fellow cyclists.
I think my colleagues were too polite to tell me the conversations were quickly becoming boring as I changed from one bike to another based on additional research and information and of course they weren't buying a bike and their views differed.

I knew exactly what I wanted the bike for, the cycling bug had taken hold. How easy it is to become sidetracked with attractive features not on my original list and which really weren't important. If you consider them long enough they do become important!

My original requirements were / are:

  1. Easily carry my 99 kg weight along with loaded panniers
  2. Comfortable for long distance rides
  3. Easily transported by train, coach and plane. The freedom to travel to a start point, then, after completing the ride return home from another location without having to worry about crates if I wish to.
  4. Take panniers back and front
  5. Have 27 gears
  6. Take the Butterfly / Comfort / Euro handle bars (to accommodate my spinal injuries)
  7. Have componentry which is readily available wherever I go

Suitable bike and placing the order

Well! It has taken me three months to find a suitable bike then only one month to customise it. I have finally placed the order.

Bike shops and wrong info!

After discussing my requirements with the staff from many bike shops I formed the opinion that staff weren't exactly in the know with touring bikes and accessories, there was the odd exception. Very few of the people I consulted had experienced what I wanted to do and lacked the knowledge to advise me but many still tried. There are also very few bike shops that have a good range of touring bikes and accessories. Most were fine with road, hybrid, bmx and mountain bikes only.

Research! Research! Research!

Most touring bikes available on the Australian market met the bulk of my requirements but none met them all.
None of my requirements were negotiable.
It was so easy towards the end to fall into the trap of reducing the value and priority or almost ignore some previously established requirements and settle for less when it looked like it wasn't possible to get what I wanted. None met the "easy transport" requirement except the folding bicycles.

Initially I started with an aluminium Mongoose Randonneur Ex, then moved onto a Surly Long Haul Trucker because I wanted the steel frame and better quality running gear, both good machines.
My current bicycle has SRAM XO's and Avid Juicy Hydraulic components, it's a pleasure to ride. The Surly would be more expensive because of the high quality running gear I requested, it was being built for me by Matt at The Pushbike Factory Link in Campbelltown. Unfortunately the Mongoose and Surly didn't meet my "easy transport" requirement.

After a trip to Medowie by rail and bike I was quickly brought back to the "easy transportation" requirement. Traveling on the train with a Giant XTC Zero Mountain Bike in a separate luggage compartment didn't sit well with me because of the potential for theft. I therefore traveled with the bike with me either standing or sitting on the floor of the cargo area for the whole 2.5 hour journey to Newcastle, not real good.

Folding Bikes are the way to go!

I've watched former MacBUG Tour Leader Phil fold up his Birdy 24 speed and place it in its travel bag several times. He loads it much quicker than I can load my MTB on the bike carrier.
Phil now uses his Birdy most rides including touring the Snowy Mountains and Wollami National Park area near Rhylstone and gives it good reports.
On one tour they ran out of space in their accommodation so he placed his folding bike in the shower recess
Obviously the folding bikes are the way to go.
Duh, took some time to figure that out.
I had previously regarded them as little more than toys (think outside the square, lesson learned) but quickly changed that opinion after visiting the User Groups.
Many of the owners of folding bikes are fanatical, Bike Friday clubs are all over the world for example, they even have regular meetings and regularly travel considerable distances touring.

Back onto the Internet and the research started all over again, this time the subject was "folding bikes".
There are a number of different brands available i.e. Airnimal, Dahon, Brampton, Birdy, Bike Friday, Moulton and so on but once again I was hit with the combined price, weight factor, lack of gears, even wheel sizes that are difficult to obtain tyres for.
I found only two brands really fell into my definition of "Touring Bike".
Phil's Birdy was designed to take 120 kg including rider and panniers. This left me with a 20 kg load capacity so I would be riding near it's weight limit most of the time with my 100 kg personal weight. I imagine that the front / rear suspension bushing would need attention more often. Also the Birdy wouldn't take the handle bars I required nor have a suitcase / trailer to pack it in.
Luckily I discovered this just before I ordered one.

It was back to the drawing board and onto the Internet again. God Bless It!

Over to the Internet Bicycle User Groups again.
They are a mine of information but their articles are often out of date and they report models several years old. Never the less it is invaluable information they have to offer.
There are several sites which list and evaluate just about every model known to the cycling community. They also list the problems associated with each model and in many cases how to overcome them, authors are often bias towards a particular brand.

Bike Friday - Who?

Then I came across Bike Friday (you would be forgiven for asking who). They are rated very highly by the Internet User Groups including the Folding Society Folding Society Link of UK with very few faults if any, the best often means big dollars too.
Bike Friday is the product name of the Green Gear Cycling Inc of Eugene Oregon USA
We aren't in Europe or the US and don't have the same large market, can you believe I couldn't find a retail outlet here in NSW.
An E-mail to the Bike Friday club brought a response the following day informing me I would receive a phone call from Peter Berra the US shortly. Peter is a Travel Consultant with Bike Friday and based in Oregon USA, he called the next day.
To my delight Peter informed me John Howard's trade agreement with the US means that the Bike Friday is now much cheaper, no import tax.
He did point out that we are still subjected to the 10% GST (goods and services tax) when the bike enters Australia. In fact the price is comparable to many quality bikes in Australia, definitely much cheaper than many machines tailored to the rider which the Bike Friday is.
Sorry! Can't bring myself to say God Bless You Johnny Howard. Too many things to answer for:).

New World Tourist 2.9 NWT Sport Capreo STI/27 speed

Bike Friday product range

The bicycles Range from Tourers, Commuters, High Performance Bikes, Off-road bikes through to a variety of Tandems and they all fold into bags and suitcases BF Model List.
If you can't find anything to suit, chat with a consultant. BF also have a "Customise" category for each model and a range of Accessories for you to mix and match. Everything from powder coating to gear trains, saddles to suitcases and carry bags.

Bike Friday Customer Relations

Bike Friday Travel Consultants don't organise holidays, they organise bikes and are very knowledgeable. I was stunned to hear this cheery American introduce himself and his organisation to me.
Suzanne and I purchased and took delivery of a new car two weeks ago, the lady who handled our account through an agency didn't respond to six of our Email's over several weeks requesting changes to the car. We eventually located the dealer via the Internet and dealt with them direct. Even the purchase of a car wasn't enough to generate the sort of service I was about to experience with Peter.

Peter has called me four times and E-mailed me often with requests for info. He has sent forms to determine my saddle height, size, reach, leg length, stem length and so on.
How did I cope with my current gear ratios, where was I going to ride, what weight would I be carrying. He wanted to know my goals, requirements and so on.
Peter informed me that the AirGlide, a fantastic looking bicycle in which I was interested was too light for me and not suitable for my purposes but the New World Tourist was designed for long distance unsupported touring, the search was over.
But more importantly, he gave me a delivery date for the New World Tourer then called back later to say I had been placed in a different spot on the production line and the bike would be ready sooner.
After studying the Bike Friday range I found that a number of their bicycles from the New World Tourist to the lighter, faster road bikes Like the AirGlide can be used for touring simply by using different accessories and they all fold up into a suitcase.
I spoke to Suzanne about the range of tandems, sorry!, "I like to be in control" was her response.

The Bike Friday Purchase

Sounds pretty straight forward.
I have spent a month working with Peter and have confirmed my order today with a money transfer to Oregon. The process would have been quicker but we had Christmas and the New Year to get through.
The chosen bike is a New World Tourist 2.9 NWT Sport Capreo STI/27 speed tailored for me with a host of accessories. It comes with a soft bag to transport the bike in a car if necessary. A standard suitcase which converts to a 40 kg trailer for use after arrival at my destination, ideal for plane, bus or train.
Pannier racks for both front and rear forks which enable me to cover every mode of transport and touring requirement.
The bike takes both narrow and wide tyres and is powder coated to my choice of colour (Candy Apple Red) which really threw me, we don't normally have a choice of colour do we? Let alone powder coating.
The icing on the cake is that fitting of the Butterfly / Comfort / Euro bars is feasible by cutting the bars in half for packing in the suitcase as BF do with some of their handlebars bars.

Bike Friday options!

The purchase of this bike was very personal, time consuming prior to contacting BF and a tremendous learning experience. I had never been given so many options for any product before.

It took longer to decide on the bicycle and its accessories than it took to decide on our new car. The car didn't have the same number of choices.
Old fashioned quality and service are still around if you persist.

Friends have told me that they are fine traveling long distances using flat bars.
My view: They don't have spinal injuries as I do which create very personal issues.

Some say the weight factor isn't important.
My view: I feel it is, accelerates wear and may invalidate the warranty if riding at the limit or over the bikes carrying capacity.

Another says that he isn't going to spend a lot on a bike because he's over 60 and won't be riding long.
My view: I feel that it's more important that I have a better quality bicycle to fit me because I'm over 60 and it will help me ride further and longer, every bit of assistance helps.

Cyclist sit on their bike for many hours, pedal it up hill and down dale wet or dry. If they don't get it right, life is going to be very uncomfortable.
You purchase your bike so the buck stops with you, take your time and work it out. I learned in the army many years ago that any fool can be uncomfortable. Soldiers quickly learned how to take care of ourselves. As for me, I'm waiting with great anticipation for the arrival of my new bike. I have confidence that I got it right. I'll fill you in with the details when it arrives in February.

Question for you: Why would you purchase a bike off the shelf when this sort of service is available at a great price?
With patience and perseverance I feel I have solved my transport problems with this purchase.

Note:
The Bike Friday Web Site is a little slow to load but worth the wait. Bike Friday is incredibly transparent with its product manuals Manual Link and info. There are manuals for almost every eventuality in PDF format ready for download. I received a comprehensive brochure which is now dog-eared with the pages falling out due to overuse.
The list of accessories Accessory Link is very large, BF have a 30 day money back guarantee and will send you parts anywhere in the world within 2 days if needed.

I guess you'll understand why Suzanne is sick and tired of hearing bicycle talk and is glad it's all over. She is the very same lady who received her new car last week and spent 6 months or more discussing the very same!

PS. If you are interested in a BF, contact Peter and mention Promotion 1326 and my name Ken Hall, you will be eligible for a free folding rear rack (US$100) or a free soft bag (US$79), however this is limited to production dates available and cannot be combined with other discounts.

Contact PeterB@bikefriday.com or visit http://www.bikefriday.com
Address:
Peter Berra
BIKE FRIDAY Australia Travel Systems Consultant
3364 W. 11 th Ave. Eugene, Oregon, 97401 USA
PHONE 0011 1541 687 0487 | FAX 0011 1541 687 0403 | ext. 139

Published 15 Jan 2007 Mid January

Received a package from Bike Friday containing info and a DVD.
The DVD showed the assembly from new, disassembly and packing into the suitcase, how to fold it for the travel bag and footage of the different models.

Update - Monday 12 th February 2007 - FedEx called from the US - Great!!!

The bike should be here tomorrow or Wednesday, I'm really excited.
I've been on the Internet for days checking for feedback from other users. Really confident I have made a good decision with the Bike Friday purchase.

Update - Tuesday 13 th February 2007

Peter called from Bike Friday at 10 am to say the bike had been dispatched. We had a chat about the new Bike Friday Tikit, I think it's "tikit 2 ride" tikit 2 ride link. Suzanne is 5' 1½" and very interested in the Tikit or Petite models for small people.
I am beginning to understand why Bike Friday riders could be called fanatical. This isn't just purchasing a bike, it's a whole new experience. Discussed panniers too, the Arkel XM 45 XM 45 link and GT 54's GT 54 link will fit. Isn't it great to plan and it all works out?

Update - Tuesday 13 th February 2007

FedEx arrived at 2 pm with the bike.
I couldn't post a letter in Campbelltown to a recipient in another part of town and guarantee that they would receive it the following day.
This bike has come all the way from Oregon in two days.
It looks great, love the colour, love the whole package, love the experience. It is everything I hoped and expected it to be and more.
How much can one get into a suitcase, spare tyres, tubes, carry bag, bike pannier racks, manuals, tips and reminders for everything including suggestions to speed the bike through customs when traveling with airlines. There was even a Bike Friday pen and a Wurthers Toffee.

Update - Wednesday - 14 th February 2007

Tried it out, short 12 km ride to The Pushbike Factory and it went like a dream, definitely a different and pleasant experience.
The seating position is far superior to my Giant XTC - Zero MTB. And why wouldn't it be? The BF is customised whilst I was on the border of two frame sizes with the MTB
They checked it over at The Pushbike Factory then took it for a ride after receiving the warning of no finger marks on the paint job.
Great feedback
They liked the colour, the quality, the braking, gear changing and the ride.
The steering is very sensitive and the bike is very maneuverable. I like the feel of the Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres. They should be great for the roads I ride on with the flotsam and jetsam on the shoulders ready to puncture tyres.
The small front wheel is hardly noticeable in front of the handlebars. This combined with the lack of normal crossbar and extremely comfortable seating position gave me a feeling of floating along. A pleasant but unusual first experience which is very relaxing, just what I want in a tourer.
I found myself ascending the local hills in higher gears than I normally use on the MTB and why not? It has smaller diameter tyres and wheels (406 BMX size), the overall weight with pannier racks is slightly less than the MTB but the weight is distributed evenly unlike the MTB where the bulk of the weight is in the front shocks.
There was a down side of course.
During assembly I left the pannier racks until last. Some of the retainer bolt holes were a little heavy with powder coating making it difficult to start the bolts.
I noticed that the bolt hole threads had less powder coating on the inside of the forks so the problem was solved by simply removing the wheels and running the bolts through from inside the forks and chain stays using a little WD 40.
This is pretty minor stuff but the last thing I wanted to do was cross the threads, they are 5 mm x 0.8 mm, and available from hardware stores, it's in the BF manual.
I Emailed Peter at BF and suggested that with a quality machine like this maybe they could supply a tap to clean the threads in the very comprehensive toolkit. If not, it might be an idea to purchase the tap before your bike arrives.
I didn't need to use any other tools for assembly other than the tools which came with the bike.
Suzanne complained that there was only one Wurthers Toffee which I had eaten by the time she arrived home. She reckons that long suffering partners should get one too :).
It's a great feeling to do your homework and it works out, I'm so impressed with this machine.
The bike came supplied with the most comprehensive set of instructions and manuals I have ever seen. The attention to detail has to be seen to be believed.

In Conclusion

I decided to write this up to assist other cyclists in their search for a product to meet their requirements. I wanted quality without paying a fortune, I got it.
  • I had established a list of non-negotiable features beforehand which I couldn't obtain in the same machine anywhere in Australia
  • I had not heard of Bike Friday prior to December 2006
  • I chose my Bike Friday New World Tourer and components guided by an expert
  • There was a 30 day money back guarantee if dissatisfied
  • This purchase is by far the best purchasing experience I have ever had
  • At all times I knew what was happening to the point where I was given a consignment number so that I could track the progress, it wasn't needed
  • Communication with Peter Berra of Bike Friday via phone and Email was second to none. Once the order was placed I knew when the delivery date would be
  • There has been no disappointments, to the contrary, there has been pleasant surprises throughout
  • The shipping agent FedEx were on the ball and I told them so. Their speed of delivery was superb
I have absolutely no doubt that spares will be available if required from Bike Friday within the two days they claim and based on the points I have raised it has been a worthwhile, enjoyable and satisfying experience. I guess you can now call me a Bike Friday fanatic.

Here's the finished bike, love it! - click to enlarge

 

Update - Thursday - 05 th April 2007

The Best Laid Plans of Mice and Men
Eventually fitted the Arkel GT54's & 18's in Red, they arrived too late for me to do the NSW Big Ride but were worth waiting for. Lots of space, great quality and very easy to use and fit. It's like having four well designed back packs on the bike. Very easy to access through the zip fronts and many pockets. From experience I have found that it's great to have a bit of space in your packs / panniers just in case you need to move quickly and don't have the time to pack properly.
The large Ortlieb saddle bag is good for a day ride, it carries everything I need without filling pockets up and it quickly fits my mountain bike too.

I think my 100 kg weight affected the Terry's saddle which I ordered with the bike. The stitching along the top of the Terry's saddle was wearing my nics which are expensive. I took a punt on the saddle hoping it would be OK, it's a personal thing and I understand why BF don't fit saddles as standard.
I replaced the Terry's with a Brooks B17 leather saddle, probably rode the identical saddle in my teens, it hasn't changed.
After 40 km the gears needed adjustment which I expected as part of running in.
The whole experience has been very rewarding, there were no nasty surprises.
Was hit by a car and spent 5 weeks in bed so there is still only 200 km on the computer but now up and back into riding. BF delivered the bike on time and in time for the NSW Big Ride as promised. The panniers and car accident ensured that the Big Ride didn't come off, I'll be there next year.

So what's next? Getting the km's in. Suzanne and I are planning a 3/4 week holiday in New Zealand, she wants a PETITE for Christmas with single chain wheel, SRAM 24 gears, carry bag and trailer.
Peter called from BF in Oregon this morning, to check up and we discussed Suzanne's requirements. At first she was interested in the TIKIT but Peter pointed out the difference in wheel diameters, why not keep them all the same size (406) instead of having 16 inch and 20 inch wheels. Good point.
The combination of Arkel panniers and trailer for my bike and trailer for Suzanne's bike means we will be able to handle any touring requirement although I foresee that the bulk of the clothing/equipment will be carried by the "duty donkey", me. The order for the Petite will be placed in August/September.
In the meantime it is back to the internet to look for rides around Australia.

PS. I'm on such a good thing with this bike, looks great, handles great, and is very comfortable so I decided to purchase a BF cycling jersey to publicise what machine I was riding. BF don't have one in my size, they have only small sizes in stock. New design coming in.
Call Ken (me) on 02 46282528 if you want more info.

PS. I'm on such a good thing with this bike, looks great, handles great, and is very comfortable so I decided to purchase a BF cycling jersey to publicise what machine I was riding. BF don't have one in my size, they have only small sizes in stock. New design coming in.
Call Ken (me) on 02 46282528 if you want more info.

Update - Friday - 07 th June 2007

Now completed over 500 km's since the accident and the bike is great.

We are now sorting out Suzanne's handlebars and seating position. Had a chat to Peter this morning about it and he made several recommendations including an adjustable stem. Suzanne wants to sit bolt upright which I don't feel is a good idea, OK for around the streets but not for touring. Peter also suggested a longer tube which can be cut to length with "H" bars, sounds good to me. I reckon that is the way to go along with brake levers for smaller hands.

The bike will be a Petite Crusoe with the 24 speed SRAM/derailleur set up for simplicity with the same Apple Red colour and we have brought the purchase forward.

Final note on this saga, it has been the most rewarding purchase I have ever made.

DDWings seat

DDWings seat
DDWings seat
DDWings seat assembly
DDWings seat assembly

Suzanne discovered the "DDWing" bike seat in the Australian Cyclist magazine and decided to fit it to her new Crusoe Petite from Bike Friday which isn't here yet. The seat has arrived and it looks great. I am going to try it out and claim it for myself if it is more comfortable than my existing seats.

Suzanne reckons that current saddles were designed to torture the rider and do not encourage a person to cycle.
We ordered the DDWIngs bike seat Friday of last week and it was here on following Monday. Suzanne has a 26.6 diameter saddle post and mine is 28.6 so I needed another post. Sent the Email this morning and Geoff (IDEA International) replied the same day to say it was in the post. You can't ask for better service than that.

Inserted 26th September 2007

Check out the Web Site at IDEA International

Feedback 1st October 07 I started using the DDWings seat yesterday. Fitted it on Friday to the Bike Friday and rode around the streets trying to sort out the adjustment. I had based the initial height on the position of the previously fitted Brooks saddle.

Starting a 70 km ride yesterday and armed with the multi tool, I stopped frequently to alter height and angle, the seat had already been fitted in the most forward position. The result was well worth it.

DDWings bike seat

The high density foam is 20 mm thick and doesn't compress easily. To attain the correct angle for the seat was a slow process with me turning the adjusting screw one complete thread at each stop on the ride until I found the most comfortable position. I started with the angle at its maximum and reduced it at each stop. It was almost the end of the ride before I arrived at that point where I felt really comfortable.

I chose to wear nicks for the ride which I hadn't the day before. The combination of nick padding and the seat foam eventually gave me an extremely comfortable ride. Initially I felt as though I was sliding forward off of the seat. This feeling decreased and disappeared as the seat rotated towards the horizontal after each adjustment, maybe a few more minor tweaks and increase in height will get me there.

After the ride there was no soreness between the legs and I have noticed there is no soreness in the hips either. My legs weren't forced apart by the my weight as I sat on the seat resulting in a feeling much like sitting on a well padded seat with very good stability.

I then rotated the butterfly handlebars so that the horizontal sections nearest me (rear) are higher than the front which gives me a completely upright seating position. This means that the side and front sections of the handlebars are similar to drop handle bars so one can get down low for riding into the winds.

I don't think that I have attained the best possible seating position yet but it's not far off, this seat is far superior to conventional bike saddles for touring in flat areas with the more upright seating positions. I find that I cannot slide back on the seat to control the mtb when braking on dirt downhill. I use the same technique when climbing hills on the BF to put more energy into the pedals which means the seat fails in these important areas.

Patience is the key. Geoff from IDEA International told me that it took him one week to get his seat just right.

Note: Multi bars from BBB Parts, not a BF mod.

DDWings seat assembly
DDWings seat assembly with multi-bars
Inserted 2nd october 2007
Bike Fridays superb customer service
Didn't think this page would be as long as it is.

On a ride three weeks ago the adaptor between stem and head set failed. The upper clamping bolt popped at the end of the ride.

I immediately emailed Bike Friday (Peter Berra) on the same day (Sunday) with the fault description. BF responded by asking for a photograph the next day which I sent. The same day I received an email telling me they understood the problem, where did I want the part sent and they would create a new part and test it.

A couple of days later I received two parcels from FedEx. One had my Suzanne's new Crusoe Petite in it and the other had the brand new part for my bike. How's that for service? I was delighted.

Back on the road again and in business. A couple of days later FedEx called again with another parcel. It appeared to be the same part again. After careful examination I discovered that Bike Friday had re-engineered the part for me. I was stunned! Never in my wildest dreams could I imagine that sort of service. It doesn't get any better than that!

When it comes to customer loyalty Bike Friday now have mine!
Inserted 26th october 2007

Suzanne's Petite Crusoe

Suzanne has now had the bike for 4 weeks.

I must admit that there were doubts in my mind when placing the order for such a lot of money for an absolute beginner. Suzanne had never owned a bike before. She hadn't ridden one since she was seven years old and that one was her mothers.

The first thing that springs to mind is that it's cute. It looks tiny alongside mine. It's easy to forget that it will do exactly what mine will do with it's own pannier carriers front and rear. Love the look of the Titanium post and the fat padding on the handlebars.

Down to practicalities. We had NO problems with delivery, assembly or riding. A slight adjustment to the derailleur cable (one turn) and it is great.

The SRAM Dual Drive is superb. I had considered it when purchasing the New World Tourist but decided against it, eventually going for the Capreo with triple chain rings, mistake, not that there is anything wrong with my bike. Suzanne tells me I'm jealous!

I liken the Dual Drive to a bike semi automatic system. Suzanne's bike is too small for me to ride but riding alongside her whilst coaching makes it obvious how smooth and flexible it is.

I pick her up from work taking both bikes and we go for a ride on the cycle way alongside the Nepean river at Camden, nice! Suzanne is building her strength and fitness up for New Zealand. She is delighted with her bike and so am I. Yes! I would recommend the Petite Crusoe with Dual Drive to anyone.

Take note Peter Berra, a Dual Drive or Rohloff is next for me, possibly on a Llama. Anyone want to purchase a Giant XTC-0 Competition Hard tail with SRAM X-0's, Avid Juicy Hydraulics and Fox F100 RLT shocks?

Tip: I asked Peter to fit a bottle carrier if possible on the cross bar of the Petite Crusoe which he said he would try to do. Suzanne found it bruising the inner thigh on her dismounts. I obtained a quick release clamp on bottle carrier which I mount behind the saddle tube and it works fine eliminating the problem. The clamp is over centre easily removed and works just fine, I think it was made in the US. It also takes the new tall Insulate Polar Bottle

It may be Suzanne's lack of expertise of even the very small dimensions of her bike. When she has more experience we might put it back on the cross bar again or simply get a double clamp on carrier to fit behind the seat post.

The saga is finally finished. I've tried all of Bike Friday services and found they do what they say. The service is superb, the backup is superb and product. We have two different models and just love 'em.

Now it's into the kilometres, I hope I have saved you some time by publishing this page.

Bye for now and hope we meet on the road somewhere, our bikes are Candy Apple Red. We'll look for you.
Ken

Inserted 22nd Nov 2007

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