E-bike That Folds & Packs in Suitcase (Bike Friday w/ Removable E-assist)

Description: **Leaving to cycle Mexico at beginning of November so this listing will be removed for a few months until I return. This is a Bike Friday, one of the best regarded touring bikes you’ve likely never heard of. It is the world’s first suitcase travel bike which means it rides like a full size bike yet folds small enough to fit into a suitcase (or a $5 Dimpa bag from Ikea as seen in second photo). No other folding bike comes close to ride characteristics or ability to carry weight (fully loaded, self supported touring). This one is very unique because it is essentially two bikes in one. On one hand, it is a formidable electric bike that is excellent for commuting. Its ability to fold makes it excellent for multi-modal transportation (such as hitching an unplanned ride back home in a co-worker’s car on a rainy evening). The entire e-assist system can be easily stripped off the bike reverting it into a proper tourer or regular road bike. Kickstand, fenders and rear rack make it very practical all around. It can even tow trailers such as the one pictured in my listing for my other Bike Friday that comes with one. [Update: that bike has sold] If you want to own a single bike that does many things well, I don’t think a better one exists. Other folding bikes might pack smaller slightly but they are not comfortable or fun to ride, especially for tall riders. This has none of the bad ride characteristics of small wheel bikes. It is also a proper touring bike. I saved an average of $700 on round trip flights to Europe by flying with it instead of a full size bike (no oversize or overweight fees). The basic configuration for this bike starts at $3,197.50 (without any upgrades such as headset, handlebars, saddle) plus sales tax and shipping and takes 2-3 months to build. The electric system is an $800 upgrade. Bike comes with additional front wheel (for use if you remove e-assist system), battery with two keys, battery charger, user guide, bike rack carrier adapter (adds a top tube to non-conventional frames such as this one or many women’s bikes). All tires hold air pretty much indefinitely and bike is ready for use. Things that make this very unique: • Bike Friday has been around for over 30 years and gained a reputation for making excellent hand-built bikes • 20” wheels are stronger than larger wheels (no danger of breaking spokes here) • 20” wheels are are not slower than larger wheel bikes (the small wheel is actually more efficient than a big wheel up to 16 mph; between 16 and 33 mph, there is little difference; over 33 mph the gyroscopic effect of the big wheel makes it more effective; most people hardly cycle over 33 mph) • smaller wheels result in better hill climbing (lower gear inches) than a bike with same gearing and larger wheels (refer to gear inches formula for reference) • Bike is hand built from scratch in USA which means anything you break they can rebuild • Simple yet ingenious and robust design all around (hinge, drop bars, etc) • Utilizes non-proprietary parts (opposite of many popular folding bikes) • Rides like a full size touring/road bike • True multi-modal travel is easy for times you need to take it in a car, train or plane • Great for apartments or small spaces • Electric system is easily completely removed (and transferred to other 20” wheel bikes) • Does not attract unwanted attention so it’s likely to be the last bike stolen from the lot Some specs: • Bafang motor (e-kit done by Bike Friday) • Chris King headset (The Best) • Sun CR-18 Rims • DT Swiss 14 Ga. Stainless Spokes w/ Brass Nipples • Shimano Ultegra Bar End Shifters (Indexed & Friction Mode) • Tektro 325A Brake Levers • Tektro RX5 Brakes (Excellent Braking & last forever) • 30/42/52T Front Crank • 11-34 8 Speed Cassette • Shimano Deore Rear Derailleur • Terry Saddle (Very Comfortable!) This bike was thoroughly enjoyed by its first owner and myself (2nd owner) and traveled to more countries and continents than most people do in their lifetime. As such it has countless marks to show for it, from scuffs and dings to normal wear and tear. It rides exceptionally and shifts perfectly but don’t expect showroom quality. Refer to photos for general condition. I stripped and lubricated everything that could be cleaned and lubricated when I got it and didn't replace components as it wasn't necessary. The bottom bracket ball bearings (last photo) and the rear hub show signs of wear but unless you use it for loaded touring, it will work fine for many years to come without need of any service. Known Issues: • Speedometer displays incorrect speed/distance (seems to be set for wrong wheel size). I used the bike exclusively stripped of e-assist so I never looked into this. • Battery has a USB port which does not work to charge devices. I received it this way and never looked into for same reason as above. • Tons of cosmetic signs of use all over (refer to photos). I am 5’11” and weigh 195 lbs. Bike can be adjusted for shorter or taller riders. I didn’t use the battery much and don’t recall if I used power level 2 or 3 (out of 5 being maximum) and it always lasted over 30 miles. I never discharged it completely. First photo is included for reference of what this bike can do. No panniers or other touring items pictured there are included. Bike comes as seen in rest of photos. Contact me with any questions prior to purchasing. There is lots to say about this bike and I might have overlooked something. I cannot accept returns as I simply can't afford to ship this around the country multiple times. Happy cycling! I can ship it via BikeFlights for $145. Also listed locally on CL for significantly less money because CL doesn't charge crazy fees.

Price: 1195 USD

Location: Dublin, Ohio

End Time: 2024-11-03T18:07:04.000Z

Shipping Cost: 145 USD