Strida

Just really impractical

I am returning the Strida I bought. They suggest that you can be 6’4 and ride it but this is simply untrue. I’m 6’2 and my knees hit the handlebars as I peddled. Moving the seat makes little difference as the frame shape precludes really moving the seat. I am sure if you are shorter it would be ok but I have to give the thumbs down on the basis of misleading marketing. I guess if you are really determined to ride it you could but then I can ride a children’s tricycle at a push, it’s just really impractical.

Tristan, United Kingdom - 04 September 2007

I think their bike deserves a Lovemark

Available Now in USA & Canada, as of May 2, 2007. I know, I know...Strida had been promising this a long time. I’ve been using a Strida 3.2 for "multi-modal commuting" (light rail & Strida) for a year now. I’ve ridden this strange bike about 800 miles, and I love it now. It’s not like cycling at all. One rides in a bolt-upright position, with one’s feet coming very close to the ground at the bottom of each pedal stroke. It’s like a strange, and very fast form of walking...similar to a dream of gliding effortlessly along, floating just above the ground. The belt drive is not as efficient as a single speed chain drive would be, but it’s very quiet, and easy on the knees. It’s so quiet that my first (and only, so far) accessory was a warning bell for pedestrians.

Maintenance is pretty easy...not like ordinary bike maintenance, but easy (after one’s first struggle with belt tensioning, anyway.) Instead of carrying this bike in the folded position, one wheels it...like a folded-up baby stroller. I’d rather wheel the Strida than carry even the 12.5 pound A-bike through a big rail terminal. The Strida becomes part of your life, in a way different from any other bicycle I’ve ridden. The area I operate in with a Strida plus public transportation, is at least ten times bigger than my bike-only stomping grounds. In spite of the obvious management faults of the Strida organization, I think their bike deserves a Lovemark.

ambo, United States - 03 May 2007

Does this brand really deserve a Lovemark?

The bike is great (a friend has one) but the sales and marketing for the United States makes no sense at all. Strida ceased direct sales to the U.S.A. last year citing a new distributor, and promised that sales would resume by year’s end. Although frustrating to an entire nation of potential buyers, Strida must have lost significant possible sales by ignoring this promise. It’s bikes are still not for sale to the American market - and it’s March 23, 2007. Compounding this, we’ve all seen a new model, the Strida V, compliments of the Internet. Of course there’s no mention on their website of this model.. or its avialability. Does this brand really deserve a Lovemark? Don’t think so... !

Kranky, United States - 24 March 2007

Good looking, affordable and usable

Glad to hear that there are huge Strida fans out there like me! I was an occasional cyclist (read:rent bikes) for years till my hubby got me a Strida for Xmas last year. The sleek design, clean lines, easy maintainance and store are plus points. Why this is not only the best looking foldie, it is also the most affordable and usable!

Vivian, Singapore - 19 February 2007

This little baby has given me my freedom

I got a Strida because I have Fibromyalgia and find walking very painful. It has met and exceeded all my expectations. Great fun learning how to ride it originally but I mastered it once I realised I am not riding a bike, I am mounting a Strida, which is a whole different ballgame. I love the way bus drivers scratch their heads when I walk it up to the door. "It’s a walking aid, mate!" This little baby has given me my freedom, my dignity and more than a few laughs - especially demonstrating to kids how I fold and unfold it!

shaun liam, Ireland - 21 November 2006

Designed for USE rather than just looks

Not only it is it the best looking folding bike available - I defy anyone to disagree with the fact it looks amazing - but it's thoroughly designed for USE rather than just looks. It's great for nipping around the city on and folds up small enough for the train and tube. All for less than 1/2 the price of a Brompton! I'm going to save around an hour a day on my commute; extra time I'm going to get to spend with my young daughter. Another reason to love it! Oh, and their customer service is second to none. How many other company MD's inspect every product before it goes out and then sends you an email letting you know it's shipped?

Joe, United Kingdom - 04 August 2006