Comments on: Lightning Review: Strida 5.0 Foldable Bike

By: shaun snapp

shaun snapp — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 02:01:30 +0000

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.

By: Bill Leighton

Bill Leighton — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 18:26:41 +0000

I’m 60 and haven.t owned a bike since I was 15. I’m holidaying in France. I took shelter from rain in an arcade with a bike shop, saw this strange bike and an hour later was ridng full-lock turns in the park with my new toy, soaking wet and loving every minute. The bike is very responsive and creates confidence because you can stop quickly and change direction in a flash. Amazingly the little wheels didn’t catch in the tram tracks either. I made a video of the store owner folding and unfolding the bike, an operation which took a while to get the hang of. I can now do it in about 15 seconds. This is how I will explore the sights of Bordeaux, and it will go on the plane with me back to Australia, in the padded travel bag. This looks like being a great travel companion when on holiday, and should be good to duck down to the shops or to take a weekend pedal through a country town. Two of these will fit in the boot of the smallest car.

By: Web Designer

Web Designer — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 06:13:02 +0000

cool looking – i’d probably go for a classic foldable though, with a few gears

By: Mark Lloyd

Mark Lloyd — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 09:34:34 +0000

Dont compare strida to those common ‘fold in half’ Jobs – those are a real pain to carry.
My Strida is one of my favourite things – its well made, strong and light and folds in like 2 seconds !! And then its party piece – you wheel it along – nearest thing to an umbrella you can ride on !

It rides amazingly well for a single speed and because its strong and stiff it takes most hills pretty well – just not that fast coming down them, as your legs run out of revs. I get the impression that the reviewer may be too small for it and would prefer a traditional bike ?

Warning though – this bike is not for the shy – it looks so distinctive I get stopped everywhere by people asking me about it.

By: Dr Nic

Dr Nic — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 05:07:20 +0000

Can we get a video of you riding this Nick? Pleeeeeeeeease?

By: StevoTheDevo

StevoTheDevo — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 05:04:33 +0000

The price is the killer here..
Priced below $500 it would get more people seriously looking at it.. Below $200 and they'll be everywhere.
Is it a belt drive or chain??
The wheels look like a good compromise between compactness and being able to get over small bumps..