Comments on: Dan’s Review: Bike Friday New World Tourist

By: Dan

Dan — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 21:03:38 +0000

Thanks for reading everyone

I would only recommend a Bike Friday if you are travelling by plane or bus _often_. My Friday has been good (but not great); there are a lot of little annoyances that go along with the setup

By: paul

paul — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:55:02 +0000

I bought a Pocket Llama last October, it also had a loose headset, most noticeable when braking.As the headset became loose the vibration and movement was or felt extreme.BF did not give me much that I could call customer service.Told me to use Loctite on the top lockring, which I did , didn’t work for long, also said they would send me another lock ring with a locking bolt on it. Ok,but I had no idea where I would be at any given time as I was touring in Japan..Eventually (after nearly 40 days touring) the folding steering stem I bought from BF failed.Needed to buy a rubber mallet to get it to release.Back home and I hope the lbs can fix my problem.

By: David

David — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 22:27:03 +0000

Great review and very helpful. Trying to decide to order a NWT and bit nervous. Have had a Surly LHT and toured a lot with tons of mountains. Looking to do the upgrade on the head set to Chris King, Shimano ultra gear crank, drop bars, end gear shifters and the Folding Racks. Do you think the rims should be upgrade to the Velocity or Sum Rims?
Have you seen the new 5 NWT INFINITYTOUR NUVINCI on Bike Friday’s website? Any thoughts on that new gearing?
I am debating between a new Touring Bike, SS Couplers and the NWT or Llama. I travel mostly throughout the USA for trips of 3 days to 1-2 weeks. Thanks again for the input and review.

By: paul

paul — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:29:21 +0000

Bought a Pocket Llama in December 2011, just about to finish my tour of Japan (4 days to go).Had nothing but problems with the headset on this bike.Kept coming loose every day, eventually on closer inspection found headset threading was badly damaged most looked like it had been done in manufacturing stage.Bike Friday customer service was not of much service.Sent photos of thread (not my best shots) they staed ” the threads look ok, will send off to our engineer for his opinion” shit I am an engineer.Fobbed off by a clerk, give serious thought to buying a Bike Friday before doing so.

By: Dan

Dan — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 21:23:47 +0000

It’s a difficult choice. I do like my Friday but would I buy another….no. In my opinion, they’re not worth the price. For what they cost, I think customers deserve more attention to detail, better specced parts and better customer service

If you’re looking for a stiff touring frame that easily packs in a suitcase you’re either looking at a NWT or a frame equipped with S&S couplers. Both options are expensive. I think in this case, the Friday is still a viable option worth considering

By: Dave

Dave — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 14:48:05 +0000

HELP! HELP! HELP! HELP! HELP!
I was just planning to order a Bike Friday New World Tourist and saw this latest review! Was excited being able to travel via Plane and Trains much more easily. Now having serious seconds thoughts after reading this latest review from Marty. Any other info I would sure appreciate it. It is a huge expense and don’t want to make a decision I regret. Currently riding a Surly LHT. Thanks for any help!!!

By: marty

marty — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 22:58:43 +0000

Last year I purchased a Pocket Companion with suit case. To this date I am totally disappointed in the bike and the case. First off, even though I got the “heavy duty tires” I got more flats riding on the STREET than any other bike I have ever owed or now own. The tires are cheap.
The bike has been nothing but a disappointment. Locks don’t hold. Levers broken. Adjustments have to be made ALL the time to the bike. Suit case is too flimsy for carrying the bike and that weight.
Constantly having seat post problems.
The chain derailleur is junk. There are many other problems with the bike.
The bike and suit case are far over rated and over priced as well.
To top it off, I had to pay EXTRA to the guy in the Portland store to show me how to pack the bike in the suit case. Wow what a rip off. I say it again, a RIP OFF.
Whenever I hear of anyone thinking about buying a Bike Friday, I tell them NOT TO. Save their money and time. You can find better bikes for far less hassle and money.
I will never buy a Bike Friday again. I think many of the BF owners feel the same but are ashamed they were shammed too…so they keep their mouths shut instead of being known to be a fool.
Over rated and overpriced. Save your money…Go elsewhere.
Top it off when calling the Portland factory…the woman who answers the phone gives you the 5th degree. “Why calling?” “Who are you?” “Did you call before?” duhhh you think at least the receptionist would be nice about it.
Recommendation: don’t buy one.

By: Dan

Dan — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:51:05 +0000

Thanks
Fridays don’t roll as well as other folding bikes but I have gotten mine to roll albeit awkwardly. I would rather pick it up though given the awkwardness.

Installed the Tubus rack last month and its been working great. The extra long stays were just the trick

By: Neil Fein

Neil Fein — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:53:56 +0000

Dan,

Great review! I’m considering buying a NWT for commuting and light touring. I understand the bike won’t roll while folded; is this correct?

By: Matt

Matt — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:49:32 +0000

Thanks for responding so quickly. I’m not sure how to handle the problem without spending a ton of cash and hoping I can return return goods that don’t solve the issue.

Let us know how you like the Tubus Logo.