SwissBike Folding Mountain Bike
By Robert Painter
Are you a serious biker who needs a folding bike? The
Montague Swissbike may be just what you're looking for. Right now I live in
Florida, but I ride my mountain bike every day when I'm home. I have a pickup
sitting in the driveway, but it's sort of an emergency vehicle.
An "emergency" is when I don't have time to ride across
town on my bike, or when I have to dress up a bit more than might be really
practical for my bike ride or when I have to carry more stuff than my bike
baskets can handle.
O.K., I saw the look on your face when I said "bike
baskets." Sorry, but I use my bike as a utilitarian vehicle, not just for
sport. I don't wear a Tour de France jersey and spandex shorts every time I get
on my bike. I don't even have shoes that clip into the pedals. I even have a
dreaded kickstand!
But, just because I break some of the "rules" of the purist
bikers that doesn't mean I don't know a good bike when I see one. My 10 year
old Fuji has served me well and will continue to do so as long as I keep it
finely tuned and running well. I've got enough Slime in the tires to keep me
going till the tread wears off and it looks like that time is coming soon.
You've probably already guessed that you're not going to
get a "technical" report on the Swissbike here. You are correct. I rode this
bike almost every day for a month. I was out of town for a few days, but the
rest of the time I spent as much time pedaling as possible. I even did some
things I shouldn't have, like carrying too much stuff in my arms since the bike
had no basket. Which is a concern to me relative to folding bikes. But, I'll
get back to that.
 First
things first. This is a great handling bike - especially for a folding bike. I
have ridden a folding bike with the tiny wheels and the center of gravity is way
off. On this one I felt like I was riding my old Fuji, but considerably
upgraded. I really liked the Shimano gearing and the improved shifting
mechanism - smooth as silk! Also, very impressive was the front wheel disc
braking system. Now that was really cool. Of course, you don't want the front
brake to outdo the rear brakes in normal conditions, but that didn't seem to be
a problem at all. I can imagine some slick rock conditions where the front disc
would be very helpful, but I didn't make it out to Utah for this test ride.
 The
patented front wheel removal system worked like a charm, at least after I
figured it out. It wasn't difficult, just different, and once you figure it out
removing the front wheel with one hand is a snap.
As for folding the bike, that was easy, too, but it does
bring up a question. At least for me. I opened this review with the question of
"needing" a folding bike, so here's my problem. I don't think I do need a
folding bike. I have a pickup and a folding bike might come in handy if I were
hauling a lot of other camping gear, but it wouldn't be mandatory. If I had to
put it in the trunk of a car, it seems to me that it would pretty much fill it
up and where would you put the rest of your stuff? I think a bike rack might
make more sense for a lot of people. As for carrying in on a plane, I'm just
not sure how economical that would be. I know Montague sells a heavy duty nylon
carry bag for just under a hundred bucks, but not sure how well that would
protect the bike from luggage handlers. You would probably have to pay extra and
maybe you could just use that money to rent a bike at the other end. But, that
depends on where you're going and how long you're going to be there and how much
you need the bike. And who wouldn't prefer to ride their own bike rather than a
rental? If you're like me you use your bike for a lot more than just "sport"
riding. Or at least I hope you do. With the price of gas going up and up we
all should ride our bikes more and more.
 If
you can get by with a carry on bag for your trip, the bike will probably go
through the same as if it were your regular luggage - at no additional cost.
I have one suggestion. Folding baskets for the rear wheels
- the kind that can fold flat against the rear frame when not in use. I'm not at
all sure that it is a practical idea on this bike, but I do think it should be
considered.
I did mention that I live in Florida. Well, this may be
one of the best reasons for buying this "mountain" bike. I think it just might
be the perfect bike for live aboard and other boaters. Stowed away below deck
away from the salt air it could be quickly hauled out and taken to shore for all
the sightseeing and shopping trips that otherwise might require a very long walk
or even a taxi ride.
I don't know what's best for you. I only know that this
bike was a joy to ride and all the quick release features functioned very well.
So go out and ride your bike and if you need a folding bike - this might be just
the right one for you.
To Learn More About SwissBike:
www.swissbike.com |
