Monday, July 04, 2011
Bike Friday Crusoe Touring Folding Bike
The saga continues here for bike aficionados - Bike Friday now list the Crusoe touring model on their revamped 2011 web site - as a custom option. This all makes sense - their road models are the Pocket Rocket series - whereas the Crusoe really offers a more flexible option - in a lightweight frame - for touring and more. Actually my experience with the Crusoe is that it is a true hybrid - doubling up in its roles. The one I have started life configured by its previous owner as a cyclo-cross machine with knobby tires and cyclo-cross bars, brakes and pedals. Now it has morphed into more of a road sport bike with Capreo cassette and aero spoked lightweight 20" 406 wheels and a new SRAM Force crankset. Shaving 3 pounds off its original kerb weight.
For the summer I reinstalled the original Shimano SPD pedals and have a super comfortable pair of Keen cycling sandals with the SPD cleat insert courtesy of Sierra Trading Post. Definitely cool summer riding choice - but read the Shimano warnings carefully - I managed to slip off trying too hard on a steep hill - usual road rash hurt and more - so you can over do things! Highly recommended however - beats sweaty over heating road shoes feet down.
Next up I have a set of super aggressive 451 rims on order, and brake extenders to configure the Crusoe as a road bike on a par with the Pocket Rocket Select. This will mean the same frame can support 3 different roles in a bike. Pretty impressive. As always you can track the picture gallery of the Crusoe evolution here.
For the summer I reinstalled the original Shimano SPD pedals and have a super comfortable pair of Keen cycling sandals with the SPD cleat insert courtesy of Sierra Trading Post. Definitely cool summer riding choice - but read the Shimano warnings carefully - I managed to slip off trying too hard on a steep hill - usual road rash hurt and more - so you can over do things! Highly recommended however - beats sweaty over heating road shoes feet down.
Next up I have a set of super aggressive 451 rims on order, and brake extenders to configure the Crusoe as a road bike on a par with the Pocket Rocket Select. This will mean the same frame can support 3 different roles in a bike. Pretty impressive. As always you can track the picture gallery of the Crusoe evolution here.
