Fit Gadgets: SwissBike Folding Bicycle

When shopping for a bike, you have to make choices. Do you want one that's made for off-road or for biking around town? What about speedy versus sturdy?

If you've ever had to travel with a bike in a small car, you'll probably be as excited as I was about the idea of a bike that folds up (don't ask about the triathlon I drove to alone in my tiny little car -- let's just say that some names were called, things were said, and my relationship with the bike was never the same). However, I always assumed that a folding bike wouldn't be as good as a bike that doesn't fit into a suitcase -- I figured they would be flimsy and not a great choice for long rides.

Upon learning about SwissBike folding bicycles, I realized I was wrong.
The company calls it "The world's most advanced bicycle folds to fit in a car trunk or closet, yet climbs through the Swiss Alps with the shifting precision of a finely tuned vehicle." SwissBike has many practical uses even if you don't intend to climb the Alps -- it's great for pilots who have to travel and can't carry much, boaters, hunters, bicycle commuters who don't want to leave their bikes outside, college students, travelers (car, RV, plane, etc.), and those with limited available storage.

SwissBike was originally created as a military tool -- soldiers needed a bike that would fit through the cargo door of a military aircraft so paratroopers could take it with them and have transportation when they landed. The patented F.I.T. folding design allows the bike to be folded and unfolded within a matter of seconds with no tools. In three easy steps, your bike is ready to store in a small space!

As you might expect, this kind of technology doesn't come cheap, but the prices aren't outrageous -- the bikes range in price from $679 to $2250. However, if you do a lot of traveling and need a quality bike that can easily come wherever you go, this might be a great option for you. And, they offer a 30 day trial, so if you test ride it and aren't in love with it, you'll only lose shipping.