Airnimal bike - good for frequent travellers

bahzob

Just a quick recommendation of an option for frequent travellers. Just got an Airnimal bike and took it on Eurostar while on business over in Strasbourg. (It has an option of either a simple fold which is OK for train which I used for this trip or packing in a standard suitcase for flights (but avoid T5))

Had a couple of nice post work workouts, one of which was 50miles with a climb up a local col. Found it rides pretty much as a standard road bike and I could carry on training as planned. Only minor disadvantage was that, because the wheels are smaller than standard, its a bit undergeared at top speed. That said small wheels also make climbing easy and a triple/compact is redundant.

Certainly beat the hell out of spending the same time on an exercise bike in the gym and helps avoid the temptatation of an early visit to the bar.

Other idea I was considering was a bike with S&S coupling but unless you already have a steel bike (which I dont) it will probably be similar in terms of cost and wont have the simple fold option).

nic_77

Sounds like a good idea - I hate hotel gyms!! and I've often thought that a bike would be useful for exploring the local area (I usually head out for a run before breakfast, but you can only get so far...)

How much does she weigh? Do you have much space left in your 'standard' suitcase?

Cunobelin

I have both an Airnimal and a Thorn Nomad (S&S)

With no tools and a quicker fold, the Airnimal is a better bet.

One aspect of the S&S raised in a CTC article was concern overt he frame. It was pointed out that as an "open Y" there is a chance of damage to the frame if handled roughly in a soft bag.

geoff_ss

I've no personal experience but friend rode one from Shanghai to Xian towing a small folding trailer in 2006. He was riding it last Wednesday on the regular ride complete with Chinese registration number attached. He has other options but often uses it in preference to them so I guess he likes it.

Geoff