The Airframe aluminum made folding bike is an unusual folding bike. It was produced for a while in the 1980s, and it has recently made a come-back, taking advantage of new production techniques and modern high-pressure tires. The aluminum frame of the bike folds by a neat scissor action. This produces a long package that is quite large when it comes to the volume, but rather thins enough to fit in plenty of odd corners. This model is believed to be one of the sexiest-looking folding bikes, although there are a lot of different opinions regarding the quality of the ride, as the many joints give the frame a somewhat ‘fluid’ feel, and creaks and rattles are quite common. However, despite the lack of suspension, the Airframe folding bikes feels soft yet sporting at the same time. The bike is designed by an architect that has an impressive trained eye for structural efficiency. The Airframe is a good example of industrial design, with nothing superfluous in its clean, functional lines.

This model is thought to be yet another twist on the folding bicycle. The structural hinges allow the bike to collapse down into a small package for commuting, or for stowing in an apartment or car boot. This is purely made from aluminum alloy which claims to be the “lightest folding production bike.” weighing 10.5 kg or 23 lbs, the claim may somehow be a bit true. It can fold in just merely 10-15 seconds and fits into its own carry bag, which does double service as the pannier bag. And like iXi bike the Airframe also has folding pedals, which with the folding handlebars make it a snap to store in narrow spaces, like trains and offices. Some reviewers of the bike stated that the Airframe has a certain level of ‘flexibility’ in the frame structure that takes might take a bit of time for a commuter to get used to riding the bike.

The Airframe’s folding geometry is unique. By folding the handlebars and pedals, the Airframe stands unobtrusively in the hall passage and it can be stored in the cupboard under the stair, along the side of the hallway, in a closet or in the trunk of the car. The unique folding action distributes road shock without the need for costly and heavy suspension units. The generous dimensions, lightness in weight and high pressure tires make it a joy for sporty long distance traveling. The Airframe is also very easy to carry, especially when folded into the hold-all, which doubles as a saddlebag.

The frame of the bike is a triangulated design giving good shock absorbency. It is made of a high grade of alloy tube with an all up weight for the cycle of 11kg. The gears of the bike includes Sturmey Archer 8 speed hub that give a 305% range of ratios. The Chainset which includes the crank set and head bearings are supplied by Stronglight. The brake is a single pivot in the front and dual lever at the rear. It has 16 inch wheels with an aluminum rim and stainless steel spokes with a quick release front wheel fitted as standard. The handlebars of this bike are adjustable which is perfect for any measure of height. The frame dimensions can accommodate a 5 – 6 foot 6 inch rider.

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By Michael Harland
Beach Cruisers used to be seen only at the beach. The smooth curves, larger tires, and laid-back design of the cruiser have created the perfect bicycle for a comfortable ride and basic transportation. Riding a bike does not get much easier than on a cruiser. Style can really come in to play when you are not concerned about being the next Lance Armstrong or a downhill mountain biker. Surfers and beach goers have been riding this style of bike for years and the wave has spread across the land from one coast to the other, and from the Gulf of Mexico all the way into Canada as beach cruiser bikes are creating bicyclists by the thousands every year.

Beach cruisers are a basic bicycle with wider handlebars, and larger frame tubes, platform pedals and tires that are usually over 2” wide. The large and comfortable seat found on these bikes provides the perfect cushion for an easy cruise around the beach, around your town, campus, neighborhood, city, park, bike path… the list could go on and on. Basically, if you do not want to ride real fast or tackle tough terrain and prefer a very comfortable ride that allows you to soak up the views, then a cruiser could be the perfect bike for you.

Traditional brick-and-mortar bike stores and web-sites sell beach cruisers to people all over the country as well as Canada. When their business started they were sold mostly to people living along the coasts – but times have changed. Beach Cruisers are being ridden in virtually every State in the US. There are people enjoying them in Minnesota, the Dakotas, Wisconsin, Montana, Wyoming as well as the other 45 states. The great thing about beach cruiser bikes is that they can really be tailored to your own style. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors as well as both men’s and women’s frames. In fact, these bikes are so universal that entire families are purchasing them for Mom and Dad and all the kids. Many riders who are retired are purchasing them to ride after not riding a bicycle in years – but be prepared – many of them have had to buy a bike as gifts for their grown children after they see how stylish, fun and easy to ride these bikes are. Plus, attach a basket, bell, horn, rack and pretty soon you will leave the car at home and cruise around via your own pedal power.

A Beach Cruiser is a universal type of bike and if trends of the past few years continue, who knows how far the popularity of cruiser bikes will spread!

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