Airframe Aluminum Folding Bike
By Cassaundra Flores
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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