It All Started with the Adventures of Robinson Crusoe
I feel like I have a copy of "Robinson Crusoe" on my bookshelf, but is it still there?
The adventures of Robinson. I read it as a child, but I barely remember it (lol).
I’ve been thinking I want to read it again.
Why?
Because the name "Bike Friday" comes from Robinson’s partner (servant), Friday.
Who’s Your Partner? – A Complete Guide to Bike Friday Models
It has been several years since Circles started carrying Bike Friday, and now that we finally have all models in stock at our shop, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce the appeal of each one.
First, please choose your preferred model as the first step in picking your Bike Friday.
Pakit
This is Bike Friday’s most compact model, featuring 16-inch wheels.
Its mobility, taking advantage of its small size and light weight, is outstanding, making it useful for everything from daily commutes to travel.
For more details, please see the article written by shige.
New World Tourist
With its 20-inch (406) wheels, this is the most popular model in its home country, the USA.
Some people might be hesitant to go touring on a small-wheeled bike, but this is the very bike chosen by tough riders to traverse America, travel north-to-south, or ride around the world.
For more details, check out our boss’s love-filled article.
Diamond Llama
For the Diamond Llama, which is a derivative model of the New World Tourist, please see my article.
Pocket Rocket
Featuring 20-inch (451) wheels, this is the most popular model here in Japan.
I wouldn’t go so far as to say it’s identical to a road bike, but it offers a very nimble ride.
It is perfect for touring on well-paved Japanese roads or zipping around the country by utilizing trains and airplanes.
For more details, please see our boss’s love-filled article.
ALL-Packa
Featuring 20-inch (406) wheels, this is the newest model for Bike Friday’s 30th anniversary.
It uses extra-thick tires that could be mistaken for a mountain bike’s, and with its numerous eyelets, it is a model that makes bikepacking on a small-wheeled bike a reality.
For more details, please see my article, as I waver between the two models.
Haul-A-Day
A cargo bike featuring 20-inch (406) wheels.
It can carry up to 90kg of cargo, making it the best utility bike for grocery runs with two kids in tow.
The low center of gravity achieved by the 20-inch wheels provides unparalleled strength for a cargo bike hauling heavy loads.
Furthermore, there is also an electric model of the Haul-A-Day available for those concerned about their physical stamina.
For more details, please see our boss’s love-filled article.
Next, Choose Your Stem!!
Once you’ve found the Bike Friday you like, the next step is to decide on the stem.
Depending on how you count them—from standard to the more obscure—there are seven types of stems for Bike Friday.
At the store right now, you can see models [2] through [5] of the numbered options.
Generally, most people choose between [1] or [2], where you have a choice of stems, or [3] or [5], which feature the iconic shape known as the "goose stem."
Finally, Choose Your Handlebars!!
Another point of interest when choosing a Bike Friday is the wide variety of original handlebars.
While it is standard to pick from handlebars available on the market, the original Bike Friday ones are quite appealing as well.
Bike Friday’s original handlebars can be split, allowing them to be packed even more compactly when folding the bike.
Touring H Bar
The H-bar, mainly featured on the New World Tourist, resembles a classic flat handlebar with nostalgic bar-end grips attached. Despite being a flat bar, it allows you to change your posture while riding by changing where you hold it, making it ideal for long-distance rides.
STI Touring Bar
It is easiest to think of this as an STI version of the H-bar mentioned above.
It can be used on New World Tourists and Pocket Rockets that use road bike components.
While there are fewer hand positions than on drop bars, it is designed so that even if you choose an upright position, it doesn't ruin the overall styling of the bike.
Bull Horn Road Bar
This shape is like a derivative of the H-bar, but it allows for the use of bar-end grips or reverse brake levers while still being usable like a normal flat handlebar.
Reverse H Bar
As the name suggests, it uses a shape that looks like an H-bar turned upside down, making it a perfect specification for commuter bikes like the Haul-A-Day.
It allows for an upright and comfortable riding position.
Packalope
These are new handlebars developed for Bike Friday’s latest model, the All-Packa. They are designed for bikepacking, allowing for off-road and dirt riding while also making it possible to attach handlebar bags.
Have you decided which Bike Friday you want?
I’ve gone through these Bike Friday models in a rush, but there is still so much more I’d love to tell you. If you want to know more, please come to the shop and I’ll explain everything while you look at the actual bikes.
The more you learn, the more you might struggle to choose, but that is also one of the joys of picking a bicycle.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us or visit the shop.