Gear: Flatbike CHANGE folding adventure bike
The Flatbike CHANGE folding adventure bike gives boaters a full-size choice for on-shore activitiesOne of the problems facing boaters is that last-mile transportation on land – from the marina to the nearest grocery store – often needs a set of wheels.
The solution in the past was to use a folding bicycle. Undersized, oddly geared, and often with tiny rough-riding tyres, adding a full-size bike to the boat has been a bit of a challenge. Until now, that is.
US portable adventure bike company Flatbike has released the CHANGE folding adventure bike, a full-size flat-bar hybrid bike designed to go on the road or off it. The design, specifically optimised for boat owners, allows the bike to fold down to half its size.
An important difference to a smaller folding bike is how the Flatbike can handle a wider mix of riding, the company claims.
"Gearing alone has major implications for an all-terrain bike," Flatbike president Bob Forgrave said.
"If you're hauling supplies or climbing hills, you'll want a low gear. And if you're on a long ride, you'll want a higher gear. This bike's range fits it all in one neat package that folds in half for storage."
Flatbike has built other bike frames, but they more suited to carrying around in the back of a car or caravan, or storing at home. These bikes have also focussed on either off-roading or road riding, not a mix of the two.
The Flatbike design uses quick-connect pedals that don’t need any tools to fit or remove. The pedals are included as standard.
The CHANGE folding adventure bike can come in three different sizes ranging between 17.0- and 21-inch frames, and with either 11 or 22 gears.
The price? It’s up there with a battery-assist electric bike, with the option to add accessories such as a rear rack to carry a set of panniers and a water bottle. Shipping to Australia from the US adds around another $500.
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