Folding Bike Update From Larry

Thank you to Larry for his email giving us an update with his folding bike observations.

quoting his email below

Here's an update on the folding bikes that I mentioned to you back in April.

Gekko - Popular but???
The Gekko has been very popular but the Australian designer has given up
at his attempts to have the bike mass produced. I don't know the full
story but it seems that he is fed up with production issues. In fact, I
understand that he recently destroyed one set of tooling and gave the
tooling for the alloy Gekko away so the future of these great folding
bikes is not looking good. Too bad he didn't give the tooling for the
alloy Gekko to me!

Suitcase Bike
I've been corresponding with two Chinese firms that are bringing to
production 2 very compact folding bikes. When folded, one looks like a
vacuum cleaner; the other looks like a suitcase. Both have handlebar
assemblies that are reminiscent of the A-Bike. Yesterday, I was promised
a prototype of the bike that looks like a suitcase. I am told that it
will be shipped in about a week. More details when it arrives.

Ultralite Single Speed
The single speed Ultralites are now in the USA. Initially, it was hoped
that the price would be just $99. Even for a Chinese folder, that's
really cheap so I had my doubts. In fact, the price is almost double
that at $169 but even at that price, this is a great folding bike.
Diecast of a magnesium-aluminum alloy, the bikes are light yet strong.
Rated capacity is 200 lbs but I have several customers that weigh 300
lbs that ride them (with beefier wheels though). The bikes are outfitted
with folding pedals, folding & height adjustable handlebar post, carry
rack, soft rubber handlebar grips, padded seat, kickstand, height
adjustable seat post and rust free, plastic fenders. Color: cherry red.
Weight: 22 lbs.

Ultralite Shimano Nexus 3 Speed
The Ultralite also comes in a version that's equipped with a Shimano
Nexus 3 speed internal hub. In top gear, the Nexus version cruises at @
12 mph. Cost is just $209 which makes it the most economical, quality
folding bike I know with the Nexus hub. Like the other Ultralites, the
same diecast, magnesium-aluminum alloy frame is used. This version is
equipped just like the single speed (folding pedals, folding & height
adjustable handlebar post, carry rack, soft rubber handlebar grips,
padded seat, kickstand, height adjustable seat post and rust free,
plastic fenders). Color: mango. Weight: 23 lbs.

Respectfully,
Larry Lagarde
RideTHISbike.com