So we got the Swiss Bike TX to test for MtnBikeRiders.com, but since we haven’t tested a “Full Size” folder, we figured I would ride it to work as well.

Here are the specs of the bike, the components are basically entry level:

ADVANTAGES

* Full-size bike for cruising city streets and mountain trails with 26″ standard wheels.
* Folds to 36″ x 28″ x 12″ in under thirty seconds without the use of tools.
* Compact size allows for convenient storage in a car trunk, boat, closet, or private plane.
* Limited lifetime warranty on frame.
* 21-Speed with front suspension fork and disc brake.
* Equipped with industry standard wheels and components serviceable at any bike shop.
* Patented technology not available from any other company.
* The portable nature of the bicycle allows it to be taken anywhere.

SPECIAL FEATURES

* Montague Folding Integrated Technology (F.I.T.™): Our patented seat tube folding system preserves the structural integrity and inherent strength of traditional bicycle geometry. Unlike all other folding bikes, there are no wobbly hinges and no structural tubes cut in half.
* Quick Releases: No tools are needed to fold and unfold the X-Series™ Bike. Just open one quick release lever on the top tube and remove the front wheel. Folds in under thirty seconds without tools.
* Safety Lock: Recessed drop out for quick release prevents frame from folding even with quick release not tightened.
* CLIX™ Wheel Release System: Patented pending wheel release system that allows for the easy wheel removal with only one hand.

I’ll be honest, when I saw the bike’s specs and how much it weighed, I frowned upon it. But as a testament that not all commuter bikes need fenders, chainguards, etc, etc, I decided to ‘convert’ this bike onto a Southern California commuter bike. So before I rode my 27.6 mile round trip commute, those super knobby tires had to go.

In their place, I installed Kenda’s City Slickers II from my old Kona Smoke 26er.

I also installed a seatpost rack, and a Cateye mirror, I don’t care for riding with backpacks during summer and I believe that a mirror is a must for bike commuting.

So how did it do on today’s commute? After a few adjustments, the bike was a real joy to ride. I’ve been asked if I’ve ever ridden a commuter bike that I hadn’t enjoyed…. Well, no, not really, I just like bikes that will get me to and from work safely, comfortably and with no mechanical issues.

So what about the weight? 32 lbs of bike may seem a lot, but I guess once you’ve ridden a loaded Xtracycle, 32 lbs is not that bad. Although I don’t have a use for its folding capability, I can see that the weight maybe the trade off.

What I really liked about the bike was its geometry, it really suited me and it felt really comfortable. The front fork absorbed all the bumps of the road and it didn’t bob as bad as I was expecting. My only gripe with this bike is its gearing, when I would shift gears, it seemed that there was a big difference between gear ratios.

I’ll write an update when I’ve put 200 miles on this bike, we’ll see how it holds up.

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Bike Commuter Essentials at PricePoint.com