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As with all STRiDA folding bikes, the STRiDA SX is truly in its own class when it comes to design.
I personally am not the biggest fan of these A-framed folding bicycles, however many people in the community are. These revolutionary bikes truly demand attention whether on the road or off it.
Straight out of the box I found myself slightly frustrated with the bike, it took approximately thirty minutes to actually get the bike set up and ready to go on the road. While this is clearly something you will only be doing once, it did bother me slightly.
STRIDA SX Review
Our Rating
PROS
- Can be rolled around
- Well built frame
- Rapidly folds away
- Kevlar drive belt
- Minimal maintenance needed
CONS
- Slow on the road due to single speed
- Not a fan of the A-frame
- Unappealing aesthetically (IMO)
OUR VERDICT
“Another unique but ultimately unimpressive folding bicycle by STRIDA. Unless you are completely set on purchasing an A-framed folding bike, I would recommend steering clear of the Strida SX.”
Strida Bike Review
”I personally am not the biggest fan of these uniquely styled folding bikes, however, they are fully functional and well-built models so are certainly worth having a look at!”
One of the biggest selling points of these folding bikes is their capacity to be folded down and away in under 10 seconds.
I personally clocked it at 7 seconds exactly, however, many videos online have shown that this can be done in under 5 with some practice, quite the feat in itself.
All that is required is a slight adjustment to the safety lever, this unlocks the front wheel and enables it to be rapidly folded down.
The STRiDA SX boasts some powerful magnets to hold the bike together when folded away, it can then be rolled around in its stick-like shape – particularly useful when considering most folding bikes need to be carried.
Not only that, but STRiDA’s models also have a much lower storage footprint, they take up a very minimal amount of space.
Folding Mechanism
The STRiDA SX and STRiDA LT have slightly larger 18″ wheels than the 16″ wheels that are typically associated with their bikes – however, these are still smaller than the 20″ wheels that can be found on most folding bikes.
Smaller wheels are generally slower and less stable than larger ones, we did notice this slightly, but it was never a significant concern whilst on the road.
The SX weighs in at 22lbs and so is relatively easy to accelerate on, the top speed is comparable with most too, so you won’t be lagging behind on the road at all.
This free cheat sheet will help you choose a trike by providing quick information on the 7 key considerations for buying an adult tricycle!
Test Ride
Another brilliant addition that the STRiDA SX folding bike has is a kevlar drive belt which has no oil on it whatsoever.
Your clothes are therefore at no risk of becoming dirty and also it is far more reliable than having a chain too, you won’t be replacing your belt any time soon, unlike some of the cheaper chains around.
Unfortunately, this bike only has a single speed and so, in combination with its smaller 18″ wheels, it is not the quickest bike on the road by any stretch of the imagination.
It struggles up hills and it also isn’t the most comfortable ride around either.
Strida SX Price
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Specifications
SIZE AND WEIGHT:
- Carry Capacity (rider weight) – 220lbs (100kg)
- Rider Height: 5.4″ to 6.4″ (152cm – 192cm)
- Folded Dimensions: 46.5″ x 19.8″ x 8.9″
- Bike Weight: 22lbs (10kg)
ADDITIONAL:
- Frame: 7000 Series Powder Coated Rustproof Aluminum
- Handlebars: Aluminum
- Brakes: Cable Disc Brakes
- Tires: Schwalbe 18″
- Speeds: 1 (60 gear inches)
- Saddle: Standard black model – Strida logo
- Bottom Bracket: Welded
- Luggage Rack: Plastic (30lb carry capacity)
Strida vs Brompton
For the majority of folding bike riders, a Brompton would be a better choice than the Strida bike because Brompton is a more reputable brand and its foldable bicycles are perfectly suited to urban riding and commuting. That said if the unique A-frame design of the Strida particularly appeals to you then by all means break the trend and choose a Strida!
Conclusion
If you’re not bothered by the shape of this bike, and its low speed on the road. Then for the price, this isn’t a bad bike to go for, however, I believe the masses would prefer a more generically styled folding bike.
Mark Plummer
Mark Plummer is an experienced bike mechanic who has built, repaired, and customized thousands of bikes over the years. A former mountain biking athlete, his cycling adventures have taken him all over the globe from the mountains of Scotland to the South Island of New Zealand. These days he enjoys the benefits of commuting to work and touring on his Dahon and Brompton folding bikes.This free cheat sheet will help you choose a folding bike by providing quick information on the 7 key considerations when buying a foldable bicycle!
