Cool Hunting

Before I settled on my track bike, I gave serious consideration to a Strida folding bike. I was living in a tiny one bedroom and the Strida met the stowage criteria handily. Now a decade into production, Strida continues to impress with generational improvements, most notably an innovative new drive system. At this year's Interbike Expo in Las Vegas, which runs 24-26 September, Areaware (Strida's North American distributor) will introduce three new models with updated components, along with a line of sensible accessories.

The MAS Special, named after the company founder Mark Sanders (click image for expanded view), introduces a dual-speed drive system engineered by the Swiss company Schlumpf Innovations. Foregoing cables and handlebar mounted shifters, the Schlumpf two-speed drive system is integrated into the crank set. Riders engage high or low gear by heel tapping either side of the crank. Available for Spring 2009, the MAS comes with a custom black anodized frame and parts, cable disc brakes and the standard Kevlar greaseless belt.