geo8rge

Has Strida totally disappeared? What happened? I personally thought the Strida niche was as secure as any product. Searching I find the Strida website is no longer updated and the only bikes available are used, and possibly knockoffs, or new knockoffs from alibaba. Did Ming Cycle, Strida's manufacturer, go out of business? Any chance of a comeback?
Ming:
https://www.mingcycle.com.tw/news-en/
Strida:
https://www.strida.com/

Blackstrida_A_

I'd really like to know what makes you think so, right now?

Since the about 12 years which I'm watching Ming cycle, there changed nothing:
- Strida is in the US and EU still a niche product within a niche.
- Strida dealers are changing reguarly, at least here in EU, really consistent lovers of Strida, like Bill Wilby (Strida Canada West), are a rarity.
- Ming cycle does not develop the Strida further, their attempts to create something new were partially abandoned (Electric Strida), partially ill thought through (Quick release seat molding) and sometimes even a disaster (EVO gear drive).
- Ming cycle does not know the term "technical support" and the company is fully resistant against well meant advice, even of Mark Sanders himself.
- Their web presence, including dealer's list, was never up to date.

Well, their quality control may have improved, but principially, what should be different now?

I believe, it is definitely not the case that Ming is OUT of business - it is more the opposite:
They are simply too much IN (other bike's) business to take much care of the Strida.

geo8rge

I tried looking online and did not see Stridas for sale. Is there any Bicycle dealer in the New York City or NJ area with stridas instock?

No stock in NYC:
https://bfold.com/shop/ols/categories/strida
Sold Out:
https://www.bikesxpress.com/collections/strida
Maybe:
https://foldingbikela.com/the-5-0-sx-limited/
From Belgium:
https://www.strida.be/en/strida-usa-shop/

Blackstrida_A_

It seems that there is no dealer active in your area at the moment.

Bill has several Strida in stock:
https://stridacanada.ca/product-cate...ikes-in-stock/

The same at Strida Netherlands (which is identical to Strida Belgium):
https://www.strida.nl/en/c/strida-folding-bikes/

At the German main distributor;
https://msa-germany.de/
there are, according to recent insider information, no bikes in stock since a while.
BUT; bikes can be found at the German dealers, which are in sum 82 (!!!), here's one example:
https://www.velo-radsport.de/
The complete list is here:
https://www.strida.de/service/

I can tell also that, at least in my area, there are a few small bikestores which do stock the Strida - just that is not obvious at their pages and they ususally don't sell online.
https://2rad-shop.at/strida/
(Local example)

Winfried

I'm surprised Strida is still in business, considering how few I can spot on the road.

Do we know where Strida makes most of its sales, and who buys them?

tcs

Like he said, the website hasn't been updated in three+ years and he can't find any new Stridas for sale. I see they're still calling for image submissions for the 2019 Strida calendar. Seems like a reasonable question, and I've noted the same things here on this forum in the recent past.

Strida had a bit of a renaissance under Ming with the discs, curved bars, forward bars, different finishes, the gearbox, anniversary models, MAS, choice of racks, the C1. Last few years? Nothin'. The Strida Forum has wound down to getting one post every couple of months.

So, I dunno. Strida got its own chapter in Oritatabu, still seems to be a big deal in Korea (Semo!)


and the Strida-Paris website is fun: https://strida.fr/

tcs

It's a world market.

tcs

Ride This Bike in New Orleans might have stock. You have to call to find out (NTTAWWT).

tcs

Probably within the Yuxi Circle, like most folding bike companies.

geo8rge

Strida is most popular in areas where mass transportation and commuting is common, as those type of users are willing to tolerate the Strida's quirks as it folds very compact and you can move it around train stations by holding the handle bars and rolling it. Some of the problem might be that the pandemic mandates meant fewer and poorer commuters. Strida is a very useful bike for short trips to the store as you can usually just fold it and roll it around the store aisles.

Winfried

I got an 18 inch wheel, three-speed EVO, and didn't like the way it rides + lack of frame-mounted bag. I'm not the only one to have been disappointed.

Also, most people buy the single-speed since the EVO is ~ as expensive as a three-speed Brompton, which would make a much better choice.

I guess that explains why I see a lot more non-Stridas folding bikes on the road around here.

Joe Remi

I've always wanted to try one but - and I think this is a big reason you don't see more around - it's so bizarre looking that I know I would be constantly explaining it to people. I don't need that much attention on a bike ride.

tds101 

I tried a 3 speed model, and it's definitely not my cup of tea. Very awkward riding experience.

Blackstrida_A_

Now come on mate...if you write you would be constantly explaining - then it is solely your "fault" to be a communicative, friendly and attentive person!
You just need to wear dark sunglasses, look really grumpy and reply to any request with just mumbling/growling or in French with Indian accent, as I do.

But, out of the experience of attending many fairs, assisting a lot of riders during their first attempts and lending also my Strida's to many persons I can tell:
The odd look is definitely THE eye-catcher for most, but the first ride can change everything within a minute!
I've heard many comments like; "Uh what's that, not for me.", "Why is that sooo twitchy?" or "I can't ride this."
It is a matter of flavour; the few ones which started to grin wide during their maiden flight - these are now mostly Strida owners

Never I'd recommend to buy this (or another small wheeled) folding bike without having tried (or at least being used to ride on 16" wheels).

I mean she can't be blamed for missing expectations; these occur due to false or missing informations for the user - and the test ride is a basic part of info.
The supply of information belongs to the responsibility of the manufacturer.
So, better blame MC, but not her.

invisiblehand

It's definitely a conversation starter on the DC Metro and at intersections.

invisiblehand

I read somewhere that there might be a new US distributor. But the STRIDA Canada dealer has an active website and frequently talks about new deliveries and developments. Bill is generally very helpful so I order parts from there.