The original Strida Mark 1 was created by Mark Sanders as part of his master's degree project between 1983 and 1985. It was born as a solution for urban commuters seeking a portable, easy-to-use, and maintainable folding bicycle. The 'A'-shaped frame and belt-driven system were chosen for simplicity and ease of maintenance, and the form was inspired by the Maclaren baby stroller, which was renowned for its compact fold. The production of Strida Mark 1 started in 1986, in Springburn, Glasgow, and the bike was launched in Harrods the following year. In a couple of years, the production moved to Nottingham (near the Raleigh Bicycle Company factory).The Strida won quite a few design prizes, and sold in the tens of thousands in the UK, but also in Japan, USA, Australia and Germany. In online discussions and reviews, the bike is praised for its rapid folding capability and low maintenance requirements. The unique ability to roll the bike when folded eliminates the need for carrying it, adding to its practicality and for the joy of many, saving your arms and your back.
The Strida 1 was equipped with a greaseless Kevlar belt that replaced the traditional chain drive to avoid mess, and it was built on an aluminium frame and came with a single-speed drivetrain. The bike was rolling on 16-inch wheels (the same as Brompton), which could be increased to 18-inch. The Strida has quite a short wheelbase of 895mm which makes it nimble in turns, but perhaps also not quite as stable as longer bikes. It also comes with a rack that you can use to... well, carry things. Although the Strida design has barely changed, the components have evolved over the decades. Its now available with disc brakes and different colourways in special editions. After decades of attempts to add gears to the bike, the latest addition, the Strida EVO, has incorporated a three-speed Sturmey Archer cable-free kickback bottom bracket to the bike, and this model is said to weigh 12.31kg. (I have 2 on the boat in France as they fit perfectly in the garage, but they are not British made)
Despite its British history manufacture is now by the Taiwanese Ming Cycle who acquired Strida in 2007, and has since taken over development of the bike. If you want to get yourself a Strida then only the Taiwanese version is available.
The two original Strida Mark 1s we have here for sale have been in storage with us for several years in the garage, one on an elevated support the other on elevated racking so are a tad dusty. The elevated one is in excellent condition with some minor marks, the folded one requires the link knuckle repairing (see photo) but are both in original condition and are now very rare and we were advised to keep them as their value will only increase and as they are better quality than the Taiwan versions.
We need the space and the elevated one sits above my 911 and I have decided they should be used not stored for posterity.
Cracking bikes and always attract a great deal of interst wherever you go...collection and cash only please