2022 Rewind

As I compile my year-end blogpost, a theme often emerges. Like 2020's "gratitude" and 2021's "forward momentum", 2022 will be remembered as a year of welcome changes to the number of bicycles in my possession, keeping a select few - the perfect amount for versatility - ultimately feeling liberated. The hardest part was admitting that a couple bicycles had to go, but once the decision was made - as is often the case - I didn't look back.

January to March was all about making 2022 intentions, investing in new studded tires, and working towards long-term bicycle choices. Spring is all about new beginnings. Feeling content with other parts of my life, it was time to follow through with other changes. As I grow older, accepting that some things are just more important than others, namely that experiences are important and not material accumulation, which includes too many bicycles, is key to my happiness.

April to June felt like I was moving forward at a rapid pace. Our young son - avid bike mechanic - simplified my commuter Peugeot, converting it to a single chainring. Later in the year he surprised me and upgraded it again! I thought about my overall bicycle journey and where it was heading, went on a bike overnight to a hotel, rode trails on Cape Cod, and perhaps the biggest decision, putting the Rivendell Clem-L for sale.

Dahon Boardwalk vs. Bike Friday's All-Packa

July to September continued the transitions. I purchased a Bassi Rachel frame (later built up); sold the Rivendell and my Peugeot UO-14, had an amazing opportunity to test an all-terrain folding bike: Bike Friday's All-Packa, which left a huge impression - something that continues to resonate with me. In late September, I went on a solitary and satisfying vacation, visiting part of the Empire State Trail.

The lovely bridges of the Northern Trail.

October to December unfolded in expected and unexpected ways. Adele and I resumed our Canadian adventures, visiting the lovely Ottawa region despite the chilly forecast. I inadvertently discovered New Hampshire's longest rail trail, the Northern Trail, during peak foliage. I completed 10 years of the Coffeeneuring Challenge, but understanding, contentedly, that it may be my last year of participation. I rounded out 2022 with 3300+ miles, pleased that for the second year working from home, I've kept the momentum going, riding year-round.

Test Riding a Bike Friday All-Packa

The Bike Friday All-Packa is pure fun. I found myself seeking dirt on every ride.

Out of the blue, I was asked if I wanted to review a prototype Bike Friday All-Packa! Heck ya! I'm a folding bike lover, frequently riding my Dahon Boardwalk, so it didn't take long to set up a rendezvous, and the All-Packa was dropped off at my doorstep.

Described as "best suited for all-road, gravel, doubletrack, flowy singletrack due to the smaller wheels.", Bike Friday is not trying to convince people to replace their mountain bikes, but rather as an alternative for frequent travelers who are seeking an all-road, best handling, folding bike.

The Packalope bar folds in half should you need to pack the bike into a suitcase.

First impressions were pure delight. I love the frame design. The handling was stable; position was more forward, more like my hardtail mountain bike. The All-Packa easily handled the same local easy single track where I'd normally ride my mountain bike. In fact, it was preferable because of the short wheel base, 2.4" tires, and low stepover height.

It took me a while to get used to the Packalope bar: the width seemed perfect, but I had trouble with the grip angles and flat bar extensions. Even with that, the bar housed my bike light and supported two different types of backpacks - a handy feature for anyone who doesn't own bolt-on, seat post, or special front roll-type bags. 

For jaunts that didn't require much carrying capacity, I used a daypack to lug a few tools, pump, and my purse. I started off with a wider seat and later switched to a Terry Butterfly, which was better.

2003 Dahon Boardwalk vs. Bike Friday All-Packa

Interestingly, the All-Packa is only 3" longer wheelbase than my Boardwalk, so I immediately felt at home and could easily switch between both bikes. Of course the All-Packa is an all terrain wonder, lending confidence on dirt. Most striking, I could load up the All-Packa and not have to worry about stressing handlebars, folding mechanism, frame, or wheels. On asphalt, the All-Packa comfortably rolls over cracks, curb edges, minor potholes, etc. though that's where I missed the Dahon's speed and agility.

The 1X gearing was perfect for my travels, but as with any Bike Friday you can customize a bike with your preferred gearing, handlebars, brakes, frame color, racks, etc.

I rode the bike everywhere because it was so much fun!

At night.

For sunsets.

Even pedaling along a packed beach in the lowest gear.

Initial setup: sorting out handlebar height, installing seat, pedals, waterbottle rack. The All-Packa has numerous attachment points on forks and top tube.

I went on a simple overnight to test baggage handling. There's ample space behind the seat post for a bag, or in my case a tent that barely fit, but cleared the rear wheel. The backpack weighed 15 lbs. I wasn't surprised at the stability and handling, especially on dirt roads. The All-Packa supports tires up to 2.4" width (test version), but there's scant clearance. A rider would have to reduce tire width if planning to install fenders.

With mine and other testers' feedback, Bike Friday planned to tweak the handlebar shape and source lighter weight tires.

During the month-long, almost daily rides, what struck me the most was how the All-Packa allowed me the freedom to travel where my Dahon cannot. This was my first adventure with a Bike Friday, so I figured out their unique two-step fold. The All-Packa is likely not the best machine for the way I use a folding bike, but I could see myself someday owning a Diamond Llama. With similar frame, suitable for dirt roads, equipped with narrower tires, upgraded Packalope bar, and V-brakes, it could replace my Dahon.

I'm pleased to have had this wonderful experience!