Bike Friday New World Tourist Folding Bike

The Bike Friday New World Tourist is a steel folding bike built for riders who want a genuinely capable machine that doesn't compromise on components or comfort just because it folds. This is a proper touring bike in a compact package, not a compromise design. The frame uses a Bike Friday fold mechanism to bring the bike down to a transportable size, and it comes with a dedicated carrying bag for moving it between destinations.

What makes the New World Tourist work for different riders is its adjustable geometry. The steering column has a riser that adjusts for reach, and the seatpost moves to dial in your riding position, so it genuinely fits a wide range of sizes. Someone at 6ft tall and someone at 5ft 3in can both ride it comfortably, which is unusual for a folding bike. This flexibility comes in handy if you're sharing the bike with a partner or swapping it between household members.

The drivetrain is sensible for a bike meant to carry luggage and cover distance. You get a Shimano 105 triple chainset with 52, 40 and 30 tooth rings paired to a 7-speed 13–30 cassette, which gives you 21 speeds total and genuinely low gearing for loaded climbing. The front mech is 105-level, the rear is a Shimano Acera, and shifting happens through SRAM Max Comp twist grips. It's not cutting-edge, but it's proven and easy to service on the road.

Stopping power comes from Shimano Deore V-brakes with Shimano XT levers, a decent match of strength and modulation. The wheels run Shimano XT hubs laced to Sun CR18 rims, shod with Schwalbe Marathon 20x1.50 tyres—a sensible touring tyre choice with decent puncture resistance for long rides. The pedals are EZY quick-release rat-trap types, which is handy for folding and storage.

For comfort, there's a Brooks Professional saddle, Thorn Comfort ergonomic handlebars and Cane Creek bar ends to vary hand position on longer rides. These are all components chosen by someone who actually uses a folding touring bike, not a parts bin assembly. The paintwork shows the scuffs and scratches you'd expect from a bike designed to be folded and travelled with regularly, but there's no rust or structural damage. The bike is in good working order and ready to ride.