Features
Innovative, compact bike with cool, modern design in sleek silver--perfect for your urban metropolis
Breakaway design enables easy storage; also includes folding pedals, detachable handlebar
Precision 4-speed, smooth-shift gearing makes it ride like a full-size bike
Fully-adjustable seatpost (with cushioned seat) and handlebar stem to fit any physique
Unique non-greased, maintenance-free rubber belt drive
Description
Blending striking modern design with common-sense functionality, the iXi Compact Breakaway Bicycle is a great choice for everyday, pollution-free transportation in your urban metropolis. Innovative features make the iXi compact, comfortable and convenient, exceptionally portable, hassle-free and fun to ride. The wheels are small, but the precision 4-speed, smooth-shift gearing makes it ride like a full-size bike.
This Breakaway model is easy to store in cramped apartments or in your office, thanks to the patented Interlock Joint. This unique joint lets you take the iXi apart in seconds using an on-board Allen wrench, making for simple, compact storage in even the smallest car trunk. ThereÕs even a built in carrying handle for added convenience.
The traditional greasy chain has been replaced by a breakthrough, maintenance-free rubber belt drive, eliminating black marks on pants, skirts, shoes and socks. It offers a 4-speed Shimano Inter-4 shifting with an 80-tooth front chainwheel that provides plenty of get up and go when you need it--even climbing hills. The cushioned seat and handlebars are adjustable to fit your riding style just right. The front cap opens to reveal a secret storage compartment that holds a rain poncho and the seatpost conceals another compartment with an included tire repair kit. Other features include:
-High-pressure iXi Air XS tires with heat-treated T6 aluminum rims
-Shimano Nexus internal 4-speed rear hub with coaster brake
-Front 140 millimeter stainless steel front disc with cable actuated brake
-Quick-fold pedal with reflectors
-Quick-release stem
-Beverage holder
Specifications:
Frames and forks: 6061 Aluminum with T4 and T6 Heat Treatment
Seat: Synthetic grain stitched seat with 3m Reflective patch and Gel Comfort unisex ergonomic support
Wheel: 6061 Aluminum Heat treated Rims with powdercoat stainless steel spokes
Gearing: Shimano 4 Speed Internal Hub Gear(with Rear Coaster Brake)with Twist shift controls
Dimensions, ready to ride: 56 by 24 by 39 inches (L x W x H)
Dimensions,folded handlebars and pedals: 56 by 11 by 39 inches (L x W x H)
Dimensions, fully collapsed: 36 by 15 by 24 inches (L x W x H) Weight: 26 pounds
This review is from: iXi Bike Breakaway Compact Bike (Sports)
I had the bike for a couple of months and I like it. The makers of this bike packed a lot of features into this little package.
Strengths:
1)It is light.
2)The aluminum frame is rigid and very well made. I expect many years of good use. Rust may be a thing of the past.
3)The front stainless steel disk-break is solid. I don't see this feature on many bikes of this type.
4)The design is unique and attractive to some. I am a fan.
5) All the tools are hidden beautifully within the frame and seat post. There is no need for an additional tool pouch.
6)The drive train is surprisingly strong (no chain) and clean (one of the main reasons I bought it). It's made of the same material as some motorcycle's drive trains. It is very quiet. The only sound you hear on the road is the tires.
7)It comes apart in seconds.
8)There are quite a few optional accessories that add more functionality to the bike.
9)The high pressure tires mean faster rides and less work (think road bike).
10)When the handlebars and pedals are folded, it takes up very little space.
11)Carrying handle integrated into the design. It allows for a balanced one-hand operation.
12)Adjusting the bike for different size riders is a breeze.
13)The absence of a top tube means you can get on and off very fast and easy. This is specially attractive for people with stiff limbs like me.
Weaknesses:
1)The rear brake should only be used in emergencies (as specified by the manufacturer). It is not meant for everyday use. The front brake is enough for most applications.
2)Use of the front break can be an adventure. Unless you enjoy going over the handle bars (which will happen if the front brake is firmly engaged at high speeds), you have to monitor your speed, specially when going down hill.
3)The gear shifter is not very reliable. I can count on two of the four gears consistently.
4)The four gears limits it's use to fairly flat areas.
5)The unique geometry puts the center of gravity pretty high on the bike. That means you have to ride low on steep hills or the bike will pop a willy on you.
6)Breaking the bike in half is only useful if you are going to transport it in your vehicle (for trips to the beach, park, vacations, etc.). It is unpractical for commuting on buses, the metro, or train. The pieces are too large and clumsy to be carrying around on both hands. The optional carrying bag is not practical for this purpose, either.
7)Replacing the rear tires is not intuitive; I had to look at the instructions on their website.
8)Non-standard parts may be hard to find.
9)Due to the limited production, low advertising, and high price, the bike may not be around for too long ( I hope it catches on with consumers).
10)Tubes are readily available at most bike shops, but the tires aren't.
I'm a fan of the bike and I hope it catches on.
My bike is currently set up with a few accessories that I strongly recommend. The rear basket and fender are a must if you go grocery shopping. So far I've been able to take it inside the store with no issues. The fenders are essential in rainy areas. They are made of nearly indestructible material and work well. The cup holder and bell are nice to have, but the repair kit is a must (it hides neatly inside the seat post). The head and tail lights are essential, but I decided to get them somewhere else.
The bike fits nicely inside my Mini Cooper when it's broken in half. I can fit this bike and my wife's Bike Friday into her '05 Rav4, and still have room to spare. If you own a larger vehicle I would recommend the standard compact bike. You will save your self a couple hundred dollars. The breakaway model has limited functionality. A Bike Friday makes a better commuter and overall bike, but they are more expensive.
Edit (Apr 10, 2010):
I gave it a try, but I had to let it go. I experienced a few issues with it, but they were significant. To start the break-away model is really, and I mean really, not worth the extra expense. For example, every time you break the bike in half you have to disconnect the cable, which stretches it. Overtime you have to readjust the gears. After a while, it is not possible to readjust the cable anymore and you have to replace it. If you break the bike often, plan on replacing the cable regularly.
I found the HUB to be pretty reliable, but if anything should go wrong, there are very few reputable places that would be willing to work on it. I visited five surrounding shops, some with over thirty years experience, and said that there are too many moving parts inside the HUB to deal with. I did find a recently opened shop that was far too eager to mess with my bike. I think he was trying to use my bike for practice. In any case, it wasn't the hub that needed work. I replaced the cable and all was well.
Stay away from the fenders. The system used to attach them to the frame are too flimsy. I had to remind my self to check them every time I transported the bike on my car. They come off easily and some of the smaller attachments can get lost, rendering the fenders useless. Beside they are too expensive.
Lastly, the Kevlar belt can be a pain to keep perfectly centered. If it is not perfectly centered, it rubs against the side of the rear hub making it difficult to pedal. It can be a pain.
