Upgraded Folder

I found out about Mobic Bikes last year through a craigslist ad offering a demo folding bike for $350. We were in the market for a basic folding bike. I drove out to their warehouse/office in Fremont and gave it a test ride. I loved how zippily it rode and how simple it was. It supplemented our giant Mundo perfectly. As much as I'd love a Brompton or Bike Friday, those just weren't in our budget. 

Big Brother approved!

I got a message a few weeks ago from Michael Pan, founder of Mobic bikes. He let me know that they have some new models of folding bikes and one of the newer demo bikes was about to go on sale. He offered us a chance to upgrade our Mobic 415 since the seatpost had never been quite long enough for me, even with the longest one they offered. After looking into the new features of the Mobic Life, I jumped at the chance. We have had our Mobic for over a year now and although it's not one of the main bikes that we ride, I'm always really impressed when I hop on it for a spin. We've taken it on some longer rides and have had great use of it as a spare bike for friends (especially ones of smaller stature). 

Great for exchange students!

My dad and I loaded up the 415 and drove out to Fremont to their new headquarters. One ride on the Life and I was sold! The seatpost is longer and beefier, with hash marks for quick adjusting to your preferred seat height. The handlebars are adjustable now, the chainring is larger, the cassette has a wider gear range, and the brakes are stronger. Our folder is going from a great occasional ride to a sturdy everyday bike. The Life even folds easier and tighter than the 415. When folding the 415, you have to use the leg straps to help hold it all together. With the Life, a powerful set of magnets keeps it locked tight and the stem fits in between the wheels for a snug package. The tires are higher pressure and thicker, too. The fenders are now polycarbonate instead of aluminium and the wheels are quick-release instead of bolts. There are braze-ons for a bottle cage and a solid rack with bungee included. 

It is just an all-around better deal for the type of riding we like to do, making the Mobic Life an even better bike for our fleet. 

The 415 on the left and Life on the right.

I'm really excited to have our new Mobic around. Jose has already claimed it as his commuter since he lacks space at his job to store a big bike. It's pretty incredible to see all the changes Michael and his company have made since their original model. Michael has been great to work with and has happily answered all my questions. 

As an added bonus, I also got to test out these tube-less tires! They're not for sale, yet, but I am really intrigued  These narrow orange ones are comparable to a high-pressure road tire and there was a fatter (and sparkly yellow!) tire that would feel more like 35psi. They were a smooth ride, much lighter than I had anticipated. They felt like the EVO material that our Yepp seat was made out of (but I'm not sure if it was the same). From what Michael said, they're a pain-in-the-butt to install but once they're on, you never have to worry about changing them until you wear them out. They're also a surprisingly reasonable cost at $25-45, depending on your bike's rims. This could be pretty life changing for many bike commuters as you'd never have to worry about getting to work late or dirtying up your fancy duds due to changing a flat.