Here at Montague, we know that our bikes can be something of a conversation starter. While they have the same ride quality as non-folding bikes, the double top-tube on the pavement bikes and the thicker mono tube on the mountain bikes do draw some attention, inquisitive looks, and questions.
People want to know why the bike looks a little different. Of course, the bike looks different because it folds. Although it has full-size wheels, it still folds down to about 3’x3’x1’, small enough to fit in a car trunk or a closet, or take on the train during rush hour. It’s the innovative frame design that allows the bikes to fold, and ride like they don’t.
Montague Folding Bikes vs. Pop Culture
I didn’t think there was much out there that could top Montague folding bikes in terms of performance and portability – until I saw these awesome drawings by Mike Joos (you can check out his blog and Etsy Store). I mean, sure, you can fold a Montague in under 20 seconds – but check out this drawing:
Photo courtesy of Mike Joos
Iron Man on a palm laser bike? We think we do pretty well in terms of compact folding size, but Iron Man – he might have us beat on this front. He can suck the bike right back into his hand for the ultimate in portability.
And in terms of performance? You can get up a good head of speed on a Montague folding bike – but with Millennium Falcon wheels, you can make the jump to light speed.
Photo courtesy of Mike Joos.
And while we’re always working to improve our technology, we just don’t have anything like that to offer…yet.
And then there’s this bike – giving new meaning to the phrase “Stop on a Dime”.
Photo courtesy of Mike Joos
Although considering FDR suffered from polio, I’m not sure he’d be able to ride a bike at all, but let’s hope he makes a stunning recovery.
Montague does have advantages over some of these cultural icons on bikes. For instance, if I know Cookie Monster, those wheels aren’t likely to make it too far.
Photo courtesy of Mike Joos.
But he’d probably be able to replace them at the nearest bakery, provided that he can stop himself from eating those too. Baking industry standard part, perhaps?
What’s your favourite combination of cycling and pop culture? Any other cultural icons you’d like to see on a bike? What would you do for the bike or wheels?
Are Montague Folding Bikes a Festivus Miracle*?
The Festivus pole in its unadorned, lusterless glory.
Many of us are familiar with the miracles associated with the holidays observed this time of year – for example the holy oil lasting for eight days instead of just the one after the reclaiming of the Temple for Hannukah or the virgin birth and bright star for Christmas. But what about Festivus? Does Festivus have miracles too?
Most of us have become acquainted with Festivus and its traditions through a Seinfeld episode that first aired in 1997. George’s father, Frank, observes Festivus to combat the commercialism that had, in his eyes, become an integral part of Christmas celebrations. (If memory serves, a dispute over a doll is central to the emergence of the holiday…)
Celebrated on December 23, Festivus is a secular holiday, featuring a number of traditions, including the Festivus Feast; the Airing of Grievances (detailing how those present have disappointed you in the past year); the Festivus fruitcake (to be admired rather than eaten); the Feats of Strength (wherein the challengers must pin the Head of Household in a wrestling match); and, of course, the Festivus pole: an unadorned, lusterless aluminum pole. (Ironically, you can find them for sale at www.festivuspoles.com. Is Festivus experiencing the slow conversion to commercialism that has, in the eyes of Festivus celebrants, tainted other December holidays? Only time will tell).
One of the most interesting components of Festivus to me is this Festivus pole. Why a plain aluminum pole? Well in the words of Frank Costanza, “It’s made from aluminum. Very high strength-to-weight ratio.” Montague folding bike frames are also made from aluminum, for precisely the same reason. So in a pinch, if you can’t lay your hands on a Festivus pole (or don’t want to purchase one for $39.95), you could just congregate around your folding bike. It might just be a Festivus miracle.
Another eerie similarity between the Festivus pole and Montague folding bikes? Festivus poles, when not in use, easily collapse for storage in the crawl space. While Montague folding bikes don’t collapse, they do fold easily for storage in your closet, under your desk, or in your trunk. Is this another Festivus miracle? Perhaps so.
A folding bike, with its lusterless aluminum top tubes, can double as a Festivus pole.
How do You Celebrate?
What holiday are you celebrating this time of year? Have you ever celebrated Festivus? (If so, how did the Feats of Strength turn out?). Tell us about any other Festivus miracles. What’s your favourite holiday tradition, Festivus or otherwise?
*Festivus Miracle = Easily Explainable Event.