For cycling enthusiasts who crave adventure without being weighed down by logistical nightmares, the Pocket Rocket Bike emerges as a game-changer. Imagine a high-performance road bike that effortlessly folds into a suitcase, ready to accompany you on any journey. This isn’t a fantasy; it’s the reality offered by the Bike Friday Pocket Rocket series. For years, cyclists have sought a travel companion that doesn’t compromise on ride quality, and the Pocket Rocket delivers precisely that – and more.
My Deep Dive into the Bike Friday Pocket Rocket Pro
Having been a dedicated Pocket Rocket rider since 1994, I can attest to the transformative impact this bike has on travel and cycling. My original Bike Friday Pocket Rocket has been a steadfast companion on countless vacations. However, my recent upgrade to the 2006 Pocket Rocket Pro has elevated the experience to a new level. This review will delve into my impressions of the Pro, highlighting what makes it a truly exceptional pocket rocket bike.
Perfecting the Fit: Customization Right Out of the Box
Before embarking on my latest cycling adventure, I dedicated time to fine-tuning the fit of my new Pocket Rocket Pro. Riding familiar routes in Santa Cruz, California, allowed me to dial in every aspect for optimal performance and comfort. Bike Friday’s ingenious adjustable stem is a standout feature. It permits on-the-fly experimentation to pinpoint the perfect handlebar height and reach, a crucial aspect of achieving an efficient riding posture.
The process is streamlined for user convenience. A pre-addressed, postage-paid FedEx box is included for returning the adjustable stem to Bike Friday after you’ve found your ideal settings. They then craft a custom stem based on your specifications and send it back. With the custom stem in hand, the final setup was straightforward: trimming cable housing, fine-tuning brakes and derailleurs, and installing my preferred Selle San Marco seat. This level of customization ensures that the Pocket Rocket Pro truly becomes an extension of the rider.
Ultegra 10-Speed: Performance and Professionalism
Comparing the Pocket Rocket Pro to my older model, the most immediate upgrade is the inclusion of Shimano’s Ultegra 10-speed groupset. This elegant component group, complete with a stock crankset, marks a significant step up in performance. While my original 8-speed Pocket Rocket performed admirably, achieving higher gearing required aftermarket modifications. The stock Ultegra crankset on the Pro not only lends a professional aesthetic but also optimizes space within the suitcase and ensures full utilization of Shimano’s engineering prowess.
For the gear enthusiasts, my previous setup involved a 56-tooth chainring with a 12-tooth cog, resulting in a 93-inch high gear. The Pro now boasts a 53-11 configuration, yielding a 96-inch high gear. This subtle but effective change highlights the performance-oriented design of the Pocket Rocket Pro.
The integration of the Ultegra groupset is so seamless that the only deviation from a standard road bike is a minor adjustment on the rear-derailleur cable housing. This modification accommodates the longer cable runs inherent in the folding frame, ensuring precise shifting across the 10-speed cassette. Beyond this, the Pocket Rocket Pro is a full-fledged Ultegra road machine, from the hubs to the quick releases, guaranteeing reliability and flawless shifting and braking performance.
Shimano’s Ultegra groupset has earned widespread acclaim for its exceptional blend of performance and value. It delivers the functionality of Dura-Ace at a more accessible price point. The silver/grey components of the Ultegra group beautifully complement the metallic blue paint of my Pro, creating a visually striking and high-end aesthetic.
Durable Finish for the Traveling Cyclist
Beyond its stunning appearance, the Pocket Rocket Pro’s finish is remarkably durable. The powder paint, applied electrostatically, is engineered to withstand the rigors of travel. This ruggedness is essential for a pocket rocket bike designed to endure the handling of baggage personnel. Despite the best packing efforts, baggage handling can be unpredictable, but the Pro’s finish offers peace of mind.
During my recent trip, the bike arrived in perfect condition, a testament to both the robust finish and the protective suitcase. Exploring new cycling destinations like The Big Island requires confidence in your equipment, and the Pocket Rocket Pro instilled that from the outset. The island’s smooth roads, courteous traffic, varied terrain, and pristine air provided an ideal testing ground for the Pro. Even early morning rides, popular among locals and tourists alike, were enhanced by the bike’s responsive and stable nature.
Stability and Efficiency: Riding Like a Full-Sized Bike
One of the most impressive aspects of the Pocket Rocket Pro is its immediate stability. Even with smaller wheels, it feels remarkably planted. From the moment I rolled out of the hotel parking lot, the bike felt sure-footed. Comparing wheelbases, the Pro is slightly longer than the older Pocket Rocket, and it features a different fork design. While the precise geometry and tubing modifications remain technical details, the result is a noticeably more stable ride, particularly at higher speeds and during descents.
This enhanced stability doesn’t compromise agility or responsiveness. Whether cruising, sprinting, or descending, the Pro feels composed and predictable. Even reaching speeds exceeding 40 mph felt secure, and no-handed riding at that speed was surprisingly stable. This stability translates to efficiency, making every pedal stroke count, especially during accelerations and climbs. The bike’s responsiveness when out of the saddle and its natural cornering feel, even on unfamiliar roads, reinforce its performance pedigree.
The Pocket Rocket Pro lives up to the reputation of Bike Friday bikes – riding as well as a full-sized road bike, capable of handling any cycling scenario. For cyclists seeking the ultimate portable and high-performing machine, the Pocket Rocket Pro stands as the definitive pocket rocket bike.
The Enduring Legacy of the Bike Friday Pocket Rocket
My journey with Bike Friday began in 1990, driven by a personal challenge: to cycle every day. This commitment required a reliable and adaptable bike, especially given my frequent travel schedule. Traditional bike travel methods – cardboard boxes or bulky bike cases – were fraught with airline fees and the risk of damage. Shipping via UPS presented its own uncertainties.
Ed Pavelka and the Folding Bike Revelation
The solution emerged unexpectedly through a colleague, Ed Pavelka, at Bicycling Magazine. Ed had discovered the Bike Friday Pocket Rocket, a folding bicycle that promised to revolutionize bike travel. Its ability to pack into a standard suitcase, traveling as regular luggage, was groundbreaking. The optional trailer kit, transforming the suitcase into a tow-behind, further enhanced its appeal for travel-oriented cyclists.
Intrigued, I contacted Bike Friday’s founders, Hans and Alan Scholtz. Their commitment to custom-built bikes, tailored to individual rider measurements, convinced me I was in capable hands. I ordered a Pocket Rocket, specifying a lightweight road racing configuration, and was promised delivery within two and a half weeks.
True to their word, seventeen days later, the bike arrived, neatly packed in its suitcase. The compact dimensions (22 x 29 x 10 inches) were astonishing, concealing a complete bicycle within. The robust plastic suitcase, equipped with wheels and handles, facilitated easy transport. Secure latches and a combination lock added a layer of protection.
Assembly and Ride: Instant Connection
Initial assembly took approximately thirty minutes, aided by the included tool kit and gloves. The ingenious design features that enabled such compact packing included 20-inch wheels, a folding frame, a swan-like stem, and split drop handlebars. With a little practice, packing and unpacking times reduced to just fifteen minutes each.
The ride quality immediately validated Ed’s enthusiastic endorsement. As a seasoned cyclist, Ed wouldn’t settle for subpar performance. Bike Friday’s ability to accommodate Ed’s unique physique (6’4” with a 34-inch inseam) assured me of their custom frame expertise. My fire-engine red Pocket Rocket exceeded expectations from the first ride. The small wheels accelerated rapidly, handling was precise, and the fit was perfect. Even the gearing felt comparable to my regular road bike.
Addressing the potential drawback of small wheels – a harsher ride – Bike Friday implemented a clever frame design. The tall, unsupported seat tube and stem provide slight flex, absorbing road imperfections and delivering a ride as comfortable as, if not more so, than traditional road bikes. This innovative approach distinguishes the Pocket Rocket from other small-wheeled bicycles.
The bike’s appearance might initially seem unconventional. However, once focused on the ride, the unique design fades into the background as the Pocket Rocket performs and feels indistinguishable from a standard road bike. Standing climbs, sprints, high-speed descents – all feel natural and responsive.
The trailer kit proved equally impressive. Assembling easily and hitching securely to the bike, it towed smoothly and quietly. While one trailer wheel requires separate packing, the added versatility for airport-to-hotel commutes and gear transport is invaluable.
A Travel Companion for Every Adventure
Over years of extensive use, my Pocket Rocket has proven its adaptability and resilience. It has traveled across Europe, navigated numerous domestic locations, and become an indispensable vacation companion.
From riding from Schiphol Airport to my Amsterdam hotel to joining group training rides, the Pocket Rocket seamlessly integrates into diverse cycling environments. It served as my commuter during a week-long clinic, eliminating rental car expenses. Family vacations become cycling opportunities, allowing me to explore destinations while the family travels by car, easily stowing the folded bike in the trunk.
The Pocket Rocket’s suitcase is also spacious enough to accommodate a compact indoor trainer, such as the Quickstand. This feature transforms hotel rooms into personal cycling studios, ideal for maintaining fitness in inclement weather or traffic-congested cities. For anyone committed to daily cycling, this adaptability is a game-changer.
Cycling Innovation at its Finest
In my extensive experience testing cycling products since 1983, including eight years as Bicycling Magazine’s New Products Editor, evaluating countless bikes and components, the Bike Friday Pocket Rocket stands out as a truly exceptional innovation. Having tested early clipless pedals, aero handlebars, indexed shifters, and numerous other advancements, the Pocket Rocket’s life-changing portability elevates it above the rest.
The entire editorial team at Bicycling Magazine embraced Bike Fridays, making them essential travel companions. Leading group rides at industry events on our mini-wheelers, we demonstrated their capabilities, converting skeptics into believers.
Performance That Defies Expectations
The most common misconception about pocket rocket bikes is their performance limitations. Riders often struggle to believe that such a compact machine can rival a full-sized road bike. The only way to truly convince them is to ride alongside them. On group rides, attempts to drop me on a Pocket Rocket often backfired. The smaller wheels offer an aerodynamic advantage in drafting, allowing for closer positioning and energy conservation. This advantage becomes particularly pronounced on climbs, where conserved energy translates to stronger performance.
While not a natural sprinter, the drafting benefit and accumulated energy often allow for competitive finishes. The bike’s performance capabilities have been further validated by others. Race Across America veteran Rob Templin achieved a strong finish in the grueling Mount Evans Hillclimb on his Pocket Rocket. Ed Pavelka recounts completing a 190-mile ride and the 112-mile El Tour de Tucson in impressive times on his Pocket Rocket.
For me, the Pocket Rocket’s greatest contribution has been its role in enabling my long-term goal of daily cycling. Despite setbacks, the Pocket Rocket has been instrumental in maintaining consistency and achieving this ambitious objective. Its portability and performance make it an unparalleled tool for any cyclist seeking freedom and adventure.
Discover the freedom of portable cycling with a pocket rocket bike and explore the world on two wheels, unburdened by travel constraints. Visit the Bike Friday website to learn more and begin your own Pocket Rocket adventure.
