There are many remarkable things you can do on a Bike Friday. As you may have seen in our newsletter, blogs, and across our social media, one of the most popular genres of adventures among owners is touring. It’s always been part of the Bike Friday promise: a bike compact enough to fold into a suitcase, yet durable and comfortable enough for you to cross continents once you have unfolded at the far end.
Of course, your Bike Friday may serve you just as well as a daily workhorse or a weekend cruiser. But if you’ve ever been curious about pushing your limits, about discovering what your bike is truly capable of, touring might be the next step.
One thing we have in abundance is community wisdom. Our riders have taken their Fridays far and wide, and they’re generous with what they’ve learned, here are their lessons, tips and tricks.
Getting a Proper Fit for Long-Distance Comfort
Bike Fridays are built to fit you, meaning that out of the box you already have a bike that is capable of giving you the geometry you need to ride long distances whilst looking after your body, but like any new machine, they reward careful setup. Dialing in the cockpit unlocks comfort and control on long rides, especially when carrying gear. Terry D. S. emphasized how worthwhile it was to get fitted properly:
“Get a professional bike fit that includes saddle recommendations. It made all the difference and they love the challenge. It helped with both of my BFs.”
How to Pack Your Bike Friday for Stable Touring
Once you’re rolling, balance becomes the next lesson. Bike Fridays can carry plenty, so careful weight placement can have positive effects on stability. Cy B. found that moving gear to the front of the bike helped neutralize handling quirks:
“I have mass in front panniers, they remove the ‘squirrelly’ feel…”
Others make use of our signature trailer system, which transforms the bike’s packing suitcase into a rolling gear hauler such as Gerda M. E.:
“The raincover of the backpack fit over the suitcase to keep things dry during rain. It is also a great place to put the solar panel to keep devices charged up.”
Riders quickly learn that testing your loaded setup—on local roads, in wind, and on hills—pays off before you ever leave town. So go for a ride before setting off and spend some time evenly distributing your load across the bike.
Folding and Packing Your Bike Friday for Travel
Folding and packing a Bike Friday is a skill that improves with practice. At first, it can feel awkward, but after a few tours, many riders come to see it as a part of the rhythm of travel. Kevin R. encourages others to get hands-on early:
“Practice packing and unpacking your bike a few times… Have an idea how heavy it is fully packed.”
And for those not circling back to a base, Robin V. suggests preparing for a looser itinerary:
“Come up with a semi-disposable packing system… so you don’t have to go back to where you left your suitcase, roam as you like and when you’re ready to go home, figure out what mode of transport will work.”
Although of course a suitcase trailer is an excellent solution to this particular logistic hurdle.
These small logistics—how your gear fits, where the weight lands, what gets packed versus carried—become part of the joy (or headache) of every tour. Planning them well makes all the difference.
See our manuals & instructions page for a detailed guide on how to pack your Bike Friday
Essential Spares to Carry When Touring on a Bike Friday
Bike Friday owners know: 20-inch wheels are easy to carry.
“I would recommend spare tire, spare tubes and replacement spokes. They are not a size small town bike shops will stock.” — James M.
“Take a spare tyre!” — Chris O.
Walter notes that 20-inch wheels are inherently stronger than their larger counterparts, making it unlikely that you’ll need to replace a spoke. This was evident when we received 20-year-old trade-ins still equipped with their original wheelsets. However, carrying a spare set is still a good idea-just in case the unlikely does happen.
Bike Friday use non-proprietary by design. This means replacement parts are generally easy to source while on the road. However, in many developing countries, components we often take for granted such as integrated shifters or disc brakes can be nearly impossible to find.
That’s why it pays to know your bike’s components and carry spares for anything that might be difficult to replace. For longer tours, bringing essentials like an extra shift and brake cable and at least one backup set of brake pads can be crucial. These items won’t take up much space or add noticeable weight, but they can make all the difference when you’re far from a well-stocked bike shop.
Additionally, having a basic understanding of bike maintenance and component adjustment is invaluable. Many bike shops and community co-ops offer hands-on courses that teach you how to adjust brakes and derailleurs, fix a flat, or even plug a tubeless tire. A little knowledge can go a long way in keeping your ride smooth and stress-free, no matter where your tour takes you.
Choosing the Right Camping Gear for Bike Touring
When camping, a good tent that packs small can mean the difference between bulky frustration and perfect pannier symmetry. Caroline M. suggests an ultralight setup: “Check out the Big Agnes ultralight 3 person tents. Several models fit in a pannier with space left over. In Sweden, one can camp on any land for 1 night without even asking permission—it’s national law.” Smart campers match lightweight gear with lightweight expectations. Don’t bring everything—bring what gets used, fits well, and serves multiple purposes.Taking Advantage of Folding Flexibility While Touring
Just because you are bike touring doesn’t mean you are locked into pedalling every mile. For Charley L., that adaptability of a folding bike has shaped how he travels:
“BF is my tip for long distance touring. Foldable for unexpected public transport, trailer so much easier for packing. As a senior, step through is great after a long day.”
That kind of flexibility can shape routes, save tours gone sideways, or simply offer a break on a tough day. Folding the bike for a train, catching a bus across a storm zone, or slipping it into a hotel closet, all of it makes for a more enjoyable experience and less stress!
What Experienced Bike Friday Tourers Want You to Remember
Among the most frequent advice from experienced riders wasn’t about gear at all. It was simpler than that.
“Have fun. Enjoy party pace. A little gravel ride doesn’t bother.” — Mike S.
“Just ride.” — Marshall H.
You’ll learn as you go. You’ll change your setup over time. You’ll add gear, remove gear, forget things, get better. Touring on a Bike Friday isn’t about perfection—it’s about possibility.
If you’re looking for deeper insight, Cy B. recommends CrazyGuyOnABike:
https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/categories/?o=3d2
Thank you to our community for their contributions to this topic. If you would like to tap into this wealth of experience visit our community page, that has all the links to our various platforms.
