The tikit comes in two basic forms: the Hyperfold tikit, in which the handlebar stem is locked down using an innovative cable, and the Impulse Fold or Model-T tikit, in which the handlebar stem is locked down using a knob (like on a Brompton).

The tikit also comes in three sizes: small, medium, and large, plus options for heavier riders. The small and medium tikits generally use thinner tubing than the large. Thus they are slightly lighter but are also more flexible.

Below are various tikit models, plus special issues and recommended upgrades based on model year.

2007 Models

tikit.


2007 latch arm.
Click for larger version.
Courtesy of Vik Banerjee

8-speed rear derailleur. Early tikit models used two brake cables to hold the stem clamp in place, and had a long slotted latch arm (the so-called dinosaur) which was prone to bending. The off-the-shelf model was available in a mixture of blue and black. This is a "hyperfold" tikit, though the term was not used in 2007.

Special Issues

This model used a slotted latch arm for locking the bike in folded position. This latch arm could bend out of position, making the bike unable to stay folded.

Recommended Upgrades


A Longer Latch Arm Bolt.
Click for larger version.
Courtesy of Vik Banerjee
  • Add the tikit safety brace (Critical) or replace the aardvark. Call Bike Friday.
  • Replace the two brake cables with the hyperfold cable (2008) or with a twiddly knob (2008). Call Bike Friday.
  • Replace the 2007 plastic stem catch with a metal stem catch. Call Bike Friday.
  • Replace the 2007 plastic seatmast catch with a metal seatmast catch. Call Bike Friday.
  • Replace the bolt for the latch arm with a longer bolt (see image at right). The latch arm distance is specified by the bolt, and too short a bolt can cause the bike to tend to fall over in folded position.
  • Replace the chainguard with a stiffer guard. Call Bike Friday.

2008 Models

Hyperfold tikit.

8-speed rear derailleur. This model replaced the two brake cables with a single large-diameter cable, and upgraded the latch arm (the dinosaur to a stiffer version without a slot. Certain early 2008 models may have the original 2007 latch arm. Many 2008 models also have a metal stem catch, but it is too thin and can be upgraded to a thicker metal.

Model-T and "Impulse Fold" tikits.

8-speed rear derailleur. The Model-T is the base model of the impulse fold tikit version, which replaced the two brake cables with a "twiddly knob" similar to that found on the Brompton.

Special Issues

  • See the 2007 model latch arm special issues above if you have an early 2008 model.
  • Some 2008 hyperfold models had incorrect cable routing which enabled the hyperfold cable to crush the derailleur cable. See Common Problems? for suggested cable routing.

Recommended Upgrades

  • Add the tikit safety brace (Critical) or replace the aardvark. Call Bike Friday.
  • Replace the 2007 plastic stem catch or 2008 thin metal stem catch with a thicker metal stem catch. Call Bike Friday.
  • Replace the chainguard with a stiffer guard. Call Bike Friday.
  • See the 2007 model latch arm recommended upgrades above if you have an early 2008 model.

2009 Models

This model year introduced a variety of tikits, some with adjustable dropouts and some with fixed vertical dropouts. Near the end of the year Bike Friday introduced versions of the bikes with a modular dropout system.

Just the tikit.

Hyperfold version, same as before. Available in solid blue.

Model T tikit.

Same as before.

Build-To-Order Tikits

Build-to-order tikits are available in many colors.

  • (BTO) Just the tikit. Either twiddly knob or hyperfold. 8-speed rear derailleur.
  • Express tikit. Either twiddly knob or hyperfold. 9-speed Capreo cassette, rear derailleur.
  • Carbon Express tikit. Carbon components. Either twiddly knob or hyperfold. 9-speed Capreo cassette, rear derailleur, special Bike Friday Sport H Bars.
  • One Way tikit. Adjustable dropouts. Either twiddly knob or hyperfold. Single or fixed speed.
  • Travel tikit. Either twiddly knob or hyperfold. 24-speed Dual Drive. Not available in size Small (due to conflicts between the Dual Drive and folding).
  • Speeding tikit. Either twiddly knob or hyperfold. 20-speed front and rear derailleurs. Front derailleurs are braze-on. This version is designed to be extremely light (down to 17 pounds).
  • Season tikit. Either twiddly knob or hyperfold. 8-speed Shimano Nexus rear hub. Adjustable dropouts. This version is often incorrectly referred to as a Seasons tikit.

Recommended Upgrades

  • Add the tikit safety brace (Critical) or replace the aardvark. Call Bike Friday.
  • Replace the 2008-2009 thin metal stem catch with a thicker metal stem catch. Call Bike Friday.
  • Replace the chainguard with a stiffer guard. Call Bike Friday.

2010 Models

This model year revised the aardvark with a new design with a unified handle, negating the need for the safety brace.

Just the tikit.

Hyperfold version, same as before. Available in solid blue.

Model T tikit.

Same as before. Available in solid black.

Build-To-Order Tikits

Same as before, with customizable dropouts. Build-to-order tikits are available in many colors.

2011 Models


2011 Tripod Leg .
Click for larger version.
Courtesy of "Quiwi"

2011 tikits added an adjustable latch peg to enable you to more easily get the bike to stay stable in folded position. They also changed the tripod leg to a replaceable bolted-on version. A new version of the bike also adopted a belt drive in lieu of a chain.

Model T tikit.

Same as before. Available in solid black.

First Class tikit.

Hyperfold version. Customizable dropouts. 8-speed Nexus rear hub.

Carbon Drive tikit.

Gates carbon belt design rather than a chain. Customizable dropouts. Either 8-speed Alfine, 8-speed Nexus, 8-Speed Nexus Red Stripe, or 11-speed Alfine rear hub.