Gaerlan Custom Cycles is a small operation specializing in folding and travel bikes. We started building bicycles in the early 90's. Because we travel with our bicycles, we realize the need for quality travel bikes. Our bike design and selection philosophy have evolved from the lessons learned from each cycling trip.

What we lack in size, we more than make up for in service. We treat each customer as we would want to be treated.

Aside from building our own travel bike, we are also dealers for other folding bike manufacturers. Not everybody ride long distances. Some prefer shorter miles and exploring small pockets. Some just like to commute. By offering other types of folding bikes, we can better match your needs and price points.

When you give us a call, we listen to you to get a clear understanding of your intended use for the folding bike. We can then point you to the direction of either a folding commute bike or a travel folding bike. We explain to you "what" and "what not" to expect from your folding bike. Our primary goal is to educate you.

As a web based bike company, most of our sales are via mail order. If geographically practical, we will gladly meet with you so you can try the folding bikes we carry.

We hope that now you have a good picture of who we are. If you have any more questions, please feel free to call, fax or email.

Folding bikes are bicycles equipped with hinges and pivots to allow folding or disassembly. In its folded state, it is easier to carry or transport for travel.

Not all folding bikes are created equal. Unfortunately, some manufacturers misrepresent their folding bikes as "do-it-all" bikes.

Our goal at Gaerlan Custom Cycles is to educate you on the different types of folding bikes. By explaining the characteristics of each bike, we hope to match a folding bike compatible with your need.

We categorize folding bikes as either commute folders or travel bike folders.

Commute folders are designed to fold in seconds. No tools or wheel removal required. All the parts stay on the bike after it's folded. Nothing dangles in its folded state. Its primary use is for commuting. It usually uses 20" or smaller wheels with 7 speed gearing or less. Its most impressive features are folding speed and compactness.

A typical application is a combination bike-train commute. You bike a few miles to a train station and board with your folded bike. At the end of the train ride, you unfold your bike and finish your commute with a bike ride.

Which one is Best ?

The most expensive bike is not always the best. The best bike is the one that matches your needs.

If your intended use is commuting and you mistakenly buy a travel folder, it is like expecting a moving van to drive and park as easily as a compact car. Buying a folding commute bike with the intention of touring is like expecting a 2 seater car to carry your sofa bed and TV. Honestly evaluate your needs and match them to the bike !

Folding Bike Travel

Do not let the type of folding bike limit your travel plans. Whether you have a folding commute bike or folding travel bike, you can expand the range of your adventure by combining bike travel with other modes of transportation. With a few examples, we hope to encourage you to bring your bike on your next vacation.

Packaged Bus Trip and a Commute Bike

Thumb through your Sunday papers travel section and see the wide assortment of prepackaged "all inclusive" trips. With their huge buying power, these packaged tours can offer air, hotel and all ground transportation at a cost hard to beat if you were to purchase each component separately.

By carrying a commute folding bike in a suitcase, you can forego those extra side tours they sell when you get to a city. Imagine arriving in Paris with a folding bike. After checking in to your hotel, you can unfold your bike and explore the city. No need to follow a tour leader like a herd of sheep. Use your 8 speed folding commute bike to see the Eiffel Tower or the Champ S'elysee. Going to a museum ? Bag the bike and check it in at the concierge. If you're lucky enough to take a multi city European tour, you can explore other cities on 2 wheels.

A Hawaii Bike Tour

Look through the ads in bicycling magazines and dream about the exotic cycling adventures offered by different touring companies. When you call for prices, its back to reality. They typically cost about $200 a day a person for just land cost - NO airfare included ! Add to this the airline surcharge for shipping your bike.

With a limited travel budget, we were in the same situation last year. Armed with our travel bikes, travel books and some common sense, we organized our own Maui bike adventure. Our biking adventure was designed for the more experienced cyclist.

Using the vacation division of a commercial airline, we booked air and hotel at logistically located towns in Maui. Each hotel is within a days ride from the next. Upon arriving at the airport, our first hotel conveniently had a shuttle which picked us up and our travel folding bikes in their suitcases. All bikes were assembled at the first hotel and all bike cases stored for the duration of our island loop. We carried our panniers and toured Maui for 12 days. Total cost - under $120 a day - INCLUSIVE of air, hotels and all meals. The savings alone is enough to buy a travel bike !

By showing you 2 possible uses of a folding bike - whether it be a commute or travel type - we hope to inspire you to plan your next vacation using your bike as transportation. There are a lot of resources available to help you plan your adventure. There are travel books, web sites and newsgroups to help you research and learn from others' experiences. Please feel free to call, fax or email us if you need help.

The primary reason for bringing a bike on your next vacation is not only the cost savings. It is also the interaction that develops between you and the people of a foreign land. On a bike, you see, feel, smell and touch things that no traveller on a bus will ever experience. You can stop to smell the flowers, shake hands with the locals, explore alleyways and eat in local restaurants. The possibilities are endless.

Use your folding bike as an exploratory tool and we promise you a vacation superior bar none !