Pacific IF Move—Folding the Future

Pacific IF Move—Folding the Future.

Function and style—the Pacific IF Move.

Are you always looking for the newest and coolest things in your life? There are lots of folding bikes out there, but none as different and modern as this Pacific IF Move. What really stands out about this artistic bike, is that it does the job it is intended for really well, all the while looking like no other bike in its class. In fact, there may not be another bike in its class.

It has some unique features, some that may not be as apparent as the ones you see. What you do see are the wheels that are attached on only one side. The asymmetrical front end is sculptured to match the fold and front wheel mounting, yet works to make the ride solid. That solidness is continued in a frame that speaks one-of-a-kind flow, but offers not a millimeter of flex. A big pair of disc brakes provide the stop factor, and add to the futuristic appearance.

Notice the “kickstand” in the seat post. Plus you can see how the wheels come completely together in the fold.

It would be impossible to talk about the IF Move and all it is, without making comparisons to its big brother, the Pacific IF Mode. Since I had both at the same time, the similarities and differences will be easy for me to relate. So as this review hits the paper, expect some discussion in this respect. As much as the seem very much the same and they share much, they are two different animals.

The Mode is a 26” wheeled bike with 2 speeds (in the BB), while the Move has 20” wheels and sports 9 gears at the back wheel. It is 7 ½ lbs, lighter than the Mode, carved down to a manageable 25 lbs. Some of this is its smaller size to be sure, but I would expect the more-or-less conventional spoked wheels give a big weight advantage over the Mode’s aluminum mag wheels. They use basically the same folding angles and procedure, but the way the bars collapse on this Move is a better design (in my opinion). They are not the same year model (I do believe) so the newer Mode might be more like this Move in that feature.

The bars sit low, something you may or may not like.

This IF Move is a much more ridable machine due to the extra gears and the lighter weight. I think this bike is a better choice for most people, yet the even more awesome look of the 26” Mode might make it more desirable. One thing about this bike that may sway you more toward the Mode is the low handlebar height. Neither is adjustable, and taller folk might feel like they are riding a drop bar road bike. Then again, you might just prefer it that way. I am 6’2” and would rather sit just a tad more upright.

I did find on both bikes that the pivots on the frame (where it folds) are kind of stiff. This is probably good, yet I have to use more effort than I expected to fold and unfold it. If you have seen the NYCeWheels video on this bike (and the IF Mode), then you’ll see Peter fling the bike open with an ease I can‘t seem to repeat. I plan on doing a fold / unfold video of both bikes (maybe before—maybe after I post this article), so keep an eye out for that (I’ll add that link at the bottom of this post later if necessary). BTW, it is NYCeWheels that supplied me both of these Pacific folding bikes for review. I would think they are the main dealer for Pacific, as I have not seen them anywhere else.

Move ready for riding fun and pleasure.

Riding the Move is about what you would expect from any decent folding bike. It rolls smooth on the large cross-section Maxxis tires. They do a great job on rough pavement and the beefy rims seem to take it all in stride. The stiff frame lets you give all your leg power to the road and the multi-gear, easy shifting drive train has good spacing for every condition I rode it in. You can make time on this fancy folder without any real concerns.

The look of the offset steering might lend you to thoughts of issues. It does have a touch of noticeable movement (one wobble?) when starting out (maybe the first 6 inches), but is better than perfect at all speeds. The straight bars and frame geometry allow it a great feel, good or better than other folding bikes I have tried in modern times. Whether on the cruise or carving turns, I was always in full control, with a smile, on the Move. The brakes are more than you need, and the control at the levers is exceptional.

Have you seen any of this on other bikes? I think not.

As far as the brakes go, I did need to make one small adjustment when I received the bike (other than this it came in perfect shape). I had to back off the adjustment of the rear brake a scoosh so it would roll freely when folded (in the folded mode it pulls on the cables just a bit). One cool thing about this Move (and the Mode), is the handle on the top of the stem that allows you to wheel it like a cart when folded. Although, if you roll it in the wrong direction the pedals will move while you roll it and catch on the frame.

Straight out of the box and ready to ride. NYCeWheels pre-tunes all their bikes to make sure you get a great experience.

More on the fold. Because the frame pivots are tight, I use my knee to get the proper pressure to overcome it during the fold (this you will see in the video). Also, the handlebars on this Move have a better mechanism to secure them when in riding position, and an internal cable they dangle from when in the folded mode. On both the Move and the Mode, the way the bar ends fold is a little weird, yet the ones on the this Move are my preference. One last thing here, there is a spring-loaded, retractable V shaped “kickstand” in the bottom of the seat post, something the Mode could use too. This holds the bike upright in the folded or unfolded position.

We rode the IF Move and Mode in a recent Christmas parade. Yes, we got a lot of looks and questions.

Well, check out the photos and videos. Both these bikes from Pacific are eye catchers and ride fantastic. They have broken the mold for folding bikes and they perform as good as they look. If you do like people to notice your ride, it is hard to beat either one of these futuristic bikes. NYCeWheels knows what works and doesn’t, that’s why you will find them on their website and on their sales floor.

Different can be better, Turbo Bob.

“Sometimes I just ride my bike to nowhere, to see nothing, just so I can ride my bike”.—Unknown.

Check NYCeWheels for more info on the Pacific IF Move

http://www.nycewheels.com/

https://www.facebook.com/NYCeWheels?fref=ts

The IF Move made it into to many of my videos.