Need a bike to bikepack. Paratrooper ?

[VERDUG0]

Hey guys,

I'd like your point of view,  I'm looking for a bike who could basically:
- get on trains
- get on planes (on a carboard package) without taking the standard "bike package" which is annoying, and sometimes expensive

- be quite fast. I will ride in hilly terrains, as well as on flat roads
- withstand trails, but not bumpy ones.

- I don't want a bike that folds on the middle of the frame
- 30 lbs is the limit

For now, I'm thinking Montague Paratrooper. Or ChangeBike (but this one is way too expensive)
How is it on

Anything to say on the Paratrooper?
I'm all ears

[Area54]

I've serviced a few montagues, I was very impressed by the higher spec models, I'd definitely run one if I had the need for that specific type of bike for 'packing trips - MIGHT be easier to transform for carry (as in back sling carry for sensitive trails) or for packraft.

[VERDUG0]

Thank you for that answer. I'm planning to packraft with it also, so foldability is important.

I'm looking for one on a budget,  and now I see two options;
- second hand market
- buy the frame, and then build the bike from there

[Racingguy04]

have you thought about couplers? they install in the middle of a frame and the frame comes apart instead of folding. Or is that what you're trying to avoid?

[VERDUG0]

I didn't know this kind of frames, but no, that's what I don't want.
Anyway, I think I will go with the paratrooper.

[dgjessee]

I actually own a Montague I found in a local shop for $150. Might have overpaid but it was in good shape and what I was looking for, the folding is super easy, and still works flawlessly. All original parts and I'm actually quite impressed with how well it all still works since it's pretty much all plastic. Heavy as hell though.

[VERDUG0]

dgjessee: what model was it?
never heard of a plastic bike before ...

There are not much US bikes where I'm from, so I won't be able to find a paratrooper on second hand; it'd be my wish though ...

My mind is quite made up on that model, I stll need to fnd an extremely good deal on that model

[dgjessee]

I meant that all the major shifting components are plastic, like brake levers and shifters. It's a red Schwinn Montague Bi-Frame, technically, which I believe is the paratrooper.

[Area54]

The ones I've worked on were this style:

http://www.montaguebikes.com/paratrooper-folding-military-bike.html

Only with 9spd XO and a reba fork, was a decent bike!

[VERDUG0]

dgjessee: yours seems fine, it's not a full-size folding, but if you are satisfied with the brand, it's good news!

PS: I'm fairly new to bike, and haven't seen any mnotague bike in my life...
It's not a brand well implanted where I live.

Thanks guys!

[dgjessee]

Ah, I see the difference. My bad.

[VERDUG0]

By the way, if anyone can think of a full size mountain bike (26" at least), please let me know.

Dgjessee: not at all, any thoughts on this brand is welcome, thank you

[Racingguy04]

Look into couplers, http://ticycles.com/TCF/sands.html you can ride a normal bike frame, and still have it pack down super small.

[VERDUG0]

Okay, Now I have the frame (paratrooper).

The head tube is quite short (at 11cm, compared to my 29er at 16cm). How should I pick a fork then?

[CraigT]

I realize this is an older thread and you may have already replaced the fork.  But, for those who are considering a similar purchase, here's my experience.  First, let me say the Montague is a high-quality bike.  The design is sound, the welds are excellent, and the components are reasonable for the specific price point.  An added benefit of the Montague is that all of the components are industry standard, so you can easily and inexpensively swap components (crank, bars, stems, etc.) to tweak the bike to your preferences. 

Several years ago, I purchased a used Montague Swiss Bike X and due to the condition, upgraded the drive train and controls to XT.  The OEM fork was entry-level and I preferred a rigid fork for a bikepacking setup.  My communication with the Montague technical staff was informative and beneficial.  It revealed all of the Swiss Bike X models and the Paratrooper used the same frame and the fork could be replaced with a rigid one duplicating the length of a suspension fork with 80-120 mm of travel and still yield good handling characteristics. 

I chose to replace the front fork with a Surly Troll fork.  The exchange was inexpensive (about $109), mechanically simple, and worked well.  The Troll fork is compatible  with either V-brakes, or disc and provides mounting points for Anything Cages.  I cut the steering tube higher than the OEM fork to raise the handlebars (used 40mm of spacers).   

I've been very pleased with the bike and the folded size meets Amtrak's carry-on requirements.