Bike Friday All Packa: The Ultimate Folding Touring Bike vs. Velo Orange Neutrino
Bike Friday All Packa: The Ultimate Folding Touring Bike vs. Velo Orange Neutrino
When exploring the world of 20-inch wheel bicycles, two models frequently stand out for riders seeking compact, versatile, and adventure-ready machines: the Bike Friday All Packa and the Velo Orange Neutrino. While both bikes share a similar wheel size and a utilitarian ethos, they cater to entirely different cycling philosophies. The All Packa is a premium, custom-built folding touring bike designed for global expeditions, whereas the Neutrino is a stylish, budget-friendly mini-velo aimed at urban commuters and weekend explorers.
Design Philosophy and Intended Use
The fundamental difference between these two bicycles lies in their core design philosophy and the scenarios they are built to conquer.
- Bike Friday All Packa: Designed as the ultimate travel companion, the All Packa is built to be folded into a standard airline-checkable suitcase. It is engineered specifically for loaded touring, bikepacking, and randonneuring. Every aspect of the bike is optimized for durability and long-distance comfort, making it a favorite among globetrotting cyclists who need a full-sized riding experience in a packable format.
- Velo Orange Neutrino: The Neutrino is a mini-velo that embraces the classic French porteur style. It is designed primarily for city commuting, grocery runs, and light touring. Unlike the All Packa, the Neutrino does not fold. Its compact size is achieved purely through the 20-inch wheels and a cleverly designed frame, making it easy to store in apartments or carry onto transit, but it lacks the true packability of a folding bike.
Frame Geometry and Customization
The approach to frame building highlights the distinct market positions and price points of these two brands.
- Custom Fit vs. Standard Sizing: The Bike Friday All Packa is custom-welded in Eugene, Oregon, to match the rider's exact measurements, riding style, and preferred handlebar/saddle setup. This ensures optimal comfort for long days in the saddle. In contrast, the Velo Orange Neutrino is produced in standard sizes (Small, Medium, Large) using TIG-welded chromoly steel, offering a more traditional off-the-rack fit.
- Material and Construction: Both frames utilize high-quality chromoly steel, known for its lively ride feel, durability, and ease of repair. However, Bike Friday's proprietary frame couplers (which allow the frame to fold in half) add a layer of mechanical complexity and engineering prowess that the rigid Neutrino frame does not possess.
Portability and Travel Capabilities
For cyclists who frequently fly or take public transit, portability is often the ultimate deciding factor.
- The All Packa's Folding Advantage: The All Packa utilizes Bike Friday's robust folding mechanism, allowing the bike to be packed into a 62-linear-inch suitcase. This is a critical feature for touring cyclists, as it allows the bike to fly as standard checked luggage, avoiding exorbitant oversized baggage fees. Once unpacked, the suitcase can even be converted into a touring trailer to carry extra gear.
- The Neutrino's Rigid Compactness: The Neutrino lacks a folding mechanism, meaning it cannot be packed into a standard suitcase without extensive disassembly. However, its small wheels mean it takes up significantly less space in a car trunk or a crowded train car. For urban dwellers, the Neutrino is often paired with a front rack for carrying cargo, leaning heavily into its city-friendly utility.
Bikepacking and Mounting Options
Both bicycles are equipped with ample mounting points, but the All Packa is geared specifically for heavy, long-haul touring.
- All Packa Mounts: It features rear rack mounts, fork mounts for low-riders or cargo cages, and multiple bottle cage mounts on the frame and fork. Bike Friday also offers custom-built heavy-duty racks tailored specifically for the All Packa, ensuring that heavy panniers are supported seamlessly over thousands of miles of varied terrain.
- Neutrino Mounts: The Neutrino is also surprisingly capable in the cargo department, featuring mounts for front and rear racks, fenders, and bottle cages. It can easily handle a front basket or a rear trunk bag, making it an excellent choice for overnight trips or daily utility cycling. However, it is not spec'd to carry the massive payload that a dedicated touring bike like the All Packa can handle.
Price and Value Proposition
The financial investment required for these two bikes reflects their differing levels of customization and purpose.
- Premium Investment: The Bike Friday All Packa is a significant financial investment. As a custom-built, handcrafted American bicycle, its price tag reflects the bespoke geometry, folding couplers, and high-end component options. It is a lifetime purchase for serious touring cyclists who prioritize travel readiness and custom fit above all else.
- Accessible Utility: The Velo Orange Neutrino is priced as an accessible, entry-to-mid-level mini-velo. It offers incredible value for riders who want the aesthetic and practicality of a 20-inch wheel bike without the premium cost of a custom folding frame. It provides a fantastic platform for customization and upgrades over time.
Conclusion: Which is Right for You?
Choosing between the Bike Friday All Packa and the Velo Orange Neutrino comes down to your primary use case and budget. If your cycling ambitions involve international travel, transcontinental touring, and the need to pack your bike into a suitcase regularly, the All Packa is the unrivaled choice. Conversely, if you are looking for a stylish, compact, and affordable city bike that can handle weekend bikepacking trips but spends most of its time navigating urban streets, the Neutrino offers an excellent and charming alternative.