Getting the best and fastest electric bike might not always be a good idea—unless you’re willing to spend thousands of dollars for it. If you’re not interested in electric bikes at all, try the Montague Paratrooper 24 Speed Folding Mountain Bike instead.
In this article, you’ll find out what this military-grade mountain bike has to offer, from its important features down to its pros and cons.
Table of Contents
Features and Specifications
Folds to Fit Airplane Doors
As what its name hints, the Paratrooper from Montague was specifically built for paratroopers. It features its patented folding design, which allow soldiers in airborne operations to easily jump out of airplanes with this bike.
You won’t even know that it folds because of its full-size, 26-inch wheels and standard structure. If you do need to fold it, the whole process only takes a few seconds. No need for tools. When it’s folded, the Paratrooper measures 36 by 28 by 12 inches. It weighs around 32 pounds.
It also features the DirectConnect™ system. It works by joining the front and rear of the frame in just one click.
Note: The pedals of this bike don’t fold.
Two Frame Sizes
The frame of the Paratrooper is made from 7005 Series Aluminum, which is a popular material for bike frames because it’s easy to weld. It’s available in two sizes:
- The medium-sized frame (18 inches) has a distance from the ground to the top tube of 28.13 inches. This is recommended for people who are 5’3” to 5’10” tall.
- Meanwhile, the large-sized frame (20 inches) has a standover height of 29.13 inches. It’s for people who are 5’11” to 6’4” tall.
Tip: If you always commute or travel, and your height is between 5’3” and 5’10”, the 18-inch frame is the best choice.
Equipped with RackStand™
The Paratrooper has the new 4-in-1 RackStand™, which includes a work stand, traditional cargo rack, kickstand, and mud guard. The exclusively designed axle mount with quick release allows it to revolve just below the rear wheel. When flipped to its lowered position, it makes folding and storing (or displaying in an upright position) the folded bike easier.
Note: You can detach the cargo rack. It only takes a few seconds to take it on or off the bike.
Built for Rough Terrains
This is a rugged folding mountain bike that’s built for rough terrains and different purposes, particularly:
- Transporting your gear
- Camping by bike
- Reconnaissance
It’s equipped with 26-speed gears, 2.4-inch tires, and SR Suntour front suspension fork to help you navigate different terrains with relative ease. It has mechanical disc brakes, which offers good stopping power, even in wet weather.
The Good
Military-Grade Bicycle
What else can you expect from a folding bike designed for military airborne operations?
The Paratrooper is solidly built, including its hinged points. It’s robust enough to survive a wide range of riding conditions and uses. It seems like it would last for a long time. This quality of the Paratrooper—having durable components and frame—provides good value for the price.
Fast and Easy to Fold
It’s a great bike to bring anywhere because it’s so easy to fold and store. You can put it in small spaces, such as a car or two-seater airplane, and still leave enough room for other stuff.
Most people find it lighter than their mountain bikes. It’s also lighter than most electric mountain bikes, such as the Aceshin 26” Electric Mountain Bike, which weighs around 52 pounds.
Works Great on Many Terrains
This all-terrain mountain bike offers a perfect performance on almost all types of road conditions: wet, muddy, rocky, concrete, asphalt, snowy, and deep puddles, among others. It holds up well during tours, for instance, from Manitou Springs to Colorado Springs.
Tip: Switch to hybrid tires for better performance on off-road and pavement conditions.
Get to know the Montague Paratrooper, the US military-approved folding mountain bike, here.
The Bad
Handlebar Too Low and Narrow
If you’re a road cyclist, this might not bother you too much. However, if you’re like other average cyclists, not being able to adjust the handlebar could affect your comfort and performance, as well as put you at risk of injury.
Fortunately, you can always raise the handlebar using a stem riser, which is not that difficult to find. If you only cycle for fun or commuting, and you would want a long or adjustable handlebar, you have so many manual and electric bikes that you could choose from, such as the Mini Electric Bike Foldable Portable Brushless Motor Litiium-ion Battery Community Weekend Bike.
Needs Fine-Tuning
You might need a bicycle mechanic or a dealer to make a few adjustments to this mountain bike. Some of the things about this bike that needs fine tuning are the disc brakes, rear derailleur, brake handles, and wheel bearings.
Uneven Weight Distribution
The weight of the Paratrooper seems to be more concentrated on its front portion. This might present a few issues, such as a decreased speed. According to VeloNews.com, 55-percent of a rider’s weight should be on the rear wheel, well, at least for a road bike.
Who Is It For?
The Montague Paratrooper 24 Speed Folding Mountain Bike is a great fit for most people, from daily commuters to mountain bikers. This is for people who wants a mountain bike that folds in seconds and fits into just any small space. If you expect to tackle different road conditions, this can handle the job perfectly.
Conclusion
There are so many things to like about the Paratrooper. It folds easily, handles the most challenging places and is built to last a long time. If you’re looking to get the most out of your money, this folding mountain bike is well worth the money.
But, if you’re looking to get a boost, electric bikes, such as the ANCHEER Power Plus Electric Mountain Bike, is a better option for you.
Looking for a military-grade, folding mountain bike? Get the Montague Paratrooper 24 Speed Folding Mountain Bike today!