“Few bicycle companies need to measure the size of an aircraft door when designing a new model. But Montague Corp., based in Cambridge, Mass., did exactly that when the Pentagon said it needed a lightweight, foldable bike that special-operations forces could carry as they jumped out of airplanes into enemy territory.
US forces found the bikes ideal for moving quietly and without using scarce fuel. Word spread throughout the world’s tightly knit military community.”
“The Montague adds a new dimension to escaping into the wild. Its patented folding design was developed by the US military to allow soldiers to strap the bike to their chest before parachuting deep behind enemy lines.
It’s incredibly simple to unfold – a single sturdy pin controls the hinge – and it has 27 gears, mechanical disc brakes and full front shocks to help you make mincemeat of hostile territory. It also zips neatly into a bag which then fits into the boot, so weekend warriors don’t have to worry about getting their car dirty on the way home.”
“Montague Tactical Military Mountain Bikes are full size mountain bikes (MB) that provide an inexpensive alternative to walking; have enhanced off-body load bearing capabilities; a high level of maneuverability and can compact to a portable size in less than 30 seconds.
Currently, they are deployed in the US, Middle East and Europe and are ideal for patrolling, security, rapid response and jumping.”
The Paratrooper Folding Mountain Bike – Is the Military Going Green?
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Montague Corporation, a Cambridge Massachusetts based bicycle maker, recently launched their all-new Paratrooper folding bike to an eager audience at the Force Protection Equipment Demonstration near the U.S. Marines Base in Quantico, Virginia. Surrounded by gas guzzling tanks and Armored Personnel Carriers, the Paratrooper stole the show. Used in virtually every branch of the U.S. military, the Paratrooper is expanding in popularity on an international scale.
Out in the field, the Paratrooper bicycle is designed to bridge a transportation gap between walking infantry and heavy mechanized vehicles. As a self-powered, versatile method of ground transportation, the Paratrooper requires no logistical support to use and can be easily stored away in the back of a helicopter or Humvee. The patented folding design was developed in conjunction with the Military, and was designed to allow airborne soldiers to drop out of airplanes and helicopters into combat.
Practical application of the Paratrooper does not stop with the military. Known for its durability and load bearing capabilities, this bike has developed a strong following amongst everyday commuters and weekend warriors. “We had so many people asking us if they could buy the original military bike, that we decided to launch the Paratrooper for civilian use”, says inventor David Montague. The versatility of the bike lends itself to those who want a sturdy and comfortable ride that can easily be stored in car trunks, closets, offices, and other places where non-folding bikes don’t usually fit.
The Paratrooper quickly folds down to 36” x 28” x 12” without the use of tools. The entire package weighs about 30 lbs making it easy to transport while folded. The bike comes standard with 26” wheels and eyelets for racks and fenders, and is also serviceable at any local bike shop. The Paratrooper has an MSRP of $799.00 and is available through www.militarybikes.com. Montague Corporation is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts and is dedicated to advancing cycling through the development of inventive technologies that provide its customers with an unprecedented combination of performance and convenience. Visit www.militarybikes.com or call toll free (800) 736-5348 for more information about Montague Bikes and SwissBike products and technologies.
Montague Revamps Popular Military Grade Paratrooper Folding Bike
New Paratrooper Provides Full-Sized Ride with Compact Fold for Easy Storage
CAMBRIDGE, MA – Montague Bikes, the leader in full-size folding bikes, has launched the all-new Paratrooper, a bicycle designed to deliver top-rated performance and portability to members of the military for use on the base or at home. Its full-size wheels and folding design offer the perfect solution to those looking for a versatile ride for trails and paths that can easily fit in a vehicle’s cargo area and still have plenty of room for gear.
The Paratrooper is a rugged mountain bike with a rich military history. Montague’s original Paratrooper folding bike was developed in the late 1990s under a grant from DARPA to allow airborne soldiers to drop out of airplanes and into combat with a bike. The Paratrooper delivers true off-road performance yet is versatile enough to be used for any type of riding. Featuring a Suntour suspension fork and standard 26″ wheels that can roll over obstacles with ease, the bike is especially suited for rural areas, campsites, and bike trails. The bike’s mechanical disc brakes deliver superior stopping ability and its industry standard components make repairs possible anywhere in the world.
New features include the patented DirectConnect™ folding system that provides increased frame stiffness for superior ride quality, and can be folded and unfolded in less than 20 seconds. It also comes equipped with Montague’s patented Eurobike award winning RackStand which serves as a standard cargo rack and mud guard when the bike is in use, converts into a kickstand when parked, and allows the bike to stand upright when folded. The Paratrooper retails for $899.00.
With a 24-speed drivetrain, the Paratrooper offers a wide range of gears that is perfect for hilly areas and long rides in the country. When folded, the bike compacts to just 36 inches wide, 28 inches high and 12 inches deep, ideal for tight storage spaces. It also weighs only 32 lbs, making it light and portable.
“The Paratrooper was developed for the U.S. Marines and has continued to be a popular bike with current and former military personnel.” said Ryan Walas, Director of Marketing for Montague Bikes. “The new folding system and versatile RackStand coupled with its legendary rugged performance makes the Paratrooper even more useful to veterans looking to explore the great outdoors.”
The Paratrooper is part of Montague’s 11 all-new bike models for 2016 that feature the same folding frame design. The 2016 line-up includes six road and five mountain bikes ranging in price from $639.95 to $2,449.00.
About Montague Corporation
Montague Corporation is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts USA and is dedicated to advancing cycling through the development of inventive technologies that provide its customers with an unprecedented combination of performance and convenience. Montague has been manufacturing bikes and bike components for 25 years. Visit www.montaguebikes.com or call +(617) 491-7200 for more information about Montague products and technologies.