[The Legendary Paratrooper Folding Bike] Montague Paratrooper - Applying Military Technology?
Posted by Jollymap - 2024-07-18T00:00:00.000+08:00 - 2025 Folding Bike Recommendation
Montague Paratrooper and Navigator - The Large-Wheel Folding Bikes Chosen by the Air Force
In the past, I’ve introduced some large-wheel folding bikes that have been well-received by many cycling enthusiasts. Many have asked if there are other recommended models. Today, I will introduce Montague’s large-wheel folding bikes. This brand might be unfamiliar to some, but perhaps some of you have seen a YouTube video where an Air Force soldier jumps from thousands of feet in the air with a folding bike strapped to his back. That bike is the Montague Paratrooper, which caught my attention.
Today, I will detail the features of this bike and explain why it was chosen by the U.S. Air Force. Additionally, I'll introduce its sibling model, the Montague Navigator, a rare folding bike equipped with 700C wheels. If you want to learn more, please keep reading.
Montague’s Bike Philosophy
Montague’s bike philosophy is called “Real Bike That Folds,” which means prioritizing the performance and feel of the bike. Their folding bikes ride like a real bike, not just a folding bike. Many foreign users have commented on websites that although Montague's folding bikes are large and relatively heavy, the entire frame feels very stable and sturdy when riding.
Founded in 1987, Montague had the opportunity to participate in the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics. By 1997, the U.S. military commissioned Montague to develop a folding bike to save space on helicopters. When paratroopers jump from the air to the ground, this folding bike can be quickly opened and folded, enhancing their mobility. Two years later, in 1999, they decided to mass-produce this bike, known as the Paratrooper.
The Paratrooper folding bike is an example of military technology being commercialized. The frame bears the words “Military Technology,”
and due to its sturdy frame, the famous American off-road vehicle brand Hummer collaborated with Montague to launch the Hummer version of the Cross-over folding bike. On YouTube, you can easily find many videos of people riding the Paratrooper off-road, showcasing its true capabilities.
Superior Riding Experience
Montague's off-road folding bike is equipped with 26” x 2.1” off-road tires and a 100mm front shock fork. The front shock fork can also be locked, providing a smoother riding experience on flat roads.
The reason why Montague's folding bikes can achieve such solid and comfortable riding experiences is not only because of the 4-inch-wide top tube but also due to the overall frame design. From the top tube connecting to the seat tube and extending to the rear triangle, the entire frame design is very sturdy. There is no folding part in the middle of the frame, which makes the structure more stable and completely reduces frame play.
Unique Design - Bike Rear Rack
Montague’s folding bikes also have a unique design, the bike rear rack, which won the EuroBike award. This rear rack looks similar to a regular rear rack but has multiple functions. Besides integrating with the mudguard, the rear rack can also hold a waterproof tail bag, perfect for bike trips. It is very easy to install, just snap it on. Whether for commuting or traveling, it is very convenient.
There is a clip behind the seat post; simply release the safety clip, and the entire rear rack can be turned around to become a parking stand or a maintenance stand when folded. When the rear rack is turned around, it raises the back wheel, making it a simple repair stand, convenient for bike maintenance.
Strong Braking and Mountain Bike Configuration
The Paratrooper uses 160mm mechanical disc brakes, providing excellent braking performance. In terms of traditional systems, it is equipped with mountain bike-compatible components, including a Shimano hollowtech bottom bracket.
Diverse Gear System
The Paratrooper is equipped with a front triple chainring ranging from 42T to 22T and a rear 9-speed cassette ranging from 11T to 34T. This gear system can provide enough torque for easy hill climbing.
Frame Sizes for Different Heights
Montague’s folding design makes this frame suitable for riders of different heights. The Paratrooper offers small, medium, and large sizes, so everyone can find a suitable frame size.
Montague Folding Bike Portability
Although Montague’s folding bikes might be slightly more complex to fold than regular folding bikes, once folded, their size is significantly smaller than similar folding bikes. This makes them more convenient for storage, saving space. Montague’s folding bikes, once folded, are very portable. You can easily store them in a closet or place them in a vehicle. Whether you are storing the folding bike or placing it in a vehicle, Montague’s folding bikes save space, providing more convenience.
Montague Navigator Folding Bike
Unique Design with 700C Road Bike Wheels
The Montague Navigator is the only folding bike in the Hong Kong market equipped with 700C road bike wheels. It doesn’t completely look like a folding bike, especially suitable for those who pursue the 700C large wheels and road bike riding feel.
Adaptable to Different Terrains, Featuring Gravel Bike Characteristics
The Navigator folding bike's frame is designed based on a city flat-bar road bike, equipped with knobby tires suitable for some gravel sections, embodying some characteristics of a gravel bike.
Adjustable Stem for Different Riding Positions
The Navigator folding bike features an adjustable stem design that can be adjusted up or down to suit different riding positions, just like the Montague Paratrooper. Additionally, the Navigator folding bike comes in three sizes to choose from.
Modern Appearance with Aluminum Alloy Frame
The Navigator folding bike frame is made of aluminum alloy tubing, with a sleek top tube design that has a modern feel. This design better meets the needs of city bikes, making it more stylish in appearance.
Equipped with Steel Fork, Triple Chainring + 9-Speed Cassette
The Navigator folding bike’s front fork is a steel fork, not a suspension fork. In terms of the drivetrain, it is equipped with a triple chainring and a 9-speed rear cassette, providing diverse riding options.
