As early as 1888, England began using an all-bicycle infantry unit. Eight years later the US army formed its first bicycle unit, the 25th Infantry Bicycle Corps, a Buffalo Soldier unit which was used in the Spanish-American War. During World War I and II numerous troops were on bicycles, in the form of paratroopers, messengers and on air bases. In fact the US significantly increased procurement of bicycles from World War I, approximately 17,000 bicycles, to procuring approximately 60,000 units in World War II. During the Vietnam War, bicycles were the primary source of personnel transport on the Ho Chi Minh trail for both the Viet Minh and NVA/VC.

Today, the Swiss army has 5 full regiments of bicycle infantry, almost every police district in every major city in the United States has officers using bicycles and many developing countries use bicycles for postal, police and even ambulance services.

Today, with the developments in technology it is becoming increasingly easier to detect thermal or acoustic signatures. Military divisions are looking for stealthier, efficient and more effective ways to deploy their ground patrol and bicycles appear to be the answer.

The Paratrooper™ can be folded in under 30 seconds from full size down to an approximate compact size of 3'x3'x1' without the use of tools, and it weighs 29 pounds. The bicycle frame utilizes the seat tube as a pivot frame, secured by a quick release lever, which allows the rear frame to pivot around and fold neatly into the main front frame.

There is NO chance that the Paratrooper™ could fold while riding it. The U.S. Marines have tested these bikes under heavy load bearing conditions and they have come through with flying colors. If it's tough enough for those guys, it's tough enough for anyone!

The Paratrooper™ Mountain Bike is superior to other folding bikes because it is full size, with 26" wheels and has a rigid aluminum frame, as well as many other standard parts. This makes for easy service and repair.

The patented Folding Integrated Technology (FIT), developed by Montague, allows the Paratrooper™ to fold without breaking or cutting any of the frame tubes. This preserves the structural integrity and inherent strength of the bicycle frame design and geometry.