Rafael Guerra and I have been having detailed off-forum conversations regarding starting a folder focused club. We are looking at forming a club that would have low dues to help support the club and related site. It is not free to setup a website, have a server to host it and buy the bulletin board software to run it but Rafael and I are willing to share the startup costs to help get it off the ground.
We would have club specific decals, pins, stickers, patches and/or other items developed to show your love of the sport. I have already contacted a shop who would be willing to give us "member discounts" on accessories and possibly even on new bikes they carry. That way there would be a tangible benefit for members that would more than offset any dues structure. I also discussed with them the option of very substantial discounts on "group buys" if we could get enough people interested in 1 particular item be it mirrors, tires, tubes, etc. The shop I spoke with is willing to ship internationally so don’t worry if you are not in North America.
We will be also looking at companies who might be willing to help sponsor the club and its site as well. Rafael and I are working on sort of a business plan to structure everything. You need a business plan even if you aren't running a business as any sponsor will want to know how you are structuring everything with respect to a professional manner.
The thought is to be a vendor neutral club/site that will encourage open discourse on all things related to folders. We would like to feature a unique bike each month and review folder specific products. I personally don't want to see it become just a Brompton or Dahon type club. Ideally we want all folders to be welcome and for all people to participate sort of like what we have here. At the same time we would like to have FAQ's for people just getting into folders to help attract the cross-over riders. It would be cool to have a “Rides” section where you can showcase all the mods you have made to your tricked out ride.
We want it to be more than just a forum but a valuable resource to all things related to folders. In addition who wouldn't mind saving money on accessories or a new bike? I think it would be great to have a direct relationship with many companies to get quick answers to some burning questions and have folder specific news. I was really turned off by the UK's folder society as almost no bike but a Brompton need apply. I like my Bromptons but they are not "all that" for the US market. I also don't want it to be US centric either but to encourage riders of all locale and national origin to participate. I am multi-lingual and I am sure quite a few others on this board are as well so we can help others all over the world. I will copy a major part of this thread to start the new club related thread to gauge widespread interest.
The idea is not to compete with bikeforums.net but to augment it. We have need of talented people to help lend their expertise. We can’t compensate you but we can give you recognition. Rafael and I are doing this because we love the sport and want to see it grow. Any likeminded individuals are welcome to contribute their talents. We are still working on a name and other details. At this point nothing is concrete but we want to gauge interest before investing a lot of our time and money. We are also interested in trying to put together events or specific rides for people to meet up and share their love of the sport. A great way to get exposure is to do charity rides. Ride for the American Heart Association or Red Cross and get media attention that way AND at the same time benefit your fellow man. It make the news if people cycle for 200 miles for a charity weekend fundraiser but think how impressive that would appear to many people if we did it on little tiny wheels. If we have enough interest we are tentatively planning at going “live” sometime around mid-April. If you are interested please leave a post here or email me via the site. Maybe we are crazy but maybe there are enough of you interested in contributing and being a part of this to make it work. I personally wouldn’t mind saving some money on accessories or bikes not to mention maybe having something with a cool logo as well to show my devotion to the sport. Of course anyone and everyone is welcome even if they don’t have a folder. Give them time and the will come around.
juan162
02-14-06, 08:43 PM
I'm definitely interested and am definitely interested in helping out on the logo. I have design experience and would love to take a crack at the logo. I play well with others and would invite any suggestions/ideas,
juan162
Wavshrdr
02-14-06, 08:45 PM
Bienvenido Juan! All help is appreciated as well as all interest
For those of you reading this thread, you don't have to vote but if you are interested or have input please post.
caotropheus
02-14-06, 08:56 PM
No dought this project would be very interesting, specialy for someone who lives in the "out skirts" of the center of the world. My main problem with folders and where I live is that there are no components, such as top of the line 20 inch wheels or even tires or tubes. If I order a component from the net there is the handling charge and the previously established shipping fees that are over priced. Certainly such a folding club would help me a lot.
Count on me for such project.
Simple Simon
02-15-06, 03:49 AM
Interesting - the more I use them the more I think folders offer a really fun and valuable solution to transport and storage. So the more clubs and activities the better. But how would a new club be different or better than what there is ?
Could it have a strong mission statement (as above) that people stick to in an open way ?
For example, would 'vendor neutral' mean bye bye Yan ? ;-)
Could it also be country neutral ? or would it be US centric ?
How would it differ from this forum ?
I agree about folding society and AtoB in Uk sometimes appearing to be 'brompton owners clubs' (it never bothered me as i have a brompton but there is definately some bias). But likewise this forum sometimes appears to concentrate on Swift's and Downtubes - (just as examples - which is slightly boring for us in UK where these are not really available).
It would be difficult to avoid such baises as we are all human and all have different stuff available to us, as well as different needs and preferences. At best it is so easy to get enthusiastic about your own choices, and at worst this becomes "my xxxxx is bigger/better/smaller/faster than your yyyyy" ......... yawn !
So, bearing in mind these observations, I'd be up for a new club....... Si
v1nce
02-15-06, 04:20 AM
I'd be up for it and would not mind paying, even though i am 'poor' by most standards, but this is tied in (whether i can and want to pay) what i wrote on this in the 16 inch Downtube thread.
Keep me posted please!
Tomaso
02-15-06, 04:40 AM
Sounds great ! But yes, it has to stay neutral. Sponsorship is OK, but as Simple Simon already asked: NO COMMERCIAL TALK on the new forum. (You know my opinion about the DT-mania, DT has created itself)
I see lots of folders on my way to work every morning, might be interesting to make a sort of a leaflet to hand over to other folder users, so people get to know the new forum not only by googling,......
So I voted : YES, I can contribute a (very) small sum of money, not too much though.
So, Holland and Belgium are saying 'YES' (v1nce and I), WE'LL CONCUR EUROPE !
james_swift
02-15-06, 08:28 AM
Brilliant idea. It would be nice to have a resource where dealers/after-market parts vendors for folders are consilidated into one convenient site. Test rides and product reviews would also be most interesting.
stargazer48
02-15-06, 08:59 AM
Although I am optimistic about riding a folder, since I have not yet taken possession of my folder, it would be premature for me to join, if there was a fee. If after a time, I really love my folder and develop similar enthusiasum , I would join a fee based group. This would also depend where in the world I was and whether I had easy internet access. I would want to fee to be somewhat low.
SG
Wavshrdr
02-15-06, 10:30 AM
SG - thanks for the feedback. We are not talking a large fee here. Sort of like what a upgraded membership would cost here at bikeforums. The object of the fee is not to be profitable enterprise but to cover the costs of the website and hosting. On the flip side of that the discounts could more than make up for any cost of the site. I don't want to see an issue where the site is supported is by very intrusive advertisements. I would rather pay something than to be bombarded with annoying ads. We are trying to figure out the best model to adopt.
folder fanatic
02-15-06, 11:13 AM
Please count me in. The Bike Forums and the Dahon sites have been invalualble in getting me involved with the folder world as well as learning to live/ride with them. I agree with you not to become to attached to any one make. These biases sometimes do get in the way of deciding which folder style is the best one for that particular individual. I do hope you also consider adding special sections for women, and children since these groups quietly do use them and sometimes it seems that the makers tend to ignore these groups and concentrate on men only.
juan162
02-15-06, 11:17 AM
I guess we would have a "public" section which would be open for anyone on the internet, and a private one for members. Of course the big question is what features will make the paid member section worth it? Supporting a theoretically unbiased fixed gear group, and being able to have a cool bike shirt with the logo plus some discounts are all a good start. What else would be good to features for "premier" (paying) members? Just throwing out some questions to get some feedback,
juan162
Wavshrdr
02-15-06, 01:56 PM
The premium members would have access to special discounts that I am negotiating with bike shops. I am hoping that I can work out something with some of the manufacturers of bikes as well. This is is not a get-rich scheme for Rafael and I as if you want to get rich on the internet you need to sell porno. Now there is a thought. Premium content will show naked...bikes in all their glory.
I think it is very important to keep it vendor neutral to attract all riders. I would like to have sort of an expert on each marque that at least has a few riders owning them. While I may have a Swift and love it, I do have several other folders so I personally have no great bias going in.
I definitely think we should have content for all types of riders; European, American, young, old, male, female, fixies, touring, etc. Of course the challenge is you can't be all things to everyone BUT I feel we should definitely make it open so all folder enthusiasts are welcome as well as those just starting to check them out.
Keep the input coming everyone. We are trying to design something customized for folders enthusiasts. We don't want to waste time on things that aren't important. This is sort of a grass roots movement in some ways. I am involved only because I love this aspect of the sport and want to try and build a better sense of community that has no prejudice against what you ride.
14R
02-15-06, 03:00 PM
One of the (many) objectives of this club is to provide hands on experience reviews showing specific details of folders so newbies can make a more educated decision when buying a folder can't be based on personal feeling of each and every model available.
Getting discounts from selective supporters is just a nice consequence of something bigger than the financial benefit.
It's still an Embryo, but it's already showing a head and some body parts. (:
Rafael
James H Haury
02-15-06, 06:07 PM
No politics please.I had a bad experience with the chicago folding bicycle society.
Wavshrdr
02-15-06, 06:11 PM
James- I am not interested in politics. I don't care if you Repulican, Democrat, Tory or Labor, everyone would be welcome. I am sure Rafael would agree that this is about the love of folders and no agenda is being promoted. I personally don't care what anyone rides even if you spend most of your time on a diamond frame bike or 'bent as long as you are interested in folders you are encouraged to participate.
juan162
02-15-06, 06:13 PM
No politics please.I had a bad experience with the chicago folding bicycle society.
I would hope that that one would be a no brainer to stay out of:)!! I am a member of Bikejournal...it is a nice, friendly place. Whenever someone starts anything having to do with politics, everyone politely tells them to stop, so that we can get to the more important business of Bicyles!!!;)
juan162
stargazer48
02-15-06, 09:15 PM
Now there is a thought. Premium content will show naked...bikes in all their glory.
Wav, unless you want to get locked up, I would only show 18+ year old naked folders.
Now, if folders age like dogs then I guess a 2+ year old folder could be displayed and remember this is a family oriented forum. ;)
SG
v1nce
02-16-06, 07:33 AM
I concur that all the content should be available to anyone surfing the site, but the mentioned benefits for paying members sounds great and more than enough incentive for people to join.
jss273nyc
02-16-06, 08:44 AM
I agree with Tomaso, I'm a newbie here, but all of this Downtube talk has made me want to frequent this site less as a resource for folding bike info. I think it's great that the guy from Downtube seems to be responsive to people who have bought his bikes, but why doesn't he have his own forum on his own site for that purpose? It's really shameless.
folder fanatic
02-16-06, 11:56 AM
It's not shameless, it is simply the best way of reaching potential customers. Downtube is simply too small a company to start their own forums-beside you have to pay a webmaster to oversee the reponses and that takes money out of it's capital!
caotropheus
02-16-06, 11:58 AM
I agree with Tomaso, I'm a newbie here, but all of this Downtube talk has made me want to frequent this site less as a resource for folding bike info. I think it's great that the guy from Downtube seems to be responsive to people who have bought his bikes, but why doesn't he have his own forum on his own site for that purpose? It's really shameless. :eek: I am not Yan's lawyer but what is wrong about his participation on this forum and the potencial new folding club ? I think that everyone of us is gaining with Yan's participation in our "talks" and I am really sorry that owners/managers of other folding companies are not also participating in this forum. And jss, all of us have to recognise that Bike Forums is the most populated bicycle forum in the world.
v1nce
02-17-06, 01:52 AM
@ jss, i heartily disagree with you 100%. I have explained in other threads why i think Yan's involvement here is honorable and beneficial to us all. To be honest if what you write is really how you feel and you will stick to that,.. i for one would not mind particularly if indeed you end up visiting this forum less or not at all...
I know that i'd not miss you calling someone like Yan 'shameless' one bit, if anything i think you slightly shame yourself with that statement, it show a rather judgemental nature IMO. So, if those are the kind of contributions that you will be making (after all the post above is only your third..) to the forum well,.. don't let the door hit you on the way out. But that's just my opinion.
LWaB
02-17-06, 02:46 AM
I was really turned off by the UK's folder society as almost no bike but a Brompton need apply.
It might be worth noting that the Folding Society articles are written by members (mostly British) and the vast majority ride Bromptons (logically enough, given local conditions). Stand at any London rail terminal during rush hour and you will see wave after wave of Bromptons come by, and no other folding bike. Other countries have different foci. By the way, there is a fair amount on the Folding Society about both Dahon and Airnimal with lesser amounts on other brands.
Good luck with your planned folding bike club but I think it will be an uphill struggle to charge members for it. A large amount of information is available for free on forums like this and various enthusiast websites. The Moulton Club is slowly contracting for similar reasons.
Tomaso
02-17-06, 04:30 AM
Guys, Guys! Let's not start the DT-discussion again ! Everybody is entitled to have an opinion and use a forum to make it known to the world. My opinion is different from v1nce's, that's cool, otherwise we wouldn't need forums on the web ! If DT wants to be part of the new forum, and 90% give their blessing, then who am I to say 'no'? I will have to live with that or bugger off.... Simple as that.
If we would all ride Dahon Jetstreams, there would be no need for a (new) forum, if we would all drive VW Beetles,BMW, or Mercedes life would be boring (that's why I drive ALFA :D )
Luckely people all have their own ideas and preferences......
PLEASE RESPECT EVERY-ONES OPINION, THAT'S WHAT MAKES IT SO GREAT HAVING A BIKE-FORUM!!!
I hereby declare peace over the DT-topic
jss273nyc
02-17-06, 09:13 AM
Wow VInce, those are pretty strong words for a bike forum...how much is Yan paying you? Looks like were going to have A Downtube centric focused club after all....
caotropheus
02-17-06, 10:40 AM
Wow VInce, those are pretty strong words for a bike forum...how much is Yan paying you? Looks like were going to have A Downtube centric focused club after all....
Sincerely I haven't understand your antagonism against Yan's active participation in this forum and his interaction with clients or potencial clients. Anyhow I would like to guess...I know now! You have your own folding bicycle company and you are afraid of Yan's dinamic competition !
juan162
02-17-06, 02:09 PM
Wow VInce, those are pretty strong words for a bike forum...how much is Yan paying you? Looks like were going to have A Downtube centric focused club after all....
jss273nyc,
I don't see where you are getting THAT notion from. I read and reread the posts on this thread, and it seems like the only person using strong words is YOU!!! Vince has been on this forum for way longer than you or I have been,and if you check all of his postings (which you can do by clicking his name) you will see that he has been more than polite, helpful to others, and equally interested in all different folder brands. I am not a personal friend of either Vince or Yan, but find both of their input useful and informative. I can also understand Vince wanting to defend Yan, since he has never "advertised" his product as some newbie's like to think and has been involved in dicussions COMPLETELY UNRELATED to downtubes. I suggest you read and reread things before making such critical and inflammatory remarks toward other members.
Yan, when you read this thread, PLEASE don't let it stop you from posting as you have done in the past. I have never found you to be pushing your own product. On the contrary, I have found that because of your unique status as being an owner of a folding bike company, people end up asking you questions they have always wanted to ask of a bike company owner(As I have done in the past...thanks for answering back, by the way) - people like to get the answer straight from the horses mouth, as it were. The only other times I have seen Yan post were to offer great and unexpected customer service to Downtube owners, way above and beyond the call of duty in some cases.
To get back to the point, last time I checked the top 10 folding bike threads, there were only 2 or 3 about Downtube. You know what that means? People are talking about Bromptons, Dahons, and everything else in between. You know what else that means? It sounds like some people are picking UNFAIRLY on the one folding bike company owner that actually bothers to come to this forum!!! If you don't want to read about Downtubes, then read the 100 other threads about folding bikes...it's really not that hard to do. In the meantime, I'm as interested in what Yan has to say about folding bikes as I am what you have to say ABOUT FOLDING BIKES...lay off the members and and they'll lay off of you. VINCE WAS TRYING TO DEFEND A BIKEFORUM MEMBER WHO IS OBVIOUSLY TOO POLITE TO DEFEND HIMSELF!!! 'nuff said, juan162
Tomaso
02-17-06, 02:42 PM
Let's get back to what this thread is about :starting-up a forum for folder-users
C'mon people, I am sorry I brought this old issue up, let's use our brains to help Rafael and Wav. with their beautiful plans.
I feel like I'm in the middle of a family-twist, and I feel guilty as hell :cry:
I have spoken and will now shut up, till the storm has come down
juan162
02-17-06, 03:05 PM
Tomaso,
You should not feel guilty. You did not speak ill of anyone and simply gave an opinion. It is when people start attacking others that problems start. I'll get off my soapbox now and say that even with this thread going the way it has, I firmly believe we can have an open dialog about the strengths and weaknesses of all folders. I can't really afford a brompton as it cost so much once they reach the US, but I love reading about them and love to hear about all folders....even ones I can't get my grubby paws on:)!!!
Sorry for my part...let's get down to business:)!!!
juan162
14R
02-17-06, 03:12 PM
Tomaso,
I think you brought an interesting point, but I don't think it's Yan's fault. If we had ALL Folding Bikes representatives listening to us, adapting their products and explaining why we should buy something from them instead of the competition here (or at any other forum), I'm sure 1) we would have better bikes and 2) Yan wouldn't be the focus of an issue.
I would love to have a chance to listen to bike manufacturers' selling points. I would love to have bike manufacturers replying my e-mails, or real letters, or answering my phone calls, which, by the way, never happened until I bought a Downtube. If Yan is the only one doing that, he may sound or look pushy to sell his product (which may be a big turn off for some). But I can assure you that at the same time that a folder club will not be downtube (or any other brand) focused, manufacturers will be more than welcome to let us know more about their product. That is IF we end up creating one :)
Rafael Guerra
PS: My bike is a Giant and I am not making a dime to post this.
juan162
02-17-06, 03:22 PM
I agree with you Rafael,
I'm dying to hear from Giant, Dahon, Swift, Brompton, Airnimal...you get the point. The whole point of starting a sight is to have a good base of info for newbies, provide new and interesting stories and reports on all sorts of folders for those with more experience, and creating a group of members strong enough that the companies might actually come to us to post new developments and ask for feedback...hopefully it'll happen. Some free bikes wouldn't hurt either - one from every company would do just fine!!!:)
juan162
Tomaso
02-17-06, 03:31 PM
Rafael, Juan,
Thanks.
Just an idea: you could create some sort of a sub-division on the forum, in which manufacturers could advertise and reply to questions / issues posted by members, seperate from the 'general forum'.
For advertising people will then have to pay you, for replying to questions not of course.
This way we might make everybody happy: people who don't want to read the 'commercial blabla' will have the choice
The Dahon-forum is build-up great (IMO), seperates the different aspects of folding bikes, and looks well-organized.
Again, I am just brainstorming.....
juan162
02-17-06, 09:32 PM
Tomaso,
The purpose of a forum is to let anyone speak their mind (politely, of course) no matter who they are or what they do. I think we just simply don't see eye to eye...I have never felt that at any point there has been someon trying to advertise.
juan162
oldguy52
02-17-06, 10:10 PM
I agree with Tomaso, I'm a newbie here, but all of this Downtube talk has made me want to frequent this site less as a resource for folding bike info. I think it's great that the guy from Downtube seems to be responsive to people who have bought his bikes, but why doesn't he have his own forum on his own site for that purpose? It's really shameless.
jss273nyc, My good man, I believe you need to look around the forum a bit. There is certainly no shortage of talk about Raleigh 20s or Swifts ( now there's a SERIOUS thread for ya') here either just to mention a couple recent examples. I doubt you could make a case for the downtube threads dominating this forum if you took a good honest look around.
And Really, if you have a question about YOUR bike, who would you rather have answer it?? Some owner who might be guessing, or the guy that builds them??? Thanks, but I'll take the guy who builds them everytime.
Yan isn't too obnoxious about his presence here and we all know who he is ..... I really don't have a problem with it. Now if you'd just get over it, we'd all be happy.
oldguy52
02-17-06, 10:30 PM
Rafael, Juan,
Thanks.
Just an idea: you could create some sort of a sub-division on the forum, in which manufacturers could advertise and reply to questions / issues posted by members, seperate from the 'general forum'.
For advertising people will then have to pay you, for replying to questions not of course.
This way we might make everybody happy: people who don't want to read the 'commercial blabla' will have the choice
The Dahon-forum is build-up great (IMO), seperates the different aspects of folding bikes, and looks well-organized.
Again, I am just brainstorming.....
I don't really know what you guys have been doing so far. I've been a bit swamped and haven't been in here a lot on the last few days. If you've ever looked at my sig, you can see I also own a couple recumbents. So, I also frequent "Bent Rider Online". If you go to their page, http://www.bentrideronline.com/ ,You'll see a whole lot of links for bike companies, parts companies, apparel outfits, whatever. All those folks pay something to have a link at the top of that page.
In fact there was just recently quite a discussion on that board about whether it should go to purely user donations or if they should keep all the advertising links. It was pretty unanimous amongst the posters that they wanted to keep the links in place as most of the list members used them quite regularly to find the things they needed. Most were happy to support the businesses that were supporting them. I don't know how receptive the folding bike builders would be to this, but there's a heck of a lot of 'bent builders links on that site.
Food for thought :)
Rik
Ericx25
02-18-06, 12:55 AM
I'm a also a newbie here and I TOTALLY agree with jss273nyc: " all of this Downtube talk has made me want to frequent this site less as a resource for folding bike info"
I personally don't appreciate manufacturers' interventions in "our" forum. :mad:
Eric
v1nce
02-18-06, 02:12 AM
I agree with al almost all the comments above with the obvious exceptions. I just wanted to make it clear that i don't want to exclude ANYONE from any public discussion if they have something positive to offer. That does not mean they have to agree with me at all, in fact it often find it more helpfull when they don't, otherwise there is no discussion or room for thought. But a respectfull open attitude without heaps of judgement i would like to see.
.
As for folders, i love them all, especially if they are well made. I'd love to see more of them around of any brand.
The comment about me working for Yan. It is funny that that should be brought up. I would like nothing better in fact because i do feel (IMO) his company is a very nice one. Yan knows this, i have spoken to him (about a week ago for the first time) on this topic and i hope i will one day do a little free lance work for him. But for the time being i have never bought nor gotten anything material from him. Long before i even thought of working in any part of the bike industry (just yesterday i applied for a job at an LBS) i advocated DT's, simply because i think they are really great. If you read some threads you will also see that i gave many props to Dahon, BF, Swifts, Brommies, Twenties and a whole lot of others.
Also rest assured that if Yan was not a nice guy, made a shoddy product or suddenly became a money grubbing marketeer (all which at present seem almost inconceivable) i would never even consider working for him and be most verbal about why i don't like his practices.
What this all boils down is that i think it is completely inconsequential who works for what or who might one day. It is also unimportant who likes what brand. What people say and how they do it does matter however. If we must judge each other (i hope we don't actually) then do it on the basis of our contributions, our words and our ideas, not based on the preferences of brand of whether we like a manufacturer posting or not. That seems silly.
In any case i wish you all very well and harbour no grudges whatever. Everybody is entitled to their opinion and should feel free to express it within reason. That is also exactly what i have done all along as well. I am very glad and gratefull that the regular posters have been so supportive of me and these notions in this thread and elsewhere, it means a whole lot to me. Thank you.
Ride On!
oldguy52
02-18-06, 07:15 AM
I'm a also a newbie here and I TOTALLY agree with jss273nyc: " all of this Downtube talk has made me want to frequent this site less as a resource for folding bike info"
I personally don't appreciate manufacturers' interventions in "our" forum. :mad:
Eric
Uh ...... so tell me, what is it you don't like about it. All of the Downtube threads (except one that I can think of) were started by sombody other than Yan. These people all asked a question about a particular bike and in this case Yan was kind enough to answer it for them. Right answer, first time. How can there be anything wrong with that?? Try to get that kind of service from your bike builder.
caotropheus
02-18-06, 08:10 AM
I'm a also a newbie here and I TOTALLY agree with jss273nyc: " all of this Downtube talk has made me want to frequent this site less as a resource for folding bike info"
I personally don't appreciate manufacturers' interventions in "our" forum. :mad:
Eric
I refered this already twice in this thread, but here we go again. Isn't this forum of better quality with the presence of professionals? No dought it is and it is really a piety that other manufactures don't participate in the most populated bicycle forum in the world.
Wavshrdr
02-18-06, 08:48 AM
I hope we can keep this thread on topic. Rafael and I are trying to gauge the demand for something like this type of club before we invest a large portion of our time trying to create something that nobody is interested in.
We all agree to keep it vendor neutral. Heck I have a representative bike in my garage from most of the major players so I obviously don't have much bias with regards to my spending habits.
I hope that all vendors will be as supportive as Yan is. He never interjects himself without someone asking a specific DT question. He is one of the FEW if not the ONLY one who will willing comment on the shortcomings of his bikes. I personally like this transparency. As a result I am a very satisfied customer of Yans and other companies as well but Yans customer service is outstanding. Conversely while I love my Swift and Peter is a great guy, he is very slow in answering emails but once you get an answer it is detailed and thorough. He is just too busy to keep up with his emails which can be a pain but you can always call.
With respect to the club it will have no particular bias except to folders and travel bikes in general. Obviously we can't have detailed articles on each new folder that comes up but I hope that we can sort of be a clearing house of all (or most) folder related info without being a Brompton or DT fan club only. I hope that we can offer real benefits to many of the folder enthusiasts out there as well as get good participation from the vendors.
I personally would like to see healthy discussions about all folders. When you do to the Dahon website it is hooray Dahon, ditto for the Brompton List (or A to B magazine) but I want us to openly be able to comment on the good and bad about each marque as well as get the vendors to discuss this as well and give more insight into their designs and future plans. I would much prefer that vendors were more like Yan in that they are more open to complients AND criticism. He doesn't hide behind a desk somewhere and not participate with the real users of his product. How often do you get to deal with the head of the company of the products you buy? Your company is as only as good as your next sale or transaction. That is the reason Yan is growing rapidly as each person is treated well and not just a sales statistic. I still don't think he makes the best folders in the world but the value is tough to beat in the US. If he continues to grow, (rather you hate him or not) his presence in the marketplace will put pressure on the other companies to continue to prove and not stagnate. For that fact alone I am glad there are Downtubes even if they would not be my first choice for a folder for my purposes.
As mentioned in one of my earlier posts we plan on doing reviews of folder related or specific products. I personally have a lot of experience in lighting systems that I use on my folders and I have spent a small fortune on lights over the last year trying to find what works best in my environment. It is these types of content we would like to provide. Maybe you are interested in folder specific bags that work well and are durable. We will review these types of items as well.
What Rafael and I are looking for now is what lever of interest and what type of content you are interested in. This will also allow me to approach companies that have products YOU are interested in to possibly secure Folder Club premium members discounts for their products.
We are also interested in potential names. We could do something lie the IFC - International Folder Club or whatever people think is relevant and has an internation al flavor. We want to make sure this is not centered in just the US and address only US models and accessories. I travel a lot so I spend a lot of time in other countries and see really cool products there that aren't here and I see products here that aren't there. Rafael is working on potential graphic designs. Hopefully this will all come together over the next month or so and be live sometime in April.
oldguy52
02-18-06, 09:18 AM
Wav,
Oops, got so caught up in all that other stuff that I forgot to answer the original question.
Yep, I wouldn't mind throwing a few bucks your way for something similar to, for example, Bentrider.
Name??? how about
The World on 2 Wheels Assoc.
Riders and Bikes that are at home anywhere.
v1nce
02-18-06, 09:48 AM
Hmm, let's see what name for the Folder Site,.. how about:
'Downtube or Die!'
;) He he, I am kidding of course. I concur with everything you wrote Wav.
Content i'd like to see: User review possibilty with the 5 star rating system: Reviews of makes, models, service and accesories etc.
A comparison chart (like the Xootr one but only with more models and makes added) as well as a type of quick overview Swot Analysis for each make and model that is popular on these forums and more of them too.
Examples:
Weakness: Not very suited for touring due to a lack of rack braze ons, or not suited for racing due to heavy weight.
Strength: Excellent price/quality or The best folder for Touring due to custom fit and stiff durable frame.
Maybe there could even be a small 10 or 20 question survey app so that people can answer them in under 2 minutes and than instantly be told which (top3?) folders would be best suited for their needs and why.. e.g.:
Do you intend to do any touring on your folder?
(Scale of how little or much, 5 values)
Do you intend to do any multi mode commuting on your folder?
(Scale of how little or much)
Last question should be, what is your budget range.
There should be a lot of categories for this i think.
Tomaso
02-18-06, 10:59 AM
We are also interested in potential names. We could do something lie the IFC - International Folder Club or whatever people think is relevant and has an internation al flavor.
IFC, why not? or:
'Worldwide Folders Association' (WFA)
'Global Folding Bikers' (GFB)
'Folding-Fanatics' (Yep, stole it from our forum-member; Shameless I know, but it sounds soooo great!)
downtube
02-18-06, 11:30 AM
IFC, why not? or:
'Worldwide Folders Association' (WFA)
'Global Folding Bikers' (GFB)
'Folding-Fanatics' (Yep, stole it from our forum-member; Shameless I know, but it sounds soooo great!)
ifc.org, gfb.org, and wfa.org are taken. foldingfanatics is available for all extensions.
Thanks,
Yan
v1nce
02-18-06, 07:09 PM
Hey thanks for that Yan. However foldingfanatics seems way too long, i always feel a short and phonetically easy to say/hard to misspell name is always the best way to go with any URL. Especially if you do a good Google listing.
Wavshrdr
02-18-06, 08:36 PM
When I can check on it I will look up IFC.net or IFC.info as possibilities. FYI- I'll be travelling the next few days so I won't be able to track this thread much. Since I started it I wanted to keep up with the notes and ideas as much as possible.