Folding Bikes - Downtube - FS or NOT?

Hi all

Summer is coming and time for me to get a bike. I have decided on the Downtubes, and now it's just a matter of the exact model - 2006 VIII or VIII FS.

I will be using the bike mostly for weekend strolls around NYC (no room for a full size bike in apt, and hence the folding). May commute to work here and there instead of the subway, maybe once a month.

Major pros of the VIII are the rack and mud flaps.

Major pro of the VIII FS is of course the suspension. However, I'm slightly worried about that rear one. I used to have cheapo full sized bikes whose rear suspension stopped working after 3 weeks...

Any advice from actual riders? seems like most people go for the FS option, but would love some input.

Thanks!

Rack and guards are easier to add than suspension. I have had no problems with the rear suspension on my FS. For me it was a no brainer. Add a seatpost rack and some fenders if you want. It is easier to take apart the FS one to put in a suitcase if you need a smaller package to ship.

Hi all

Summer is coming and time for me to get a bike. I have decided on the Downtubes, and now it's just a matter of the exact model - 2006 VIII or VIII FS.



Any advice from actual riders? seems like most people go for the FS option, but would love some input.

Thanks!
I have both. I prefer riding the FS as I am larger and for some reason it feels like a better fit. And I like
the colors better. I did have to add a Topeak seat tube rack which does not have the carry capacity (20 pound max) of the rack on the non-FS model. By the time you add the rack and fenders to the FS you could have added a suspension seat tube to the non-FS. My rear suspension has held up fine so far (four months old).
One thing is that the non-FS looks like a more urban simple bike and the FS is more flashy, both in color
and style. If you are concerned about theft issues, the non-FS would be safer as it does not draw as much attention, I think. Full suspension bikes just look more expensive.
So to conclude, If two Downtubes were sitting unlocked in a park and one was a VIII FS and one was
a plain VIII, I would steal another FS.
Hbob

guys, thanks for the input. I never considered buying a suspension seat post, that could be an interesting compromise. Anyone has experience with one?

guys, thanks for the input. I never considered buying a suspension seat post, that could be an interesting compromise. Anyone has experience with one?
Many think a thudbuster seat post or similar is the way to go since a full rear suspension absorbs some of your energy that would be sent to the pedals and wheels. You can also get better comfort from
tires like the Big Apple by Schwalbe. They come stock on a few Dahon's (as well as the thudbuster seatpost) that don't have rear suspension.

guys, thanks for the input. I never considered buying a suspension seat post, that could be an interesting compromise. Anyone has experience with one?

I'm also thinking of getting a Thudbuster for the non-FS Downtube, so let us know what you end up doing. Good luck.

Lets be real here. A Thudbuster can cost you ALMOST as much as a DT in the first place! I love mine but a FS DT is a better option if you can do it rather than non FS version.

Lets be real here. A Thudbuster can cost you ALMOST as much as a DT in the first place! I love mine but a FS DT is a better option if you can do it rather than non FS version.
I did not know the Thudbuster seat was so expensive. Then go for the FS, buy a seatpost mounted beam rack and add a front fender if needed.