Wavshrdr
I just got my Downtube Mini in the mail today. Like an expectant father I was eager to see what surprises awaited me. Keeping in the theme of the DT Mini this will be a mini report on the Mini. It was getting dark and I couldn't ride much longer without lights. I need to put a few more miles on it to see if my initial conclusions are still valid. Again I will abbreviate Downtube with DT as I realize some new forums members might not know the shorthand we have adopted here. Once I have more miles on the DT Mini I will report in more depth like I did with my review on the DT VIIIH.
As some of you may know the VIIIH and the Mini share the same very good Sturmey Archer internal 8 speed hub. Big difference with the Mini is the gearing seems to be spot on for my riding. First is low enough to climb most hills and if you want you can top 20 mph in 8th. I can’t see you being in top gear often but it is tall enough that you can make some times down hills if needed.
Overall I am quite impressed with the bike. This bike is a chick and kid magnet. Women and kids seem to love it. I parked it at a playground for a few minutes and people just flocked to it. If you have someone of small stature they will really love this bike. All you women 5 foot nothing you will love this bike. Young kids can easily ride this too (7-8 years or so). I am 6’2” and I can fit on it and ride. I had to move the seat back or my knees would almost hit the handlebars.
Gear changes are very good; better than on my VIIIH. Finally some grips I like better than the foam ones on the other DT’s. Brakes are MUCH better than Brompton’s. Ride is better than I imagined. All in all this is an excellent effort from DT. It really looks expensive even though it isn’t. I’ll be posting some pics and writing a more in depth report next week.
All I can say is if you haven’t ordered one of these yet, but you were thinking about getting one, get it ordered before they sell out. This bike is definitely a competitor for the Brompton in the multi-mode commuting arena. Main thing holding it back are its 305 tires vs. the 349’s on the Bromptons. If my choice was between a C model Brommie and this I’d buy two of these for about the price of the Brommie and give one to a friend!
I got one of the Downtube rack packs too; very nice. This is like a little tail bag with the Downtube embroidered on it. If Yan doesn’t sell everyone of these they bring in I’ll be surprised. Once people ride this they’ll be hooked. Stay tuned for the in-depth review. As Austin Powers would say, “Yeaaaa Baby!”
As some of you may know the VIIIH and the Mini share the same very good Sturmey Archer internal 8 speed hub. Big difference with the Mini is the gearing seems to be spot on for my riding. First is low enough to climb most hills and if you want you can top 20 mph in 8th. I can’t see you being in top gear often but it is tall enough that you can make some times down hills if needed.
Overall I am quite impressed with the bike. This bike is a chick and kid magnet. Women and kids seem to love it. I parked it at a playground for a few minutes and people just flocked to it. If you have someone of small stature they will really love this bike. All you women 5 foot nothing you will love this bike. Young kids can easily ride this too (7-8 years or so). I am 6’2” and I can fit on it and ride. I had to move the seat back or my knees would almost hit the handlebars.
Gear changes are very good; better than on my VIIIH. Finally some grips I like better than the foam ones on the other DT’s. Brakes are MUCH better than Brompton’s. Ride is better than I imagined. All in all this is an excellent effort from DT. It really looks expensive even though it isn’t. I’ll be posting some pics and writing a more in depth report next week.
All I can say is if you haven’t ordered one of these yet, but you were thinking about getting one, get it ordered before they sell out. This bike is definitely a competitor for the Brompton in the multi-mode commuting arena. Main thing holding it back are its 305 tires vs. the 349’s on the Bromptons. If my choice was between a C model Brommie and this I’d buy two of these for about the price of the Brommie and give one to a friend!
I got one of the Downtube rack packs too; very nice. This is like a little tail bag with the Downtube embroidered on it. If Yan doesn’t sell everyone of these they bring in I’ll be surprised. Once people ride this they’ll be hooked. Stay tuned for the in-depth review. As Austin Powers would say, “Yeaaaa Baby!”