Folding Bikes - Downtube questions for noob for those with experience

Hi freinds, great forum here.
I stayed up way late reading the DT thread last night, but have some unanswered questions, I will post here in hopes to not litter the other thread.

I am a complete noob to folders, and bikes with suspension in general, so please pardon me...

-I am wary of suspension bikes because they of fear might give a 'squishy' ride (i do like a solid ride, but have to ride with my tires soft). But will a NS bike be too brutal? I ride alot on uneven terrain, mostly jumping sidewalks and curbs, poor roads, ect; and want a bike that can handle it. I think I have ruled out FS because I really want a rack. What do you advise? (can't try one cause i'm in California)

-Will i wreck the chain or gears jumping up curbs? That clearance looks really close...

-the internal gear bikes look great but jump the price up, can I add that later for a reasonable price?
i really like the 2008, but it is a whopping $180 more than the 2007 front suspension model...

-Does anyone know where to buy those silver fenders?
I guess that with front suspension, a fender won't fit. Or will it?

-Does the IX come with a kickstand?

-Which is your favorite and why?

Thank you so much for any advise, this is a big purchase for me!

First, assuming you carry a relatively light load, you can fit a rack to a FS; just that it will have to be a seatpost rack. I also know on the Downtube site, there is a picture of someone's bike that does have the rack attached to the rear swingarm. I'm not sure I'd want to do that, but since I have bought a seatpost rack (with quick release) I can attest that they appear to be hardy enough for a lightweight load (e.g. set of spare clothes, couple of books sort of thing).

Secondly, I have a front suspension Downtube -I doubt there would be clearance to jump kerbs safely -at least just thinking about what my dt looks like. The problem is the "hanger" that is attached to the bottom bracket -I would think that will get in the way as it protrudes further than the crankring (it protects the crankring when you rest the bike folded, as well as possibly being a handle).

Finally, I haven't fitted a front fender to my bike, but I see no reason as to why I couldn't do it with a bit of thought. Though there aren't attachment points specifically to the suspension forks, I'd think you could use a loop thing (sorry forgotten the name) around the fork that the fender can attach to. Like I said, I forgot what you call them, but people use smaller versions of them to attach racks and I think you can get them from automotive stores. Hope you know what I'm talking about!

My bike did come with a kickstand by the way.

Thanks!

Here is a question:
Does the 2008 front suspension model have the pre-load adjustable fork?

Thanks!

Here is a question:
Does the 2008 front suspension model have the pre-load adjustable fork?


New improvements for 2008 include

* Preload adjustable transarch suspension fork. ( biggest upgrade from 2007 )
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But will a NS bike be too brutal? I ride alot on uneven terrain, mostly jumping sidewalks and curbs, poor roads, ect; and want a bike that can handle it.

Yes, I think it will be. I ride my NS on sidewalks for a part of my commute. It is too brutal for me so I replaced the stock tires with something wider. NS with Big Apple may help you out better. Besides, NS comes with 20x1.5 front and rear. They may be vulnerable on poor roads anyway.

that fork upgrade is listed on the 8 speed internal, but not on the 9 speed front suspension....

that fork upgrade is listed on the 8 speed internal, but not on the 9 speed front suspension....
:: paging dr yan ::

:: paging dr yan ::

My bad. I uploaded the 2008's very quickly and there seem to be a few mistakes in the description. All 2008 suspension forks are the same preload adjustable transarch design.

I will try to clean up the products in the next few days. I have been busy adding content on a daily basis. FYI We are now #8 on msn searches for folding bicycles.

Thanks,
Yan

Is there a manufacturer spec page where the forks' detail can be viewed? Who is the manufacturer?

Is there a manufacturer spec page where the forks' detail can be viewed? Who is the manufacturer?

Manufacturer is Zoom, but the transarch technology is licensed from Mozo. I have not seen a Zoom website.

Thanks,
Yan