First of all, this thread is not meant to be critical of Downtube bikes. On the contrary, I think the bikes are very good and the best in their price class. I've noticed that Yan keeps adding improvements and features each year, so I just want to keep the suggestions flowing so the bikes can be even better
- I wish the non-suspended models had a wider seatpost, so that tall riders wouldn't have to pull the seatpost past the minimum insertion point. I also would like to be able to use Dahon accessories, like a suspension seatpost. I wouldn't expect a small shop like Downtube to be able to provide a ton of accessories, but if the bikes were compatible with others', then we riders would inherit a rich supply of options.
- It would be great if the rigid fork had braze-ons for mounting a front rack, either from Dahon or Bike Friday.
- It would be great to have an option for a front fender on the suspension fork
- I would have considered the full suspension if it had an eyelet for a rear rack, like for the Pletscher rack (works with rear suspension)
- A few steel frame models?
Anyone have any more improvements to suggest?
yangmusa
02-12-08, 08:40 PM
I would also have considered the full suspension model, if it came with a non-suspended rack and fenders (ie. the rack mounted to the frame). Both essential for a daily commuter bike.
-=Łem in Pa=-
02-12-08, 08:50 PM
Why no front fender on some of the new ones ?
DVC45
02-13-08, 12:06 AM
Mine:
- Please provide "real fenders" (read: full coverage) if the bike is to have one. The rear fender that came with my VIIIH was a joke.
- Please include an instruction manual with the bike, instead of reffering customers to the website.
I know, I know, its simple enough, but the SA hub gave me a few problems when I first got my bike and I did'nt have an access to my computer at the time.
- How about designing future bikes so it can be rolled while folded, ala Brompton?
- Come out with a 26 inch commuter version already! :)
I'm still convinced that Downtube bikes represents the best value for the buck. I recommend Downtube bikes to anyone who inquires about my bike. And I do get a lot.
cmcanulty
02-13-08, 05:53 AM
My suggestion: make a 16" bike with rack and fender and no suspension and low gears so we have a truly versatile traveling & commuting bike. I would buy one today.
JosephLMonti
02-13-08, 07:26 AM
My suggestion: make a 16" bike with rack and fender and no suspension and low gears so we have a truly versatile traveling & commuting bike. I would buy one today.
+1
Bacciagalupe
02-13-08, 08:41 AM
I may be wrong, but I don't think Yan hangs out here very much anymore....
Baldone
02-13-08, 09:26 AM
My suggestion: make a 16" bike with rack and fender and no suspension and low gears so we have a truly versatile traveling & commuting bike. I would buy one today.
+2 on the 16" no suspension (should also be lighter then right??)
I like the idea of a longer wider seatpost, also a front stem that bends forward so there is more cockpit.
wahoonc
02-13-08, 09:32 AM
Why no front fender on some of the new ones ?
According to a response from Yan on his website? It was eliminated to a)reduce weight, b) cost/complexity. Supposedly the main downtube blocks most of the debris from the front wheel....
Me? I want full fenders and am not opposed to adding skirt guards and spray guards as necessary:p
Aaron:)
bokes
02-13-08, 10:50 AM
I may be wrong, but I don't think Yan hangs out here very much anymore....
I emailed Yan about this thread, and he knows about it.
-=Łem in Pa=-
02-13-08, 03:27 PM
According to a response from Yan on his website? It was eliminated to a)reduce weight, b) cost/complexity. Supposedly the main downtube blocks most of the debris from the front wheel....
Me? I want full fenders and am not opposed to adding skirt guards and spray guards as necessary:p
Aaron:)
One of the very few complaints I might be bothered to gripe about if
I was in a bad mood was that the fenders are not enough. They do need to
be bigger, not eliminated. I an extension out of a piece of Carbon Fibre from
a race car. Aside from keeping me cleaner, it intimidates alot of the bourgeous
roadies around here :roflmao:
Really though, the bottom end of my DownTube gets incredibly dirty by being so
low to the ground even in dry conditions. When its wet, its waaaay worse !
Archer-ca
02-15-08, 05:52 PM
Might I suggest ramping the receiving edge of the folding joint so that the locking button would slide up and into place instead of being manually lifted or pushed in? It would save several seconds and eliminates pinched fingers. Simply unfold and 'click', your locked. Then just flip down the cam locks and off you go. I haven't done this yet and am seeking advise for or against it. Maybe Dr. Yan can comment?
Any thoughts on this? Safe and practical? Or asking for trouble?
Norman
Fat Boy
02-15-08, 06:51 PM
Better drivetrain would be my biggest gripe.
I changed the cranks, rear derailleur, and shifter. The reduced flex of the crank spider helped reduce thrown chains. The shifter/derailleur upgrade was a _massive_ improvement on that end. Charging an extra $100 for a good drivetrain would be a welcomed change.