Onza Mini Bike

[mattbike]

Has anybody got any reviews, experience, opinions or feedback on this folding(ish) mini bike?

http://www.supercycles.co.uk/onzaminibike.asp

Looks like fun but there's very little info on the web.

Cheers, Matt

[mulleady]

The geometry on them looks terrible. There are a lot better folding bikes out there in the £150-250 price range. They don't seem to be worth the money in my opinion.

[mattbike]

Oh well! That's the end of that idea then hehe!

Thanks for saving me the money, i think i might get a Pacific Carryme instead.

I'm happy with my Curve D3 but it's a bit too big to carry into work and a bit to small for weekend blasts- plus it's now rather poorly after i took it offroading yesterday :rolleyes:

Solution- get a smaller folding bike for work and a cheap MTB for the weekend!

Cheers, Matt

[mulleady]

Hi Matt. When you say the D3 is too big to carry into your workplace, do you mean security won't allow it or its simply too cumbersome? I'd have though the Dahon Curve D3 was one of the most compact folds outside of the Brompton/Merc class! The Carryme won't ride as well as the D3, that's for sure!

[mattbike]

A bit of both really. I do find it a bit cumbersome and have given up trying to fold it. I just use it and carry it around as a small bike. The main problem is that i work in a hospital and store it in the changing room. Although most of the staff think it's great, it's only a matter of time before somebody decides that it's innapropriate.

On the plus side, i'm getting mega-fit and enjoy riding much more than i had expected i would- hence the weekend cross-country.

To be honest, i don't mind getting something that's harder to ride than the Curve (as long as it's smaller) as it will just mean i get fitter still and will be able to ride further at the weekends on a bigger bike.

As far as i can tell, the only two bikes significantly smaller are the A-bike and the Carryme. The A-bike sounds dire though!

Cheers, Matt

[mulleady]

I wouldn't worry about the people at work until someone says something. How likely is that? It would be a shame to have to commute on a smaller wheeled bike than that. Only the Strida 3 or 5 are worth considering in my honest opinion.

Are the magnets on the D3 not holding it together well? If not you could always use a bungey cord with hooks. I sometimes do this with my Downtube. By the way have you considered looking at the Merc folding bike? Anita will do it for £280 off ebay (£330 on) and it comes with everything. It would give you a far far superior ride than the Carryme and you could sell off your D3. Anita is very trustworthy to deal with, as EvilV (Tony). Comes with front bag and attachment which Brompton would charge £100 for! Also dynamo lights and bag to put it in! See:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Merc-3spd-long-wheel-base-folding-bike-inc-accessories_W0QQitemZ360049232218QQihZ023QQcategoryZ33503QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

If you need a cheap but very good off-road folding bike for storage purposes consider the Downtube FS, see:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Downtube-IXFS-Folding-Bicycle-White-9sp-w-suspension_W0QQitemZ260235186369QQihZ016QQcategoryZ33503QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Great bike and a very good folding back-up if other one is in for a service! If you want a full size for weekends try Rutland Cycles on ebay, they have fantastic feedback and some real bargains Matt. See:
http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Rutland-Cycling_Bicycles_Mountain-Bikes_W0QQcolZ2QQdirZ1QQfsubZ5130157QQftidZ2QQtZkm

[mattbike]

I think it's quite likely to be honest as it doesn't look very 'clean' even though i'm carrying it and stowing it away from clinical areas before washing my hands and changing, but public perception is very important even if there's no real science behind it and i don't want to be made an example of!

I'm embarrased to say that i've never really figured out how to fold the Curve anywhere near how it should be folded. I tried 3-4 times and after getting all angry with myself that i couldn't do it decided that it wasn't worth the bother!

Funnily enough, i nearly bought a Merc before i found the Curve at a good price- otherwise i would have bought one of them instead.

I'm now wondering whether a Mobiky Genius would have be the best choice in terms of quick and easy folding but they're too darn expensive to buy on a whim.

Selling the Curve on so soon would be a shame but i am considering it as it's not quite as robust as i had hoped. The chain just will not retain it's tension for any length of time even prior to it's cross-country adventure and now it's layed up with a stripped the left hand axle nut!

Thanks for the links and advice- perhaps if i'd listened in the first place i wouldn't be in this situation now hehe!

Cheers, Matt

[jur]

What ails the Curve after the offroad adventures?

[mattbike]

Only the stripped thread on the axle nut really, the chain had become so loose it was starting to chip the paint off the frame. When i tried to tension it again and tighten the nut, it just spun on the axle so it was game over.

Trouble is, an extra spacer is needed on the left hand side of the hub to stop the chain sawing against the frame as it was doing from new. The result is only about half the nut's threads contact the now shortened axle making stripped threads much more likely.

Still, the little Curve conquered 3 miles around this place first so it didn't do too bad considered what it was made for!

http://www.britainexpress.com/counties/dorset/ancient/maiden-castle.htm

http://www.brooklandtravel.com/images/maiden%20castle.jpg

Cheers, Matt

[jur]

You might do well with an axle adjuster (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Bicycle-Bike-Parts-Axle-Adjusters-Standard-Style_W0QQitemZ180169179577QQihZ008QQcategoryZ7295QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem).

[Loch]

It's is not uncommon for the axle nuts to strip on geared hubs, because of the flat portions on the axle, over time they will strip. It has happened on both my dual drive and SA 5sp hub. The key is to have back up nuts ready to go.

I also thought I was losing tension on my Curve SL, but it was actually the chain stretching. The axle was not moving at all. I took the chain in an it was shot after 1500 mi. I don't now if it is the nature of my riding or if it was a low quality chain, but that has been replaced. So definately get your chain checked.

Those axle adjusters would make attaching the wheel and chain tensioning much easier. If I could find a set that are really thin I'd try them. The problem is having enough thread area on the drive side.

If your chain was rubbing from new you should have had someone look at it, that should be a warranty issue. Regardless there are a few simple fixes that shouldn't require adding spacers to the axle. I'm a bit confused where your chain is rubbing though. Does it rub the large portion of the chainstay, or the small curved tube that connects the chainstay to the seat tube? My chain would hit the small curved tube hen going over bumps and things, it is very close. I took some clear plastic tubing and zip tied it to that portion of the frame and have had no problems.

I can fold my Curve in 15 sec easy (much faster than I could lock it up). It might take 5 sec longer if I had to raise the stem. It is very easy and you should definately learn how to do it well. The key is to make setting marks so you know exactly where to go with the stem, seatpost etc, when folding and unfolding. I work in a research lab, I ride either my curve or my Speed and fold it up. I either have it under or by my desk or in the stairway landing. I keep my bike clean, no one has ever said a thing to me, it's no dirtier than the shoes that people walk in with.

I think the carryme dualspeed looks like a lot of fun. Unfortunately I don't think it would fit me (5'11"), but I think it would be great for a smaller person who had a fairly short commute and/or used public transportion a lot. I'd certainly love to try one out. For me though, the curve fits me perfect. It is light and fast and folds pretty darn small and quickly and has held up really well for me, only a chain and brake pad replacement in 1500 miles.

I think if you fixed up your Curve and learned how to fold it quickly you might find it works great for your commune, then just get a MTB for your weekend rides. Regarding a bike smaller than the Curve or brompton. It's hard to tell because it might work great for you depending on your size and type of riding, but you might also find it to be too small and uncomfortable. You might find you are getting less of a workout because you might ride slower because of the small wheels, short wheelbase and cramped cockpit.

[mattbike]

You might do well with an axle adjuster (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Bicycle-Bike-Parts-Axle-Adjusters-Standard-Style_W0QQitemZ180169179577QQihZ008QQcategoryZ7295QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem).

Yep, good idea. I think i'll order some up with some new nuts and see if i can make them fit.

Cheers, Matt

[mattbike]

It's is not uncommon for the axle nuts to strip on geared hubs, because of the flat portions on the axle, over time they will strip. It has happened on both my dual drive and SA 5sp hub. The key is to have back up nuts ready to go.

I also thought I was losing tension on my Curve SL, but it was actually the chain stretching. The axle was not moving at all. I took the chain in an it was shot after 1500 mi. I don't now if it is the nature of my riding or if it was a low quality chain, but that has been replaced. So definately get your chain checked.

Those axle adjusters would make attaching the wheel and chain tensioning much easier. If I could find a set that are really thin I'd try them. The problem is having enough thread area on the drive side.

If your chain was rubbing from new you should have had someone look at it, that should be a warranty issue. Regardless there are a few simple fixes that shouldn't require adding spacers to the axle. I'm a bit confused where your chain is rubbing though. Does it rub the large portion of the chainstay, or the small curved tube that connects the chainstay to the seat tube? My chain would hit the small curved tube hen going over bumps and things, it is very close. I took some clear plastic tubing and zip tied it to that portion of the frame and have had no problems.

I can fold my Curve in 15 sec easy (much faster than I could lock it up). It might take 5 sec longer if I had to raise the stem. It is very easy and you should definately learn how to do it well. The key is to make setting marks so you know exactly where to go with the stem, seatpost etc, when folding and unfolding. I work in a research lab, I ride either my curve or my Speed and fold it up. I either have it under or by my desk or in the stairway landing. I keep my bike clean, no one has ever said a thing to me, it's no dirtier than the shoes that people walk in with.

I think the carryme dualspeed looks like a lot of fun. Unfortunately I don't think it would fit me (5'11"), but I think it would be great for a smaller person who had a fairly short commute and/or used public transportion a lot. I'd certainly love to try one out. For me though, the curve fits me perfect. It is light and fast and folds pretty darn small and quickly and has held up really well for me, only a chain and brake pad replacement in 1500 miles.

I think if you fixed up your Curve and learned how to fold it quickly you might find it works great for your commune, then just get a MTB for your weekend rides. Regarding a bike smaller than the Curve or brompton. It's hard to tell because it might work great for you depending on your size and type of riding, but you might also find it to be too small and uncomfortable. You might find you are getting less of a workout because you might ride slower because of the small wheels, short wheelbase and cramped cockpit.

I'm glad i'm not the only one whose had problems- i take heart from that!

I did wonder whether the chain was stretching but as it wouldn't even stay tight for more than a few meters riding i figured it was the axle moving despite me doing the nuts up really tight. Somehow, i think it's the black gear-cable bracket that pivots which causes the slippage.

With regards to the chain rubbing the frame- yes, that was/is very dissapointing and i should really have sent the bike back (mail order). It rubbed on the large portion of the chainstay and took a small channel of paint and aluminium with it before i noticed. I think the frame must be bent? With the spacer it seemed to clear OK but when the chain went loose it then hit both the large portion and the small curved portion!

I totally agree with you about the bike being no dirtier than the shoes you walked in with. After it's back on the road i shall make an effort to learn how to fold it properly. Or maybe i'm just looking for an excuse to buy another bike!!!

I'm only 5'0" tall and skinny as a rake so i don't think there's a folding bike on the planet that's TOO small small for me:D

Cheers, Matt

[Loch]

I'm only 5'0" tall and skinny as a rake so i don't think there's a folding bike on the planet that's TOO small small for me:D

Cheers, Matt

Dang, you might cruise on a Carryme Dualspeed. If I was your size I might have one already and not because I needed one (they are pretty spendy though)! :D

Good luck with the Curve, get the thing tuned up I really like mine.

[nekohime]

]I think it's quite likely to be honest as it doesn't look very 'clean' even though i'm carrying it and stowing it away from clinical areas before washing my hands and changing,[/B] but public perception is very important even if there's no real science behind it and i don't want to be made an example of!

I'm embarrased to say that i've never really figured out how to fold the Curve anywhere near how it should be folded. I tried 3-4 times and after getting all angry with myself that i couldn't do it decided that it wasn't worth the bother!

Funnily enough, i nearly bought a Merc before i found the Curve at a good price- otherwise i would have bought one of them instead.

I'm now wondering whether a Mobiky Genius would have be the best choice in terms of quick and easy folding but they're too darn expensive to buy on a whim.

Selling the Curve on so soon would be a shame but i am considering it as it's not quite as robust as i had hoped. The chain just will not retain it's tension for any length of time even prior to it's cross-country adventure and now it's layed up with a stripped the left hand axle nut!

Thanks for the links and advice- perhaps if i'd listened in the first place i wouldn't be in this situation now hehe!

Cheers, Matt

Why not put it in a bike bag? Then it'll look like a normal bag and not a "dirty" bike.

[mattbike]

Dang, you might cruise on a Carryme Dualspeed. If I was your size I might have one already and not because I needed one (they are pretty spendy though)! :D

Good luck with the Curve, get the thing tuned up I really like mine.

Yeah, being small can have it's advantages:o

Got some chain tensioners in the post so should have it rolling again by the end of the week if i can find some axle nuts.

Cheers, Matt

[mattbike]

Why not put it in a bike bag? Then it'll look like a normal bag and not a "dirty" bike.

That would work but i'm just too darn lazy:rolleyes:

If it came to that i would probably just get a smaller more descrete bike as my journey is barely more than a mile.

Cheers, Matt

[mattbike]

Just a quicky to let you all know the Curve is back in business already.

I got home from work today to find my shiney new chain tensioners and axle nuts on the doorstep.

The tensioners needed a bit of modding to fit and the axle nut has even less thread holding it on due to the thickness of the tensioners but it seems to be working well for now and that's the main thing.

I even managed to get first gear working for the first time ever so i now have all three!

Time to go offroading again... with all three gears it'll be unstoppable... there again... perhaps not :o

Cheers, matt