I've been reading here for a few weeks now and used your comments to influence (outside my budget's limitations, that is) which folder to buy, so I thought I'd jump in and say a general "thank you" to all who keep this forum so lively and informative. :)
I'm expecting the arrival of a 2009 Downtube 8H shortly and have a few questions, as this is my first folding bike and my first bicycle of any type in about twenty years. (It's the usual story: fat old lady turns off television and heads outdoors for better living!) I bought the Downtube primarily for recreational riding (and easy transport) and expect to sometimes wind up on level crushed gravel trails or level compacted dirt paths. Since I'll be taking the bike to a bike shop for its recommended tune-up out of the box, should I go ahead and have different tires put on, too? If so, what type/brand would you suggest? (btw, anyone have any experience with Alameda Bicycle in Alameda, CA? Is there another bike shop in the east bay -say, between Alameda and Fremont- that I should use?)
Thank you for any advice you can give me.
SesameCrunch
06-05-08, 08:39 AM
Congrats on your new bike. The 8H is an excellent choice for you!
I don't think there's a need to buy new tires right away (unless you really want to). The original tires are just fine for the type of riding you're describing.
If you live in Alameda, you might see my Mother-in-Law's Downtube Mini around town. Say hi to her if you do :thumb:.
donkim0822
06-05-08, 03:03 PM
Congrats. the exact same bike arrived for me just a few days ago after some delivery mishaps with USPS to Canada. It took USPS 3 weeks to figure out it's too big to ship. UPS took 3 business days to bring it to Toronto.
This is my first bike since I was a kid -- some 24 years or so. So this would bring good memories and sure will be part of some good time.
After scratching my head a while after unboxing it -- since i'm not familiar with anything related to bikes -- i think i figured out the quick release on the frame. It's adjustable -- mine's adjustable with a wrench to hold the nut on the QR while adjusting it. Once it's set, I can leave it where it is, and I learned that I should not swing it 180 degrees while the frame is unfolded. Leave it at 90 degrees at the moment of folding and unfolding. Otherwise, the QR won't swing into the locking position. (kinda hard to explain, eh?) Not sure if this is the way other DT bikes are, but mine seems to be.
I was trying to follow Downtube's instructions on adjusting the SA8 hub -- and our SA8 didn't look exactly like the one on the picture on the DT website. I eventually tried turning the knob on the shifter on the handlebar, and it does seem to adjust it just fine!
I was messing with small hand pump to put some air into the tires but somehow the tube/valve kept losing all air out. I brought it to LBS and the helpful tech refilled it in a snap. and it holds air just fine. phew!
All these are small things but for someone dumb and new to bikes like me, I was thinking what the heck is wrong with this thing for some time!
I took it out for a spin... in a friendly neighbourhood cemetry! It did not feel twitchy. Very smooth riding bike. SA8 hub was very smooth. The saddle does seem to be too narrow for me though. Think i'll get one of those Specialized BG ones.
happy cycling!
golden_foldie
06-05-08, 03:27 PM
Thank you for the tire advice and your encouraging words, SesameCrunch. :) (I take it your MIL relies upon her SIL for bike maintenance, rather than a bike shop? Fortunate woman! If she rides along the shore at all, I'm bound to run into her sooner or later and will certainly wave.)
Oh, donkim0822, how nice of you to take the time to tell me about your own new 8H -especially the quirks attendant to unpacking/unfolding it! (Having read your experience, I'm thinking I'll just take mine to the LBS in its box and let them unravel it, haha!)
It's silly, probably, but I'm almost as excited about this bike as I was when I got my very first one as a kid. No training wheels necessary this time, though -- I hope!
Happy biking to you, too!
curt_k
06-06-08, 05:05 AM
I have a 2007 NS and I love it. I did wind up putting Primo Comets with the kevlar layer on partially because I got nasty flats on the trail I mainly ride. The Primos have been even better than I had hoped -- a nice bit faster, much faster acceleration from stop, and *comfortable*. The fact that they're a more comfortable ride at 100 PSI versus the stock 65 (?) PSI tires was really surprising to me.
Anyhow, in terms of speed, I think the stock tires sound like they'd be fine for you. But an upgrade to tires with a kevlar layer might make sense to avoid flats. The Big Apples look like fun if you aren't too concerned about speed and weight.
Enjoy, these are great bikes.
mulleady
06-06-08, 05:16 AM
The stock tyres on the FS 8 are actually very decent. They are designed on the front for low rolling resistance and on the back for grip which is ideal for your bit of trail riding. The only thing I recommend is the tune-up at your LBS and then the bike will run beautifully, the hub gears are great. Not now but in the future I find Schwalbe Marathon plus tyres are a great investment but the Kends ones do not puncture easily and will do fine for 12 months in my opinion. Enjoy your new purchase and love your nick! :D
MCS
06-06-08, 09:11 PM
Fist of all, I, too want to thank all of the many contributers to this forum for sharing their experiences and knowledge. Based in no small part to all of that information I am now awaiting delivery of my new 8FH. I might have gone for the 8H but Yan didn't think my 35" inseam would fit it very well.
Secondly, regarding the Alameda, CA bike shop question. I'm in Alameda also (live on my boat in Marina Village) and have recently had the chance to work with the folks at Cycle City on High Street and I have only good things to say about them. I shopped all of the Alameda bike shops and most didn't have any time for me however, these guys were great. I ended up buying a non-folder from them for my wife.
A neighbor who has a Canadian made folder that is no longer produced has used them recently for service and again for tires. He likes them a lot. In fact, he rides right past at least 2 other bike shops (one of them Alameda Cyclery) on his way to do business with Cycle City.