Folding Bikes - Anyone in NYC/Jersey City who would let me test ride downtube FS?

Hello,

One concern with the FS is how small it folds cross sectionally. All the pics are from the sides so you don't see how wide the fold is...just how long/tall.

Does anyone have a Downtube FS that I could just ride down the block...will give you my license/cellphone/credit cards.


I have THOROUGHLY researched the bikes for taller riders(I am 6'4") and the winners are the Xootr Swift(swift goes up to 6'7" and 260lbs) and the Downtube FS.

I have ridden the Swift and it is EXCELLENT yet the fold is what concerns me as I want to bring my bike everywhere inside as NYC is NOT a place to lock a bike(e.g. movie theater, anywhere with a coat check, bookstore).

Does anyone know if there are any current coupon codes for Downtube?
I just did a quick search on EBay and wasn't able to find any Downtubes being sold by Yan. Is he still doing that? Does anyone know his seller name so I can search for his items?

thanks
Malcolm

Hi WickedFun,

I live in NYC and have both a Downtube 8H (20") and Mini (16"). I can tell you that if you want to bring your bike around everywhere and onto mass transit, the Mini is your best bet. It folds quickly and compactly and is well balanced. The 8H folds with the stem on the outside, creating an unbalanced package that can tip easily. Also, it's very bulky folded. I think it would be easier to get away with bringing the Mini indoors in commercial establishments and offices.

Anyplace with a coat check, like a restaurant, should be fine with bringing your bike indoors, as long as it's folded. When in doubt, also put it in a bag. I'm not sure what you'd do with a movie theater since most don't have coat checks. Believe me, you do not want to haul a folded bicycle around a theater, even bagged. It would be too heavy and take up too much room. What I do if I'm going to a movie is leave it in the office and pick it up afterwards.

A warning to all. The downtube FS rides great and is great value but it is not really big enough for a 6'4" rider. My frame evenutally sheared off because the seat tube was at the extreme end of the adjustment. It is also sightly bulky folded, which can result in some interesting discussions with NJ Transit train conductors. However, I was always able to ride the train.

Definitely one major downside for folding bikes is the max rider weight... and height. At 6'4" you're above the upper limit of most folders. One way of avoiding the minimum insertion post on the seat post is by using some extender like a Butt Buddy. Another option is to use a sprung saddle that will add some height. You can also try to find or make a longer seat post. The final option is a customized bike like the Bike Friday Tikit... more expensive, but you can get the large version for taller riders.

As for folding the Downtube, I imagine it has a similar folded size as my Giant Halfway. Bulky, but small enough to get onto any off-peak trains. I was able to walk into any store with the Halfway. My guess is that it would be the same with the Downtube. Though I must admit that I had to bag it once when walking into a building in downtown Chicago.

--sam