Tonight I locked my Downtube VIIIH outside of a friend's house for a couple hours and when I went to leave, lo and behold, my seatpost was missing. The bike was locked with a 1.5' cable and master lock (which doubles as an easy seatpost height marker) which I usually also lock the seat with, but this time there wasn't enough slack.

I'm thinking I'll either do:
A) Get a new seatpost and sell the bike along with all spare parts (namely, two big apple tires, a new 39 T chainwheel, and a new rustproof chain). The Downtube will never be safe outside without extensive locking and is simply too large and ungainly to impose upon hosts; The Carryme is plenty of bike for urban riding.
or
B) Get a new seatpost and a 3-6 foot long steel cable and religiously secure seatpost, wheels, and frame together when locking up.

That's terrible! I swear, people would steal breath!

Me, I'd go for the longer cable and another seatpost. A lot cheaper than getting another bike. (You might ask Dynocoaster. He swapped out his stock 8HN seatpost and saddle.)

Me, I'd go for the longer cable and another seatpost. A lot cheaper than getting another bike. (You might ask Dynocoaster. He swapped out his stock 8HN seatpost and saddle.)

Thanks for the tip (although I think the seatposts on the latest downtubes may be a different size). To tell you the truth I was thinking about selling the bike anyway because it just isn't meeting my needs, but it kills me to just put all the spare parts to waste (and now the thought of sinking even more money in a new seatpost makes it even worse).

Thanks for the tip (although I think the seatposts on the latest downtubes may be a different size). To tell you the truth I was thinking about selling the bike anyway because it just isn't meeting my needs, but it kills me to just put all the spare parts to waste (and now the thought of sinking even more money in a new seatpost makes it even worse).

What did Yan say about the seatpost diameter change?

What did Yan say about the seatpost diameter change?

#3 Wider seat tube on front and no suspension models ( 30.4mm from 27.2mm )

Could you just replace the seatpost QR with a pinch bolt?

Sounds like the "greatest city in america" isn't too kind to cyclists!
Good luck with your decision.:)

Hmm, looks like the seapost from my Carryme is a perfect fit (and lighter too).

I always found the Carryme seat more comfortable anyway, plus I didn't need all that extra length on the stock post, so I think I'm going to just move the Carryme seat and post over to the Downtube and take this as an opportunity to upgrade the seatpost and seat on my Carryme to something lighter.

Does anyone have any recommendations on lightweight seatposts without getting ripped off? I'm thinking maybe a carbon seatpost with a Tioga Spider saddle. Now I just have to go practice saying "I'm sorry honey, but I had to buy a new seat and post because my old one was stolen!" :)

I can relate, having had 3 posts go in the last 3 years; One was a very-hard to replace Peugeot size and I was not a happy bunny about that!!!

Something a guy I used to know with a Dahon did was drill a small hole in the last 1/2 inch or so of the tube then when the tube was down and protruding through the bottom of the frame, he could just attach a wee little padlock (a combination luggage one I believe) that kept the post in the frame and would dissuade most casual thieves. A bit easier to carry than extra cables etc as you can keep it on your key-fob.

I guess you could take the seatpost/saddle inside with you.

I can relate, having had 3 posts go in the last 3 years; One was a very-hard to replace Peugeot size and I was not a happy bunny about that!!!

Something a guy I used to know with a Dahon did was drill a small hole in the last 1/2 inch or so of the tube then when the tube was down and protruding through the bottom of the frame, he could just attach a wee little padlock (a combination luggage one I believe) that kept the post in the frame and would dissuade most casual thieves. A bit easier to carry than extra cables etc as you can keep it on your key-fob.

I'm not going to carry any extra cables. I usually lock my bike with a single cable wrapped around the rear triangle which I wrap around fixtures and lock back on itself with a padlock. By leaving it wrapped around the rear triangle the cable serves a dual purpose because when I lock the other end of the cable to the saddle rails and pull it taught I know the seatpost is at the right height.

I intend to just replace this cable with a longer cable so I can string it through the saddle rails and wheels too. I'm hoping that double length will be long enough to do the job if I fold the bike before locking so that I can use the same method for checking the seatpost height.

I'm not willing to use multiple locks, which is why I'm wondering if perhaps I'd be better off just selling the bike now before the cable gets snipped and the whole thing gets stolen.

A bit late now I admit, but one of the many advantages of a folding bike is that you can generally fold it up and take it with you into a building. Taking off any easily removed parts such as seatpost, lights, computer and pedals (if MKS Q/D pedals) is the next best option.
Otherwise perhaps, fold it up before locking it to something solid with the best lock you can afford.

I'm not willing to use multiple locks, which is why I'm wondering if perhaps I'd be better off just selling the bike now before the cable gets snipped and the whole thing gets stolen.

Had a commuter bike get stolen when just locked with a (rather stout) cable. This was in a high-theft area, though. Thing is, in another part of town not a couple months previous, a homeless guy came up and complimented me on my bike, saw I was using a cable and told me those things were no good, thieves in the area could cut through them "like buttah." (this was Boston...)

One idea: take an old chain and attach it through the frame and the seat rails. That works on a full-sized bike, don't know about the Downtube.

A bit late now I admit, but one of the many advantages of a folding bike is that you can generally fold it up and take it with you into a building.

The thing is, generally, you can't with most folding bikes. That's why I've been locking my Downtube outside and why I'd like to sell it.

The Brompton, the Strida, the A-bike, and the Carryme are really the only folding bikes you can generally take with you everywhere, and even at that the Brompton and the Strida are pushing it.

Taking off any easily removed parts such as seatpost, lights, computer and pedals (if MKS Q/D pedals) is the next best option. Otherwise perhaps, fold it up before locking it to something solid with the best lock you can afford.

I think the next best option is taking the subway or maybe even driving. Taking the whole bike apart just to go inside for an hour or two is the last thing I want to do.

And how will the best lock I can afford do? No matter how it's locked with some basic tools any amateur bike mechanic should be able to strip a locked up bike of everything except the wheels and whatever part of the frame is contiguous to the rear triangle (basically everything that isn't a loop or welded to a loop).

And how will the best lock I can afford do? No matter how it's locked with some basic tools any amateur bike mechanic should be able to strip a locked up bike of everything except the wheels and whatever part of the frame is contiguous to the rear triangle (basically everything that isn't a loop or welded to a loop).

This is true, and if your folder were equipped with all Dura-Ace components, I would be worried. But I don't think the person who stole your seat did so because he wanted to resell it (I don't think that there is much of a market for used seats); I think he did so because he saw that he could. In other words, you were more the victim of vandalism than theft.

that's why I like my gekko, I can take the security pin with me,
the bike will collapse on itself when the thief sits on the saddle.
I know, I forgot to put the pin in when I tried riding it out in my hallway,
it just folded up. for short trips to grab some take-out it's perfect.
like you, I'm not going to buy a giant lock, the lock will cost more than
the bike's worth, I'll rig up some zip tie to secure the QR seatpost.
Lot's of NYC office buildings are still bicycle unfriendly. that's if you
want to work in the corporate world.

Get tough - Just ride it without a seat.

One guy does it around here all the time.

The NYC Kryptonite lock is guaranteed against theft (http://www.kryptonitelock.com/Products/ProductDetail.aspx?cid=1001&scid=1000&pid=1095).

makeinu, I just want to tell you how sorry I am to read about your seatpost theft. How awful! Everytime I think of getting up the nerve to lock my bike outside, I read a story like this and it sends me running away screaming.

Good luck getting the seatpost and saddle replaced!

The NYC Kryptonite lock is guaranteed against theft (http://www.kryptonitelock.com/Products/ProductDetail.aspx?cid=1001&scid=1000&pid=1095).

But you need to have the broken lock in order to make a claim. What if the thief takes the lock?

God only knows.

A bit late now I admit, but one of the many advantages of a folding bike is that you can generally fold it up and take it with you into a building. Taking off any easily removed parts such as seatpost, lights, computer and pedals (if MKS Q/D pedals) is the next best option.
Otherwise perhaps, fold it up before locking it to something solid with the best lock you can afford.

+1. Why else have a folding bike? You are lucky you didn't lose the whole bike. The only 95% safe lock is the NY Kryptonite, and only then because you are 95% likely to get the money back from their insurance policy once the bike is stolen.

I was denied entry into a building recently (they had a metal detector and wouldn't let me place the bike on the luggage scanner). I was supposed to give a presentation that was important for my work. When they wouldn't let me in, I just called them and apologized that I wouldn't be showing up for the presentation.

Could a lock be built into the quick release?

Sorry to hear about your stolen seatpost that sucks....had that happen in university...:mad:

One of the things I love about my Tikit is that I don't have to carry a lock with me, I just fold it and bring it in with me. So far I haven't had an issue with that strategy.

Get tough - Just ride it without a seat.

One guy does it around here all the time.

Any chance of some pictures please?

........
I was denied entry into a building recently (they had a metal detector and wouldn't let me place the bike on the luggage scanner). I was supposed to give a presentation that was important for my work. When they wouldn't let me in, I just called them and apologized that I wouldn't be showing up for the presentation.

An admirable stance, but not available for everyone I suspect.


It's all very depressing. There's a parallel thread to this currently, about "Tesco" which many of you have probably ignored as it has a UK bias, but it does mention skewer locks which has cropped up in this thread.

Even a folder (unless it's say an "A-bike") isn't immune from no admittance. Whlst on holiday earlier this year, we decided to take a cable car, but the sharp eyed ticket man spotted our folded Stridas were actually bicycles, & we had to leave them behind in his tea making area until we returned, as he said otherwise we might violate the strict park rules of "no bicycles". We didn't have any locks other than a simple lightweight plastic covered steel wire, which any self respecting thief could probably get through with his teeth :-)

How about something like this looped through the saddle rails and locked to your primary lock?

http://www.kryptonitelock.com/images/products/210719.jpg
http://www.kryptonitelock.com/Products/ProductDetail.aspx?cid=1001&scid=1001&pid=1122

[quote=pm124;7040038]+1. Why else have a folding bike? You are lucky you didn't lose the whole bike. The only 95% safe lock is the NY Kryptonite, and only then because you are 95% likely to get the money back from their insurance policy once the bike is stolen.

I was denied entry into a building recently (they had a metal detector and wouldn't let me place the bike on the luggage scanner). I was supposed to give a presentation that was%

I read somewhere that seats are stolen to complete stolen bikes that the owners removed seats from so the seats wouldn't be stolen. Confusing?

Also, whenever I lock my mountain or road bike I open the hub skewers, open the brakes at the lever if a road bike, release the brake noodle if a mountain bike, and with the chain on big cog in the back, I move the shifter to the highest gear. If the thief is in a hurry and doesn't take notice of my sabotage, hopefully he will ride away and have a nice crash. I'm still considering how to sabotage my R20.

The thing is, generally, you can't with most folding bikes. That's why I've been locking my Downtube outside and why I'd like to sell it.

The Brompton, the Strida, the A-bike, and the Carryme are really the only folding bikes you can generally take with you everywhere, and even at that the Brompton and the Strida are pushing it.


I think the next best option is taking the subway or maybe even driving. Taking the whole bike apart just to go inside for an hour or two is the last thing I want to do.



I used to lock my Dahon Piccolo at train stations but it was a mistake because the bike took a beating. However, I locked a combination cable around the seat and the frame of the bike so that it wouldn't get stolen. One person did try to remove it but the cable stopped them! I was lucky!

The OP discovered that a folder is not wanted in many stores, supermarkets, resturants and the list goes on! That's why I have a 1980 Schwinn World Sport that I can lock (in a hidden location) when shopping. If a folder were so accepted and convienent, the Dutch would all have folders. However, they are all riding black, heavy, rusting beaters with huge locks. I happen to think this is more liberating than having to carry a 26lb folder in a shopping district.

I used to see a lot of inexpensive Dahon Boardwalks chained on the streets of New York City because they were inexpensive. We really do need bikes like this but it seem like the folding bike market has gone upscale where you better not even think about leaving them locked to a bike rack.

I used to lock my Dahon Piccolo at train stations but it was a mistake because the bike took a beating. However, I locked a combination cable around the seat and the frame of the bike so that it wouldn't get stolen. One person did try to remove it but the cable stopped them! I was lucky!

The OP discovered that a folder is not wanted in many stores, supermarkets, resturants and the list goes on! That's why I have a 1980 Schwinn World Sport that I can lock (in a hidden location) when shopping. If a folder were so accepted and convienent, the Dutch would all have folders. However, they are all riding black, heavy, rusting beaters with huge locks. I happen to think this is more liberating than having to carry a 26lb folder in a shopping district.

I used to see a lot of inexpensive Dahon Boardwalks chained on the streets of New York City because they were inexpensive. We really do need bikes like this but it seem like the folding bike market has gone upscale where you better not even think about leaving them locked to a bike rack.

Have you tried a tikit steve? I did and my impression was that it didn't solve the problem, but bike friday and many of their customers so fervently insist it does that I'm wondering if I should give it another chance. As someone that clearly understands this issue I'm curious how you feel about the tikit.

Although I'm not sure if I really stand to get much benefit from the tikit, there are obviously lots of folks who find one speed to be plenty for city riding and I don't think 16" wheels really offer a significant benefit for city riding (curbs, potholes, etc) over their 8" brethren (because I think I'd avoid them all with either wheel size).

.......... the Dutch would all have folders. However, they are all riding black, heavy, rusting beaters with huge locks. I happen to think this is more liberating than having to carry a 26lb folder in a shopping district.
.............

Their country & particularly their shopping centres are in general very flat. Trying to cycle up a 1 in 7 hill on a 40 pounds + bicycle isn't very liberating in my experience :-)

I have a 4 speed Raleigh sit-up-and-beg roadster that I use as a lockup bike, and a similar single speed that I could leave locked for days. They're both great to ride, and with the granny on the 4 speed, the Raleigh is fine for even steep hills. I don't choose it when I want to do 50 miles, but around town? No problem. If I lived in the alps, it might not cut it, but how many of us do?

Have you tried a tikit steve? I did and my impression was that it didn't solve the problem, but bike friday and many of their customers so fervently insist it does that I'm wondering if I should give it another chance. As someone that clearly understands this issue I'm curious how you feel about the tikit.


How do I feel about the Tikit? It's just as bulky as a Dahon if not more so they still have the same problems. Don't believe all the marketing about folders (even the Tikit) being able to go everywhere because they are not allowed. Heck, I was kicked out of StarBucks the other day with my Presto!

Do you remember that thread about the guy who had his Tikit stolen but thanks to the forum members, it was located for sale on Craigs List and eventually recovered. Why was his Tikit stolen in the first place? He had no choice but to lock it on a bike rack at his university due to the fact it was not allowed in the classroom! So they have the same problems everyone else has.

The bottom line. If you're going to travel with a folder, you have to know where you're going and who will accept your bike. Otherwise, you'll have to cross your fingers and hope for the best. In addition, the activity you engage in should not involve a lot of walking indoors and requiring the bike to be carried or rolled.

How about something like this looped through the saddle rails and locked to your primary lock?

http://www.kryptonitelock.com/images/products/210719.jpg
http://www.kryptonitelock.com/Products/ProductDetail.aspx?cid=1001&scid=1001&pid=1122

Cable Locks effectiveness is limited to a potential thief's access to tools for stripping/complete bike removal. I only use mine indoors with limited faith in these products.

I used to lock my Dahon Piccolo at train stations but it was a mistake because the bike took a beating. However, I locked a combination cable around the seat and the frame of the bike so that it wouldn't get stolen. One person did try to remove it but the cable stopped them! I was lucky!

The OP discovered that a folder is not wanted in many stores, supermarkets, resturants and the list goes on! That's why I have a 1980 Schwinn World Sport that I can lock (in a hidden location) when shopping. If a folder were so accepted and convienent, the Dutch would all have folders. However, they are all riding black, heavy, rusting beaters with huge locks. I happen to think this is more liberating than having to carry a 26lb folder in a shopping district.

I used to see a lot of inexpensive Dahon Boardwalks chained on the streets of New York City because they were inexpensive. We really do need bikes like this but it seem like the folding bike market has gone upscale where you better not even think about leaving them locked to a bike rack.

Here in Los Angeles, anything-beater, folder, expensive bike-is fair game to any thief since bikes are not held in high regard here or taken seriously by law enforcement beyond a kid's toy. My own old Schwinn World was attempted to be taken if if was not for the heavy U-Lock that I used for it. I bought that bike for only 50 dollars! Thank God my father was still alive and able to get the smashed lock off the frame. He was the one to suggest I get another bike-the Boardwalk-since no bike is safe around here locked up with any lock. So my first folder was purchased.


How do I feel about the Tikit? It's just as bulky as a Dahon if not more so they still have the same problems. Don't believe all the marketing about folders (even the Tikit) being able to go everywhere because they are not allowed. Heck, I was kicked out of StarBucks the other day with my Presto!

Do you remember that thread about the guy who had his Tikit stolen but thanks to the forum members, it was located for sale on Craigs List and eventually recovered. Why was his Tikit stolen in the first place? He had no choice but to lock it on a bike rack at his university due to the fact it was not allowed in the classroom! So they have the same problems everyone else has.

The bottom line. If you're going to travel with a folder, you have to know where you're going and who will accept your bike. Otherwise, you'll have to cross your fingers and hope for the best. In addition, the activity you engage in should not involve a lot of walking indoors and requiring the bike to be carried or rolled.

I agree with planning ahead in regards to where you can bring your folder in or not. I checked ahead before I bring a bike along with me anywhere. And when I do, I usually place bike in a shopping cart/trolley and wheel the thing around the store. Even people who don't use bikes know how fast they can disappear. Dahon Steve, I am wondering why you did not mention using bikes to "change" the bike from a unacceptable even hated object to simple luggage by using a bag/slipcover? I find that far more effective than locking it up even indoors!

Cable Locks effectiveness is limited to a potential thief's access to tools for stripping/complete bike removal. I only use mine indoors with limited faith in these products.


Of course, but if you read the OP you'll see that he doesn't use too fancy a lock for primary lock-up. Also, it's most likely a crime of opportunity when a QR seatpost is taken, a thin cable will stop the jokers and kids from taking your post. A real thief would have taken the whole bike as it was locked with a cable and MasterLock.

The bottom line. If you're going to travel with a folder, you have to know where you're going and who will accept your bike. Otherwise, you'll have to cross your fingers and hope for the best. In addition, the activity you engage in should not involve a lot of walking indoors and requiring the bike to be carried or rolled.

I think you have an opinion that definitely comes from experience and not from the panacea that many think the folders will present.. these are the same sentiments I have after having struggled with the bicycle touring and when it does or doesn't work. It's one reason that I've become very fond of the brompton design. It's still the best in being the least annoying if you do need to bring something in and try to sneak it under a table, or having the smallest bag. If desiring to go in places or appear to not have a bicycle, the smallest foldest size is the only consideration.

Dahon Steve, I am wondering why you did not mention using bikes to "change" the bike from a unacceptable even hated object to simple luggage by using a bag/slipcover? I find that far more effective than locking it up even indoors!

The bag/slipcover is fine and it does work in many if not most cases. However, there are two problems with this and I'll explain in detail. First, once you put the bike in a bag, you'll have to carry it everywhere. Carrying any bike over 20 lbs gets heavy after two city blocks (or less) depending on the weight. Second, the bag is rather large and cumbersome forcing you to carry your folder everywhere. Some folders like the Tikit allow you to roll the package even while it's covered. The slip-cover is better but not much and the time it takes to fold it back to it's small shape is another problem. Third, the bike in a bag draws loads of attention when shopping. Walk into a shopping store with a big bag and it draws security like flies to honey!

kind of hard to fit a bike in a bag through a x-ray machine.
I saw a guy force his suitcase through one of those machines the other day.
It was filled with architectural drawings and plans. or basically your office in a suitcase.
I agree with DS, carrying a bike bagged for even two blocks is work, try it during our mini heat wave.
I think this is why the Beater Bike is king in this town. even hot looking woman know a that
an old schwinn is perfect for getting around this city.

I'm wondering how do I get my folding bike down 20 flights of stairs if we get a blackout.
I'm thinking of strapping some webbing backpack style and using a foam pad to cushion my back.
sort of the idea of the add on strap for golf bags to distribute the weight to both shoulders.

went out to the Whole Foods that just opened in my neighborhood,
saw a guy with a Strida. the area is changing. the whole foods had problems accepting Foodstamps. I'll go back when they get the bugs worked out.
(then an e-mail to corp)

The seatpost and saddle on my folder go inside when the bike can't... it is worth more than my bike.

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/forrestnewbrooks.jpg

=
I'm thinking of strapping some webbing backpack style and using a foam pad to cushion my back.


I've often wished that there were a backpack bags for carrying folding bikes; while it's pretty awkward to carry 25-30 lbs in your hand for any distance, you could walk blocks and blocks (if not miles and miles) with a pack on your back - and you'd have both hands free.

I've often wished that there were a backpack bags for carrying folding bikes; while it's pretty awkward to carry 25-30 lbs in your hand for any distance, you could walk blocks and blocks (if not miles and miles) with a pack on your back - and you'd have both hands free.

Would one of the 50l (XL) Timbuk2 messenger bags that are currently being sold on massive closeout work?

I've often wished that there were a backpack bags for carrying folding bikes; while it's pretty awkward to carry 25-30 lbs in your hand for any distance, you could walk blocks and blocks (if not miles and miles) with a pack on your back - and you'd have both hands free.

http://www.downtube.com/product509.html

Although I think you'll find that most folders are the wrong shape to be comfortable on your back. With that kind of weight you really want the pack to be evenly distributed across your back like this:
http://www.nexternal.com/armynavy/images/adventure-lite-451.gif

The Carryme is shaped like this and there is an appropriately sized backpack available for it, but the way the Carryme is designed mostly eliminates the need to wear on your back anyway because the folded bike can support itself on it's tripod of wheels no matter whether you're standing still, rolling it alongside you while walking, or concealing it with a slipcover. Although if you want to conceal the bike while walking up long flights of stairs it's still fairly comfortable on the back because it distributes the weight more like the hiking pack above (and it's only 17 pounds).

Would one of the 50l (XL) Timbuk2 messenger bags that are currently being sold on massive closeout work?

Ha, not even close. Even the Brompton, which is often tauted as the "smallest" folding bike, is twice the size of that Timbuk2 bag (100L vs 50L).

Ha, not even close. Even the Brompton, which is often tauted as the "smallest" folding bike, is twice the size of that Timbuk2 bag (100L vs 50L).

That's an insanely large bag to be toting around. :eek:

I uglified my bike to make it immune from stealing. No self-respecting person would want to ride a bike with all the green-liberal-commie stickers I have on it (amnesty international, planet bike, and other such green-liberal-commie stuff). :lol:

That's an insanely large bag to be toting around. :eek:

Yeah, which is why I find it rather absurd when people say things like:
A bit late now I admit, but one of the many advantages of a folding bike is that you can generally fold it up and take it with you into a building.

The truth is that the only advantage most folding bikes have are that they are slightly more flexible when it comes to fitting them into cars, closets, etc, but the vast majority of them don't really offer any serious reduction in size, especially when you consider the fact that they even tend to be smallish before folding.

It's a bit funny how some people around here go on and on about how folding bikes are nearly as good as their larger brethren. If you ask me it should be pretty obvious that they'd be nearly as good when they're also nearly as large, nearly as heavy, etc, etc. Most folding bikes are just not very different at all.

There are some folding bikes which offer serious compromises in ride to achieve serious reductions in size, but they aren't very popular around here because most folks around here are more interested in playing than having a serious vehicle that you can actually take with you:

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o74/amurolee/A-bikemeetsCarryMeDSUnfolded.jpg


I have the one in the background and I love it, but I've also been experimenting with the larger wheeled VIIIH (which had the seatpost stolen) to see if it could be a practical vehicle for the city and I think after the latest incident the evidence suggests 'No, bikes with conventionally sized wheels (even children's sizes like 16" or 20") are too big to take with you, and too much trouble to lock safely'. Yes, my little bike might not be the fastest, but I'd rather ride a 17 pound bike slowly than a 40 pound bike (bike plus lock) that forces me to waste an extra few minutes locking up everywhere I go. However, I'm still keeping the 20" bike to experiment with the following questions:
-Do 20" folding bikes fold small enough to be hidden well (behind dumpsters, in bushes, etc) so that a single long cable is enough to eliminate the majority of thefts?
-Do you really need a hard case to protect a derailleurless bike from airline baggage handlers or is a soft "insanely large" bag enough? (this is of particular interest because there are many many folding bikes which meet airline requirements when outside a suitcase, but not when inside a suitcase)
-Do 26" wheels really provide any practical benefit at all that can't be compensated for with proper technique? For example, can you hit bigger potholes or curbs with larger wheels or can you just as well with proper technique on smaller wheels? (see my thread where the mountain bike climbs over a car)
-Which conventional cycling accessories continue to make sense with decreasing wheel size (racks, panniers, mudguards, etc.)?