Finally got the 8HN back from the shop for it's initial tune up, and got a commute done on it! It did come with a little damage to the front fork (just paint) and a pedal that is a bit stiff in folding up. But all in all it's a great little bike. I do have to get used to being less stable however... I'm getting better as I go with that.

My question is, has anyone had success with removing some of the flex from the steering tube / handlebars? It's something I can just deal with, but I wasn't sure if there were some easy fixes for it I was unaware of.

Also, what are the best ways to stretch it out a bit? I've got the stem in the horizontal position and the seat all the way back, and I wasn't sure if the only fix was changing the stem.

All in all I'm very happy, and decided not to bother Yan about the shipping damage after my last encounter. I figured any more emails would get me on a hit list or at least my picture on a dart board. Thanks!

Front flex has several sources:

1. Hinge play: Hard to fix. Some have had success with putting very thin shim material around the hinge pin to reduce play. I tried but couldn't find shim stock thin enough. I ended up putting vinyl tape between the hinge faces, that works well except the tape seems to move with time. Tightening the hinge pin bolts will help to some extent but will make folding stiff.

2. Make sure the quick release when closed is nice and firm, not uber stiff but certainly not loose.

3. Flex: Nothing to be done about this.

To increase stretch, just fit a longer stem. I got one for a 1" steerer so a shim is not necessary.

Jur- Thanks for the tips. I'll try the shims. I am just getting the feel for how tight to keep the QR's. I always feel like I'm going to break them off I tighten them so much! Funny story, I rode 2 miles without the QR engaged on the frame. It just have the safety. Gotta say I am glad for that safety! Like I said before, I'll deal with the flex, just wasn't sure if I could mitigate it a bit.