Folding Bikes - DownTube 8H weight loss

Hello to the forum! This is my first thread here, be gentle...:)
I received my DT 8H. Looks great.

I want to change two parts already:
1 - I want to switch forks to a NO suspension fork. (I guess I really wanted the 8HN, but they were sold out)... Any very light/light weight forks out there with v-brake mounts? I was looking at bmx forks but I think I might be missing something...
2 - I think that there should me much lighter cranks/chainring combos out there.

Any recommendations?
btw, what is a compact road crank, and might that work here?
Thanks all.

Hello to the forum! This is my first thread here, be gentle...:)
I received my DT 8H. Looks great.

I want to change two parts already:
1 - I want to switch forks to a NO suspension fork. (I guess I really wanted the 8HN, but they were sold out)... Any very light/light weight forks out there with v-brake mounts? I was looking at bmx forks but I think I might be missing something...
2 - I think that there should me much lighter cranks/chainring combos out there.

Any recommendations?
btw, what is a compact road crank, and might that work here?
Thanks all.

I changed the shock on my 2007 Downtube IX to the rigid fork sold by the company:

http://www.downtube.com/product538.html

It's of good quality and a lot lighter than the shock. You can see a photo of the "conversion" here:

http://www.downtube.com/Folding_Bike_Forum/read.php?4,325

I wonder how many folks are interested in a 20" Downtube with rear suspension without front suspension. I think all they offer is full or front only.

--sam

I changed the shock on my 2007 Downtube IX to the rigid fork sold by the company:


I did the same thing. :thumb:

Mine is doing pretty serious duty too -

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e157/sesamecrunch/dadnicholas2.jpg

Shocks? We don't need no stinkin' shocks ... :D

Who is this madman cycling using the handlebars?

are there cleats on the bottom of dem shoes?

Thank you. I will look into the DT rigid fork.

Has anyone switched over to a carbon fork. Do they make one (with v-brake mounts) that is compatible with the DT? I am to trying to go even lighter :) The bike will be folded, bagged and carried several times each day.

Thank you. I will look into the DT rigid fork.

Has anyone switched over to a carbon fork. Do they make one (with v-brake mounts) that is compatible with the DT? I am to trying to go even lighter :) The bike will be folded, bagged and carried several times each day.

I can understand the desire to mod... but it might end up being cheaper to buy a lighter bike. Perhaps a used Dahon Mu SL?

Wait a minute... what am I thinking. Once you've started the path to modding there is nothing that can dissuade you. Carry on. LOL :thumb: :p

--sam

I know, I know. I have a Raleigh 20 that is also staring at me for its build. It's turn will come soon...

For the 8H, I was trying to estimate the price increase vs weight loss of any options over the factory fork. The fork I will switch-out. I don't need the suspension with the associated weight.

A fancy light crank may eventually find its way onto another bike next spring. I am trying to start figuring out what fits, then I will price it out reasonably.

A used Mu SL could have been nice, but a little hard to find. I have seen two around the city (NY). Very Nice. But anyway, I have the DT for now. Fun bike, but could it EASILY loose a little weight.

I
For the 8H, I was trying to estimate the price increase vs weight loss of any options over the factory fork. The fork I will switch-out. I don't need the suspension with the associated weight.


The weight of the front suspension fork is listed somewhere on the Downtube site, probably the FAQ section. It's also buried in the Mega Downtube thread on Bike Forums. We weighed it once and posted it. You're going to save a couple of pounds by switching. It's substantial.

I have a spare Zoom suspension fork for my 8H. I just weighed it; on my postage scale, it registered just under 4.5 pounds. According to personal research, I decided a second opinion from the bathroom scale was unwarranted, as it routinely adds on thirty pounds that aren't there! ;)

Wow, thank you for checking the weight.
-The DT FAQs state that the suspension fork adds 1.5 pounds to the weight of the bike.
-The DT 4sale section states: " All aluminum lowers with a 1 1/8" threaded steel steerer for 20" wheel bikes 1.5 lbs".
Somewhere, maybe, we are missing another 1.5 pounds of DT suspension fork weight to trim.:lol: