Folding Bikes - Komda Folding Bikes - seeing one tomorrow!

Hi, I'm going to see a Komda folding bike tomorrow. I did a quick google but couldnt turn up much info.

Anyone know anything about these bikes? Would appreciate any info

Thanks!

Never heard of it. Take some pictures so we can see what it looks like.

--sam

http://www.komda.com/en/prodct/prodcts.asp

Hmm, some of them look strangely familiar. Here's (http://www.komda.com/en/manage/UploadPhoto/200522514456756.gif)their version of a Downtube Mini. http://www.komda.com/en/prodct/prodctdetail.asp?id=92

Wow, cool stuff.

Wow, cool stuff.

You think? Hhm, I am not so impressed from the pics. Besides the "strangely familiar" look - have you seen the weights of the bikes?

deburn:
Did you get to see these bikes? Where? Which model/s?

deburn:
Did you get to see these bikes? Where? Which model/s?

sorry for the delayed response. I didnt get any replies for a couple of days and stopped checking. Unfortunately the bikes (she was selling two of them for 100.00) were sold before I could get there....

- db,

No prob, I just saw that you bought the Bickerton. Enjoy the ride! Only your first folder of course.... :)

- db,

No prob, I just saw that you bought the Bickerton. Enjoy the ride! Only your first folder of course.... :)

no kidding! I was just looking at another one on CL!

Hmm, some of them look strangely familiar. Here's (http://www.komda.com/en/manage/UploadPhoto/200522514456756.gif)their version of a Downtube Mini. http://www.komda.com/en/prodct/prodctdetail.asp?id=92

Is that a CLONE !!! Do Dr Yan & Sammyboy know about this ?

honestly I think something isn't right here.... have not heard anything about this company and never heard that Downtube share a platform with another company.... the fact this frame is exactly the same as the DT's frame is really interesting. A couple of Downtube people are members hear and it will be nice to see their comments on this.... I really hope it doesn't end up you can get the same bike/ frame from a bike catalog in China just under a different name because Downtube always proud to mention they design their own products..... :twitchy:

honestly I think something isn't right here.... have not heard anything about this company and never heard that Downtube share a platform with another company.... the fact this frame is exactly the same as the DT's frame is really interesting. A couple of Downtube people are members hear and it will be nice to see their comments on this.... I really hope it doesn't end up you can get the same bike/ frame from a bike catalog in China just under a different name because Downtube always proud to mention they design their own products..... :twitchy:

I figure Downtube has contracted with a factory in China to build their bikes, and that company is also selling the same bikes --or nearly the same bikes-- outside the contract. Isn't that what the Merc / Flamingo is?

I am fairly new to folding bikes but i am pretty familiar to the "out of the contract" term and honestly i am not a huge fan of it.... I know Dahon sold a few models to other companies but it is known to all while with Downtube the whole thing seems like a mystery to me.
I know it's out of topic but when i was looking for a folder i wasn't really to impressed with DT's website.... i am sorry but it looks very very basic and the pics are ghettoish.... my beef is that a well known company should invest in a good website that sells. now when i see the Komada bikes which is generally the same bike with different components.... i don't know.... to me it doesn't look good.....
Imagine you have bought a brand new Giant Yukon (mountain bike) for x amount of $$$ and a month after you see an unknown company sells the same frame under a different name... how would you feel about that?
my first reaction would probably be WTF ..... !!!!
Don't get me wrong here, i am not talking about quality here and Downtube might be more comfortable than Dahon... but to me.... and i am sorry to say that but Downtube as a brand should sell themselves better.
I have not tried their bikes but when you compare DT's website to Dahon's, Brompton's etc..... it look far behind.... and again i am not saying the product is poor or something but it is all about marketing.

The seller said the bikes were Italian btw. I couldnt find anything that confirmed the bikes were Italian, but she was the original owner

mind you i am quite new to folding bikes but have done a lot of research..... what's your budget?