Folding Bikes - 2009 Downtube Mini - Looks very nice

Earlier today I got a chance to see the new 2009 DT Mini and I have to admit it looks sharp and cool, the new handle post is looking good and much better than the 2008. The owner of the DT wasn't really tall and the riding position seems to be really comfortable.... I didn't like the color, too bad DT doesn't offer another option to choose from.... Normally, I don't choose bikes by their color but the greenish was kind of a turnoff.
Bottom line: great bike for not a lot of $$$.

TC

Well, since it is so darned inexpensive, you could always buy it and then get it painted any color you like.

--sam

Agree. But don't worry, the paint scratches easily, and I've been electrical-taping over the scratches on my bike. In a few weeks I'll have it fully taped and flat black :-)

I just visitted the downtube site. It is a little unclear, but I think the larger pic on the Mini page is of the 2009? In the larger pic, the stem is angled away from the seatpost in order to give more space between the seat and handlebars while the smaller pic the stem and seatpost are basically parrallel. This should make it more comfy out of the box for taller riders. That in itself would be a huge improvement and make the bike more accessible to more people. I myself would consider buying one.

BTW, I actually like the minty green color. I've always been partial to Bianchi green. :)

Juan

Agree. But don't worry, the paint scratches easily, and I've been electrical-taping over the scratches on my bike. In a few weeks I'll have it fully taped and flat black :-)

Did you get a touch-up paint with the bike ? :) .... this color is probably hard to match.

Tommy, from your posts elsewhere, you might be interested. Have a mini 2009 and a merc. The former is miles better.....

Is the weight spec for this bike accurate?

I don't have scales around, sorry. But one thing I will say is, unfolded but lifting, and with a loaded rack, I find it far more manouevrable than my merc, which has that floppy back wheel syndrome.

Is there some obvious play in the rear triangle hinge or is the frame simply rather bendy?

Tommy, from your posts elsewhere, you might be interested. Have a mini 2009 and a merc. The former is miles better.....

Thanks man but I am located in Canada....So how do you find the Mini ? I like the new handle post it seems very comfortable compare to the 2008 model.

Thanks man but I am located in Canada....So how do you find the Mini?...

didn't u say u test rode the mini 2009? why dont u ask the person who got the mini 2009 from? if he said from usa, y dont u just order from downtube website? dont they ship to canada?

didn't u say u test rode the mini 2009? why dont u ask the person who got the mini 2009 from? if he said from usa, y dont u just order from downtube website? dont they ship to canada?

No, I said that I have seen it and couldn't take it for a spin, it was during my lunch hour and the guy was unfolding his bike and before I even noticed he left the building, but I did notice the handle post looks much nicer than the old one.
DT does ship to Canada but the 2009 Mini is $519 and shipping is $80 and I will have to pay duty, another $25.... It adds up and for that amount of money I will get something else.

didn't u say u test rode the mini 2009? why dont u ask the person who got the mini 2009 from? if he said from usa, y dont u just order from downtube website? dont they ship to canada?You know, there are other ways to end a sentence than in a question mark.

Did you know there are other ways to end a sentence than in a question mark?


There, fixed... :p

Is the 2009 Mini's stem still coupled to a threaded fork?

Is the 2009 Mini's stem still coupled to a threaded fork?

Yup, 1 1/8 threaded fork.