Folding Bikes - It's official - I'm coming out as a bike person...mainly because of you & Downtube.

So I decided to try commuting, but got sold on a folder because I'm in NYC and what better way to save floor space? Then I got a Downtube and started trolling bikeforums - now I'm hooked. Thanks a lot. You're like a lot of crack dealers! :) I mean that in the best possible way. So after its first clean/lube here's the (as yet unnamed) commuter Downtube:

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_hmWqEVAo8TE/SjmcFYIZi-I/AAAAAAAAD_o/uQDHC8riNsM/s512/IMG_0127.JPG (with added SKS fenders, Planet Bike lights)

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_hmWqEVAo8TE/SjmcHRokJSI/AAAAAAAAD_w/UrcE2prvFZs/s512/IMG_0128.JPG (with added Downtube rack pack bag, TransIt seat bag, now trusty Road Morph G pump, and a bottle cage))

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_hmWqEVAo8TE/SjmcJAPoFKI/AAAAAAAAD_0/eeCMcNeFZS4/s512/IMG_0129.JPG (the Downtube bag has fold out panniers)

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_hmWqEVAo8TE/SjmcK_tTTzI/AAAAAAAAD_8/wIArK8ND-fY/s400/IMG_0130.JPG (the Fold!)

:)

congratulations! and welcome to "the lifestyle" ;)

You got one of the better Downtubes. The IHG ones are better IMHO. :) And the suspension fork while nothing flash does work well to remove the edge off bumps. :thumb:

Congrats on your bike. Downtubes are great values, esp the internal hub ones.


Errr, are you sure that saddle angle is comfortable? Looks like its nose is a little low...

No its not! I've got to adjust that tomorrow before I leave....nothing quite as painful as a downsloping saddle I've *accidentally* found.

Wecome,
ps is it foggy in your house judging from the photos!

My guess is either no flash or cell phone camera. Either way, it doesn't matter... because even through the fog, anyone can see you got a hot bike. Nice! :)

Welcome to the club, whninrome81!


Wecome,
ps is it foggy in your house judging from the photos!

LOL! So true! Or maybe someone is chain smoking in the house. :D

You're not just a bike person - you're a *folding* bike person!

Welcome! My 9 speed has served me well and know yours will do the same.
Are you liking the new greenspaces in NY? Highline. Broadway.

So I decided to try commuting, but got sold on a folder because I'm in NYC and what better way to save floor space? Then I got a Downtube and started trolling bikeforums - now I'm hooked. Thanks a lot. You're like a lot of crack dealers! :) I mean that in the best possible way. So after its first clean/lube here's the (as yet unnamed) commuter Downtube:

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_hmWqEVAo8TE/SjmcFYIZi-I/AAAAAAAAD_o/uQDHC8riNsM/s512/IMG_0127.JPG (with added SKS fenders, Planet Bike lights)

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_hmWqEVAo8TE/SjmcHRokJSI/AAAAAAAAD_w/UrcE2prvFZs/s512/IMG_0128.JPG (with added Downtube rack pack bag, TransIt seat bag, now trusty Road Morph G pump, and a bottle cage))

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_hmWqEVAo8TE/SjmcJAPoFKI/AAAAAAAAD_0/eeCMcNeFZS4/s512/IMG_0129.JPG (the Downtube bag has fold out panniers)

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_hmWqEVAo8TE/SjmcK_tTTzI/AAAAAAAAD_8/wIArK8ND-fY/s400/IMG_0130.JPG (the Fold!)

:)

oh man thats a hot looking bike...im jealous. congrats :thumb:

Great looking bike - welcome to the fold - enjoy your commute...:thumb:

Thanks to everyone! Smoking indoors while under a heavy fog makes the iphone camera that much worse - its true...maybe the 3G S will take care of that, but won't count on it :)

In terms of NYC - i"ve really enjoyed the amount of bike friendly areas there are. My commute takes me down the Harlem River Greenway from Dyckman to 155th...fantastic. Plus being in Inwood makes for great riding (and exercise). The IGH is really really nice once you a.) find the sweet spot and b.) get used to holding off pedaling to change gears :)

The IGH is really really nice once you a.) find the sweet spot and b.) get used to holding off pedaling to change gears :)

Are you familiar with the periodic adjustment that you have to make with the SA8 internal hub to keep the gears shifting properly? This is especially true when you have a new bike and the cables are not stretched out yet. I have the pdf manual for it if you need it.

Would you mind terribly PMing me the PDF? I think its getting to the point where she needs a bit of adjustment :)

@whninrome81 - do you experience any heel strike when you have the panniers out on your trunk bag?

Would you mind terribly PMing me the PDF? I think its getting to the point where she needs a bit of adjustment :)

Here's a link to the pdf. If you look in the mega-Downtube thread, I believe there are some photo's that BF members have contributed which can further clarify things.

http://www.sturmey-archer.com/pdfs/XRF8.pdf

@josephLMonti: Its a good bag but tricky - there are two horizontal velco strips & one vertical velcro strip to hold it in place, but if you don't put the back strap on back far enough the whole bag slides forward - and there's heel strike to be sure. BUT it put on in the far back position, even with the panniers out there's no heel strike (or minimal if I'm wearing clunky running shoes). The panniers aren't full size, however - they're like 1/2 panniers :)