Folding Bikes - Just ordered my new Downtube Nova!

I'm very excited. I am starting grad school this September and I will need it to go back and forth to class. I really don't feel comfortable locking up my bike, so a folder seemed the perfect solution.

Quick question: How does the Nova handle in the snow? I don't intend to ride it during a blizzard, but I'm from the East Coast and there will be snow on the ground in winter...will that be an issue?

I'm very excited. I am starting grad school this September and I will need it to go back and forth to class. I really don't feel comfortable locking up my bike, so a folder seemed the perfect solution.

Quick question: How does the Nova handle in the snow? I don't intend to ride it during a blizzard, but I'm from the East Coast and there will be snow on the ground in winter...will that be an issue?

Congratulations! As a graduate student, you would have your own office, wouldn't you? If you have to hop from classroom to classroom in the same building, I guess Nova may still be a bit heavy. Of course, unless you are a fairly strong guy. :)

As of winter riding, there is 20” Marathon Winter that can make riding on snow/ice much safer.

Congratulations! As a graduate student, you would have your own office, wouldn't you? If you have to hop from classroom to classroom in the same building, I guess Nova may still be a bit heavy. Of course, unless you are a fairly strong guy. :)

As of winter riding, there is 20” Marathon Winter that can make riding on snow/ice much safer.

Nope, no office for me. I'll be going from building to building a lot, so the weight shouldn't be an issue. How much do those Marathon Winter tires go for?

Nope, no office for me. I'll be going from building to building a lot, so the weight shouldn't be an issue. How much do those Marathon Winter tires go for?

Check http://www.thorusa.com/

It is about $65 a tire. The seller is very nice to work with. He is a regular member here, too.

Thanks Kabir, I appreciate your help.

Hey! I just ordered a Downtube Nova yesterday. I really like the way they look. I was wondering if you've received your bike yet and how do you like it?

Hey,

I got my bike a day after I ordered it! Great service if you're on the East Coast.

I love the bike. It rides really well and is quite compact. It's heavy, but nothing too terrible. There is no suspension, so big bumps hurt, and the seat is not the highest quality, but it's a great bike for the price.

Only problem I have is shifting gears 1 to 4. It's a little wonky and I have to take it to a shop to make some small adjustments. I wish I could do it myself but I'm not sure how. If someone has advice in that respect I'd appreciate it!

Aside from that, I love the bike and I think it'll be a great commuter.

Congrats! I received mine last Friday. I haven't had the time to really enjoy a good ride.So,I'm very excited to take out for a whirl! I understand it's quite easy to upgrade parts for the bike.That's inspiring-but for my needs-I think the bike is fine for now especially with my budget.-Lol! I do think I'll add front suspension and maybe a set of Big Apple tires by Schwalbe.

Just ordered my new Downtube Nova!

Same here. ;-)

My wife wanted a simple bike for short casual rides and the Nova seems to be a good fit. Until then she will ride the Brompton S 6sp but she does not like the low riding position and the complex shifting.

..There is no suspension, so big bumps hurt, and the seat is not the highest quality,..

You may want to look into springy saddles such as Brooks Flyer. I have it on one of my bikes and like it a lot.

You may want to look into springy saddles such as Brooks Flyer. I have it on one of my bikes and like it a lot.

Ditto. I have a sprung Brooks Flyer on my Dahon Mariner (a cousin to your Nova), and it really takes the sting out of harsh road irregularities. It will feel weird spending 25% of the value of your bike on a saddle, but go for it.

-Warr

Does it have the adjustable handlebar stem? Their faq has a guide on adjusting it, but the pictures on the product page don't show it..

Does it have the adjustable handlebar stem? Their faq has a guide on adjusting it, but the pictures on the product page don't show it..

You can move the handlebar few inches up and down.

http://downtube.com/images/2010_Bikes/Nova/high_res/IMG_1286.JPG

You can move the handlebar few inches up and down.

http://downtube.com/images/2010_Bikes/Nova/high_res/IMG_1286.JPG

Ah ok. I was hoping it had the stem that could be adjusted like in:

http://downtube.com/Adjustment_Instructions/Stem_Adjustment/

Maybe that's just on the suspension models? I guess I could just ask Dr Yan directly :)