Rivle

I'm thinking about getting a folding bike to keep in my car. Not many folders in my area, so I can't take any test rides of reasonably priced bikes. I like the Gates carbon belt drive. Does anyone have any experience with that system? I'm a little concerned about the bike's size also. I'm just under 6'3", with a 34" inseam. From what I've read, maybe the IXFS is the better fit. Any help is appreciated.

HGR3inOK

Where are you located?

-HANK RYAN-
Norman, Oklahoma USA

Rivle

I'm in the New Orleans area.

downtube

I would agree that the stock 9FS will fit you better, however the 8H will work if you are comfortable tinkering. I expect a Aber Hallo stem and saddle setback adapter will accommodate your height and length. FYI you may not need both.

Thanks,
Yan

HGR3inOK

Bycycle Michael's in NOLA is an authorized Dahon dealer. You should check with them. And Cyclist Choice in Gulfport lists some Origin8 folding bikes on their website. What folding bikes have you ridden?

-HANK RYAN-
Norman, Oklahoma USA

invisiblehand

Particularly since the OP is tall, I agree with Hank's subtle push that a few test rides are helpful.

fietsbob

84 page thread already Going on these https://www.bikeforums.net/folding-bi...ding-bike.html

downtube

Actually he posted there and was told to start a new thread, which he did. I think this would be a good place to discuss his questions.

Thanks,
Yan

Rivle

Thanks Hank. I went to Bicycle Michael's and the proprietor was less than helpful. He had very few Dahons and tried to steer me away from them. He didn't offer me a test ride. I test rode a Brompton and a Montague at another shop. The Brompton was nice but a bit pricey. There aren't many other options close by.

Mike

Rivle

Sounds like the IXFS might be the one. Is that the model which accommodates the tallest riders? And what is the wheelbase on the IXFS?
Mike

downtube

The 9FS is our tallest and most comfortable model. The wheelbase is 42.25".

Thanks,
Yan

Foldable Two

1st: My suggestion as a retired salesman - don't wait to be offered a test ride, request one.

2nd: As a tall guy with long legs and arms (6'3" and a preferred seat-to-pedal distance of 39") who has owned two Dahons, even with a Thud-Buster saddle, both my Dahons were a bit short in saddle height for me. I now have two Bike Fridays, which are both great. I know you have a budget, but stock Bike Fridays come in three frame sizes. A large frame works nicely on my stock Friday, and my 62cm custom Friday is also great.

From what I have seen, Brompton's can be fitted with an extension seatpost that also provides adequate height.

Being tall has drawbacks - such as the availability of things that fit, and the higher cost of those items. Have to say, it's a lot better now than it was 50-60 years ago - things that fit might cost more, but at least they are available now!

Lou

bhkyte

Just a comment on last post. I don't think a brompton with an telscopic seat post is a good trunk bike for a tall person on a budget. Especially without a test ride. The downtube 9fs is much more like a normal bike and I believe yan has further extended the seat-post and reinforced the frame. I recon my old downtube 9fs would fit a person 6"3 ok. It also gives you options to extend the stem using normal parts.
I personally feel you will find the 9fs fine as long as you are aware of how big a lump 20" folders are compared to 16". However, I recently took both wheels of my 9fs and was surprised how compact it became in my car boot along side 3 other bikes mainly birdies.

Rivle

Thanks for all of the help. Seems like the 9FS will accommodate my height and is pretty reasonably priced. I also saw on another post where Yan says it's pretty rugged.

westgl

How would the Downtube 9FS be for a woman that is 4' 11" tall.

Would it fit her?

update: got my answer thanks

westgl

Hey Yan,

What do you mean by comfortable tinkering with the 8H bike?

Is there a lot more adjustments to be made with the 8 speed hub?

downtube

No less adjustment on the 8H. The OP is too tall for the 8H frame ( 6'3" ), hence he would need to customize it for his needs.

Thanks,
Yan