jyl

Alas, there is afaik no folding spd pedal - right?

jur

If you go to the helix site, at the bottom is a link to a press kit. This photo is from that kit.

bhkyte

but there,are detachable spd. better as can swap for standard pedal also. folding pedals aren't durable, except diblasi and bromptons which are not nice pedals to use. i gave up on folding pedals a while ago after too many failures.

tcs

Here you go: prototype Cannondale folder w/ SRAM i9 hub from several years back.

HGR3inOK

Looks like the recently-announced Hummingbird folding bicycle (at 6.5 kg) has made the Helix claim (at 9.57 kg) to be the world's lightest folding bicycle no longer correct. Let the disclaimers begin.

-HANK RYAN-
Norman, Oklahoma USA

mingo

Helix's claim is "the world's BEST folding bike", nothing about lightest. To my eyes, it's the 24" wheels folded version of the Brompton which is the tidiest and most compact of the 16" wheel folders. There's a definite advantage to larger wheels for on road stability, handling and comfort.

The Hummingbird hasn't been funded yet, so it's not a sure thing. I like it, but the folded size is disappointing.

HGR3inOK

Please visit the Helix website at Helix - The World's Best Folding Bike. They claim to be "The world's lightest folding bike". And they also claim to be "The world's smallest folding bike".

IMHO, a successful Kickstarter campaign does not make a product "a sure thing".

-HANK RYAN-
Norman, Oklahoma USA

mingo

I see that now.. I'll pick the Helix over the Hummingbird for its tidier and smaller folded dimensions and especially for the large wheels. I have a Brompton and really like it, but long commutes are tiresome with the small wheels and it's very twitchy..

There's a bike shop near me who will be selling the Helix folding bike. I'm definitely interested in getting one.

prathmann

The Bike Friday SuperPro folder weighs about 16 lbs. (~7.3 kg) depending on the exact components chosen - and that's for a regular derailleur drive train rather than the Hummingbird single speed. It also has the advantage over both the Helix and Hummingbird of actually existing as an available commercial product, albeit a rather pricey one.

But I'd be less concerned about a couple extra pounds and more about the ride quality and convenience. The smaller fold of the Helix and ability to roll it around when folded make it look rather attractive. Ride quality remains to be seen when they go into production so we can have some independent reviews and bikes available to test ride.

Ozonation

It's interesting how both the Helix and the Hummingbird have the rear wheel swing under design - just like the Brompton! Personally, I'm not really sold on the Hummingbird. The silhouette looks pretty much like a Brompton to me, and while it might be 2/3 or even 1/2 the weight of the Brompton, the form factor once folded does make a difference for portability.

mingo

Come to think of it, the Helix's rear wheel does not swing down under the frame like a Brompton, but next to the frame.. hmmm.. I have to see one in person to see how this is achieved. The Hummingbird is presented with an aluminum trellis swingarm, but the finished product will have a carbon swingarm and a carry handle built into the frame. Shouldn't all this have been done before launching on Kickstarter. The other oddity is the picture of the 20" wheeled version side by side with the 16" wheeled version and the crankset on the 20" is inches higher and it doesn't look right that high. I asked the project leader if he's using the same frame for both or a larger frame for the 20", he ignored my question. Other important details are sketchy, such as the final product weight, the weight of the 5 speed version in 16 and 20" formats. If weight was the only consideration when buying a folding bike, Brompton wouldn't be a in business. People buy a folding bike first and foremost for it's compact size when folded. Hummingbird misses the mark when folded.

Back to Helix, the pre-order store was supposed to open on Dec. 1, but now it's been moved back to Feb. 1. I guess Helix needs to get busy building 1069 pre-ordered bikes before taking on more orders, which is a smart move.

Ozonation

Could be... I'll have to see it for myself when it finally arrives. I want to check out how much tolerance there is - if any - for alternate tires, accessories, etc.

I always wished Brompton would build a 20" version. I know it would not be quite as small, but it would be more robust for more riding conditions I would think. I guess the Helix might fit that niche.

downtube

I agree with mingo. Hummingbird is a nice looking bike, however I think they seem far away from being ready for production. I must say I am surprised people are actually funding it!

Thanks,
Yan

jcrider

Have any other funders of the Helix bike been following the updates provided?

One update stated that they are setting up for robot/machine welding of the bikes rather than hand welding, which I assume is a good thing. The latest update said they are re-designing the rear triangle to be stamped.

Not knowing what the manufacturing process entails, I was a bit surprised that the production had not started yet. For those who know more, are these updates a good thing?

downtube

It's a good thing. Creating a prototype has inherent problems, which they have solved. Now they are creating a machine to create many bikes ( a production line ) which has different problems. Clearly the prototype still has issues, that is not abnormal.

I am sure Peter will bring a great bike to market, however you will need to be patient.

Thanks,
Yan

mingo

Peter said soon they are going to be sending out Helix forum access to backers and updates will be more frequent. The latest update sounds like a step in the right direction.

BassNotBass

I'm still waiting for Helix to deliver a bike much less live up to "The World's Best Folding Bike" claim. They've failed in so many ways to meet that yet they're still not out of the gate.

downtube

Bass,

I think Peter will issue you a refund if you make such a request....it seems you will be hard to please.

Thanks,
Yan

Ozonation

That seems... pretty *harsh* for a bike that is not even supposed to be delivered until next spring.

bhkyte

MKS detachable are compactable with spd, but you need MKS cleats.
MKS cleats work with MKS and spd. Shimano cleats don't work with MKS.

Welgo do a cheaper detachable system that is spd.

BassNotBass

I think you misunderstand the situation. I certainly didn't invest any money because I have no need for the bike. Nor do I think it's a bad bike, in fact I think it's actually a very nice design. However I do have an issue with the claim of it being "The World's Best Folding Bike". It's quite a bold one with nothing to back it up... it's Kanye level arrogance.

downtube

I will agree with you, it is awkward and arrogant. However I see that as a product of our society, more than a derivative of nonsensical claims...in other words I'm ok with the nonsense.

Thanks,
Yan

jur

I think it might be a product of kickstarter. I have been looking at some other campaigns and typical claims of "bestest" "fastest" "coolest" seems pretty common there.

Ozonation

I agree with the others... mark it up to pretty standard marketing and hyperbole to generate interest.

I take the opposite stance... I don't mind the hype. Sell me on it! Convince me to buy it! After all, I'm pretty sure none of us would invest in something if the promoter claims his or her product is only "so-so"! Hey... I just bought the runner-up!

The proof will be when the bike arrives and gets ridden all over the place.

Dheorl

The one I have more issue with is the "the world's lightest" claim. Best can be subjective, but the lightest part can be easily proven to be objectively wrong.