BruceMetras

Yan,

I didn't have any shifting issues with the 2 Nexus Red-Band hubs (one in your F/S and one in a Xootr Swift) that I ran.. however I did ditch the twist-grip shifters for the paddle shifters almost immediately .. I still have two of your Mini's in my extended household and both of those with the early Sturmey 8spd have had no problems of any kind .. but both bike are only used as casual transportation .. the other thing with the Shimano hubs is that they are wide (135mm stock) so you have a wider rear triangle.. as you know, the Sturmey is 120mm.. good luck with your new Mini.. still one of my favorites!

JosephLMonti

Lots o' discussion about IGHs. Does this mean we will not see a "Mini Capreo" version with a derailleur?

morphix

Yan, I'm still very interested in becoming a UK distributor. You have some great products that would bring something new to the UK market where there is not a great deal of choice at the budget end for quality folding bikes, especially full-suspension.

I will send you a private message so we can discuss further.

Paul

downtube

The Mini Capreo was a great bike that no one bought. We ended up closing them out for about $300, which was a big time money loser. I don't look forward to ringing them back anytime soon.

Thanks,
Yan

bhkyte

Wish I got one of those!
Shamenot uk based.

downtube

I wish you bought one too. After we ran out everyone wanted one.....kind of ironic since no one wanted them when we had them.

Thanks,
Yan

JosephLMonti

I always liked the idea of a derailleur-spec'd Mini, but the Capreo drivetrain was pricey, pushing the original shipped price close to $600. I know there are clearance issues with 16 inch wheels, but I think if the Mini had been spec'd with a cheaper short-cage derailleur, bringing the price even below the SA Mini, it might have sold better. It's all water under the bridge now, I just look forward to seeing the new Mini.

JosephLMonti

I'm betting the Bahamas have some great, year-round cycling weather. I'd be curious to see the company owner's personal Downtube...how its been customized, etc. Any chance of a pic?

downtube

I have about 5 bikes I use on island.Currently I am testing a belt drive front suspension model.I will post a pic in a day or so.

FYI the weather is nice, but cycling is very dangerous. The lanes are barely wide enough for a truck....no shoulders for cyclists. Drivers have no respect for cyclist. Don't even think about biking here unless you are looking for a challenge.

Yan

bhkyte

I did buy a new NS9 through. On ebay, on my birthday!
Did you make the mini available in Uk?

downtube

No we only had them in the USA.

Thanks,
Yan

mirfi

Yan,

Mirfi here (enthusiastic owner of a FS9), hope you are well.

If this is not the place to talk, I apologize to all.

I was wondering, have you looked at the mini-velo market? Last year I bought a Mercier Mini-Velo (I am on that thread also) and note that the people making these bikes are unfamiliar with the market of adult small tire bikes.

Just about all of the affordable bikes in this market do not have the large chainrings (or internal hubs) needed, do not have easily adjustable features and are built for smaller riders.

Anyway, if this is an exploreable market for you, I would wish to give input.

Note: Many owners are former "folder" owners.

Thank you, and again I apologize for speaking out of turn.

Mirfi

downtube

Mirfi,

You did not speak out of turn....thanks for the advice. We had a 8 bikes in our lineup in 2007/8 ( no suspension,front suspension, full suspension, & mini with 9sp or 8sp internal hubs ). Sales are very slow hence we are down to 3 bikes ( no suspension, front and full ). I am looking to get back to 5 or 6 models before I even consider expanding into new products. I expect it will be a few more years before we expand....markets are very poor.

Thanks,
Yan

jerrysimon

Yes I saw his blog and had to smile.

Jerry

ruvee

I want to install bullhorn handlebars onto my 2011 Downtube Nova.

Anyone know the steerer tube O.D.?

dhprc2

My Nova has the 2 stage steering tube. The stock handlebars are clamped to a smaller diameter tube which slides into the larger steering tube coming off the folding clamp. I'm guessing you want the O.D. of the larger steering tube. It's 35mm (very close to 1-3/8") on mine.

Hope this helps.

ruvee

I wanted to attach a stem to the tube which slides into the larger tube (sawing off the clamp). So I needed that OD but I got hold of calipers and measured it to be around 30mm.

ruvee

Anyone know the bottom bracket length on the 2011 Downtube Nova? I measured the shell to be 68mm.

dhprc2

My stock Nova axle is stamped CH-3P which means an overall length of 119mm. Bottom bracket shell width is correct at 68mm.

ruvee

Thank you!

ruvee

Would there be any issues installing the following crankset from Race Face and external bottom bracket onto the Downtube Nova?
I couldn't find chainline specs anywhere on the net but I would imagine I could flip the chainring from right to left, add spacers if necessary. I plan on removing the 39T and only using the 53T.

https://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/Cyclin...-crank-set.jsp

bhkyte

Sorry I don't knowq precisely. But I put an ulterga crank on my downtube. Found I had to adjust the chain line as the chain was too far away and the chain came off towards the small chainring. Washers should sort it however, or getting the right width bb.

dhprc2

I can't comment on your chosen crankset either. I replaced the stock crankset with a Bontrager triple using an Isis bottom bracket with outboard bearings. No issues whatsoever.

alfamelba

Hi, just thought I would post a picture of my IXFS. I got this secondhand and well used. I would guess from what the seller said it probably dates from about 2007 - is there any way to tell?

I will be putting some mudguards on and probably updating the handlebar bag - the one I am currently using is nearly 30 years old. I have a Carradice bar bag from my old tourer that is nearly as old, but in better condition, but I dont have a second set of fittings to use and the modern bags seem to have different fittings.

Cheers A.

Kimonoskunk

moved to main folding bike area....
Kimonoskunk