downtube

Yes that is correct

Thanks
Yan

Rob_E

Thank you, you may have mentioned it and I missed or misunderstood it. I just saw the mention of the Biologic bag and thought there must be some 3 bolt bag I was overlooking. Compatibility with the Tern mount is a nice feature, because there are some attachments that I feel would be very useful, but why three bolts? Is there something else in the works? At first I was thinking it'd be nice to have a three bolt set up compatible with the Salsa Anything cages, but there's likely not enough head tube space. At any rate, the ability to carry a little weight up front is always a welcome feature.

Abu Mahendra

The three-bolt lug could be compatible with two-bolt stuff so long as two of the threr bolt holes are 3cm apart. Did the designers of the newer three-bolt lug think of this?

downtube

That was the point.

Thanks,
Yan

tdonline

Yan and Mini aficionados, I test rode the bike today and have some questions as I ponder next steps. Input appreciated.

I abhor carrying anything on me as I ride so I will definitely be using some kind of rack/bag setup. I'd prefer using a truss/bag system at the front of the bike. I worry about wheelies by putting more weight on the back of the bike. The front bag options from Tern are pretty poor. It seems like the only available option is the touring bag. I need something that can carry a laptop and light groceries (not necessarily at the same time though). If I go with the truss and kanga rack setup, will that affect the fold? If that's out and I need to use a rear rack, again the fold question. Also would I need to buy a special rack which sits high? I worry any pannier would touch the ground.

Can I install fenders? Again, will that affect the fold?

downtube

The new mini's come with free aluminum racks and a plastic rear fender. FYI a front fender is not necessary, since the rider sits high above the front wheel and the frame acts as a fender.

The fold is not affected with these additions.

Thanks
Yan

Abu Mahendra

Kanga Rack with laptop, check.
Kanga Rack with groceries, check but ideally you will dump the groceries into a bag that can strapped down or you'll need a taut hook net. a basket would be better for groceries.

tdonline

Yan, do you have photos of the new Mini?

I'm not at all familiar with suspension. Is there a way to decrease/disable it?

tdonline

Yes, I worry about grocery going spilling out in soft bags. But with a basket--wouldn't that prevent folding? And ideally I don't want to carry a bike in one hand and a basket in another. I see the Mini for quick or unplanned shopping forays. For substantial shopping trips, I would use the rear panniers and basket on my other bike.

linberl

You have several options. One is to carry a bag that can be used for groceries and small purchases as well as be used as your purse. I use the Linus Sac. It holds almost a full paper grocery sack when needed but folds over and looks like a smart tote, with no hardware poking you. You could either clip it to the Kanga or strap it down. Another option is a rolltop style bag. These can expand to hold plenty of stuff or be rolled up and stashed. Either way, a lightweight bag can easily hold your groceries (you can even find thermal ones to carry frozen food) and just get strapped to the Kanga. I'm not sure how easily the Kanga removes, but I am assuming it is similar to my Xootr Crossrack. When I fold my bike friday, I remove the entire rack except the part attached to the bike itself, and it fits INSIDE the bag I was carrying. Then I am free to fold the bike and the rack/sac combo is over my shoulder. Easy.

Abu Mahendra

i cannot advise you on how these things will impact the fold. i was just taking about the rack and basket itself

tdonline

Linberl, once again, good suggestions. The Linus Sac looks great--it's something that can be carried around without screaming bike bag. Can you use the strap to wear it crossbody style?

I'm so used to having my rack on permanently that I blanked on the fact the Kanga rack can be detached quickly. I think its footprint is larger than the Crossrack but it's just over a pound.

linberl

Yes, the Linus Sac is adjustable to shoulder or crossbody length on the strap. It's kind of stiff canvas when you first get it, then it softens up over a little time. I completely love mine! I actually carry it sometimes when I have a lot of stuff and I am not using my bike. If you don't have a huge laptop, you could put the computer in a padded sleeve and just drop it inside. I'd get the measurements of the Kanga and make sure it would fit inside the Linus Sac. If not, find a slightly bigger bag that you like. And, yes, the beauty of the non-permanent racks is that you can take them off to fold but also...sometimes you are going for an exercise ride and you just know you don't need the rack, so you can leave it at home and not pedal around the extra weight! If the Downtube Mini already has a light aluminum rear rack, you could either get a very small bag for it to carry your wallet and lock or just remove it altogether and use a small handlebar bag when you don't need the rack.
Have you had a chance to actually ride the Mini yet? What did you think?

tdonline

Yes, test rode it last evening. Go to the DC thread for my assessment.

Now that the new Mini comes with a rear rack, a rack bag for the basics is definitely an option.

linberl

If you decide to get one, you might want to try a rear bag for your laptop and groceries before you buy the Kanga. I don't think you are going to "wheelie" even with a full load of groceries, especially because you will have the seat down pretty low to accommodate your (lack of) height. That low center of gravity will help stabilize the bike. See if you can borrow a pannier from a friend for a day and try it. No reason to buy stuff if you don't really need it - there are plenty of upgrades you can spend your money on, ha ha. Maybe a simple handlebar bag with a 5 lb u-lock will balance you out.

tdonline

Yes, if I get the bike, I'd take time to see what I really need and what is luxury (need to give that credit card some rest!).

csi56

I had been trying to solve the problem of carrying stuff on the front, using the frame instead of the handlebars, on my Downtube 9FS (2014). On the headtube it has two holes about 15mm apart, and I found that this fits very well:

"Rixen Kaul KLICKfix Headtube Mounted Bracket"
Wiggle.com has it for less than $20 (I paid $37.50 elsewhere a couple of weeks ago) + shipping, I assume.

An alternative that I tried:
"TERN LUGGAGE TRUSS"
ThorUSA.com has it for about $40 + $10 shipping
BUT: unless you have 30mm-apart holes you'll need to use one hole and then a hose clamp to fasten it securely.

I added the Kanga Rack and I'm good to go, for relatively light loads.

The first item also comes with a little adapter and longer screws, if you need to fit 30mm-apart holes on the headtube.

Rob_E

So which do you prefer? The Rixen Kaul or the Tern Truss? I'm sure I'll be in the market for something for front luggage eventually.

I just pulled the trigger the other day on an 8H, so now all that's left is the waiting (the worst part). I can't wait to try out the Gates drive. That's been on my wishlist for a while, but for now I'm just happy to bring another folding bike into the herd.

csi56

I prefer the Rixen Kaul because (1) I can attach it more solidly with two bolts and (2) it's shorter than the Tern Truss. Having something sticking out off the front of your bike, unless it's very solidly attached, it will swing back and forth and probably break - especially if it's loaded. My only concern about the Rixen Kaul is that it's plastic, vs. the aluminum of the Tern, so I worry that it will become brittle after a few years and break.

downtube

FYI I switched to the 3 bolt because I could not find Rixen Kaul products in the USA.....I had no idea wiggle ships here.

Thanks for the information, better to find out late than never.

Thanks,
Yan

tdonline

Does this mean we can buy the Klixen and use it on the new Downtubes by utilizing 2 of the 3 holes?

Edit: Yan answered previously:

The new 3 bolt will work with Tern 2 bolt interfaces. I thought I mentioned that before, My apologies for the confusion.

Assume this answers my question concerning the Klixen truss.

downtube

Actually it will work with our 9FS and 9 silver bikes only. I switched the rest.

Thanks,
Yan

Abu Mahendra

For what it's worth, one can attach stuff on a heeadtube without mounting bolts, using a Klickfix mount. Pictured here is a Klickfix two-screw mount holding a Brooks Hoxton basket. The manufacturer says this should be good for six or seven kg (can't remember exactly).

Amazon sells Klickfix.

Rob_E

Loving my 8H, but I have to tinker. Can never leave anything alone. Anyone know how fat I can make these tires? I was going to get some Big Apples in either 2 or 2.15 if they'll fit.

downtube

I've had customers use 1.9's. I don't know of anyone that has gone bigger.

Thanks,
Yan