Crankypants

I added a dahon Adj. stem, 12" section on Aluminum tubing, and a threadless stem. Here is a useful link:
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...nding+reach+dt

Marleetet

I just saw what would looks like a simple fix to the cramped Mini cockpit, if it is doable.

Anyone out there try fitting the angled stem and handle bars off a Brompton on to a Mini?

p6l-c_823_detail.jpg

That looks nice and simple. Any reason it won't work- other than Calhoun Bike won't sell it to me?

Mar

elysium

How much does that brompton curved tubing/stem cost?

May be it's just me, but it seems that buying a threadless adjustable stem or angled stem for $20-30 from ebay or bikenashbar would probably be the cheapest/most effective solution to the cramped cockpit. You could probably attach the new stem to the existing tubing (after a little cutting) or buy new tubing.

Polaris43

Cranky,

Could you please provide some additional information with detailed photos on your Mini mod of the front post / stem / handlebars?

I love my Mini but I have to do something to get the handle bars higher - either change the bars or change the way they mount.

I saw the previous thread but I can't really tell what you did from the photos or the other guy's posts.

Specifically, what did you do to replace the original front post as it's welded to the hinge?

As always, thanks for your help.

Marleetet

Cranky-

A little help here to:

Is that the Dahon Radius Handlepost on your Mini? If so was it just a straight bolt on-any mods?

The Syntance VRO looks like it might work with the present Mini stem set up- any ideas?

I've seen somewhere, a suspension extender like the VRO- just can't remember where.

Marman

Crankypants

Here is the page with the 1 1/8 extender stem :https://www.thorusa.com/dahonhandlebar.htm
Then you will need a section of 1 " diameter aluminum tubing that will fit inside the adj. stem. After that, you'll need a threadless stem that'll fit on the tubing. I picked mine up at Nashbar for about $16.

Crankypants

No, I don't have a Dahon Radius Handlepost, and I don't know about the VRO. I just used the Dahon adj. stem because it was an easy way to give me some room and a means to dial in my cockpit the way that I wanted.

Polaris43

Have any of you put a computer on a Mini or other DT? If so, which one and with what success?

I put an Ascent Delta V wireless on my Mini and on the VIIIH and it doesn't work on either one. I get either no reading or erratic readings that vary 1 to 5 mph with no change in actual speed.

I don't need / want anything fancy. I just want a speedo and trip log. Anything else is nice but not required.

Any install tips are welcomed if you think that's the problem. I made sure that everything is properly aligned and that the sensor is within the 2mm max separation.

14R 

I had a simple Specialized, wired ciclomputer on all my Downtubes (1 VIII and 3 VIIIFS). They all worked perfectly besides some people saying you need to go wireless on folders. As soon as they create wireless front brakes, I'll go wireless on everything else.

dcoli

I just got my Mini, and rode all over Inwood/Wash Hgts with it. Discovered a basically undeveloped part of the river front, no roads, no sidewalks, nothing.

The bike rocks! BUT. Unfortunately it's still too large to do what I was hoping to do: put it in my locker at Columbia's library. So, I'm going to have to lock it outside after all - got a nice fat Bulldog, should do the job. But as long as I'm leaving it outside at school (not at home), should I just get the IX?

The mini is awesome, but, being mini, it's too small sometimes. I did get a couple of wheelie-feeling moments - but remember that Inwood's terribly steep in places. Also, I don't like the rear suspension. Or, should I say, I LOVE it most of the time, but sometimes when starting up a hill it makes me bounce around on the seat, and i feel stupid.

So, I think maybe I should try the IX or something. Do you think I can return my mini and buy a big one?

spambait11

Wired computers are no problem on folding bikes if you buy the long wire harnesses such as those made for tandems. Here's an example.

Marleetet

Get a GPS- I have several. They tell you everything and they can be mounted to handle bars with an attachment. No wires.

Marl

invisiblehand

I believe that Yan has a 30 day money back guarantee.

14R 

Marl,

Sorry for my ignorance, but I am considering a GPS for a while for flying, and I have seen some people on trails using them on bikes as well. Do you get basic features of a cyclomputer ( speed, average speed, distance, time and odomoter) on a GPS?

Besides getting into your computer and downloading fancy graphics of your performance, is there a GPS that somehow (attachments to the bike, of course) can give cadency and other training tools?

invisiblehand

I have been looking at GPS devices instead of a cyclocomputer.

Almost all will give you the basic cyclocomputer statistics. There is a Garmin model made specifically for bicycles that includes training tools: the Garmin Edge 305. Although you need to look for the model with the additional HR/cadence attachments.

Note that the Edge does not come with a screen that displays maps and such. (At least that is what I gather from searching on the web)

However, I am personally leaning towards the Garmin Legend Cx. It does not have the HR/cadence capability but has better mapping and data storage capabilities. Also, it is on sale at Amazon.com.

If you look for a recent post by me in the Touring forum, you can read some comments from more experienced people.

14R 

Thank you invisiblehand. I have relatives in Potomac MD and one of the possible destinations with my girlfriend before the end of the year is DC with our folders. Maybe I'll see you around.

Marleetet

Everything invisible said and a few more. I like the "course track" feature when I am riding trails and old logging roads. Most of those aren't shown on GPS, even ones loaded with topo and local maps. I can usually find my way out, but on a few occassions, I have followed my course (via the GPS) in reverse.

The Garmin ones are the "Bee's Knees", but there are probably someother good ones as well. Checkout the Garmin Website or West Marine.

Good news- none of them are as expensive as the cheapest plane versions: but you can't do the ILS approach on it either.

Marl

14R 

ILS approach is ilegal for sailplane competition, but now I am just seeing myself researching for another expensive item that I don't need but want. I think finding those geocache things may be a good motivational thing for my girlfriend and I to hike out there.

Anyone geocaching on a folder? (lol)

invisiblehand

Erika and I are usually around. There are a lot of cyclists in the area and there are always weekend rides going -- check out the Potomac Peddlers website.

dcoli

Don't know if anyone else noticed this, but if you fold the handlebars between the wheels the wheels line up, making for easy wheeling while folded.

I took Gollum on the A train this morning at 8:40am, and had nary a problem. Don't need to use the service entrance, it easily fits through the turnstile; if you don't put down the seat (mine's fully extended) you can wheel the bike around in front of you. On the train it sat patiently between my legs, took up less room than other people with their rolling carry-ons.

This weekend my wife tried it and for the first time in her adult life wanted a bicycle, namely, mine. my 8-year-old niece got on it and rode around like it was made for her. Gollum is the shizzle.

- Colin

BigMacFU

Given your later post, let your wife use the mini, you get a IX. I asked Yan what to get for NYC and he suggested the IX Front Suspension. I'm loving it. But honestly, if you have to lock up your bike anyway and you have the room, don't get a folder. Folders have more components to steal usually because of all that is quick release for shrinking purposes. Don't get me wrong, I love my IX Front Suspension, and with my thudbuster on it now, no need for a rear to steal my pedal power. But, as it was said, 30 day money back guarantee.

dcoli

it is so much fun, and it fits so comfortably in our little one-bedroom ... <sigh>. if I returned the Mini to Yan could I still visit it on weekends? maybe get a postcard once in a while?

pm124

Hey dcoli,

Nice to meet you on the path yesterday. I'm the one with the bent Mu SL. Even my bike, which is twice the size of yours, comes into the Columbia library with me, it also goes up into my office and into the classroom. Just get a slip cover, and no one will complain. You can get one from Thor for $20. You can spend the money on a nice pair of Marathon Racers for that little bike. Now I want one.

dcoli

thanks, that's advice i can really use! i don't have an office at columbia, but there are plenty of chairs that i can lock things to ...

I'm gonna have to wait until these tires wear out before buying new ones, but that's cool. Reason to ride further every day

Polaris43

Cranky,

I got the Dahon quill extender stem along with a Dahon Revolve stem with quick release top. Now my bar height is perfect! The bars are a little close but the quick release top on the stem allows me to rotate the bars for a much flatter fold so I think I can live with it. Thanks for your help in recommending and locating the parts for this mod. I'll try to post some photos soon.

My next question for you is does your rear suspension stick? Mine seems very sticky / poppy (not at all smooth) and I don't know if it's normal or if something is wrong. Is there anything you might recommend to smooth out the action?

As always, thanks for your help!