Anyone with Downtube SA 8 speed Experience?
 

Hi, First post here. I'm considering my first folder and for now have narrowed my choices to a Downtube with the SA internal 8speed hub or if I can find one locally and at reasonable price, a Raleigh Twenty. Although it may seem a strange pair to consider, I've always enjoyed Raleighs, (I still tool around on my Sport every once in a while) and know they were built to last and as serious transportation. I'm considering the DT because of the SA 8 speed hub and because I live close enough to test ride the bike at the DT store in Pennsylvania. The bike will be thrown in the trunk of my car and used for local sight-seeing where ever I may travel. Has anyone bought directly from a Downtube dealer and if so, is the level of service high enough to justify the much higher price? Are the quality control issues I've read about addressed at the store level before delivery? Also do you beleive the 8 speed bicycles will drop in price. Thanks for any insights.

I currently have 2 DTs with the SA8 hub - The 2007 Mini and VIIIH. I bought directly from DT and do all my own work, so I can't address your dealer-related questions.

I like the SA8 very much. The width of the gear range is incredible. The internal gears help with folding and transport because you don't have to worry about knocking into the rear derailleur. The SA8 shifts well, although 1) it's easy to inadvertantly twist the grip shifter and 2) it has to be periodically adjusted to make sure the shifter is properly aligned.

They're both great bikes. Internal hubs and folders go well together. I imagine that's why DT's lineup includes so many internal hub options now. Bikes are well put together and give a very solid feeling.

Finally, the 2008 models will come down in price when the 2007 models are sold out, according to Yan.

In fact, every frame style in the 2008 DT line up comes in either an internal hub or derailleur version. I said this in another thread and I'll say it here - it seems like offering the DTs with horizontal dropouts AND derailleur hangers (like the Swift) would make more sense...it gives buyers both options on one bike (hub gear or derailleur) and DT would only have to manufacture four frame styles (instead of 8)...right?

Have a line on a Raleigh Twenty
 

Unbelievable but true, I have a line on a Raleigh Twenty from a very reliable source. I'm going to look at it this week. Not garage sale pricing as I would like but the bike should be in extremely good condition.