yamcha

So now I am planning to replace it with a Downtube. I am debating between the full and front suspension models. Full suspension sounds pretty nice but everyone says you lose tons of pedal power because of the rear suspension. Can someone give me some advice?

SesameCrunch

Very sorry to hear of your loss. That's a bummer !!!

They're both nice bikes, but the Full Suspension bike is pretty heavy. Also, I have never needed rear suspension - not for the roads I normally ride. I just don't like the pogo-ing that happens when you pedal at the same cadence as the natural frequency of the suspension.

The Front Suspension was my first Downtube purchase. Nice bike, great value. I upgraded the drivetrain (just for fun), and it became a great bike.

If you don't do touring, have you thought about the Mini? I have owned every one of Downtubes different frames, and the Mini is my favorite by far. The Mini has a light rear suspension, but you can tighten/stiffen it so it rides nicely.

yamcha

Thanks for the advice. I am thinking towards getting this one:

https://www.downtube.com/product532.html

The Mini looks cool even thought I don't like the colors that much. Tell me about the 16" ride. Is it a bit bumpy? Is there any specific reason why you like the Mini the best?

nekohime

sorry, OT but...

Yamcha! If you get your downtube by the 19th, go sign up for my folding bike ride (see sig).

yamcha

I still have a Dahon Vitessi that is my main bike. Folding bike ride? I live way down in Orange County. Hmmm.....any cute girls?

nekohime

Yes, me! And folderfanatic, and whoever else might show up. Lol.

jakub.ner

-=(8)=-

Wow....I might have to fly out to SoCal for that ride !

Sorry to hear about your loss, Yamcha. I hate thieves !!!!!!!!! To worst !!!!

My Downtube NS 9 could be considered a daily rider, only sitting on windy days, but
I think I would have preferred a full suspension. I have to pick my lines through
choppy stuff a little more than I like for comfort. Im going to get bigger tires and have
put on a better seat but I still think I might have gone with a suspension if I had to
do it over.

mulleady

Great choice Yamcha, I have the 2007 version of this bike. The hub gears work a treat and this bike looks much nicer in reality than the photo on the site. It's a great ride and a steal at under $400!

folder fanatic

Good choice for you, Yamcha. Sorry to hear about you losing your valuable bike to those losers. I look foward to meeting the Southern California folding bike pioneers (that is how I think of people who choose an alternative to even other bike types) on April 19th. I do hope you replace your bike in time for the ride.

mulleady

Nekohime is quite the evangelist for her event lol! Relentless. I mean that in a nice way :-D

veggie_lover

I thought you owned a D7 based on a picture you posted in the electronics forum of your lights...

nekohime

Haha, yes. It's my very first time organizing a ride, see. I have no idea what "overpromoting" means...

yamcha

I have a D7 Vitesse and (had) Boardwalk that was modified with with a 3-spd shimano hinternal hub and roller brakes.

Check it out:
https://www.bikeforums.net/folding-bikes/350613-my-dahon-boardwalk.html