whatever happened to.... the downtube mini
 

this was a great entry level 16" bike, with a great spec/price (internal hub too)... but once bitten, the brompton was sooo goood.....

mine is languishing below stairs now. But thinking of rehabilitating it as my globetrotting vehicle (see my various posts about bikes in a suitcase). Maybe the answer was right under my nose.

Checked out the old threads on the DT mini, which are helpful. But would be good to here what/if people are doing with this old, somewhat neglected friend of the forum. Pix especially of upgrades:thumb::thumb:

My only folder. Once I got rid of that crazy spring thing, my IGH worked pretty well so I use my Mini whenever a folder or loaner is needed.

I've often found myself wanting one. The combination of rear suspension plus installed Big Apple tyres would be very nice. I've got a Curve XL and it needs a thudbuster to ride well, but that addition makes the fold cumbersome. Rear suspension would be tidy.

Shame about the toothpaste colour.

If I saw one going for a reasonable price I'd probably buy it. If it were going for an unreasonably low price I'd definitely buy it.

I always wonder if the Citizen Tokyo would make a good platform for a commuter/intown folder. The stock spec looks pretty weak, but at sub-$200 shipped, the cost would still be reasonable even with a substantial amount of mods.

Well, yes, the Tokyo is better with some mods, especially to the gears. I have a new saddle now, but haven't tried it out (I'm too wimpy to ride in cold or wet weather) - stock saddle isn't that comfortable, especially for a long ride.
+ Inexpensive; good sturdy steel frame; fairly small fold; standard parts other than the frame; easy to upgrade
- Steel = heavy; slow - better with upgraded gears but still slow; stock saddle is uncomfortable; folding mechanism works but the latch is kindof clumsy; seatpost QR broke and had to be replaced; handlebars are welded to the handlepost, so are hard to upgrade.
Notice that I have more minuses than pluses. Still, its a usable bike, and I've had a ball riding it. It's been taking a while to save the money I'll need, but eventually I'll replace my Tokyo. In the meantime, it is fine and is far better than no bike at all.

For $599 this wouldnt be too bad http://www.commuterbikestore.com/bre...ldingbike.html

Yes, the Breezer Ziggy is a nice bike but now you are talking 20 inch wheels which is a whole different ball game. The challenge has always been finding options in the 16 inch (305) category. Why, oh why, doesn't anyone make a decent 16 inch wheeled folder in the $300-500 range?