Helix
#53
Senior Member
Just discovered the Helix on Friday, and signed up to get notices as the project develops. Supposedly the Kickstarter campaign will start shortly.
Assuming I want to go down this route... what are the opinions on the 1X10 vs Alfine 11 speed options?
Assuming I want to go down this route... what are the opinions on the 1X10 vs Alfine 11 speed options?
#54
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Singapore
Posts: 1,143
Bikes: Fully customized 11-spd MTB built on 2014 Santa Cruz 5010 frame; Brompton S2E-X 2014; Brompton M3E 2014
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 17 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
It's a very interesting bike if it sticks to its promised price range. Certainly something I would consider.
#55
Senior Member
I just saw this bike posted on BikeRumor (with a hilarious post by someone claiming this is a "total ripoff of Brompton") and then found this thread. Love the idea, would like to see this option out there, and would definitely consider it against other folders in the same price range.
#56
Senior Member
I like Alfine IGH, but for the money, and considering Zee components are not crap, I'd probably save a few bucks and go with the 1x10. Especially with the real wide gear 1x10 cassettes popping up here and there--11x36 is pretty standard, but 11x40 is out there, with kits to go 11x42. I still don't think you'd get the range of an Alfine 11 with 1xAnything drivetrain, however. So it really depends on your needs.
I just saw this bike posted on BikeRumor (with a hilarious post by someone claiming this is a "total ripoff of Brompton") and then found this thread. Love the idea, would like to see this option out there, and would definitely consider it against other folders in the same price range.
I just saw this bike posted on BikeRumor (with a hilarious post by someone claiming this is a "total ripoff of Brompton") and then found this thread. Love the idea, would like to see this option out there, and would definitely consider it against other folders in the same price range.
However... and I swear I read this not long ago but of course I cannot find the reference anymore... is an IGH worse when climbing inclines? I know the gearing should be equivalent, but...?
#57
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 791
Bikes: Many bikes in three states and two countries, mainly riding Moots Vamoots, Lynskey R265 disc and a Spot Denver Zephyr nowadays
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 26 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Again... assuming I actually pursue this... I think I might just go with the Alfine 11. I find that the IGH advantages outweigh the disadvantages in situations I'm likely to use the Helix in.
However... and I swear I read this not long ago but of course I cannot find the reference anymore... is an IGH worse when climbing inclines? I know the gearing should be equivalent, but...?
However... and I swear I read this not long ago but of course I cannot find the reference anymore... is an IGH worse when climbing inclines? I know the gearing should be equivalent, but...?
But it will also shift nearly instantly and there is no additional stress on the chain from running in any gear.
Last edited by ShortLegCyclist; 06-14-15 at 11:13 PM. Reason: corrected typo
#58
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Paris, France
Posts: 2,497
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 573 Post(s)
Liked 118 Times
in
99 Posts
Again... assuming I actually pursue this... I think I might just go with the Alfine 11. I find that the IGH advantages outweigh the disadvantages in situations I'm likely to use the Helix in.
However... and I swear I read this not long ago but of course I cannot find the reference anymore... is an IGH worse when climbing inclines? I know the gearing should be equivalent, but...?
However... and I swear I read this not long ago but of course I cannot find the reference anymore... is an IGH worse when climbing inclines? I know the gearing should be equivalent, but...?
Going back to a derailleur-based bike after riding around with an IGH is like removing your shoes after a day of skiing. Light feet :-)
* Lets you change gears even at a stop, and requires very little maintenance
#59
Senior Member
Counterpoint: I used to do a fairly hilly commute and didn't mind doing it on a Nexus 8 IGH. Besides the range -- no matter how I geared it, I was always looking for either more top end or low end gearing. The drag of the internals wasn't really an issue I noticed, anymore than the slight drag from the dyno front hub. I imagine that an Alfine 11 would address the gearing issue somewhat, and I even rigged up a double-chainring --> Nexus 8 setup, but sold it shortly after without trying it out on an actual commute.
But now I ride a derailleur drivetrain bike. Part of the switch is that I learned to work on der drivetrains, so adjustments are no longer an issue. And for my uses of a folder, the 1x10 drivetrain on the Helix would be fine, especially with a wide range cass out back.
It's all good, no matter what you're using for a drivetrain, but for the price, I would save a few bucks and get the der drivetrain Helix. OTOH, I'd get either of the Downtube belt drive IGH bikes because they are such a screaming deal...
But now I ride a derailleur drivetrain bike. Part of the switch is that I learned to work on der drivetrains, so adjustments are no longer an issue. And for my uses of a folder, the 1x10 drivetrain on the Helix would be fine, especially with a wide range cass out back.
It's all good, no matter what you're using for a drivetrain, but for the price, I would save a few bucks and get the der drivetrain Helix. OTOH, I'd get either of the Downtube belt drive IGH bikes because they are such a screaming deal...
#60
The Recumbent Quant
I have both, and if you do a lot of climbing, would recommend you get a double chainring and 8-10 gears in the rear: While a good solution for urban use*, an IGH is indeed heavier and has more drag than a well-tuned derailleur.
Going back to a derailleur-based bike after riding around with an IGH is like removing your shoes after a day of skiing. Light feet :-)
* Lets you change gears even at a stop, and requires very little maintenance
Going back to a derailleur-based bike after riding around with an IGH is like removing your shoes after a day of skiing. Light feet :-)
* Lets you change gears even at a stop, and requires very little maintenance
#61
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 791
Bikes: Many bikes in three states and two countries, mainly riding Moots Vamoots, Lynskey R265 disc and a Spot Denver Zephyr nowadays
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 26 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Counterpoint: I used to do a fairly hilly commute and didn't mind doing it on a Nexus 8 IGH. Besides the range -- no matter how I geared it, I was always looking for either more top end or low end gearing. The drag of the internals wasn't really an issue I noticed, anymore than the slight drag from the dyno front hub. I imagine that an Alfine 11 would address the gearing issue somewhat, and I even rigged up a double-chainring --> Nexus 8 setup, but sold it shortly after without trying it out on an actual commute.
But now I ride a derailleur drivetrain bike. Part of the switch is that I learned to work on der drivetrains, so adjustments are no longer an issue. And for my uses of a folder, the 1x10 drivetrain on the Helix would be fine, especially with a wide range cass out back.
It's all good, no matter what you're using for a drivetrain, but for the price, I would save a few bucks and get the der drivetrain Helix. OTOH, I'd get either of the Downtube belt drive IGH bikes because they are such a screaming deal...
But now I ride a derailleur drivetrain bike. Part of the switch is that I learned to work on der drivetrains, so adjustments are no longer an issue. And for my uses of a folder, the 1x10 drivetrain on the Helix would be fine, especially with a wide range cass out back.
It's all good, no matter what you're using for a drivetrain, but for the price, I would save a few bucks and get the der drivetrain Helix. OTOH, I'd get either of the Downtube belt drive IGH bikes because they are such a screaming deal...
The NuVinci has the worst drag, but I can feel the some even with my Rohloffs.
I don't mind the Seattle hills with most of my IGH hubs except the Nexus 7 and NuVinci, at 32-24 gear inches with my current setups, I'm not spinning anywhere steep with those hubs. My Rohloffs go down to 17 and 19 gear inches and I can spin up any hill in this area with them.
#63
55+ Club,...
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Somewhere in New York, NY
Posts: 4,318
Bikes: 9+,...
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1111 Post(s)
Liked 842 Times
in
587 Posts
And I used to ride only derailleur bikes and now almost entirely IGH.
The NuVinci has the worst drag, but I can feel the some even with my Rohloffs.
I don't mind the Seattle hills with most of my IGH hubs except the Nexus 7 and NuVinci, at 32-24 gear inches with my current setups, I'm not spinning anywhere steep with those hubs. My Rohloffs go down to 17 and 19 gear inches and I can spin up any hill in this area with them.
The NuVinci has the worst drag, but I can feel the some even with my Rohloffs.
I don't mind the Seattle hills with most of my IGH hubs except the Nexus 7 and NuVinci, at 32-24 gear inches with my current setups, I'm not spinning anywhere steep with those hubs. My Rohloffs go down to 17 and 19 gear inches and I can spin up any hill in this area with them.
__________________
If it wasn't for you meddling kids,...
#65
Senior Member
...and they fold!
#66
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 361
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
The Helix looks interesting, or at least the marketing does. If they can launch it as presented at their price point it will be worth checking out. With the larger wheels and ti frame it should't require suspension to have a decent ride. Like CF, the more mainstream ti gets the better for everyone.
#67
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: York UK
Posts: 3,027
Bikes: 2X dualdrive Mezzo folder,plus others
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 107 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
There are many folders worth investing in other than a cheap commuter bike. They can really preform and go off road, I have a downhill BMW moutain bike.
Spending more on a folding bike than the ridgid bike offen means it opens up more cycling opputunies with a bike that is comparable to a ridgid bike.
#68
Senior Member
Haven't been on this thread for a bit... so, ah, the consensus is that the 1X10 is better overall than the Alfine 8 or 11? My only reference is my 6 speed Brompton, and I suspect that's not the best reference.
#69
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Albany, WA
Posts: 7,393
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 321 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
6 Posts
I don't think "better" is the right word... some people want more of an urban bike while others are more interested in minimising weight while retaining gear range... or simply like a derailer better... although $100 for a Zee rear hub, cassette, shifter and derailer seems like not bad pricing... assuming these are all Zee branded.
#70
Full Member
I sent Peter Boutakis an email asking for an update on the Helix folder... here is the reply I got from him. Still looks to be an interesting bike...
Anyone interested in an older Pacific Reach Trail, Downtube VIII or original Downtube Mini in mint green? Gotta raise some cash somehow...
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Pine Cone, thank you for your interest in Helix.
Since our last blog post we have had to spend some time making updates to out patent applications to account for slight design changes. We have also completed and submitted our Kickstarter campaign for review and approval. Once the project is approved we will announce the official launch date. We are planning to bring Helix to Kickstarter this month. Details regarding our production schedule will be included on our Kickstarter page.
Thank you for your patience during this difficult start up period. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any more questions.
Best Regards,
Peter Boutakis, Founder
Helix Folding Bike
peter@ridehelix.ca
https://www.ridehelix.ca
Anyone interested in an older Pacific Reach Trail, Downtube VIII or original Downtube Mini in mint green? Gotta raise some cash somehow...
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Pine Cone, thank you for your interest in Helix.
Since our last blog post we have had to spend some time making updates to out patent applications to account for slight design changes. We have also completed and submitted our Kickstarter campaign for review and approval. Once the project is approved we will announce the official launch date. We are planning to bring Helix to Kickstarter this month. Details regarding our production schedule will be included on our Kickstarter page.
Thank you for your patience during this difficult start up period. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any more questions.
Best Regards,
Peter Boutakis, Founder
Helix Folding Bike
peter@ridehelix.ca
https://www.ridehelix.ca
#71
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 361
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I was very interested in this bike, but the Kickstarter time stretch, and that it is still in a quantum state, led me to pick up the BD-1 instead. Some interesting design and engineering ideas, but my experience with the GoBike has made me a bit gun shy...
Maybe in a year or so and some used ones start showing up I'll revisit it.
Maybe in a year or so and some used ones start showing up I'll revisit it.
#74
Member
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 48
Bikes: Montague Swissbike X50
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Still curious about this bike myself, and just saw on their website that they will resume taking orders come Winter 2017.
Anyone know if any bikes have been delivered yet?
Anyone know if any bikes have been delivered yet?
#75
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Albany, WA
Posts: 7,393
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 321 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
6 Posts
None yet. They are getting close now. The original plan of teaming up with a company was abandoned (reasons unknown) and a factory is being set up. I still believe they will pull it off. (there is another Helix thread with more info.)
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Rudomanski
Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling
55
01-15-22 09:32 AM