Hey guys!
Greetings! I used to frequent this forum but have been spending more time in C&V lately. But I've still been riding my Downtube 8H 20 miles, and taking it 100+ miles on the train, every day I go to work.
Anyway. Yesterday the frame broke. I've had this bike less than 20 months. A stress crack formed at the front of the seat tube, just below the seat post collar; by the time I noticed it there was only a centimeter or so of material holding it at the back. Needless to say I left that bike at home this morning, and rode my (also very worn out) Downtube Mini.
Email from Yan is unclear whether I will be able to get a replacement frame (he will look when he gets back to PA).
But bottom line, I am fed up with aluminum frames. A bike frame should last more than 5600 miles. I want a new bike. Again.
So I want a folding bike with a steel frame and an internally geared hub. What are my options? I know about the Raleigh Twenty; but it doesn't fold up small enough for practical use. I know about the Brompton; I've never been a fan but I suppose I could give it another try. What else am I missing?
I am considering a Speed Uno... I can reuse the wheel (with Sturmey Archer XRF8 hub) from my Downtube. But what about brakes?
Why not a Speed Uno and then replacing the stock hub with a Shimano Nexus Inter 3 coaster brake hub? I'm also thinking of replacing the single speed coaster hub with this being that it has 120mm spacing and the gearing is well balanced.
Last edited by pacificcyclist; 04-06-12 at 09:34 AM.