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mconlonx. Yes the dropouts indeed face rearward. This bike is available as a single speed as well, and originally, I had ordered one in black. But that very same night, I got an email from the seller stating that they had sold out, and were willing to send me the 7 speed version in lieu for no additional charge. I accepted the offer but then when I checked their website again, I discovered that they still had the single speed in pearl white which is the same color of my 7 speed in stock.
To be perfectly honest, I would have preferred the single speed for its simplicity, and to use as my "errand" and "shopping" bike. My plan was to buy one of their aluminum 7 speed 20 inch models for use as my sport bike for longer distance riding, and perhaps to rejoin my local bike club. I still do want to do that perhaps next month.
I'm looking at these two bikes:
http://solorock.us/collections/foldi...m-folding-bike
http://solorock.us/collections/foldi...m-folding-bike
But hey, I got an upgrade for the same money on this 16 inch so I shouldn't complain.
Edward
Originally Posted by
mconlonx
This pic intrigues me because it looks like it has a rearward facing, horizontal dropout. While it might complicate wheel changes a bit, perfect for conversion to SS/FG/IGH.
Thanks for posting, edwong3!
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Cheap vs. Expensive folder: I buy most of my bikes used, and it doesn't scare me because I spent time recently as a full time bike mechanic. To that end, I can usually find exceptionally decent bikes which may need a tweak or two for less than half the price new. So for instance, the Birdy I ride now -- previously listed here as an expensive bike -- I got for less than half of what it cost new, or about double what it would cost to buy something like this Solorock Swift, a Citizen, or Downtube.
I also commend edwong3 for taking the bike to a shop for an initial tune. If you are an average consumer with limited bike repair skillz, this is an excellent thing to do. Most shops won't blink at you bringing in a mail order bike, either -- if they do, they suck, and don't really understand their own business. On the purchase end, however, budget for it, especially if price shopping bikes on the floor in a shop, which should already be set up correctly.