Hello everyone,

I have been eagerly following this thread on otherwise wonderful bike forums.

Your discussions and opinions I found particularly interesting and sometimes even instructive.

Unlike some of you I do not have a horse in this race, my spider sense was tingling. Although I came very close to pre-ordering, because the way I see it, if everyone like me decided to "wait and see", Mr. Boutakis' slim chances of success would be down to zero.
Like most of you I am however surprisingly and weirdly involved in this project, hoping that such a bold, interesting and, let's face it, beautiful design comes to life. And I do hope that all those who backed one way or the other end up vindicated for their ungodly patience (or ridiculous ability to rationalize things for themselves).

My opinion is that, albeit way too late, the era of improved communication from Helix's side is a good omen.
I believe he can pull through. Whether this will be a pyrrhic victory, and perennial success remains to be see, I for one would chip in as soon as the pre-production design is validated.

Jur: thank you. You have made this long waiting instructive with very little negative influence on the discussion quite the contrary. I know others could benefit from the same compliment but you've been extremely vocal and involved. Too bad you are giving up, but no one can ask anything more of you.


Coming back to the Novotny design and the discussion regarding the durability of the back helical joint. The main thing I see between Helix and Novotny's approach is that one uses a technological solution where the other uses a design solution to essentially the same problem.
Novotny's design was obviously not refined however, with half the front fork poking out for example.

Now... I'm a mere material's scientist and therefore only benefit from basic knowledge of mechanical design. But it seems to me that should someone ply their ability to it, Helix dimensions with the Novotny's frame shape would benefit from the best of both worlds: Robust, safe and above all simple hinges. Probably even lighter in the end, easier to maintain.

The bike would not necessarily have to be made out of Titanium, but a titanium frame would still work, and probably be even simpler (titanium hinges with probably hardened steen helical inserts seems like a weight and complexity increase vs. simple titanium hinge with say...IGUS hardwearing plastic bearings).

.. is my reasoning resonating with anyone here?

Thought like I had to chip in. Keep up the good work, the updates, and let's hope Mr. Boutakis succeeds, even if his reputation ends up chipped... some of the world's loathing is worth such an achievement in my opinion.