As of last night I have successfully sold my backers pledge. I am as interested as ever in the Helix and keenly hoping this venture becomes a success. They are at the point of finishing the test bike; it has been delayed by delivery of some CNC parts, but the welding development stage has been completed. So as I see it, the frame may be completed this week, then perhaps a month of testing, then production of backers bikes. January is my latest estimate. Helix is as disappointed as everyone else by the extra delay.
I expect testing to breeze through. The frame was analysed by finite element analysis, the welds are the absolute best technology can currently produce and the design is very sound, having gone through several iterations.
The biggest doubt lies in generating enough sales to break even. Only if the bike price remains substantially where it was pitched, may this happen, with large numbers in production. Going the route of the Hummingbird lies failure.