Originally Posted by
Jipe
Bigger wheel size: there are few other folders with same wheel size (but that accepts the normal ETRTO507 tire size what Helix doesn't), not widely used because useless, only drawbacks. ETRTO 507 wheels is well known, any manufacturer can use that size, do you really think that all other folders manufacturers that use ETRTO 406 wheels are stupid ? Moulton demonstrated that even smaller ETRTO 369 wheels perform very well with an adapted frame.
Assuming your objections to ETRTO 507 are as laid out here boiling down to weight and limited tire choice:
https://www.bikeforums.net/20786577-post1553.html
I think in most cases the size of the wheels was decided by the target folded dimensions and the constraints of the folding approach. You imply that other manufacturers have selected ETRTO 406 as an inherently superior choice. I think they couldn't work out how to get the same fold (and other) characteristics with a larger tire and compromised to 406.
One of the beauties of the Helix is that it maximises the size of the wheel whilst retaining the advantages of other folders with smaller wheels.
Folders are all about compromises between multiple factors. Hence the diversity of types and styles. Helix moves the dial on where those trade-offs can converge.
The limited tire choice is a bummer, but a price i am willing to pay.
The added weight is offset and overall bike weight is competitive with alternatives in the market so no disadvantage there.
Originally Posted by
Jipe
Folds essentially to the size of it's wheels without any disassembly or detatchment of parts: useless, the wheels are too big, other folders are smaller folded than Helix.
The advantages of a Brompton as a comuter bike over any other equally rideable folder are a neat and integral fold (no disassembly) for convenience and speed of folding unfolding and a folded size which is conducive to stowing on public transport.
Brompton
585mm high x
565mm long x
270mm wide
(23" x
22.2" x 10.6")."
Hummingbird 585mm high x 1160mm long x 190mm wide / 23" x 45.8" x 7.4"
Birdy
800 x 620 x 340 mmHelix
23" x 27" x 10"
Helix is only 5 inches longer than the Brompton despite the larger wheels and foldless main frame, unlike most competitors, well within the stowable zone. It also looks super slick to fold/unfold.
Originally Posted by
Jipe
Rolls on it's wheels whilst folded: several others folders roll folded better than what Helix will do.
Which ones? At the same time as having all the other advantages?
Originally Posted by
Jipe
Weighs 10 to 12 kg: other folders (including the Brompton) have the same weight with the same equipment, some weight less. Note that the weight of Helix must still be proven, manufacturers very often announce underestimated weights.
All these claims are pure marketing, nothing technically valuable. Same as the claims " Smaller, Lighter, Safer, Easier to use, " no, it isn't smaller, no it isn't lighter, no it isn't safer, no it isn't easier to use than other folders and than a Brompton for instance.
Agree on the marketing BS.
The Hummingbird is of course much lighter at closer to 6kg, but doesn't fold anywhere near as compact.
It is lighter than an equivalently specced/priced Brompton, despite those big, heavy wheels you seem to hate.
Originally Posted by
Jipe
Moreover, Helix doesn't address one of the main weak points of the Brompton which is comfort (due to the relatively narrow, high pressure tires and poor rear suspension) because Helix has no suspension and has also relatively narrow tires (and please do not come to explain me that a rigid titanium frame and that ETRTO 507 wheels will make Helix comfortable , as an owner of a ETRTO 622 titanium high end bike, I can tell you that it isn't true).
Well we don't know that now do we? Sure it has no suspension, but comfort is relative and about much more than stiffness, tire hardness and suspension. There are lots of trade offs. It'll be interesting to see what the Helix ride is like, especially for a big lad like me. I would note that it has more trail than the Brompton, the bigger wheels should lessen chatter, the Ti should damp vibration, the angle of the Ti seatpost and low attachment point of the reat triangle should allow plenty of compliance, pedalling should feel quite direct with no buffer sag etc. All been discussed before. I am curious how the 165mm cranks will affect things.
The upshot is that Helix is not the smallest, lightest and safest or whatever marketing BS you are fixated on. It does however a unique balance of size, weight and usability which represent a distinctive sweetspot for me, and i suspect the market at large. Is it a 'paradigm shift'? Who cares. It is a superior design and, I hope, a superior bike, for my needs and preferences, to anything on the market currently.
That said, I do like the look of the new GoCycle GX (though a bit heavy) and have my eye on the Xiaomi m365 e-scooter for other use cases.