Originally Posted by
avole
I don't remember dancing with you, Gibsonsean,
How disappointing. I do enjoy a dance and i do so hate to be unmemorable.
Originally Posted by
avole
but, since you seem on first name terms with the Helix designer, and are an eternal optimist, you did seem to be the person to ask.
I don't know Peter personally, but do use his given name - seems easier when I am talking about him or what he has said. I am an optimist (you should try it some time - it is more fun than pessimism, though i understand studies have shown pessimism to be a more successful strategy in life.). Don't see how that particularly qualifies me as the ideal target for your question.
Originally Posted by
avole
The recent figures I've seen - there was a topic about this not long ago - indicated the traditional bike market, including folding bikes, was shrinking (not collapsing, by the way, that's you reading things into it what others have said), and several similar comments were made elsewhere, and that's why I asked. The big winners at present anyway, are the e-bikes, and presumably those ghastly two wheeled platform things. Your clearly is information is different.
As I said, i'm not an industry expert and can only go on light Googling. Please do share a link to the topic thread. The synopses i read (mostly from 2018) were all projecting growth over the next 5 years or more but I have no idea how that split between traditional and e-bikes. I'm not sure it is even a zero sum question.
Originally Posted by
avole
That's why I asked what you thought. I didn't really need those positive publicity style comments you make, though they were not unexpected, just a sober assessment I could derive from them.
Sorry my response didn't give you whatever it is you needed, but my 'publicity style comments' happen to reflect my sober and considered assessment.
Originally Posted by
avole
A question for you, however, exactly what are those unique features again that you, and the Helix website, are fond of quoting? I only skimmed through the site, life being to short to do otherwise, and found perhaps some innovation, but not much more.
I think my posts historically have been fairly clear on what I consider to be Helix's USP. I don't rate it for innovation (though there is plenty to be found in it in my opinion) but for its unique balance of folded size, weight, utility and price, which hits a sweet spot for me.
Originally Posted by
avole
Your last paragraph makes interesting reading, by the way - you clearly know more about bicycle and Helix design than many of us do
Not sure I follow, but there is no special knowledge or insight. Just a bit of rational thought. Wrt the motor, the front is difficult because of the lefty fork and custom hub with connector for the rear wheel when folded. Mid-drive would require extensive rework to the main frame and a very narrow motor to fit between the wheels when folded. There are no impediments to the use of a rear hub motor that I can see. Wrt the battery, the options are integral (undesireable rotating mass, all at the back), rear rack/seat-post mounted (interferes with the folded size of the bike, all the load is at the back), front mounted (like the Brompton, balances the bike but still adds to the folded size of the bike/is an extra thing to carry) or as suggested, frame mounted (a narrow battery would fit well in the main frame triangle, keep the weight low and central, not interfere with the fold and fit well with the existing aesthetic).
Originally Posted by
avole
I have to say I don't find it an attractive bike, but that might be because of the designer preferring practicality over all.
In the age of hydroforming and smooth curves, it does look very utilitarian and industrial. It has grown on me though and there is a beauty to the intricacy, the attention to detail and the spirit of the design. Ultimately I care less about the look than the utility - still going to bling it up with some lovely Gilles Berthoud leather bits though
Originally Posted by
avole
As I've repeated often, I hope the Helix does do well. Any new bike is welcome in my view, folding or otherwise, though, to be honest, bikes are not going to save the planet.
No one thing is going to save the planet (with the possible exception of Captain Marvel perhaps, or maybe AOC and the Green New Deal apparently) but every little helps.