Thread: Helix Update?
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Old 02-24-19, 06:36 AM
  #1800  
Revoltingest
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Bikes: Dahon Helios, Dahon P8, Bike Friday tandem, Ingo, Trek, Columbia, Helix

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Adding to others' thoughts on why the frame is a little heavy......

- Most bikes use folding joints where the hinges are part of the latch
mechanisms. The Helix frame hinges & latches are entirely separate.
So it's a couple more structural components.
- The handlebar stem hinge has extra meat to fold it farther off to one side.
- The rear triangle is really a cantilever beam, which is structurally
less efficient than a full triangle.
(On the plus side, greater flexibility should give a comfier ride.)
- Components are less spendy, & consequently heavier, than those
found on bikes like a $5000+ Burke.
- The stub axle on the front wheel will weigh more than one
supported at both ends.

I wonder if a future lighter Helix might exist alongside this model,
which could be the Clydesdale model.

Last edited by Revoltingest; 02-24-19 at 08:10 AM.
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