Originally Posted by
Jipe
We discussed a lot weight, fold and folded size, a little ride and fit (because we know little about that) but if we look at what made the success of Brompton, we forgot practicality.
The Brompton with its front bag and front block mounted on the frame and not on the handlebar + rear rack is a champion in practicality, you can carry a lot of things, even heavy things easily and comfortably (the bike behavior is little influenced by the load in the front bag and the rider doesn't need to use a rucksack).
At this point (I know it should come later), Helix doesn't offer anything for somebody wanting to use it as commuter : no possibility to carry anything on the bike, no mudguarsd to keep the clothes clean, no serious lights (no possibility to mount a hub dynamo). I am afraid that it also doesn't address the main weakness of the Brompton: comfort on bad roads (cobbles for instance). Helix has no rear suspension, a probably very stiff lefty fork (original lefty forks are suspended), relatively narrow road tires (no space for balloon tires).. A titanium frame isn't enough to provide real comfort (BTW, I have also major doubts about the ride comfort of the Burke, I do not think that he accepts 50mm wide tires ?).
Good points Jipe. We have seen designs for a universal front mount (frame mounted as with Brompton), rear rack, mud guards and a few other essential items you would expect from a practicality point of view. Last we heard these were mooted to be availalable in the summer but it would be good to have them delivered with the bike.
A hub dynamo is definately not an option I guess. The Velogical Rim Dynamo is perhaps a viable alternative.
On comfort, I guess we'll have to wait for feedback from a Brompton owning backer who rides rough. Personally, i see the lack of suspension as a benefit for my commuting needs. London's roads are bad but don't need suspension and the lack of squish on climbing is welcome. I know you disagree but the larger wheel should have some benefit over the Brompton.
One key area you don't mention where the Brompton is very practical is the ease of folding/unfolding and the ability to just fold the rear triangle and have the bike stand by itself are real boons for bike-train-bike scenarios. I like to think the Helix will match this, though the front locking mechanisms do seem to require a good few turns.