Thread: Helix Update?
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Old 02-25-19 | 10:53 AM
  #1811  
Gibsonsean
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Joined: Nov 2016
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Originally Posted by linberl
I wonder if it is just the American market where battery operated lights are more common. I hardly ever see a bike here with a dynamo. Maybe it's the weight differential as the rechargeable lights weight next to nothing. I've helped the bike-to-work booth days a couple years and don't think I've seen one commuter with a dynamo, not even the Brommies that have rolled through. Now racks and fenders...yes. Is the Helix impossible to mount a standard rack, does it interfere with the fold? Same with fenders? I don't like it when a bike gets where it requires proprietary gear - one never knows how long a manufacturer is going to be around and the options are limited and more expensive usually. I know folks love the frame mounted Brommie bags but I have to say the couple times I've tried riding a Brommie with one, it was a pita in the wind!!! Like a sail blocking forward movement in a headwind; would much rather have the stuff behind my body in the wind or at least turned 90 degrees. It's great if it is not windy, though, and certainly mounts easily. I'm assuming trailers mount okay on the Helix, so the lovely folding Burley Travoy would be an option for big loads.
I think here in the UK is the same. Hub dynamos less common for commuting than they are for touring.

The challenges with accessories on Helix are that the tollerances are so tight for the fold and the mechanics of the fold. I have envisioned options for off the shelf fenders and racks but these are all downtube/seatpost mounted and less than optimal. The envisioned accessories seem cleverly designed to work with the fold but we have yet to see much of them in the flesh or understand pricing.
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