I don't know about anyone else, but I come here to read about and view videos on the Helix. I think the bike can be judged on its own merits rather than in comparison to other bikes that arent' the same size or technology. Maybe other bikes are reference points, but I'm getting bogged down in long passionate diatribes about why other bikes are superior -- maybe that should be left for threads about those bikes?
I am curious about the mechanisms on the Helix, as I mentioned, I am concerned about the "fiddly" locking caps which don't appear to provide much leverage. What actually happens when you are "pumping" up and down on the locking parts - and is it something that can wear out? Is it easily replaced then? How much maintenance on the Helix is more or less proprietary and will Helix be providing parts for those who choose to work on their own bikes? Yeah, I'm looking past the initial suprises and disappointments of what didn't happen and thinking about what it is. In some ways I think this could be a pretty cool bike for my adult son who lives in a studio apartment, rides hundreds of miles each week, and travels by train. He's 6 feet tall and I know there's no way I'd ever get him to ride a 16" wheeled bike (too young and self-conscious about looking clown-like) and he also likes doing some moderate off-road riding. A 24" folder could fit his needs nicely...and maybe be a gateway drug to folding bikes, lol.