@BruceMetras - LOL on supplying the bike for a get together. Between us I am sure would could give quite a few people test rides. I am going to check out the tensioner too. I found that today it was easy to go from the big to little chain ring by just tapping it with my foot. I can easily downshift that way. It didn't take many tries to get it down. I'll probably order one when I get some free time.
Some of you asked about the racks that will work. Following are a few photos of the Trans It rack I got from Performance Bike which as you will see goes quite nicely on the big seatpost (Dahon sized 34mm). It also has the benefit of moving fore and aft which keeps my panniers from hitting my fit. It will move about 1.5" or so. I have it in the most rearward position which may look odd to some of you but you can move it up so it looks more at home. I have big feet so I keep it in the rear position. I have my Banjo Bros. bag on there which has fold down panniers but it also works quite well with my Trek and Sunrise grocery bag panniers.
Also you will see one of my 3 watt LED lights on the handlebars. It is very compact but bright with good beam pattern. It has a high/low switch and I can easily take it off the handlebars to work on my bike. I can ride pretty well with one of them but with 2 I can ride pretty fast. Don't let the size full you. It is BRIGHT and has a great reflector for its side with good even coverage. You will also see my Thudbuster mounted with the Brooks saddle. It doesn't look as odd together as I thought it first might. Also I have my little LED taillight mounted on the seat post but when I have the bag at night I move it to the rear of the bag. Today it was raining so the bike is pretty dirty. I just got back from a 12 mile ride in the rain. Much better than I thought it would be.
I still need to mount my bar ends, swap brakes from R<>L like a motorcycle, mirrors, cyclometer, GPS and a few other goodies I have planned. I think these little items will finish it off nicely. More I ride it the more I love it. I think the gearing is spot on for my area but if it was flatter I'll need to go to the 14T rear. I absolutely love the rear hub at this point. Gear changes are smooth, faster than derailleur and I can easily shift going up hills and of course coming to a quick stop at a light and being able to shift at a stop is sweet! This is one fast little bike and surprisingly comfy to begin with but the Thudbuster got it exactly where I want it. I may play with tires a bit but the Schwalbes did pretty good on my mixed, rain, snow, ice and mud today. I had some dry spots and they still seem pretty fast.
On a side note, anyone know how I can paste a thumbnail here with just a link to the main photos so everyone doesn't have to download my entire images? I did try and keep the file sizes reasonable but big images so people can actually see the detail on the bike.
