Originally Posted by
Jipe
Thanks for your answer.
I asked about ultralight Helix because I haven't seen any feedback about the ultralight Helix, its specific transmission and its specific tires+tubolito?
I asked how tall you are because the reach of Helix seems short and I am wondering how it fits for relatively tall people, let say people above 1m80/1m85?
I asked about the tires you use because there are almost no tires in 40x507 or less excepted the one sold by Helix.
It would appear that Lannypots has indeed left this thread, so maybe I can answer a couple of points.
I installed the ultralight upgrade kit on my standard bike myself, it came with Donnelly MXP 32 x 507 tyres and Tubolito tubes.
- Nothing much to say about the transmission, it works fine and provides a slightly wider range of ratios compared with standard.
- Initially I was happy with Tubolito's but after two punctures from thorns in rapid succession I decided I'd had enough of trying to use the Tubolito specific repair kit. I then managed to convert the tube-type MXP's to run successfully tube-less and I haven't looked back. I now only carry a Tubolito for emergency repair purposes. Note the MXP's are no longer available in 32x507 and Helix now supply a Duro ultralight tyre.
- Regarding the fit for taller people, I am 1.8m tall with inseam of 84cm. I have the standard seat post at about 2cm short of full extent and the saddle slid fully back on it's rails and the sliding seat post clamp in the fully rearward position. I have raised the handle bar vertically by 45mm with a double stem. With this set up I have replicated the bar clamp to sit bone centre distance that I have on my gravel bike (approx 74cm) and it works fine for me. Helix can supply a longer seat post for riders above 1.8m. The standard stem (also for ultralight) is 45mm, so a longer stem can be fitted but this will result in a wider folded package.
- My use case is occasionally on surfaced roads and cycle paths and I've used the bike several times off road on compacted clay/gravel paths which is my preference.
- I think a replacement front hub (if needed) should be available direct from Helix depending on the supply chain situation at that time. I don't know of any alternative suppliers.