I’d like to think that the majority of kickstarters fail due to the owner’s naivety in planning how much money is required to startup a business, particularly cash flow. I’ve seen many mature businesses fail just for that reason alone because they have been too ambitious in chasing an opportunity or winning a job.
I’m an optimist and would like to believe that Peter (owner of Helix?) will slowly honour the KS investors and pre-orders as more retail units are sold and cash is realised for refunds etc.
If we assume each unit is sold at 30% margin (est. conservative side). And taking standard RRP of $3000. Then for every bike sold, only $900 cash is generated, which means at least 2 retail bikes needs to sold to fulfil every KS or pre-order, that’s excluding any loans to pay back equipment lease or purchase.
From what I can see, Helix as a company isn’t a mom and pop shop in the back of someone’s shed with low overheads.
When I do receive the bike, it will not be my first titanium bike. My allroad titanium bike with carbon wheels costs significantly more and is not that much lighter to be honest. Although I have travelled abroad with it a few times. It’s still not that convenient. Takes about a couple of hours to pack properly (I take great care when packing 😅
and the bike box takes up a lot of room. Definitely takes more planning regarding transport at the other end. I am hoping that with the Helix, I am able to participate in more 100 mile+ rides abroad with far less planning as I can just use up one of my two luggage allowances and spend less time packing up between uses.