Originally Posted by Duragrouch

I waited much too long to do the modifications, had a front derailleur adapter for I think 5 years, and had to walk up the steepest hills with only 52 x 11-30. Finally, the frame cracked at the seat tube, so while I was changing the frame, that was a good time for doing the 2X crank swap. What a difference(!), especially with a 50/34 crank instead of 52/42. (I could not fit a 3X crank, seat tube + adapter is too wide.) With racks and panniers, it's incredibly versatile as my townie, and perhaps tour bike in the future. I don't ride my large-wheel bikes any more, I only have space in my rented room for one bike, so the 406 folder is it. Not sporty like yours, but good utility:




That's a very efficient frame on your bike, I had only seen that style on Dahon's 16" wheel bikes. It looks great. The whole bike, good mods! Also, VERY well composed pictures, I'm impressed.