Wow, cool that all of you have read my article.
Originally Posted by LittlePixel
He missed my Twenty! (2373). The Rotter! The Snob!
Sorry LittlePixel, I generated that list of bikes on FGG using 'fold' and 'folding' etc as search strings and you didn't use those words in your description. Very nice bike though.
Originally Posted by spambait11
I thought his point for getting a folding bike to begin with was because his wife only wanted bikes that folded in their apartment. Nevertheless, I still think non folding full-sized frames are the ideal frames for fixies because of all the stresses, chain issues, and gearing headaches he mentioned.
The point of getting my first folding bike 18 moths ago was originally to fit it into my flat, but that then got me used to the feel of a nimble small-wheeled bike, I could have gone for a 700c bike now in the bigger flat, but I just don't like the feel of them. Also, the smaller wheels mean no toe overlap with the front wheel (something that scared the hell out of me the first time I rode a fixed). - and yes I know that you don't havo to have toe overlap on a 700c, but if you want a short wheelbase bike...
Originally Posted by Fear&Trembling
V nice job - using the White Industries ENO hub.
Thank you.
Originally Posted by Fear&Trembling
A few things in the write-up could be challenged a) 3/32 chains are plenty strong enough, b) on a 20" folder with (406s) a 53/13 combo will give more gear inches than the 53/16 he is running with 24" wheels without recourse to a large chainring c) 300 rpm without resistance if you are an ultra -spinner/freak, but not on the road!
I agree that 3/32 are probably strong enough, but I was really put off by my experience with the Dahons that I broke, so I wanted everything to be as strong as possible on this bike. Yes you can even have a 54/12 in 1/8" width on 406 wheels giving about 91 gear inches, but the smallest free cog I could find to fit on a flip/flop hub is 16t. So, 54/16 gives only 72 gear inches and at the time I was not convinced that I wanted to ride fixed everyday. - maybe I should have gone into this in more detail in the article. Sorry the 300rpm is a typo, should be 200rpm you can read more here
http://www.fixedwheel.co.uk/fixedwheel%20stories.htm
Originally Posted by Fear&Trembling
Certainly is expensive - you could do a much cheaper Airnimal conversion with the Joey.
Yes it was a lot, but a lot of people in London spend £80+ a month (about £1000 a year) on travelcards to use the public transport here -(the bike allows me to spend only about £100 a year). So it is not that expensive in comparisson and since I was putting so much effort into the bike, I thought it was worth putting the money in too.
I would not want to make a fixed with a joey as I think I would have problems with the rear triangle joint being metal meeting metal, rather than the elastomer on the chameleon. Also, most things on the chameleon seem stronger/lighter.
Cheers for the comments.