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I don't understand all this delay.
So whats wrong with just doing the bike exactly (warts and all) as what the prototype is? Even the need for robotics is not a necessity imo. Ti frames have been hand welded elsewhere. (skill needed of course) |
Originally Posted by pinholecam
(Post 19208808)
I don't understand all this delay.
So whats wrong with just doing the bike exactly (warts and all) as what the prototype is? Even the need for robotics is not a necessity imo. Ti frames have been hand welded elsewhere. (skill needed of course) |
If the so said equipment just arrived, then January 26th is not likely to happen.
It takes weeks just to set up a typical production line. And December starts next week, already. X'mas is in 4 weeks. January 26th is barely 3 weeks after the New Year break. ~7 work weeks to sort out from basically zero production till shipping out en mass ? |
Originally Posted by jur
(Post 19204350)
...A new patent application has been lodged to cover the new design...Guesses, as no details have been divulged.
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he is using your money to file patents :-( Than gets rich if somebody down the road comes up with a similar idea ... In the meantime ... he is asking for more orders ...
again I would be so happy if I am wrong |
Peter's looks more impressive, though. |
Hate to say it, but what else is new? :p
As long as you have other bikes to ride, no point in tripping as hard as others seem to do. LOT of other things in life to be thankful for!
Originally Posted by maxxevv
(Post 19208846)
If the so said equipment just arrived, then January 26th is not likely to happen.
It takes weeks just to set up a typical production line. And December starts next week, already. X'mas is in 4 weeks. January 26th is barely 3 weeks after the New Year break. ~7 work weeks to sort out from basically zero production till shipping out en mass ? |
Originally Posted by tcs
(Post 19209055)
He's filled a patent application without divulging details?
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chill
Why not chill a little bit and give the Helix guy a chance to fail OR suceed. Good things are worth waiting for. I once had to wait over 2 years for a $6000 Renovo wood bike to be completed. The wait was more than worth it. The bike is spectacular. There is no reason to think that sooner or later Helix will reward us in a similar way.
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Originally Posted by maxxevv
(Post 19208846)
If the so said equipment just arrived, then January 26th is not likely to happen.
It takes weeks just to set up a typical production line. And December starts next week, already. X'mas is in 4 weeks. January 26th is barely 3 weeks after the New Year break. ~7 work weeks to sort out from basically zero production till shipping out en mass ? |
Originally Posted by maxxevv
(Post 19208846)
If the so said equipment just arrived, then January 26th is not likely to happen.
It takes weeks just to set up a typical production line. And December starts next week, already. X'mas is in 4 weeks. January 26th is barely 3 weeks after the New Year break. ~7 work weeks to sort out from basically zero production till shipping out en mass ? Thank you again for your pre-order." |
Originally Posted by jur
(Post 19210008)
Whatever other strengths the inventor has, estimating timetables accurately isn't one of them. I would be more than happy if a Helix arrives on my doorstep 6 months from now. Another year is more realistic, based on what we think is going on.
Unlike other product planners who are eager to put out the current design just to get the cash flowing, then work on improvements for version 2 and version 3 etc.. it seems to be Helix's designer wants a product as close to perfection as possible without any compromises and for that, I applaud him. Yes, he's made some mistakes with the casting vs. welding, but who has ever developed any product without going back and forth with various design elements. Anyway....I'm a patient man... and winter's coming to the north east, so no riding of any kind.. |
Whatever you think of the Brompton they dont actually fly.....
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I actually mailed them after making a pre-order with a few questions. The first response was from Peter Boutakis, but the second response, which was about the Kickstarter backer bikes shipping before the pre-order deposit is due was the same as that posted above by GibsonSean.
Just in case anyone else in interested in the questions and responses, I'll post them here (note that my email is edited slightly): Mr Flamey Hi. It's great to hear the pre-orders have started and the goal is in sight. I've been super interested in Helix since it was announced and nearly kickstarted. I currently have a Tern Verge x10, which I bought because it's foldable and rides well, but with thousands of km and many folds I came to realise how flawed the design was and it made me see how incredible a design Helix is - I can't wait to get mine! Could you tell me about the pros and cons of the hub geared Helix compared to the derailleur model? Does the hub make changing the wheel harder? How much extra weight is added by the hub? Are there any significant problems that might occur with a hub as opposed to a derailleur? Also, I noticed the description on your page says the hub is less efficient, but it does have a wider gear ratio, so seems like it may actually be a better option for me, as I live in Kyoto, which is surrounded by mountains, and frequently go on 100km+ trips. Also, I haven't seen any quick-release handles, so can the wheels be easily removed for tyre changes, and does the asymmetrical front fork allow the front tyre to be removed without taking off the wheel? Finally, are there plans to have official maintenance and replacement part information available on the Helix site or in a manual that comes with the bike? As Helix is such a unique design, I wouldn't really feel comfortable taking it to a regular bike shop for fixes and would prefer to just follow official instructions myself. I apologize for the delay in responding to your email. The team leaves some emails for me to answer and I've been incredibly busy. First off thank you for your appreciation of the design. I'm well aware of the limitation and flaws in other folding bikes. I've been designing folding bikes for over 10 years at this point. The combination of a one piece main triangle, our patented locking devices and the bigger wheels and titanium frame come together put Helix well ahead of the pack. I say this with little humility because those other designs are decades old at this point. With regards to your questions I'll answer them in point form below. - the IGH does make changing the rear tire harder; it might even be considered slightly more difficult than the bike you own as the removable dropouts need to be removed to do this. It's not such a big deal but it's four screws instead of two nuts. - the hub is about 2.5 lbs heavier than the derailleur version - hub is very reliable but keep in mind if you are traveling and have a failure it is more likely that the nearest bicycle shop has a spare derailleur, it is less likely they'll have a spare hub in stock - the asymmetrical fork does allow for the tire to be removed with taking the wheel off - gear range on the Alfine is slightly wider and also able to accommodate a higher top speed as the rear sprocket can be changed easily; the front chainring is maxed at 42t so any gearing customization have to happen at the back - chain drops are extremely unlikely on any of our drivetrains as we're using a narrow/wide chainring and a clutched derailleur or in the case of the Alfine a completely straight chain line - by inefficient I meant that the planetary gear system has slightly more losses than the more simple derailleur. it's arguable however as derailleurs can become less efficient over time as they wear. My personal preference is the 10-speed based on weight and simplicity - the website is currently quite outdated. I have a new release that I'm working on that will have a very extensive support and knowledge base section with manuals and images I appreciate your willingness to work on Helix yourself and I think that it's a great option, but if you don't have time a local shop shouldn't have too much difficulty with it as the drivetrain the most other components are standard and readily available. Thanks very much for your pre-order. Please don't hesitate to reach out again. Regards, Peter Boutakis Having said that, I do hope that backers gets their bike before next June, which is when the pre-orders are supposed to ship... |
@Mr Flamey thanks for posting this. Having come across Helix after the Kickstarter campaign closed, I have been eagerly anticipating being able to order one of these for coming on a year but not as long as some, and with no money down.
The design is a genuine step change, promises much and clearly has widely inspired great passion, and commensurate frustration and cynicism with the repeated delays. The inventor's poor expectation management around timeframes notwithstanding, I too am glad the success of the Kickstarter campaign has afforded him the opportunity to refine his design and hopefully get its realisation right before putting it in our hands. The revised bike shown in the 12th Oct backer update looks worth the wait. I will be putting my money where my heart is come 20th Jan and eagerly, hopefully and frustratedly waiting for initial backer feedback whenever actual delivery happens, which of cousre may well slip beyond the currently promised end of Jan. |
Originally Posted by bhkyte
(Post 19214398)
Whatever you think of the Brompton they dont actually fly.....
"Boat anchor" is a more apt description. |
Originally Posted by Gibsonsean
(Post 19217089)
@Mr Flamey thanks for posting this. Having come across Helix after the Kickstarter campaign closed, I have been eagerly anticipating being able to order one of these for coming on a year but not as long as some, and with no money down.
The design is a genuine step change, promises much and clearly has widely inspired great passion, and commensurate frustration and cynicism with the repeated delays. The inventor's poor expectation management around timeframes notwithstanding, I too am glad the success of the Kickstarter campaign has afforded him the opportunity to refine his design and hopefully get its realisation right before putting it in our hands. The revised bike shown in the 12th Oct backer update looks worth the wait. I will be putting my money where my heart is come 20th Jan and eagerly, hopefully and frustratedly waiting for initial backer feedback whenever actual delivery happens, which of cousre may well slip beyond the currently promised end of Jan. |
Originally Posted by jur
(Post 19221386)
There is the possibility of buying a backer's right. There were 2 up for sale by the same backer, who had to pull out. That was quite a while ago, not sure if that's still available.
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Originally Posted by Gibsonsean
(Post 19222148)
Open to this if anyone is selling.
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Thanks Jur. Unfortunately I seem to be 7 posts short of PM privileges! I'd better get contributing :)
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BTW for those non-backer's who are keen to see backer updates: http://m.blog.naver.com/PostList.nhn...20Helix%20Bike
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So can't you read PMs either?
I also asked the original poster of the offer if it was still going. Should I hear back, I'll let you know. |
Cheers :)
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Originally Posted by jur
(Post 19224040)
See post #21. I pm'ed you their email address.:thumb:
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