Downtube Mini vs. Brompton
 

Hoping that some folks here have had the opportunity to ride both. Clearly the Brompton has the best (tightest, smallest) fold. But practically speaking, how does the ride compare to the 16" Downtube bikes?

306 16" is fatter, a lower pressure tire , it has to ride different than the 100 psi Brompton wheel ..

Fold in half bikes are wider packed , and front wheel does not cover the drivetrain when folded , Brompton Does.








...

how is this germane, relevant to the OP's question ("...practically speaking, how does the ride compare to the 16" Downtube bikes?")?

i am surprised you didn't mention, as you are wont to do throught the whole forum, apropos nothing, your German-made Schmoloff hub.

We all hate name-droppers. I hate place-of-manufacture-droppers. Not only because it is gauche, but also because it is an increasingly anachronist, ethnocentric bias that distorts the market for information. So what if it is made in Asia? That tell us very little. It could be craptacular, spectacular or sonewhere in the middle.

lol

I think Abu Mahendra makes a good point. People ride bikes all around the world. It is true that some places they should ride more, perhaps for the sake of riding.

It looks like BikeForums went through an upgrade. Remarkable.

Lower wage factories help a company's bottom line..

I sense a slight bit of veiled elitism in this reply ( or is it just me? )

I'm not sure this answers the OP's question (as neither does THIS, my post for that matter) but this is also a question I'm interested in hearing actual useful response to as well.

Khb, I have owned both (at the same time). The rides are definitely comparable.
I sold the original Mini 8IGH and kept the Brompton (intending to super mod it ... but instead I bought a TiSwift frame ...).

porschetoyz: ... so what made you decide to keep the Brompton and sell the Mini?

]fietsbob: I can read spec sheets all day and not know how the bike rides. My Stromer is a very lovely, high quality (and price ;<) bike, made in China (designed by the Swiss). So I've got no illusions about what kind of quality *can* come from China ;>

The IGH seems like cycling and maintenance paradise to me and I'm curious why Brompton hasn't incorporated that technology vs that used in (especially) their 6 sp versions.
Was there something regarding the IGH that you didnt like, over the Brompton's drive system?

They looked nice..

He had the money for a custom titanium bike from China, there was a group that decided the Swift Type was best, & got the build data together, last year.

That makes sense. Design parameters...I get it.
Sounds like a NARROWER IGH is whats needed :)

Nothing beats the 3 speed hub for reliability except maybe a Rohloff. Doesn't seem to matter if its a Sturmey Archer, Shimano or Sram/Sachs they all seem reliable but then the 3 speed hub is a simplistic design with space for stronger parts. For touring I think only the 3 speed hub or Rohloff is recommended for geared hubs. I would think that is Brompton's logic as its a premium product for most and reliability and long life is expected.

Greenzone have an offer on their 3 speed hub 16" bike at the moment. Looks really nice, 3 colours to choose from. It's $299 but does have some very decent parts and the 3 speed hub will probably go on for ever. Definitely worth considering if you want a bike with longer term reliability. Suspect the frame is pretty much the same factory as the Downtube. Not really a fan of their 20" models though, look to be low end drivetrains but these 3 speed models look very nice.

https://www.greenzonebikes.com/folding-bicycles?path=60

No, it is not just you. It is, in fact, a chronic cancer, a long-standing malaise afflicting this channel. It particularly common among those whose bikes are made in, say, London or Eugene, and who, as a result of having to pay much higher prices due to higher labor costs, automatically equate higher price with higher quality. To justify the higher price, they need to establish a (specious) hierarchy on which, of course, they confer upon themselves the highest rung. The flip side of that sorry coin is a need to denigrate, smear, question (you know, Trumpist tactics) competitors or competing visions. The psychology is quite transparent, if not even understandable.

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Nice try at weaseling out, but that still does not answer the OP's question.

I offered a revue of it if one is shipped to me..

don't own both , no shops carry Downtube bikes , to even test ride them


So, you going to ship one?
it's how magazine revues get written , the bikes are in hand.



:rolleyes:

New Downtube Mini folded size?
 

Hi. When I was considering different folding bikes suitable for commuter train and about 4 miles ride each way, I found this forum.

My question is this: What are the dimensions of the folded Downtube Mini (chain or belt) as it is sold now and not the earlier models?

On the product sites it show as 13" x 22" x 31.5" for both models (this is close to some 20 inch wheel folding bikes specs)
but then on the comparison chart it shows as 10" x 20" x 29" for the belt model (this is what I hope it is).

Your input will be very helpful. If you want to comment on the suitability, I am 6ft w/33" inseam, long arms and 190lb. Thanks, Um Zug

Width of fold, kept to a minimum...
I also own A Bike Friday Tikit , rear hub is 135 wide
(Sachs i 9, Alfine 11 same width)

Brompton BWR half steps a wider ratio IGH,
and is no wider than the 3 speed
and they're less than 120 wide...

A Small Wheel , low trail, Bike, handles much steadier with a front load
Headtube mounted bag on Brompton,
or front pannier racks on my Tikit, work well.
I like Brompton's better.
But I have more volume available in my panniers..

Overflow in a Xooter Cross Rack bag on one ,
Carradice SQR mounted saddle bag on the other..





...

Shanghai or Taipei ?
PRC or Taiwan ROC a center of even high end bike manufacturing , now.

You can be wary of merchandise coming from factories in China without being xenophobic and jingoistic. Respectable manufacturing consultants from top-tier university business schools speak of the pitfalls that confront Western companies who wish to move their manufacturing operations to China, as there are many factories to choose from and QC varies greatly.