WrencherWOAC

Thanks for all the discussion, now I don't have to go through all that... er well, ha, ha.

If you want to have some real fun. Put your Downtube into a piece of luggage and fly off to some place special. Go to Mav & Jen Europade-Downtube in a suitcase for some details on how to do it.



cya - g00d luck going fast. I am going to ride slowly, seeing the sights and meeting people (even those who don't know or care what an ounce is).

DVC45

' reason I asked the above question, is that..I want a multi role bike (fitness, light touring, grocery.....). I know its far short of a racing bike or MTB, but a little speed is nice to have.
Thanks to all!

juan162

I think I'll weight for my own little bundle of joy!!!

Juan

SesameCrunch

If you want to occasionally go fast, I'd replace the crank and BB. Then you can spin/mash with confidence.

SesameCrunch

I apologize if I'm over-exposing the folding recumbent. I thought it would be appropriate to have a picture of the bike in folded position posted on this thread for posterity.

The seat has to be removed, and the handlebar riser gets removed with two hex bolts (which I didn't do for this picture).

Wavshrdr

I don't totally agree with this. My Shimano Nexus shifts better than the vast majority of derailleurs I've used. It shifts very quickly and postively. More importantly it stays much cleaner on a folder so I retain chain efficiency longer because it stays clean. It doesn't pick up gunk since it isn't so low to the ground.

The SA hub isn't quite as nice as the Nexus with respect to shift quality but I found that once it is dialed in it shifts quite nicely. It does have the 6 middle gears spaced nicely together.

One of the main reasons I pretty much went to internal hubs on my folding bikes is the issues I've had with low hanging chains. The chain line runs very close to the ground on the small wheels. Since I sometimes like to ride through grassy areas, dirt paths or even less than clean streets, I have had issues with the chain being a magnet for all kinds of junk, dirt, twigs, etc. The smaller the wheel, the more this is an issue. On my internal hub bikes my chain stays much cleaner and it sucks up less of my energy.

I don't want to have to worry about cleaning the chain every day if I am riding in a less than pristine environment. With the internal hub, my maintenance has been greatly reduced. I want to spend my time riding rather than wrenching. I have a job, family and other demands on my time. If I am going to wrench on anything I own it is going to be because I want to rather than have to. So anything I can do to reduce PM (preventative maintenance) time spent I appreciate.

DVC45

My ride is mostly on paved road and occasional gravel road, so I'm still leaning towards the derailleur type. But your points are well taken. Thank you both for sharing your opinions.

bikinbob

**** NEEDED ---- Another Downtube. ****

Anyone got an extra FS or front suspension they're willing to part with at a discount?

Sorry Yan, but I can not afford a new one this week. But I'm loving the one I've got, and have a need another one.

bikinbob
Dallas, Tx
Downtube is my fun-est machine!

bikinbob

###############
REPLY to DVC45
###############

First, I'd consider either.....

Buying an IX, then putting a hub and a Thudbuster (suspended seat post) on it.

or maybe

Buying an FS, and putting a hub on it.

####

I'd love to ride a mini with a hub part of the time, but I'm not young enough or svelte enough to do it like the beautiful people.

Grins,

bikinbob

mcgurme

Sesame, I just wanted to give you kudos for the excellent work on the folding recumbent! It looks so cool. I thought I already had enough bikes, but now this makes me want another!

(your kid is cute too! - It reminds me I need to get a good seat for my daughter, probably an Xtracycle PeaPod for my commuter).

Keep up the great work. I was thinking someday I might post pics of my white Downtube, but it pales in comparison, so maybe I won't ...

JosephLMonti

Currently, there are three brand new Downtube IXNS for sale on ebay that will probably go for less than an FS or front suspension model. True, they don't have suspension but you could always add a set of Big Apples.

DVC45

Are ebay DT's has the same warranty as factory direct buys?

hackybiker

Hi folks, I'm considering a DT NS for my first folding bike. Has anyone had experience with the following:

1) Is the stem replacable? That is, is the clamp on the post a standard size diameter?

2) On bikeforums I've seen one conversion of a DT (an older model) to use a drop bar, which I'd also want to do. Are there issues with using aero levers w/ the v-brakes? I thought that combo was bad b/c those brakes have different mechanical advantage. I'd probably use a bar end shifter, too--does that pose any problems?

Thanks for any info!

kenmacpr

If you're not sure whether or not to take the plunge on a Downtube, read this. I've been saving for a Swift. After reading nothing but raves on this forum and other places I thought I'd go look at one at the store since I only live 45 minutes away. The bikes looked good, handled better than the Bike Friday I test road (DT is way stiffer) and the value is incredible so I bought an VIIIH with an eye to upgrading the hub to a Nexus Red Band, the new Sram I9, or (if I have a VERY good year) a Rohloff.

The bike sat in my basement for 3 days until the snow/ice finally melted enough to take a test ride. Uh-oh, when I put on a "proper" narrow saddle instead of the big, wide springer, I can't get enough leg extension. E-mail to Yan, and he responds same afternoon and tells me I can return the bike. When I call the store to arrange the return, it's Yan who answers the phone. His response is "Fair enough" and he makes arrangements to have somebody open the store -- just so I can return the bike! No hassle, no pressure, no guilt -- nothing but a smile.

So am I going to buy the Swift? Maybe, but I'm so impressed with Downtube as a company that I'm going to wait to see what they come out with next before I make any decision. You know how easy it is to return stuff to Home Depot? It was like that.

worker4youth

Nope, 30 days.

Loch

Okay, I've been considering a downtube for quite awhile now and I am a little bit concerned with this. I would definately put on a lighter saddle.

Returning is more of a problem with me because I live many miles away.

I'm 5'11" and have a 31 inch inseam, do you think the seatpost will be long enough for me, when a proper saddle is installed???

Edit to add: The perfect length for me on my Dahon from the top of my saddle to the end of the crank arm (with leg extended) is a little less than 36 inches.

SesameCrunch

I have 34" true inseam (floor to crotch), and the DT's 500mm seat post is about 1/2 inch short of perfect extension with a low roadie type saddle. You should be OK assuming 31" is your true measured inseam also, and not just your pant inseam.

BigMacFU

It should fit for you, I've got a different saddle and I'm 6'0" and my extension is fine. I've actually got a thudbuster XL and a "butt buddy" from sidetrak so I can have more of a road riding position, but if you're going for cruising/mtb positioning, you'll be fine.

SesameCrunch

...

Loch

Sounds good, I'd say 32" floor to crotch, so it should work just fine, thanks!

juan162

You can also add a "butt buddy." This item was brought to our attention in another, previous post. It will give you an extra 2" of height as well as a little bit of suspension.

https://www.sidetrak.com/Catalog/components.html

Juan

bikinbob

I talked with the shop today. Was reminded that a tensioner would be required to put a hub on an FS.

bikinbob

I've read a few articles on tire / wheel sizing and standards, but I'm still confused.

I've got 20 x 1.75 (40-406) on my DT VIII FS. Do I need to stick with 40-406 or can I go bigger than 1.75 (40) and still have the tire fit the rim properly?

Since I normally ride relatively smooth streets, I'm thinking about some form of city tire, something a little less tready than the stock Kendas. Schwalbe Big Apples seem kinda over-killish since the bike is already FS. But I really enjoy those tires on my 26" bike.

Suggestions? What are your favorite city tires?

bikinbob

Correction, Looks like 20 x 1.75 = 47-406.

Wavshrdr

There isn't that much wheel travel but you could try it without. The closer the frame pivot point to the bottom bracket, the less the needed chain length will fluctuate. You could go with a cheap singulator and have it covered if needed. It is a cheap $15 or so part. You could find an old derailleur for almost free and do the same thing.