teutonictrio

I would be riding more than 5 miles perhaps 2-3 times a year, maximum. Mostly this would be for tootling around both at the track, and when I travel or go to an event where it would make sense to bring it along. My legs are short for my height - only a 32 inch inseam - so my fitment issues are likely not from the frame or seat height but from the stem extension, and for that I could purchase a different handlebar stem. However, since these models have the extensions on the end of the handlebars, that makes up for some of it as well.

SesameCrunch

Wow, with 32" inseam, you may be OK. And for just tooting around the racetrack, the Mini may be OK, too.

The Mini is the only one that doesn't have a telescoping handlebar. That's why I suggested it.

teutonictrio

Yeah, let's just say I have a long torso...the inseam is technically 33", but...

The mini for sure will fit, but if I want to ride it around Maui when we go there, I'm only able to do so on the streets, and only short distances, not go to nearby beaches (which I probably can't do anyway since the bike will get lifted when I'm in the water, huh?). And rather than a Mini, I'd probably go with the Dahon Curve if I did a 16" bike...seems quite compact and well designed.

pm124

The Curve looks like an interesting bike. I just wish that they would put a Downtube-like hinge on their bikes.

One guy on this forum toured for 100s of miles on a mini, and I'm sure the same is possible on a Curve. And, yes, it will probably get lifted while you are in the water. So, you'll have to ask someone to watch it.

I thought someone with a name like Teutonic would like a German bike.

Hey Sesame, do you have any of the old headsets around, or did you regrease all of them? I'm wondering what the crown race width is on the stock one...

Thanks!

Peter

jasong

Seems very subjective; after riding 700c bikes at 100psi, anything feels spongier than that. I found that the stelvios made a huge acceleration difference on the IXNS.

SesameCrunch

I just regreased them and reassembled.

DVC45

Sesame, how's that DT recumbent conversion, being front wheel drive compares to your rear wheel drive recumbent? Any pro's and cons about front vs. rear wheel drive?
Thanks again!

SesameCrunch

DVC45: I only have the front wheel drive recumbent, I don't own a rear wheel one, so, I can't do a direct comparison. But, there are pretty significant differences in the two. Too much to go into here, but the highlights are:

- FWD has "pedal steer", where your pedaling motion can directly affect the steering;
- FWD supposedly is more efficient bio-mechanically than rear wheel drive recumbents due to a better ability to "pull on the bars" while pedaling.
- FWD is coooool. So there!

I'm sure FWD and RWD fans will debate this into infinity. For more info on FWD riding, you can go www.cruzbike.com, there are some references there.

DVC45

Thanks!
I thought I saw your post at the bent forum that you have an RWD one. Its probably someone else's. My bad.
Any probs you ran into during the conversion process? Was it a pretty straight forward task i.e. no machining or intricate engineering skills involved?

SesameCrunch

If it required maching or intricate engineering, that would have ruled me out.

The build was not bad. It does require some creative problem solving because every donor bike is different and the kit can only accommodate so much variety. The documentation was a little outdated and that contributed to some head-scratching and teeth grinding. And, I had to get about $100 worth of additional parts, tools, etc.

Overall, it was an enjoyable experience, and the finished result is quite a conversation piece, especially with the child in the back. I think my bike has since spawned about 4 or 5 other similar builds. Kinda fun.

My biggest disappointment is that I had built this to do a double century this May (my first), but I don't think I'm going to be able to build up my 'bent legs in time. So, I'll be riding my trusty Lemond Zurich for the 200 miles (ouch).

DVC45

Anyone got a pic of a VIIIH that has a singleator installed?
Please post 'em, mighty please!
I can't seem to figure out how it should go in. Do I need to buy a derailer hanger?
Thanks!

DVC45

Great news Sesame! That means I have a tiny chance I can do it myself.

200mi! Ouch, indeed!

Pine Cone

I recently got a second DT VIIIH for my wife so we can travel with them.

As with my first one, I replaced the BB and crankset, this time using the sealed Nashbar BB, and again using a used Shimano 105 39/53 crankset with the teeth filed off the 53 to make a chainguard. Cost about $35.

Replacing the BB was very easy on this bike, nothing over-torqued and BB threads as clean as could be.

Minor parts changes from my earlier 2006 1/2 version. The rear fender is now plastic, and the folding pedals are now plastic, similar to most other DT models. I think the seat is slightly improved as well. Overall I am very happy with the bikes once you get a 39-tooth chainring in front.

I almost bought a Swift, but decided that it would be best to have two nearly identical bikes for travel. I have a Samsonite Oyster for my bike, but will probably get the F'lite for hers. It is a tight squeeze to get one into the Oyster.

I'll try and post some pictures soon, but the new one looks pretty much like the old one. I am experimenting with moving the rear fender to the front wheel and making a rear fender that jams under the rack out of corroplast from used campaign signs.

WrencherWOAC

We will be watching for your progress. We have done some of the same. Take a peak. I have also replaced the stem and I think a pedal with a allen wrench removal beats a folding pedal any day, but that's just me.

Baldone

I've got to second that as well, and I think many more will agree.

What! I love riding in the 53! You can go so fast!
Each to their own....
Good to know about the changes Downtube is making thanks Pine.

Pine Cone

Do you have the internal hub or regular derailleur version? With the SA 8-speed hub a 53 x 23 combination runs from 46 to 140 gear inches, the high gear being equivalent to a 64x12 with 700c wheels (a conventional road bike), or a 77x11 on a DT IXNS.

The 39x23 gives me a range of 33.9 to 103.4 gear inches, and were I live there are enough hills that the low end is more important than the high end. I'd never make it back up the hill near my house without a sub-40 inch gear when I'm in my end-of-winter out-of-shape body.

Loch

I'll be looking more seriously at tires, when I wear these out. Even the Marathons were, if I remember correctly 50-100g lighter than the kendas.

Yes, I used the weights as an initial guide. They were also very close to the weights I got for the same items.

Yes I really like the IX frame, if only it had a rigid aluminum fork, your welcome.

Thank you, It was really fun to do.

Baldone

Now 64x12 is fast! My bad, I didn't look carefully enough at what you were working with and thought you had a derailleur. Which is what I have. Point well taken!


Loch
Thanks for the info.

invisiblehand

In my new quest for a small folder, I wondered whether the Nashbar front rack would fit on a mini. Anyone have any good guesses? Do you think it would impede the fold at all?

https://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...cat%3A%20Racks

I have been staring the new Dahon Curve but would really like the wide gearing of the mini. However, I would like to carry stuff up front and low. The front rack would be a good alternative if it can be folded with the rack.

spambait11

The Nashbar front rack will create a wide fold. If you use the front bag made for it, your bike will be even wider when folded, that is, assuming it fits the mini. (I have one on my Dahon)

invisiblehand

Thanks for the reply.

Fheardhaigh

Hey-

I'd like to replace my rear rack. Anyone know if this
will fit my Downtube?

https://www.topeak.com/2007/products/...ostuberack.php

Thanks!

Polaris43

Please let us know if you end up getting this for your Mini. It looks like a nice rack and I'd love to see photos and hear your opinion on if it compromises the fold and if it's worth the compromise.

WrencherWOAC

While I am not particularly fond on the NECO BB, this characterization is both unfair and false. There are bearing on both sides. The bearings on the right (drive) side can be accessed by knocking out the axle after the adjustable cup (left) has been removed. It is not even necessary to remove the fixed cup to do it. For more detail. This BB is basically an improved cup and cone. I still recommend replacement with a sealed cassette but only because it is do it once and forget it preventive maintenance best done when the frame is new. On the other hand, the stock unit is serviceable and is likely to last a long time if serviced regularly.

invisiblehand

Will do Polaris. At the moment, I am trying to decide whether the Dahon with its magnetic locking mechanism and KlickFix front mount is worth the narrower gear range. Ergonomics is a big issue for me. And relative to most 16" folders, I need to be stretched out horizontally a little more.

My apologies if this has been answered previously, but

(1) does the mini roll well in its folded position?

(2) how does the mini stay folded when folded?

I have a few buddies in Philly. I keep trying to find an excuse to head up there to test ride one. Hopefully this will take place soon.