downtube VIIIFS
 

I just purchased this bike as my first folder. I was wondering if I can convert this bike to have disc brakes? I was also thinking of changing out some of the other parts. I have not received it yet but hopefully in a few days I will. I am new to bikes and any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Branman

Unless you fabricate your own disc brake tabs (and for liability issues I won't recommend that!!!) , you can't convert it to disc brakes. Other parts can be changed as on most other bikes. :)

I am new to this whole bike scene and was wondering what are the other parts I can change out. I was thinking maybe change the rear shock and maybe upgrading the front suspension. Is this possible. Thanks for the input.

Branman

You can upgrade the front fork, however it will be difficult finding 20" suspension forks in the US. Thus far I have recieved much positive feedback on the rear shock, hence I would discourage an upgrade there.

I think your best perfomance upgrades would be
#1 wheels (for light weight)
#2 adjustable angle upper stem (for comfort)
#3 double sided clipless and platform pedals (by Shimano)
#4 Quality Lighting system for commuting (Planet Bike is my preference)

You can also try to upgrade the cranks, and BB.

I would leave the stock handlebar, bar ends, seatpost, saddle, shifters, brakes. I do not believe upgrading any of those will give the rider much of a performance advantage.

Thanks,
Yan

Thanks for the input Yan! I still have not received the bike yet (it has been almost two weeks). What brand do you recommend for the upgrade of wheels? Like I said I am new to all of this... what is the upper stem??? and what is double sided clipless and platform pedals??? Sorry to sound so stupid.

Thanks for all the help!!!

Branman

I finally received my downtube. It rides great. I do want to enhance the looks of the bike because it doesn't 100% appeal to me. I would like it to look more of a racing type kind of bike. Any input on what I can do to make it look like how I want it to.

Thanks,
Bran

Ti racing saddle, carbon bars, clipless pedals, lighter/faster tires and tubes, longer/lower stem.

Again!!! I am sorry to sound so ignorant but what is a Ti Racing saddle??? Carbon bars??? Clipless pedals??? Longer/Lower stem??? What brand tires and tubes do you recommend???

Thanks,
Branman

Ti = Titanium (Alu = Aluminium). Most 'serious' racing saddles have a Titanium undercarriage/construction to make them very light. To be honest i am no fan of these saddles. Sure they are light and flashy (theft!) but they also tend to very expensive and not very comfortable (IMO!). As always i recommend a Brooks Saddle. Heavy but very comfortable (important on small wheels) and durable. You have racing versions of these as well But at the end of the day it all depends on your preferences and what you intend to do with the bike.

Carbon bars. Handlebars made from Carbon Fiber. This is stiff and extremely light though again you pay for that. Racing bikes almost always have 'drop' carbon bars.

The stem is the bit/tube that attaches your handlebars to the frame. Racing bikes tend to have a short stem so you have an air air efficient posture.

Clipless pedals, pedals that don't use a clip (metal bit) to keep your foot lodged/attached to pedal (this gives a significant improvement in pedalling strength and stamina, though it might not be worthwhile in the city/for short distances). Clipless pedals that require special shoes and/or cleats are made by a variety of companies. The best IMO are the ones that can be used without and without the cleat (on side is for normal shoes one for the shoes with cleats). This offers efficiency for longer trips and ease of use and versatility for short ones.

I really recommend Tioga Comp Pool tires. Fast as hell, comfortable and pretty good in the puncture department too. Time tested. Check my site for more details. Inner tubes don't matter all that much i think..?

There are many worthwhile modifications that can be made to any bike and many that are a waste of cash and time. Like always i suggest checking Sheldon Brown's site and MTB review and Road bike review. That way you have the benefit of knowledge and experience of many people before you spend.

Thanks V1ince!!! for the folding bike 101. I will definietely check Shedon's website.

Thanks for all the help.

Thanks V1ince!!! for the folding bike 101. I will definietely check Shedon's website.

Thanks for all the help.

THanks V1ince. I will definietely check out Sheldon's website.

Thanks for all your help

Yeah no prob. Branman. :-) Looks like you got some problems with double posts too huh? I had that a lot too in beginning. Not sure why it kinda stopped. Busy server maybe.

I don't know why the double posts is happening but anyways... Thanks again. I have been riding my downtube and its great... I also the 2006 lineup for dahon and the Dahon Groove is looking awesome... I might have to pick one up... hehehe.

Branman

I don't know why the double posts is happening but anyways... Thanks again. I have been riding my downtube and its great... I also the 2006 lineup for dahon and the Dahon Groove is looking awesome... I might have to pick one up... hehehe.

Branman

I don't know why the double posts is happening but anyways... Thanks again. I have been riding my downtube and its great... I also the 2006 lineup for dahon and the Dahon Groove is looking awesome... I might have to pick one up... hehehe.

Branman

Sorry for not responding sooner I was in Vegas for the Interbike show. There are not many high end low spoke 20" wheels on the market. I would have Velocity velocityusa.com make a set for you. Their builder is amazing....he makes hundreds of wheels per day!

I would replace the upper stem with an adjustable angle Kalloy stem try one at http://www.kalloyuno.com/bike-adjustable-angle-02.htm .

As for pedals I love Shimano PD-M324 for my folders.

This would be a great place to start.

Thanks,
Yan

What are the dropout sizes for this bike? I guess an 8speed cassette in the back means a normal 130mm dropout width?

Also, is the Bottom Bracket a standard size?

Are warranties offered on the bikes?

Thanks,

You are correct we use a 130mm rear. BB is standard English. Bikes come with 1 year warranty.


Thanks,
Yan