14R 

I have a Giant Halfway RS (rear suspension) with some serious mods including a SRAM Dual Drive and some other minor stuff that adds up.

My girlfriend rides a Downtube VIII 2005 FS featuring 1.25 slicks (100psi). My roomate has a Downtube VIII 2005 FS with some minor changes including the adjustable stem now standard on the 06 models.

I had a Downtube VIII silver shipped for my father and I also had a Giant Halfway 7S that is now history. My dream bike is yet to be found, but my current Halfway is 90% of what I always wanted.

Mr_Super_Socks

Cool, indeed. I have been looking for a 20" front fork that will accept a disk. Jan, do you know wher I can get one? Or better yet, any chance you could sell me one? Since I'm re-building my headset anyway, I might as well throw on a new fork and add a front disc!

v1nce

Oh dear Wav, now you have thrown me into turmoil, i was thinking that on the mini i wanted to order i'd try Ders for once,... now i am not sure anymore. What a problem of luxury...

Hey is that new Sram 9 also high efficiency like the red stripe Nexus?

Yeah, i say flog the Dahons! They are great bikes but can always be bought again and they seem to improve every year. Plus i figure it is kindoff fun to be a Folder snob/connoisseur and ride only (customized) machines that the 'rabble' and plebs do not. "Is that a stock Dahon??!! How very common! Pah!"

downtube

It's in Philadelphia.....my home town!!!!

downtube

I just check with all major US distributors, none carry 20" suspension forks.

I don't have any extra forks at this time. I am expecting a few extra for warranty issues on my next container. If I have extra, after warranty issues, I will happily sell you one.

Thanks,
Yan

Mr_Super_Socks

Just to be clear - I don't necessarily need a suspension fork, just any 20" fork that will fit a disc brake, suspension or non. If anyone knows of such an animal, please let me know. thanks!

downtube

Just checked again, no rigid 20" forks with disc tabs.

Sorry,
Yan

stargazer48

Dang Wav, you trying to have a fleet of folders like Jay Leno has a fleet of cars. How many would that be now?

In the future, if I need to replace my Swift with a used folder (in 20 to 30 years ), I guess I know who i'll be contacting.
Oh, I forgot, i'll be over 78, so i'll want to get a recumbent to ease my back and neck pains.

SG

juan162

I agree with you! I love having a 'one of a kind folder' and will probably always do 'upgrades' to keep any machine I have custom, even if it is a newer machine.
juan162

juan162

Wavshrdr,
You put me to shame with your folding bike collection. I only have two, and my wife will probably shoot me when I get a DT and eventually a custom swift...hey, some things are worth dying for!!!
juan162

juan162

I am definitely interested!!! I've been wanting a folding bike 'club' for a while now, but didn't know how to get one started. As you mentioned, there is the Folding society, but they are only in England and very pro Brompton. I also am a member of bikejournal.com where there is a Bike Friday club, but no general folding club. When I mentioned it in the forum, I pretty much got snobby answers like "you'll eventually end up with a bike friday, so join our club anyway". I like the spirit at this forum in which everyone seems really open and supportive of just about any folder that is of good quality. I think an online club would be good, so we could find other, local folder enthusiasts as well as plan events where we can meet up such as the folding bike expo in Philly and have a club ride. If we had our own club with a decent number of members (or at least a large number of people looking at our website) I bet we could even get companies to start sending us products for testing....wouldn't that be sweet!!?!
I don't want to steal anyone's thunder, so I think somebody mentioned starting a new thread on this topic. I'll leave it to the person who suggested this to get the ball rolling in another thread. juan162

v1nce

Hear hear!

Wavshrdr

Juan- it was I who mentioned starting a folding club as well as a new thread. I spoke with Rafael off list regarding this and it is something we are both interested in putting effort and money in to start. We both have a love of the sport. We could so something that would require low dues to help support the site and offer people discounts on accessories. I have already contacted a shop who would be willing to give us "member discounts" on accessories and possibly even on new bikes they carry. That way there would be a tangible benefit for members that would more than offset any dues structure. I also discussed with them the option of very substantial discounts on "group buys" if we could get enough people interested in 1 particular item be it mirrors, tires, tubes, etc.

I will be also looking at companies who might be willing to help sponsor the club and its site as well. Rafael and I are working on sort of a business plan to structure everything. You need a business plan even if you aren't running a business as any sponsor will want to know how you are structuring everything with respect to a professional manner.

The thought is to be a vendor neutral club/site that will encourage open discourse on all things related to folders. We would like to feature a unique bike each month and review folder specific products. I personally don't want to see it become just a Brompton or Dahon type club. I really want all folders to be welcome and for all people to participate sort of like what we have here. At the same time we would like to have FAQs for people just getting into folders to help attract the cross-over riders. We want it to be more than just a forum but a valuable resource to all things related to folders. In addition who wouldn't mind saving money on accessories or a new bike? I think it would be great to have a direct relationship with many companies to get quick answers to some burning questions and have folder specific news. I was really turned off by the UK's folder society as almost no bike but a Brompton need apply. I like my Bromptons but they are not "all that" for the US market. I also don't want it to be US centric either but encourage riders of all local and national origin to participate. I am multi-lingual and I am sure quite a few others on this board are as well so we can help others all over the world. I will copy a major part of this thread to start the new club related thread to gauge widespread interest.

juan162

Wavshrdr,
Everything you wrote sounds good to me. I think all the different folder brands have their own unique strengths and deserve equal time, weather a high end or middle of the road folder.
I'm sure you guys have already been talking about it, but we need a logo as well. I have experience with design (went to school for architecture and design, although now I make a living doing something else) and have done some logos. If you are looking for some help, I could come up with some possibilities...with your, Rafael, and other peoples' ideas of course. I am crazy busy, like everyone, but I can make some time to help out, as I have become a certifiable folder nut over the past few years. If you want any help in any other areas, if I can help, I will. If you want the help, I can send you an email so that we can talk in more depth,
juan162

stargazer48

I have been thoroughly surprised and amazed by the enthusiasm that is expressed here by many of you.

I retired several months ago and I was looking for a bicycle (companion) to take with me on my extended travelling trips here and abroad. I just could not see myself travelling without my bike. I was primarily focused on touring bikes. Folders (due to a lack of knowledge) were barely on my radar 2 months ago. After a chance meeting, 3 weeks ago, with Supersocks in Prospect Park (Brooklyn) who suggested I visit this forum, I will shortly be the owner my 1st (Swift) folder.

This is sooooo exciting.

SG

juan162

Stargazer,
You live in NYC? I live in NJ and am about a 30minute train ride from manhattan. I am planning on doing the 5 boro ride. If you've got your bike and you feel up to it, maybe we can hook up for at least part of the ride,
juan162

v1nce

@ Wav and Rafael, i congratulate you on your efforts and look forward to your club and online presence! There can never be too much positive yet objective info on folders out there!

@ Stargazer, i know what you mean. The energy and positivity in most of BF and the folder section in particular never ceases to inspire or amaze me. I too knew little about folders and wanted nothing to do with them only some time ago. Now they are truly a source of lots of joy and meeting new people/making friends.

Just an idea Wav, how about a 'no brainer' deal to sign up/pay dues so lots of people do so. Let's say you guys manage to get a much sought after folder related item (maybe Schwalbe Big Apple tire or a Nice stem..?) for a bargain price then you could offer new members this for free if they join and pay their dues, those dues being less than the retail price of the item in question. Just a thought.

When it concerns bikes nothing has gotten me so excited in years as folders.

Rincewind8

Occationally there are Meks suspension forks on e-bay (e.g. item# 7202778785). They are for 20" and have disc tabs, but they are quite expensive.

v1nce

I am looking forward to getting the DT mini some day soonish. But yesterday i started experiencing some doubts.. I rode a Brompton for longer yesterday. I still stand by everything i have ever written about Bromptons but i got a chance to line up the Brompton with my 20.. the Brommie wheelbase was actually slightly longer! (despite the 20 already having a long wheelbase and the B being 16 inch!!)

Now i know Yan has stated the mini is not meant as a direct competitor for the Brommie, and that makes total sense. But for me it was to be the cheaper, "better" alternative to it. A folder excellently suited for multi mode commuting even though it does not fold as small as the B. But i like my bikes as versatile as possible. So i also hoped the Mini would also be suited for touring (i am not a big guy and after all the 16 inch Moultons are excellent for touring, yes i know apples and oranges et al, but i am only talking wheelbase here).

But having studied the pictures of the 16 inch DT and compared them to the 20 inch DT is seems (seems! i could be all wrong, hope so!) the wheelbase of the 16 inch is significantly shorter. By that i mean both the distance of the edge of the front wheel to the back one as wheel as the axle to axle distance.

I am concerned that this will mean the mini will ride significantly slower and handle worse than almost any 20 inch including the DT. I did not overlay the two models with photoshop, maybe someone good at Photos. could do this?! That would be ace!

I for one would very happily trade a little weight gain and a slightly larger folded package for superior ride qualities, so in effect i would like a long(er) wheelbase 16 DT as i see the benefits of 16.

Now all this is by no means a big deal. If what i write turns out to be true, no matter, i may simply then get a 20 inch DT. Fold/size is more than adequate for my use and the speed and handling seem to be proven. There is very little chance i'll get a Brommie, it just hast too many drawbacks for my liking/my preferences (price, non standardization, some shoddy components such as brakes).

So,.. any insights, opinions, ideas?

@ Yan, Any chance we could have a measurements of the wheelbases of both the 16 and the 20, and possibly your opinion as to how (and how much!) any differences will affect the ride..?

Thank you!

downtube

Sorry I have been slow getting back I went back to Philly last week and got sick.

The wheelbase for the 20" internal hub will be 101cm. I am having some logistical issues with the mini...seems I will not get any for a while at this time due to production delays. Long story I will tell more later.

Thanks,
Yan

v1nce

I understand Yan, no problem at all, i think your reply was very prompt actually. Hope you are fully recovered! When you find the time and are better it would be interesting to hear the full story. Thanks you.

Wavshrdr

@v1nce - too bad I couldn't have brought my Swift to ride too. Really a Brompton needs a lot of tweaks out of the box to make it an enjoyable bike. I enjoyed riding your 20 too; finally a bike that makes the brakes on the Brommie look good.

I understand where you are coming from though with the 16" DT vs. Brommie debate. While you can upgrade many things on a DT the Brommie demands that you do it immediately in many areas. The stock seat is terrible, the brakes very sad, better go with the high pressure tires, etc. I am definitely looking forward to trying a new 16" DT when they become available.

I have grown to appreciate my Bromptons more over time but that is due to a great extent that I changed out a lot of parts to make it livable. I still don't like the narrow gear range but where you live it wouldn't be an issue. I wish you could have ridden mine BEFORE I changed out so many things. Your 20 was a blast to ride though. Keep in mind that by the time you buy a Brommie and start fixing it up, you will have a lot of money invested in it. Also I tried taking my Brommie I tried to take my Brommie into a few restaurants in Paris and they definitely frowned up it so it was left outside to be a target for thieves. Fortunately noboby walked of with it.

If I can't take the bike in with me then I'll still prefer my Swift because is fast and fun. DT are a great all around bike and I wouldn't worry as much parking it on the street.

hbob

I would be sad if my DT was stolen. I find it to be a standout attractive bike and people
will probably steal anything on wheels. I think what you are saying is that it is not
a known and expensive brand. Where I live (little town, Washington state) no one would
know the elite brands from the others.

v1nce

Hey Wav, how is it? About the Brommy, thanks for letting me ride yours! Indeed i find it so strange that such an expensive machine has such terrible brakes! How costly can it be for Brompton to add some decent BMX style brakes (Tektro). It is a real pity that nobody has cranked out a machine to improve on the Brommie in all it's weaknesses. I think anyone that came up with a folder that folded/rides as well, was possibly a little lighter (ALU?) had better brakes and used standard components as much as possible and was less costly would likely stand to make a lot of money. It wouldn't be all that hard to do in a way... Just copy some designs from Brommie, GoBike, etc etc and make sure you are not infringing on copyrights. Then have a 10 or so made in the orient and build them up in cool configurations. Rent a stand at a large expo. Wow the industry, get financial backing and Vavoom, you are in bizz. But i am sure this thinking is too simplistic. It could be done though. Anyone want to go in bizz with me?

Wavshrdr

I too find it odd that such an expensive bike has such terrible brakes. I have thought about going with the Frog aluminum frame and bolting on the titanium Brommie bits for a super light folder. I would go with good dual pivot brakes on it and make a better rear rack than what the Brommie has as an option. The bike has potential but it takes a lot of money to even get it up to mediocre in many areas. It really needs a good SRAM or Nexus 8spd internal hub too. Toss the derailleur option.

I geuss I will have to wait to get a 16" DT until Yan has them. I definitely can use a few anyway. Hopefully he will soon have the 20" internal hub models available too.