Will the Downtube bikes come down in price?
08-28-07, 02:06 AM
#101
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Sorry ontheroad it was most definitely not you. BTW I have a hub geared bike using the 8 speed Sturmey Archer. My personal opinion, I would never go back to derallieur based gears now.
08-28-07, 02:09 AM
#102
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I will be the first to admit that this thread had encouraged some weird replies. But no longer useful?
The words that are not of help include the comments that the thread is not of help, if you get my drift.
This thread is #13 in hits of this forum, and will likely be #12 by the end of the day. Almost 1,800 view.
Clearly of interest....it is a forum...
It always strikes me as odd how uncivil folks can be on these things, but if you met the same poster in person, they are most likely well-mannered and gracious. I do believe that a lot of it is just not understanding how to syntax one's thoughts so it sounds like what you meant when you wrote it.
That said, manners people!
Yan is a nice guy; I have spoken to him and he is thoughtful and will take the time to be helpful and clear.
Thank goodness he is doing this business and more power to him. Though this thread isn't really meant to be about debating his character.
Nor is this thread intended to be a bash on the guy till he lowers his prices. That will likely have the opposite effect, people. Those of you who come out swinging, with volatile attitude, are just being rude. And non-constructive.
The DT prices have dropped somewhat, and they have dropped since this thread started, I think.
That's all this was about; as Yan said earlier in the summer to anticipate it; so clearly many did, I did.
Will they drop to 2007 prices? We don't know, and being ugly isn't going to motivate anyone to do so.
I just am curious about pricing. We already know Yan is a good person doing a difficult job-we don't need to debate that, nor make it harder for him; and those who use mean-spirited words should apologize and stop it!
Let's be civil, friends.
The words that are not of help include the comments that the thread is not of help, if you get my drift.
This thread is #13 in hits of this forum, and will likely be #12 by the end of the day. Almost 1,800 view.
Clearly of interest....it is a forum...
It always strikes me as odd how uncivil folks can be on these things, but if you met the same poster in person, they are most likely well-mannered and gracious. I do believe that a lot of it is just not understanding how to syntax one's thoughts so it sounds like what you meant when you wrote it.
That said, manners people!
Yan is a nice guy; I have spoken to him and he is thoughtful and will take the time to be helpful and clear.
Thank goodness he is doing this business and more power to him. Though this thread isn't really meant to be about debating his character.
Nor is this thread intended to be a bash on the guy till he lowers his prices. That will likely have the opposite effect, people. Those of you who come out swinging, with volatile attitude, are just being rude. And non-constructive.
The DT prices have dropped somewhat, and they have dropped since this thread started, I think.
That's all this was about; as Yan said earlier in the summer to anticipate it; so clearly many did, I did.
Will they drop to 2007 prices? We don't know, and being ugly isn't going to motivate anyone to do so.
I just am curious about pricing. We already know Yan is a good person doing a difficult job-we don't need to debate that, nor make it harder for him; and those who use mean-spirited words should apologize and stop it!
Let's be civil, friends.
The business of people flaring up on Internet forums, and with mails too is all about the fact that when we communicate in person, we use a whole array of pacifying body language and facial expression so that others read us the way we expect. Sometimes when that is missing, the message gets mixed up and folks react badly. Once on that road, total war is just around the corner since the concern of our own personal survival is not an issue - hence, many of us are only two steps away from online Armageddon. LOL.
On the business of Yan's prices: I find these discussions a bit comedic. He's running a business and we aren't bidding with some guy over a used car here. These are new bikes; well thought of; pretty cheap for what they are, and with the personal backup of the company owner. 'What do some of you guys expect to pay?' I ask myself. If you don't like the prices, go and buy a Brompton or a Dahon, or a Bike Friday, but (here goes with the warlike talk) don't hang about here whining about his prices. It's your money, spend it where you like.
08-28-07, 02:27 AM
#103
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The Dahon Glide P8 retails between $769 and $850 using a Shimano Nexus 8 speed hub. Aside from the front hub wheel powered dynamo light, I cannot see how this bike is much better specced than the DT's range of 8 speed hub bikes. Check https://bicyclesource.us/itemdetails....Id=39&id=16315 and compare this to www.downtube.com's 2008 bikes. If anything the DT bike looks more versatile to me.
08-28-07, 02:34 AM
#105
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Before I came across Downtube, I almost did buy a Brompton. compact folder that it is, it would have set me back £660 and didn't ride as well as my DT 8 speed hub bike or have as good gears. A comparable Dahon was also £550+ for a hub geared bike. It was no contest really. I have to say my DT is actually a very good looking bike, people stop to admire it all the time. Never had that reaction with a bike before, not that I bought it for that.
08-28-07, 02:44 AM
#106
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Yes - lived here all my life except four years in my student days when I lived in London.
I agree with your remarks about the SA gears by the way, which is funny considering how despised they were by lads like me in the 1960s - we thought they were for old men. I only have the three speed SRF-3 and I love it. I'd really like to see some detailed engineering efficiency evaluations of the 7 and 8 speed types though. I'm not so strong that I can afford to spend much energy warming up cascaded planetary gears and hub grease. I recently read a very good discussion of the comparative efficiency of derailieur and the SA AW 3 speed hub lubed with light oil. The SA hub was marginally better in most respects - about 95% efficient in its best gear and not much less in the other two. Unless you are involved in competition racing, the rider won't know the difference. Changes in the quality of tarmac on the road will soak up far more power, not to mention wind.
Which DT 8 speed do you have? Is it the mini? ( ah scrub that mini question. I've just checked back and you have front suspension).
I agree with your remarks about the SA gears by the way, which is funny considering how despised they were by lads like me in the 1960s - we thought they were for old men. I only have the three speed SRF-3 and I love it. I'd really like to see some detailed engineering efficiency evaluations of the 7 and 8 speed types though. I'm not so strong that I can afford to spend much energy warming up cascaded planetary gears and hub grease. I recently read a very good discussion of the comparative efficiency of derailieur and the SA AW 3 speed hub lubed with light oil. The SA hub was marginally better in most respects - about 95% efficient in its best gear and not much less in the other two. Unless you are involved in competition racing, the rider won't know the difference. Changes in the quality of tarmac on the road will soak up far more power, not to mention wind.
Which DT 8 speed do you have? Is it the mini? ( ah scrub that mini question. I've just checked back and you have front suspension).
Last edited by EvilV; 08-28-07 at 02:58 AM.
08-28-07, 03:33 AM
#107
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Yes the front suspension one as you pointed out! It looks a bit like an ET bike now as I've added so many gadgets such as a wireless bicycle and indicator system, GPS phone holder for my HTC phone and a cycle computer to boot. I'm turning into a proper geek lol! see:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/11662171@N02/1251785441/
Soon it will start to fly jsut like the bike in the old ET film!
I'd have to say having FS is worth it and my DT has ample rigidity on the road. The front suspension forks kick in nicely on rough spots and give the bike an excellent ride on trails such as canal towpaths.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/11662171@N02/1251785441/
Soon it will start to fly jsut like the bike in the old ET film!
I'd have to say having FS is worth it and my DT has ample rigidity on the road. The front suspension forks kick in nicely on rough spots and give the bike an excellent ride on trails such as canal towpaths.
08-28-07, 04:41 AM
#108
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Yes the front suspension one as you pointed out! It looks a bit like an ET bike now as I've added so many gadgets such as a wireless bicycle and indicator system, GPS phone holder for my HTC phone and a cycle computer to boot. I'm turning into a proper geek lol! see:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/11662171@N02/1251785441/
Soon it will start to fly jsut like the bike in the old ET film!
I'd have to say having FS is worth it and my DT has ample rigidity on the road. The front suspension forks kick in nicely on rough spots and give the bike an excellent ride on trails such as canal towpaths.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/11662171@N02/1251785441/
Soon it will start to fly jsut like the bike in the old ET film!
I'd have to say having FS is worth it and my DT has ample rigidity on the road. The front suspension forks kick in nicely on rough spots and give the bike an excellent ride on trails such as canal towpaths.
I just checked on ebay.co.uk and Downtube UK are selling the Downtube IFXS full suspension in black with 9 gears for a buy it now price of £199 no dudty to pay with a full year warranty on all parts and frame as is usual in the UK. The 8 speed VIII H with an internal hub is at a buy it now of £209..... Must be the cheapest source of decent folders in the whole of Europe right now. The business is nothing if not fleet of foot in my view. It adapts to local market conditions and sells at discounts when and where needed to move ts stock.
08-28-07, 04:52 AM
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Yes I got mine for £209 and excellent price and hence my defence of DT on this thread. Definitely the best bang for buck in Europe at the moment in terms of features for price. The 2008 bikes have still competitive in their own right too.
Furthermore, I was prepared to pay the original £300 asking price and Yan informed me he was dropping the price in the next 24 hours and offered me the lower price when I was already sold. I think he deserves some praise for doing such an honourable thing in my opinion.
Furthermore, I was prepared to pay the original £300 asking price and Yan informed me he was dropping the price in the next 24 hours and offered me the lower price when I was already sold. I think he deserves some praise for doing such an honourable thing in my opinion.
08-28-07, 04:57 AM
#110
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Yes I got mine for £209 and excellent price and hence my defence of DT on this thread. Definitely the best bang for buck in Europe at the moment in terms of features for price. The 2008 bikes have still competitive in their own right too.
Furthermore, I was prepared to pay the original £300 asking price and Yan informed me he was dropping the price in the next 24 hours and offered me the lower price when I was already sold. I think he deserves some praise for doing such an honourable thing in my opinion.
Furthermore, I was prepared to pay the original £300 asking price and Yan informed me he was dropping the price in the next 24 hours and offered me the lower price when I was already sold. I think he deserves some praise for doing such an honourable thing in my opinion.
08-28-07, 05:23 AM
#111
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My wife slags me off for suddenly getting so enthusiastic about bikes recently. My response to that is that women are so busy mocking mens' obssessions with contraptions and gadgets they are blind to female preoccupations such as soap operas, romance novels, fashion and cosmetics!
Besides if you can fulfil your lust for a bike and eye more women on the quiet streets. Now 'that's killing 2 birds with one stone'
Besides if you can fulfil your lust for a bike and eye more women on the quiet streets. Now 'that's killing 2 birds with one stone'
08-28-07, 05:47 AM
#112
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My wife slags me off for suddenly getting so enthusiastic about bikes recently. My response to that is that women are so busy mocking mens' obssessions with contraptions and gadgets they are blind to female preoccupations such as soap operas, romance novels, fashion and cosmetics!
Besides if you can fulfil your lust for a bike and eye more women on the quiet streets. Now 'that's killing 2 birds with one stone'
Besides if you can fulfil your lust for a bike and eye more women on the quiet streets. Now 'that's killing 2 birds with one stone'
On the cosmetics and creams thing - they have nothing to shake heads at us about... LOL... 'Magic Sh*t can take years off your appearance.' Yeah - pull the other one babe. I'll keep my money and look just the same thanks. At least a bike delivers what it promises. That snake oil wrinkle reducing cream is an out and out con. What's more the business is worth billions.
08-29-07, 02:44 PM
#114
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Sigh, I deal with the same situation. I can't discuss bikes with my wife any more. It is an immediate conversation killer. My hope is to buy her a bike and get her into the hobby.
09-16-07, 08:22 PM
#115
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Well well well, looks like my question is being answered from the looks of the Downtube site !
The front suspension model I have been looking at is now $329.
But doggone it, you rascals have got me thinking about that internal hub model. I did not watch those previously, can anyone tell me what they sold for last year?
So, now I dropped $320 on a Dahon (which i am finding ok but not great) and now am thinking about craigslisting it and getting the DT after all. Plus, getting the more pricey model, I am way in over my head ! (i never spent more than $100 on a bike before this year)
BTW, Mulleady, i really appreciate and enjoy reading your input and thoughtful replies to everyone.
The front suspension model I have been looking at is now $329.
But doggone it, you rascals have got me thinking about that internal hub model. I did not watch those previously, can anyone tell me what they sold for last year?
So, now I dropped $320 on a Dahon (which i am finding ok but not great) and now am thinking about craigslisting it and getting the DT after all. Plus, getting the more pricey model, I am way in over my head ! (i never spent more than $100 on a bike before this year)
BTW, Mulleady, i really appreciate and enjoy reading your input and thoughtful replies to everyone.
09-18-07, 03:29 AM
#116
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I just bought a NS IX leftover.
I cannot find if the hubes and BB are sealed.
Can a DownTube owner tell me if the are ?
No big deal, just wondering
I cannot find if the hubes and BB are sealed.
Can a DownTube owner tell me if the are ?
No big deal, just wondering
09-18-07, 08:06 AM
#117
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