bhkyte

Any body used these?
Has anybody upgraded one?
What is it like for commuting?


I have seen this bike on the internet.It does not fold as small as the Brompton that inspired it, due to the rear triangle not tucking right under the frame (a bit like a ridgeback).
However I have used larger folding bikes than the Brompton on trains and often it is the folded shape that is important. I find my Diblasi folder fitted in more spaces on trains , in locker rooms ,and in boots of small cars than either my Mezzo or Brompton. Despite being around 30cm longer when folded. It has much narrower and lower and therefore could slide in to smaller spaces. Flexibility was due to it smaller total vollume or the ability to stand on its end so its footprint is actually smaller. The missions stands on its end also, so how have owners found then for commuting.

It is a budget bike, but If upgraded it to say 9 speed shimano caspro and better parts would it be a rival for other 16" compact commuting bikes ?

noob_island

It looks nice. Kind of expensive tho, around $500.



Heres how they fold.

Lalato

Mission Space Genie is a rebadged Oyama bike. It is also sold under the Breezer brand as the i3. I haven't reviews of the bike, but the main concern I have with it is the weight... 32 lbs.

--sam

mulleady

I wouldn't rate this bike at $500. You would be much better off going for a Downtube Mini which is cheaper and better and would offer you superior gearing. I can't see the Genie even approaching the fold and quality of a Brompton even with upgrades.

jur

It does seem to be a somewhat unique way to fold, and results in a small footprint.

timo888 

"Color: gorgeous yellow"

vincentnyc

it looks like a brompton knock off

bhkyte

I have seen used examples on ebay uk for around 75 pounds. Therefore I was basing any upgrades on this level of purchase cost (not 500 dollars). Therfore leaving plenty of money to reduce weight and make improvements. It may be fun to try! Plus I have a lot of bike stuff kicking around. I like the fact it has V-brakes and a standard axle width.

Yes I might have a look at the downtube mini, but I don not think I can get one this cheap !

My own 8 speed Downtube (NS8) was a cheap bike to buy new and to upgrade with roadracing bits, including dropped handlebars and 105 sti levers. This resulted in a fast, solid bike when I finished. Maybe my next project may be a DT mini !

Must look at threads about upgrading DT Mini's !!!

I would still like to hear from space genie owners (or US Brezzer), especially those that used them for commuting or have upgraded one. I take the point about weight , 32lbs is alot. I am not sure how effectively I could upgrade away some of the excess.

75 pound is not much money, surely I could not regret it too much!!

Lalato

I think... for 75 pounds... it's a good deal.

--sam

somnatash

?what do you mean, which bike "stands on its end" and therefore has a smaller actual footprint or has a smaller total volume?

I agree on folded form, that's why I have a carryme next to my brommy, but the folded shape of the space genie is very similar to that of the brompton (which is only 2 cm wider in one dimension but 11 cm and 8 cm in the other two):
the Space Genie measures 28 x 22 x14 inches = 71 x 56 x 35 cm
the brompton measures ~ 24 x 23 x 11 inches = 60 x 58 x 27 cm

timo888 

There is a tradeoff: on the Brompton, the smaller fold requires narrow rear spacing and so multi-speed rear-hub upgrade options are limited; on the Oyama, the rear-spacing is standard 130mm (according to email from Breezer).

There may be other significant fit-and-finish and component quality differences too -- I have never seen the Oyama in person.

Regards
T

Rufus Bezak

My thoughts also. Even though it's a bit of a dead weight, for a compact little runabout that looks very much like a Brompton, 75 quid is a bargain I'd say!

itsmoot

To account for some of the weight I'm guessing the seatpost, handlepost riser and crank are steel. Can probably lighten the crank and seatpost with alloy components, but that riser looks proprietary and is probably the heaviest bit. It also appears to use a derailleur with a built-in hanger, which may limit choices to upgrade there.

Still for that price used (if in good condition) it might make a fun project if you're so inclined.

brommie

https://webwinkel.anwb.nl/published/...wfiets.nl.html

I think that's the same bike. . .

Lalato

Yes, that's the same bike. There are probably a few more brands that the Oyama bike is sold under.

One thing to note, Oyama's latest version of the bike comes with a 3speed internal hub.

--sam

noob_island

I would buy one for 75 pounds (about 130US) too. Where's the link?

stonefeather8

I had a Breezer i3 with a 3 speed internal hub 3 years ago that I got it used on Craigslist for $ 350 and I was happy with it as my first folding bike.

I upgraded the 2 wheels on the rack to larger skate wheels which makes it easier to push around. I don't think any other folding bikes under $ 500 have that feature? You do need a buggee cord to keep the bike together. My i3 came with a bag, but unpacking the bag and fitting the bike in and carrying it over the shoulder is a bit much and also with it in the bag you can't push it around on the skate wheels.

If you don't need to lift it up and down the stairs, then it's a good solution. I ended up selling my i3 after I upgraded to a 5 speeds Brompton.

bhkyte

Sorry about the confusion. I am referring to my old Diblasi having a smaller footprint when placed on end than my Bromie or Mezzo, and that the Diblasi is so much thinner than I usually found it more stowable than either bike. For instance, I can fit a diblasi in to the boot of a smaller car that will not accept either a mezzo or brompton, due to the flatness of Diblasi package.

I am making no claims about the space genie and that is why I started the thread, but I should have checked and compaired the dimensions myself to conclude that this bike stood on end would result in no gain over a Bromie and co.

bhkyte

They come up used ocaasionly on ebay uk, they often go for around £75

LWaB

The Space Genie doesn't fit even average height people. The seatpost is short and the handlebars are very close.

bhkyte

can this be altered if I am intending to upgrade it anyway? (I am 5 foot 10 )
Could a 9 year old child ride it if in standard spec ?

Lalato

You might try a longer seat post. That should help somewhat. Maybe even something like the Brompton telescoping seatpost?

--sam

bhkyte

I have been tempted to just try one for fun. However not for the low price of £75, but for £200 on ebay.
It seems to have most of the things I would alter are done already .Ie dual drive hubs, lengthened seatpost, and a few bits I dont want.Brompton dyano, bar ends x2.

I know they are not great quality bikes, but it should be fun trying this one out, and I will keep the dual drive wheels if I dont keep the rest of the bike.

noob_island

This is kind of a off topic but I live in the US and I know there's an import tax from US to the UK but is there one from the UK to the US? Is it even worth it if I find the Space Genie £75?

bhkyte

I dont think it is a great bike. I want to try modifing one. You would be better of looking for a Downtube mini in the US.If I lived in the states thats what I do.