bettybl

I got my bike today!

Full weight with all included accessories: 28.7 pounds
Weight with Rack & Front Fender Off: 25.6 pounds (there's 1 screw in the back fender that I cannot for the life of me unscrew...I think I was trying to unscrew that one piece for half an hour)

Unpacking pictures right now...and some questions.

Package as I received it from UPS...I gotta say the packaging was done immaculately...I spent a good 30 minutes or say trying to unpack the bike.



After unwrapping the saran wrap, there was another thick cardboard casing


I think they used a whole roll of tape wrapping this box. LOL


Info on the box if anyone's interested


The bike folded and finally out of the box


Here's a closeup picture of the logo so you can see the bike color



What is that metal hinge thing used for? It's in the back wheel. If it's not necessary, I want to take it off.


I circled the front in red. The handles are not in-line with the wheel..you can tell it's crooked. How do I fix that?


Also, I was unable to make the seat higher. How are you supposed to do that? The instruction book is generic and useless. I tried to unscrew the entire thing, but it still wouldn't come up.

And last question, after getting the pedals in riding position, I can't seem to collaspe it back. How does that work?

Thanks for viewing I won't be able to share my riding experience until much later since I need to wait until the weather gets warmer and dryer. We're expecting snow tomorrow....

pjizzy

regarding the "crooked wheel" i had the same concern when i got my first folder too.. but upon closer inspection it is part of the design of my bike so that the stem folds about 45 degrees relative to the front wheel. maybe it's the same for the pigeon

edwong3

Hi Betty!

Congrats on the arrival of your Flying Pigeon!

As you seen for yourself, the bike came very well packed, and that's probably an understatement.

Answer to question number 1. That metal "hinge" like you call it is a derailleur guard. That helps to shield the derailleur from accidental strikes. Also, it allows you to lay the bike on that side should you need to. My other folder also has one. You can take it off at your risk. Probably 98%+ of derailleur equipped bikes don't have one.

Answer to question number 2. The stem's locking mechanism is mounted offset from the front of the bike's centerline. The reason for that is to allow the stem to fold to the side of the bike.

What is more important is to make sure the handlebar is straight. If it's not perpendicular to the front wheel, just loosen the quick release on the handlepost (stem), and stand over the front wheel, looking straight down at the handle bar. Just move the handle bar gently until it is a 90 degree angle to the front wheel

Answer to question number 3. To fold the pedals again, you'll have to push on the side of the pedal towards the crankarm. You'll notice that the pedal slides inward, and when you've moved it about half an inch or so, you can then fold it by either pushing down or pulling up on it. As you seen, it's easy to unfold, you just grab the pedal's body, and move it in position. You'll hear it "snap" into place.

I hope that helps.

Enjoy, and hopefully, the weather will get much better so that you can go riding soon.

I do suggest that you take the bike to a shop to remove the rear fender for you. It was hard to remove that bolt you're talking about. Second, to have them go through the bike from end to end, and make adjustments, tighten what needs to be, lubricate joints, bearings, etc. You'll be very happy with the results in a bike that will ride quiet, and smooth.

Keep us posted.
Ed

edwong3

Betty,

I re-read your post, and you had asked something about how to make the seat higher. Did you try to raise the seat by loosening the quick release, and pulling up on the seat. Of course to secure it, you must tighten the quick release again.

By the way, even if it's not very important to mention this, whenever you see someone use the abreviation "QR", they are usually referring to the quick release.

But anyway, try that.

Ed

sqynt

Is there no bike co-op in New York?

I just Googled up Time's Up. New York residents please chime in. The co-ops on the West coast that I'm familiar with are a great resource for getting answers to newbie questions. I've heard of complaints about bike snobbery, but there are bound to be isolated cases when dealing with a largely voluntary staff. Just be patient... and persistent.

bettybl

Thanks Ed for all the suggestions I've already stored the bike into the corner of the room already, so when it is finally good weather to ride, I'll definitely revisit this thread to re-read the suggestions...and definitely, I will be bringing it to a bike shop for adjustment.

Thank you sgynt for the Time's Up link as well. I'll be reading through that site.

I'm happy the Flying Pigeon thread has gotten to 5 pages long already

edwong3

Glad to be of help.

I am rather surprised too that the thread is now 5 pages long. Another surprise is that early yesterday, it surpassed the 2,000 view mark. I wasn't expecting that either! I thought maybe by the end of the month, or sometime in February. But then again, look at the "Swift" thread. It's been here "forever" and has over 123,000 views!

Good luck with the Pigeon, and keep in touch.

Ed

harlond

Hey, bettybl, could I request that you post a pic of the decal indicating what the bike frame is made of? (Edward--who has been exceptionally helpful in this thread, for which I am grateful--posted a pic, but it is hard to read, and from your pics it appears your camera may be better suited to closeups than Edward's.) If you can, it would be much appreciated. Thanks.




If I go this route, I'm going orange.

bettybl

Harlond, the decal says "Mg" (for magnesium???)

harlond

Thanks very much. Is that all it says? I ask because most such decals are a little wordier, but it is what it is, of course.

edwong3

Harlond,

Maybe this photo of the decal is clearer than the one I posted some time ago. There is some writing besides the "Mg" abbreviation, but it's in Chinese. Probably says the same thing.



So, are you thinking about getting a FP?

Regards,
Edward

harlond

Thanks, Edward, you come through again. I should have realized that any additional writing would be in Chinese. D'oh!

I am thinking about it, the name alone is almost enough, but also they're nice looking. I do wonder how easily replaceable parts would be.

edwong3

Well it seems to me that the only proprietary parts that I can see is the frame, and the folding stem. Other than that, all the other parts (seat post, saddle, brakes, shifter, derailleur, chain, wheels, bottom bracket, etc.) are standard "off the shelf" items. At least to my best knowledge.

Regards,
Edward

bettybl

So I googled for chinese translation of magnesium and the characters match the bike's. Get the orange bike Then we can see pictures of all 3 colors available.

edwong3

Last night in my apartment, I happened to lift up the rear end of the FP, and turn the rear wheel by hand. I discovered that the right brake pad was rubbing slightly on the rim. Well as Ricky says, it is an easy design to work on, and I adjusted it. Now the two pads are equal distance from the rim.

I thought to myself that even though one of the brake pads was sticking slightly, the bike still felt quite effortless to cruise around on after all those miles. Now with the rear wheel running 100% free, it should roll a bit easier.

Edward

scooterdaddy52

I have been following this thread with interest and have a few comments and questions. I weigh about 240 at 6 ft tall. Do you think the bike would be sturdy enough? The ebay listing for this one is not showing the bag included. Has everyone gotten the bag and is it useful. Shipping is showing up as $57.63 for Dallas. What are the folded dimensions? If it will fit the trunk of Miata I think I am going to get it.

Ricky in Jersey

I had a 99 Miata a few years back and it was barely big enough to fit a wallet in it. Seriously, this bike folds up very tight, it should fit.

bettybl

Hi Scooter, yes the bag is included with the bike, despite me failing to show a picture of it in my picture series. It's useful if you're going to store the bike for a while (which is what I'm doing awaiting warmer weather). I don't think it would be useful if you're using the bag to lug the bike outside since it's just huge and clumsy. And the bag is just a canvas bag; it has no protective cushioning in it, so it's not good if you're planning on checking it in as an airline luggage.

There were no height and weight limitations specified for this bike. However, Dahon's 20" bikes have a suggested rider height of 4'8" to 6'4" and a weight limit of 230 pounds, so if applying the same specifications to the Flying Pigeon, I think it might not possibly work for you. Maybe Edwong or Ricky and comment more since I don't know their heights and weights.

EvilV

I've never seen one of these bikes scooterdaddy, but from what Bettybl says, you're only ten pounds over the Dahon limit for weight and within the height limits. Given that a published rider weight limit will have a safety margin built in, if you treated the bike gently (avoiding bumps, potholes, kerbs, and such and didn't load it up with luggage, I expect you'd get away with it. I find spokes give out anyway as a sign when you are overloading a bike, but take that advice with a pinch of salt maybe. Besides - the bike is really low cost, so what have you to lose? Can't comment on the trunk of your car though.


PS - the Dahon limits are relevant because I think Edwong mentioned that the frame was almost exactly like the dahon one.

scooterdaddy52

Ok I just put in my ebay order for a blue one. It will be intereseting to keep this thread going or create a yahoo group to share experiences. Thanks for the input everyone.

Lets scoot

edwong3

Scooterdaddy,

Congrats for your purchase! I too have the blue Fying Pigeon.

Though I don't believe you'll have an issue with the bike's weight limit, since you are 6 feet tall, you might find that the stock seat post may be a little short for you. I ordered a new seat post from bikeman.com, and am most pleased with it. It is a Kaloy 28.6mm x 400mm long. The price was $19.95 plus a few bucks for shipping. You might want to look into it.

By the way, I haven't been active in the forum lately as the building were I live has issues with the internet connection. I am actually typing this message at the public library. Hopefully, the internet connection issue will be resolved soon.

Have fun!

Edward

edwong3

Hello Everyone!

I wanted to announce that I got my internet connection back!

On the topic of the Flying Pigeon, I found a way to stand the bike while folded without letting it rest on the chainring guard...which by the way is not a very stable. Besides, if you have carpet like me, the chain could stain it.

I rest it upside down like shown in the photos:





By sitting the folded bike upside down this way, it is supported by three points...the two tires, and the rear end of the seat. Keep in mind that I've removed the fenders, and the rack on my bike, so if your's still have these accessories, I don't know how it could affect this resting position.

It is also very easy to roll if you leave the seatpost extended, and use it as a handle:



You can also let it rest with the seatpost extended if you need to stop for a few moments, and then continue to roll it:


Bear in mind that when you roll the bike this way, it can only really travel in the forward direction, as moving it backwards, can cause the pedals or the crank to hit part of the frame. Also make sure that the brake levers won't interfere with the spokes as the bike rolls.


Well that's it for now. Glad to be back!

Edward

scooterdaddy52

I received my eBay blue Flying Pigeon last night. I unfolded it this morning. The front reflector either already was broken or snapped off when I unfolded it. Fortunately it basically is already put together and very intuative to unfold because the printed sheet that came with it seems to have nothing to do with a folding bike. Did the others here have a bunch of loose plastic caps rattling around in the box? I assume they are intended to snap onto the nuts. Is everyone else just leaving them off? Also mine had a little black round sticker over the hole over the hole in the handlebar. It looks like a rubber plug is what should go there. What is on yours? I have ridden mine very little because I am afraid the handlebar will come off. It is missing I assume a screw that goes in a hole in the handlebar and into the stem. Anybody know the size and thread of that screw? Anybody else have that missing?.There is a lot of play there. The only other thing not together was the clampdowns The good news is that the looks great with only one weak spot in the paint which is on the hinge the shifting seems smooth. This is going to be fun.

Lets scoot

edwong3

Hey Scooterdaddy,

Good to hear from you, and that you got your bike! My bike also came with those gray plastic caps. I assumed that same thing you did, that they are for the wheel nuts. I did try to put one one, but it didn't seem to fit. I would just keep them around; you never know what they're really for.

Don't worry about the the hole on top of the stem. It doesn't use a bolt of any kind because it folds. I believe this stem is used in other models of bikes that don't fold. What is important that you make sure that you shove the stem as far as it will go on to the short tube protruding from the headset, and tighten the quick release so that it'll keep the stem steady. It should have very little to no flex at all.

I believe you'll have fun on that bike. Yesterday afternoon, I took another ride on the paved bike trail that goes through my neighborhood. Could have asked for a prettier day with temperatures in the high 60s F, and a sunny day without hardly any clouds.

Please keep us informed how you are doing with the Pigeon in the next few days. With any luck, we'll have this thread up to 6 pages before the end of the new week.

Happy trails,
Edward

Ricky in Jersey

Hey SD,

Those things bouncing around in the box are basically useless... I think they just put them on the bike to keep it from cutting the box during shipping.

I had the same issue with the handlebar/handlebar stem as well. There is a small screw, just below the handlebar ( T") facing the front tire. I found a larger (wood screw) around the apartment and replaced it with. I screwed it in with a phillips head, an it's been fine since.

Beautiful weekend in NJ as well! 55 to 60 degrees both Sat. and Sunday. Great for bike riding and pigeon flying.....