Downtube Nova - $279
 

Price drop: Now $269

http://www.downtube.com/product541.html

I think this is a brand new bike, just came out.
I have a 9FS and am wondering how this compares. I need a cheaper option for my GF.

Who is gonna be the first to buy one and review it.

looks like a winner to me...a strong competition against all the other budget folders (i.e. dahon boardwalk, citizen folder etc.)

It has 7 speed drive..nice. I like it's simple and clean look and this one is a definite contender in my first folder search. Opinions on this bike would be appreciated.

Gearing is a little low, and it is a freewheel, which means a more limited choice if you want to upgrade.

Very nice package. Beautiful frame. Incredible price. Yan did good with this one...

I don't see the gear inches.

In the forum the guy that owns the company said that the Nova is supposed to be "cheaper" and not compare with the quality of the other bikes like yours.

Edit: If your gf is anything like mine then get her the Nova - she's gonna ride it once or twice and it's gonna collect dust anyway so you might as well not spend a lot on it :)

If you're gonna go through the expense of putting a good quality a cassette on it can't you just get a new wheel with the proper hub? At least the existing one is 130mm.

That's one thing I am liking about the Downtubes - they use relatively standard parts it seems, compared to other value brands.

7 speed freewheels with cogs as small as 11 teeth are available for higher top end. Also let's remember that this is a budget bike.

Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder

Ok, over to SammyBoy for a Tax Paid UK price ! & it would be nice to see a picture of it folded.

I second that.
Looks just right for my partner and will compliment my sons 9fs perfectly.

Nice bike...

Has the price already dropped from $279 to $269?

http://downtube.com/images/2010_Bike...ge_Storage.jpg
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Freewheel Gear Sets
 

I'd sure like to know where I could get a freewheel with an 11 tooth cog. The best I can find is a Sun Race with a 13t. That would improve the top speed of my Tokyo by only one mph at my usual 90 cadence. I've seen a vintage Regina freewheel gear set on ebay with a 10 tooth cog - special built for Moulton, but as far as I can determine, this wouldn't fit a standard freewheel hub. Can anyone tell me differently? I've got my new wheel now, and if I'm going to buy a new gear set instead of moving the Shimano 14-28 6 speed set from the old wheel, now's the time.

Hope the rear derailleur is of better quality than what came on my 8FS.

Heads up...
 

I sent an email to Downtube with regards to my size (6-2/210) and interest in this bike. I got a reply from Yan that said he does not recommend this bike and to go with another model. Maybe this single speed has smaller geometry?

The full suspension Downtubes are noted for having more room than their other bikes -- maybe this bike keeps with that pattern.

Not just geometry, but more importantly, the strength of frame. That's more critical for bigger riders.

It kind of reminds me of the citizen miami, with the black stem and seat post. I hope its not that cheap.

I'd buy one if I could see some close ups pics of all the vital parts, hinges, derailleur, clamps...ect.

The monotube is higher on the FS.

I doubt the component spec on the Nova is the same than the Miami. It is probably closer to the Gotham/MTA Metrobike, so I don't think this new bike will disappoint. In fact, as a enthusiast of budget priced bikes myself, I'm impressed! I think the sub $300 folder category has gotten brighter.

Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder

7 Speed Freewheel
 

Here you go.

http://us.itselectric.ca/Freewheel_7...l-7-spds-n.htm

Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder

Okay, so who's going to be the first guinea pig? Still a twist grip shifter? :(
' can't wait for reviews. :)

Hi, 1st time poster here and I'm trying to pick a folding bike. I hope to get some advice from the more experienced people.

I would like to ask the general opinion of how important is 2lbs difference if I carry it 3-floor up to my apartment daily and sometimes public transportation(nyc)? Because there is no budget issue for all the downtube modesl and I don't care about the suspensions. The important things for me are durability, weight, and ride efficiency. The only thing i'm not sure about is the quality & durability of the Nova. Should I go for their more expensive model with little added weight or nova?

thanks!

Looks great and everything, but the picture does not convince me. Look at that horrible weld between the seat tube and top tube.

The good thing is that the frame latch seems to be improved (looks like Dahon's).