Help in bike decision purchase
#26
Senior Member
I just wanted to say thanks for all of your advice on which folding bike to purchase. I am still thinking about everything, but right now I am very much leaning toward the DownTube Nova. With the idea of purchasing two, and the price at $289.00 each, seems like the right thing to consider.
I know the Nova doesn't have the internal hub, and its only 3 speeds, but I think it will serve our purpose very well. After reading many many posts about DownTube, the company appears to put out a quality bike.
Again, thanks everyone.
Terry
I know the Nova doesn't have the internal hub, and its only 3 speeds, but I think it will serve our purpose very well. After reading many many posts about DownTube, the company appears to put out a quality bike.
Again, thanks everyone.
Terry
I posted the following link in another thread last night. But here is the link again:
https://www.citizenbike.com/catalog.a...&product_id=24
And here is the link to the thread I started recently on the Gotham2:
https://www.bikeforums.net/folding-bikes/600230-yet-another-new-citizen-bike-gotham-2-a.html
Good luck in what ever you choose. Please let us know what you decided.
Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder
Last edited by edwong3; 11-04-09 at 02:01 PM.
#27
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Since you are now considering a derailleur equipped 7 speed bike (DT Nova), you might want to also look at Citizen Bike's latest offering...the Gotham2 which not only offers a modern, hi tech look; but now comes with a wide range 7 speed drivetrain. It does weigh right around 25 lbs.
I posted the following link in another thread last night. But here is the link again:
https://www.citizenbike.com/catalog.a...&product_id=24
And here is the link to the thread I started recently on the Gotham2:
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=600230
Good luck in what ever you choose. Please let us know what you decided.
Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder
I posted the following link in another thread last night. But here is the link again:
https://www.citizenbike.com/catalog.a...&product_id=24
And here is the link to the thread I started recently on the Gotham2:
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=600230
Good luck in what ever you choose. Please let us know what you decided.
Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder
The Gotham2 is a folder worth considering. As I stated in the beginning post, I have owned a Miami Citizens in the past, actually 2, and I was mostly pleased with the bikes. The support from Citizens was superb the one time I needed them.
Comparing the bikes, the biggest difference in the two bikes is the Gotham2 is hand welded alloy and the Citizens Miami is steel. Other than the slight difference in looks and 7 lbs lighter (Gotham2), the bikes are just about alike.
One reason I really like the Downtube Nova is the orange color. Love orange.
Thanks
Terry
#28
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Plus even if a the derailleur keeps functioning itself (albiet inefficiently) that doesn't mean it won't wreak havoc in the world around it. Snagging things, scratching things, etc; and not just while off the bike either: ever get your pants caught in a front derailleur? Like church and state I believe gears and the outside world should be separated.
#29
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Comparing the bikes, the biggest difference in the two bikes is the Gotham2 is hand welded alloy and the Citizens Miami is steel.
the Gotham2 which not only offers a modern, hi tech look; but now comes with a wide range 7 speed drivetrain.
#30
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Heck, I don't know metals. I believe alloy is lighter than steel. I would think steel is stronger than alloy.
#31
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https://www.downtube.com/mini_folding...rcher_hub.html
#32
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Since you are now considering a derailleur equipped 7 speed bike (DT Nova), you might want to also look at Citizen Bike's latest offering...the Gotham2 which not only offers a modern, hi tech look; but now comes with a wide range 7 speed drivetrain. It does weigh right around 25 lbs.
I posted the following link in another thread last night. But here is the link again:
https://www.citizenbike.com/catalog.a...&product_id=24
And here is the link to the thread I started recently on the Gotham2:
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=600230
Good luck in what ever you choose. Please let us know what you decided.
Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder
I posted the following link in another thread last night. But here is the link again:
https://www.citizenbike.com/catalog.a...&product_id=24
And here is the link to the thread I started recently on the Gotham2:
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=600230
Good luck in what ever you choose. Please let us know what you decided.
Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder
#33
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You are correct in that it's not listed on Downtube's products page, but if you google 'Downtube Mini' a Downtube page opens with a price (on sale for $519.00) for the 2009 model in green, see below; furthermore, if you click on 'buy now' you enter the virtual checkout line.
https://www.downtube.com/mini_folding...rcher_hub.html
https://www.downtube.com/mini_folding...rcher_hub.html
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#34
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The range is more like 26.4 to 69 g.i. using the values given by Citizen Bike into Sheldon Brown's gear calculator. For most people, that is more than enough. The low gear is low enough for some challenging hills, and the high is high enough to cruise at speeds reaching 17-21 m.p.h. Heck, I rarely use more than a 20-30 g.i. spread on my cruising gears.
I question anyone who feels they need a really, really wide spread of gear ratios. Why did they buy a bike with a single chainring then?
Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder
Last edited by edwong3; 11-04-09 at 09:15 PM.
#35
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BTW, does anyone know why the mini was discontinued? I thought it was one of Downtube's most popular bikes.
Last edited by chucky; 11-04-09 at 08:40 PM.
#36
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Good luck!
Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder
#37
Senior Member
Personally I like the design and look of the Citizen Barcelona a lot better. The Gotham also looks like the bottom bracket is mounted a bit too far back for practical and efficient pedaling, just like that cheap Kent magnesium frame folder that was panned here a few years back.
As far as the BB on the G2. it is mounted right at the bottom of the seat tube. The Kent Magnesium had the BB welded behind, and next to the bottom of the seat tube. Some people liked it that way, and some didn't.
Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder
#38
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I question anyone who feels they need a really, really wide spread of gear ratios. Why did they buy a bike with a single chainring then?
#39
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I vote for the Nova. Mine is great. I'm in FL and rode in FT. Desoto Park last weekend all afternoon with no trouble with sand etc. The seat will go if you ride for more than an hour at a time, as you sit fairly straight up. I have about 150 miles on it since new last month. In FL I am using gear #5, 6 and 7 as it's pretty flat. I'm 70 years old, 180# and 5'10".
#40
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I vote for the Nova. Mine is great. I'm in FL and rode in FT. Desoto Park last weekend all afternoon with no trouble with sand etc. The seat will go if you ride for more than an hour at a time, as you sit fairly straight up. I have about 150 miles on it since new last month. In FL I am using gear #5, 6 and 7 as it's pretty flat. I'm 70 years old, 180# and 5'10".
I like what you have to say about the Nova. I also like it that you're 70 years old. Good for you, I am 7 years your junior. I will be ordering two probably within 30 days. I have the money to order both now, but I won't do that for toys. I keep a little side fund from something I sell and I buy toys like bikes out of this fund. I now have $430.00 saved over the last 30 days so I should have the rest within the next 2 to 3 weeks. The last thing I bought out of this fund back in Sept. was a $500.00 inflatable boat. Back in June I bought a $1500 folding boat. Love my toy fund.
#41
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The bikes been great. I bought in early Oct. Just before the price increase. It's still a bargain. Attached is a photo. I did change the seat and add a rack.
#42
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Years ago, Shimano even offered an 11-34 7 speed freewheel, but discontinued it along with their 7 speed 11-28. I do believe that 11-34 freewheels are still available in the 8 speed versions. And you can find 7 speed 11-28 freewheels made by another manufacturer but I can't remember their name.
There are in fact two (or more) ways of achieving a wide spread of gears using only one chainring and that is either with a Schlumpf drive mounted in the BB, or in the rear using a Rohloff, and do away with the derailleur. In fact, if you have a deep enough pocket, you can use both, and wind up with a simple looking drive train, completely devoid of derailleurs, with an insane amount of gearing spread. Of course, you'd wind up with a VERY expensive bicycle too.
For the OP's intended use, even the 7 speed 14-28 cluster as used on the DT Nova should serve him well as long as they don't intend to climb mountains
Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder
Last edited by edwong3; 11-05-09 at 10:30 AM.
#43
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For the OP's intended use, even the 7 speed 14-28 cluster as used on the DT Nova should serve him well as long as they don't intend to climb mountains
Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder[/QUOTE]
No mountains to climb, just slight hills here in South West Georgia and Florida.
Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder[/QUOTE]
No mountains to climb, just slight hills here in South West Georgia and Florida.
#44
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Just a clarification, Some confusion on another thread about my " ... seat went ... " remark. There is nothing wrong with the stock seat, just too narrow for me. Changed it to a Brook' B67. Real big improvement.
#45
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SRAM Dual Drive works too, it gives you 3x8 or 3x9 gearing with a single front chainring, plus it's a lot cheaper than a Rohloff, and probably has more range than a Schlumpf.
#46
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Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder.
#47
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check performancebike.com. they have good sale on dahon bikes:
2009 Dahon Speed D7 7-speed Folding Bike
Regular: $479.99
SALE: $399.99
2009 Dahon Vitesse D7 7-speed Folding Bike
Regular: $579.99
SALE: $499.99
2009 Dahon Curve D3 3-speed Folding Bike
Regular: $599.99
SALE: $499.99
some members here might disagree but dahons are pretty good bike and well worth its price.
2009 Dahon Speed D7 7-speed Folding Bike
Regular: $479.99
SALE: $399.99
2009 Dahon Vitesse D7 7-speed Folding Bike
Regular: $579.99
SALE: $499.99
2009 Dahon Curve D3 3-speed Folding Bike
Regular: $599.99
SALE: $499.99
some members here might disagree but dahons are pretty good bike and well worth its price.
Please tell me, where can I find the 2009 Dahon Vitesse D7 for $499.99? When I go to the Dahon site it says $699.00. Is the 09 Vitesse D7 the same as the Vitesse D7HG?
Thanks
Terry
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No. The Vitesse D7HG has an internal gear hub. My guess is that "HG" stands for "hub gear". The Vitesse D7 has a derailleur. My understanding is that the Vitesse D7 is not available in the U.S. from Dahon dealers.
#49
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2008 Dahon Vitesse D7HG for $599.00 w/ free shipping from safetycycle.com
they've also got the '09 model for $30.00 more
they've also got the '09 model for $30.00 more
#50
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2008 Dahon Vitesse D7HG for $599.00 w/ free shipping from safetycycle.com
they've also got the '09 model for $30.00 more
they've also got the '09 model for $30.00 more
At Brandscycle.com I found the 2008 Dahon Vitesse D7HG for $529.99 with free shipping. I am thinking of buying one immediately. However, they have a Speed 7 for only $431.99 with free shipping. I am wanting the internal hub, so this might be a no-brainer. I'm going to give myself until tomorrow afternoon to think about it. There is also a 2008 Speed 8 with Big Apple tires for $479.00 free shipping.