keke

Righto, went to visit a LBS/Salvage/Recycle centre today.

Was thinking of getting a drop bar and stem combo for my folding bike (Pinnacle Journey 1.0) to improve reach etc.

LBS told me it was a bad idea, that it would make the ride twitchier than it already was and possibly more unstable. I thought it would be better as more of my weight would be forward over the front wheel somewhat. It was explained to me that this would not help as it would add another fulcrum or something like that.

Anyhoo, got to ride a Raleigh Boardwalk Lite (modified to run a gazillion gears) and was surprised at the difference. It was much more stable than mine, not in any way twitchy to ride or steer and felt solid overall. I must say that I'm impressed by the bike. If all bikes with Dahon licensed technology/built by Dahon/rebadged Dahons are like this then I'll look no further.

I'm now on the lookout for a used Dahon/Ridgeback/Raleigh with the adjustable stem and QR thingy.

All advice gratefully received (you guys have been marvellous) and wish me luck!

keke

Bumpaloo!

keke

Thinking again, why won't it work?? Small bikes have this setup e.g chaadster's minivelo.

I've seen several folders with that configuration or after-market mod..

fietsbob

well it wont fold any more to the same size,for one..

A miniVelo does not fold, so there is no issue then.. sticking drop bars on
does not create fold size issues..

do the bars even come out of the top of those ?

My Bike Friday has a conventional threadless stem at the top of it's steering column

You might see if you can set the seat further back..

keke

Thanks fietsbob, I'm not really concerened with the fold per se. I figure I can simply fold with the handle post on the outside, ugly, but should work.

What I'm wondering is why it would make a bike twitchier/more unstable? I think I've seen lots of examples of drop bar mods on folding bikes...

fietsbob

I run a load in front panniers, on my bike friday, or use the brompton touring bag.
on that bike..
the weight on the front end steadies things.

sorry don't own one of yours, and Oregon is too far to drop by the Local shop..
Though there were half a dozen Brits in yesterday, Touring on the Pac-Coast route..

anyhow it will be expensive, as all MTB to Drop bar conversions are ,
because all the cables need to be replaced, because you have different brake levers, + all those other parts..
you already able to field strip a bike? if not,
then you have someone else's labor on the bill too..

keke

3000+ miles away, lOL!
Hadn't factored in any excessive costs, thought it wouldn't be too bad as the LBS/Recycle shop seems very reasonably priced. Thet actually offer classes on bike maintenance, rent our their workshop for a token amount and are on hand to help.

I guess another issue is my current bike has some play in the handlepost/head tube (gotta love wikipedia for bike part diagrams!) and generally seems to strain/creak with the effort of carrying me and my long skeleton.

keke

Just saw this: ebay item 170876589031

I don't think I've seen any Dahon speed series bike with that setup so must be a mod.

badmother

I think you are right. unless there is something special about your bike that the bike kitchen peopel know about my guess is your boke would be LESS twitchy with the setup you suggest.

On the other hand I am not sure I would put that much time and money into your bike as you describe it, unless you do it as a project and for fun (like adult Lego). If you do it and enjoy it you can always transfer the parts to a different bike later.

I think a lot of peopel are on holyday since you do not get much response. Try to search the forums, a lot of peopel have done it and reported about it.

I think the most famous dropbar folder at the moment is sixty`s bike https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...p-s-20-project
He is quiet these days so maybe on holyday. What about getting your wery own R20 and do what others (like sixty) has done and make a super allround bike? Strong and a great ride. Search the internet for info on converted R20`s if you are interested.

Fietsbob is right, if you load them in front they get less twitchy but also the main rule is that longer stem (horisontally) gives a less twitchy ride.

Plenty pics of small wheeled bikes on the net:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/touring...ol-378187@N22/
https://www.flickr.com/groups/85673165@N00/#group-info

keke

Thanks badmother.

There's a Dahon Speed that's been modified exactly as I imagine mine could be but after the ride on the Raleigh, I'm convinced that mine would be missing that vital rigidity that these more expensive bikes can offer.

All said, I'm glad at what I've started riding with, can only get better bikes from here. I know clearly what to avoid, I have a better understanding of components etc.

I have thought about getting a raleigh twenty and modding up but I fear I lack the time. The weight would also be a factor as whilst I'm not commuting by bike, I do have to store it in my boot etc..

keke

I think I'll go ahead and do a test run with the drop bars and stem attached just beneath my existing handlebar. If it works out I'll try and get the courage to go the whole hog...

badmother

If more reach is your main issue maybe see if you can fit something like this: https://www.thorusa.com/accessories/handlebar.htm Scroll down to "Aber hallo" stem.

A heavely modifyed R20 is not all that heavy. A lot of the bikes you find on the net has been "under construction" for years. You can do some work, ride for a while, do some more work and so on. Personally I like IGH drivetrains. Less fiddeling with the adjustment. Keep us informed .