I think I see some new stuff over on the Downtube site!

I Taw a Putty Tat!

wow. that's horrendous.

looks just like any $150 generic dahon copy from alibaba.com.

the best part is, before it is even released, it's marked down from $999 (LOL) to $599...

no doubt a special offer for a limited time dear friends! get yours while supplies last! act now!

pppffft...

i'll continue to horde my duckets and return to my reading list.

hmm, let's see, what's next.. ah yes, P.T. Barnum...

215lb weight limit? Waste,...

I was wondering how fast someone would comment. Not sure why DownTube mini is limited to the pastel green. People liked the last minis, did they not? It is an improvement, including Shimano IGH 8 & carbon belt option.
DT knocks off Dahon knocks off Brompton knocks off Dahon. .
215's just 5 to 15 less than most, plenty for people 180 and down.
Not enough noise in 16" land to not welcome it, as far as I'm concerned.

Some observations...
1. Seatpost diameter is on the low side. That will flex and bounce. This will reduce stress on the frame, though, right?
2. As is typical with these copy folders, the handlepost is too close to the saddle, cockpit too cramped unless you don't mind a short reach. Just mind your knees knocking the bars in tight turning moves. Dahon's Biologic post slopes forwards, solving the reach problem.
3. Short wheelbase. The older Mini was great in this regard having an almost 1000mm base.
4. The Gates belt drive looks geared too low. 70t is not heaps.
5. The "sale"! Ditch that!!

What is the smallest Gates belt drive rear cog?

... just looked it up, I think the smallest rear cog for a Nexus/Alfine is 22.

I'm guessing that the gearing is not too different from a tikit which is 23-71" with an 8-speed alfine.

https://www.bikefriday.com/bicycles/..._itikitsi/1239

yes. a lot of people liked the downtube mini - rear suspension, long wheelbase, proper headset, ride quality, even aesthetics. what is currently being offered is a significant down grade. in my opinion, when you are buying a bike you are buying the platform not the "consumables". i suppose you could go full ultegra or sram red on a citizen tokyo, but the only circumstance in which i would consider buying it would be if the price for the bike was significantly lower than the retail price of the gruppo alone (i would want to be compensated for my time removing and installing it on a proper bike).

if you haven't read jur's blog about the mini, i would recommend it. it's well written and describes some very clever mods. reading it made me want one.



also, how did brompton ever "knock off" dahon?

I think that was a nod to the Dahon folding handlepost patent that proceeded the Brompton introduction ..

Did take a DT Mini as well as my Pacific Reach Racer up to the mountains last week on vacation.. continues to amaze me how nice they were/are ..

I think the new frame is to easily allow for belt drive which some might find appealing .. time will tell how the new model is received..

I would have loved to get my hands on the old model. Especially the cespro.
There was also a thread about a performance orientated folder wanted to go to brazil a while back. Poster ended up with a mini with bullbars etc. That was very tasty looking bike. Post thread if I find it.

Don't like look od new bike but compaired to a dahon curve d3 with a better hub maybe it not too bad?

i'm not sure where you're getting this information. i don't actually see anything to back that up.

Recent post HERE

post moved to appropriate thread.

Your assumption would be incorrect.. I merely said it was a nod towards the post of TCS, not that I agreed/disagreed/or cared .. if you have issue.. then take it up with, and reference, TCS and whatever research he did to draw a conclusion ..

that's not what you said, bruce. you didn't say it was a nod to the post of tc. you said it was a nod to the dahon patent preceding the introduction of the brompton. this assertion isn't supported by any info and (however inadvertently) perpetuates disinfo..

I should have inserted the word 'purportedly', which I thought was clearly understood, but perhaps not..

fair enough, thanks. i did misunderstand your intent. also, please note i moved my lengthy comment to the appropriate thread.

No problem, I could have been clearer .. thanks for updating to the curl thread.. your position is a good one.. hope to see more..

Wow tough crowd. The rear cog is the 22T...as mentioned above.

I decided to bring in Aber Hallo stems next year. They will allow for longer reach. Additionally I have shims that will accept 25.4mm/1" tube so an aftermarket stem can be added ( just like the old mini ). The stock setup allows for a tighter fold ( which is also important ).

There are many upgrades:
1. Shimano Nexus hub
2. Gates Belt drive
3. Tektro Brakes and Levers
4. Frame QR is much wider easier to open & close.
5. Integrated headset with threadless steerer and stem ( lighter )
6. Higher quality machined sidewall rims
7. Frame protector is removable.
8. Stronger stem with dial closure for stiffness.

Additionally the intro price on the chain drive model is very close to the old mini price ( from 5 years ago ). The market for 16" folding bikes with belt drives and Shimano 8sp hubs seems to be north of $2000. Hence, I think we have a very competitive product.

Thanks,
Yan

This colour really worked for us, hence we are continuing with it.
Thanks,
Yan

is this an original gates drive ? I assume its not the centerdrive, but I have seen belt drives which look very similar but are not made by Gates ..

thor

70x22 with a 16" rear wheel produces the following via Sheldon's gear calculator. Probably a bit low for most folks but it could be made higher with a wider tire. Overall, it seems fine to me.



[h=2]Gear chart using Gear Inches[/h][h=3]For 16 x 1.5 / 37-305 tire with 170 mm cranks[/h][h=3]With Custom Sprocket(s) Cassette[/h][h=3]With Shimano 8-speed Nexus, Alfine Rear Hub[/h][TABLE]
[TR]
[TH="bgcolor: yellow"]0.53 (Low)[/TH]
[TH="bgcolor: yellow"]0.64[/TH]
[TH="bgcolor: yellow"]0.75[/TH]
[TH="bgcolor: yellow"]0.85[/TH]
[TH="bgcolor: yellow"]1.0[/TH]
[TH="bgcolor: yellow"]1.22[/TH]
[TH="bgcolor: yellow"]1.42[/TH]
[TH="bgcolor: yellow"]1.62 (High)[/TH]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD][TABLE]
[TR]
[TD][/TD]
[TH="bgcolor: yellow"]70[/TH]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TH="bgcolor: yellow"]22[/TH]
[TH="bgcolor: white"]22.6[/TH]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
[/TD]
[TD][TABLE]
[TR]
[TD][/TD]
[TH="bgcolor: yellow"]70[/TH]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TH="bgcolor: yellow"]22[/TH]
[TH="bgcolor: white"]27.6[/TH]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
[/TD]
[TD][TABLE]
[TR]
[TD][/TD]
[TH="bgcolor: yellow"]70[/TH]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TH="bgcolor: yellow"]22[/TH]
[TH="bgcolor: white"]32.0[/TH]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
[/TD]
[TD][TABLE]
[TR]
[TD][/TD]
[TH="bgcolor: yellow"]70[/TH]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TH="bgcolor: yellow"]22[/TH]
[TH="bgcolor: white"]36.4[/TH]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
[/TD]
[TD][TABLE]
[TR]
[TD][/TD]
[TH="bgcolor: yellow"]70[/TH]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TH="bgcolor: yellow"]22[/TH]
[TH="bgcolor: white"]42.8[/TH]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
[/TD]
[TD][TABLE]
[TR]
[TD][/TD]
[TH="bgcolor: yellow"]70[/TH]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TH="bgcolor: yellow"]22[/TH]
[TH="bgcolor: white"]52.4[/TH]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
[/TD]
[TD][TABLE]
[TR]
[TD][/TD]
[TH="bgcolor: yellow"]70[/TH]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TH="bgcolor: yellow"]22[/TH]
[TH="bgcolor: white"]60.8[/TH]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
[/TD]
[TD][TABLE]
[TR]
[TD][/TD]
[TH="bgcolor: yellow"]70[/TH]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TH="bgcolor: yellow"]22[/TH]
[TH="bgcolor: white"]69.2[/TH]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
This small version of the chart can be printed, cut out, and taped to your bicycle for reference.
[TABLE]
[TR]
[TH]Low[/TH]
[TH]-[/TH]
[TH]-[/TH]
[TH]-[/TH]
[TH]-[/TH]
[TH]-[/TH]
[TH]-[/TH]
[TH]High[/TH]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD][TABLE]
[TR]
[TH]22.6[/TH]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
[/TD]
[TD][TABLE]
[TR]
[TH]27.6[/TH]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
[/TD]
[TD][TABLE]
[TR]
[TH]32.0[/TH]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
[/TD]
[TD][TABLE]
[TR]
[TH]36.4[/TH]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
[/TD]
[TD][TABLE]
[TR]
[TH]42.8[/TH]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
[/TD]
[TD][TABLE]
[TR]
[TH]52.4[/TH]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
[/TD]
[TD][TABLE]
[TR]
[TH]60.8[/TH]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
[/TD]
[TD][TABLE]
[TR]
[TH]69.2

[/TH]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

And another new one is posted at Downtube.
Keep the name Downtube.

Thor,

We are using original Gates drive components.

Thanks,
Yan