Helix Update?
#926
Widely Despised
I have no clue. I wonder how many were like me, not wanting to be a Kickstarter backer, but willing to place an order directly with Helix when things looked more mature & successful. The price increase was minimal ($300). We could've easily added as much money as was raised on Kickstarter, & with no commission taken from it.
#927
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I have no clue. I wonder how many were like me, not wanting to be a Kickstarter backer, but willing to place an order directly with Helix when things looked more mature & successful. The price increase was minimal ($300). We could've easily added as much money as was raised on Kickstarter, & with no commission taken from it.
Regardless, at this stage the Helix team must have a very good idea on cost to manufacture and they are still pressing on, which would be odd if they felt they didn't have a business case. Even at pre-order time, manufacturing costs would have been much clearer and pricing only stepped up $300.
Retail pricing has not been set and need bear no relation to the KS or pre-order pricing. It was always going to be more. How much more will, no doubt, reflect actual cost to manufacture, anticipated demand, Brompton and other competitor pricing and a premium for uniqueness and titaniumness.
Last edited by Gibsonsean; 02-14-18 at 12:48 AM.
#928
Widely Despised
Something I haven't figured out.
Look at the Helix in folded condition.
You'll see a straight line between the front fork pivot, the wheels axle centerline, & the swingarm pivot. This means that there's a lot of vertical compliance in the 2 connected wheels. If allowed to move upward from this position, the high leverage would impose potentially damaging loads on the pivots. That wouldn't be acceptable, so it must be a solved problem.
What keeps the wheels in place?
Does the swingarm touch the bottom bracket in this position?
Look at the Helix in folded condition.
You'll see a straight line between the front fork pivot, the wheels axle centerline, & the swingarm pivot. This means that there's a lot of vertical compliance in the 2 connected wheels. If allowed to move upward from this position, the high leverage would impose potentially damaging loads on the pivots. That wouldn't be acceptable, so it must be a solved problem.
What keeps the wheels in place?
Does the swingarm touch the bottom bracket in this position?
Last edited by Revoltingest; 02-14-18 at 03:36 PM.
#929
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We do know that is a proprietary locking mechanism to lock the wheels together. This could potentially fix the angle between front monofork and rear swing arm. There may also/alternatively be robust limiters in the rear helical hinge. The front hinge looks like the weak spot in this scenario.
Then again, how much actual weight is going to be acting on the whole folded set up.
#930
Widely Despised
Took me a while to get your gist. It's an interesting question.
We do know that is a proprietary locking mechanism to lock the wheels together. This could potentially fix the angle between front monofork and rear swing arm. There may also/alternatively be robust limiters in the rear helical hinge. The front hinge looks like the weak spot in this scenario.
Then again, how much actual weight is going to be acting on the whole folded set up.
We do know that is a proprietary locking mechanism to lock the wheels together. This could potentially fix the angle between front monofork and rear swing arm. There may also/alternatively be robust limiters in the rear helical hinge. The front hinge looks like the weak spot in this scenario.
Then again, how much actual weight is going to be acting on the whole folded set up.
Thinking more about it, a stop attached to the brake side dropout could work well. It could be short, light & unobtrusive.
Last edited by Revoltingest; 02-15-18 at 07:43 PM.
#931
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To handle the forces, a rotational locking device at the axles would be noticeably large & inefficient, & it would likely not be a passive device. The hinges are too small do handle rotational locking. Even the swing arm impinging against the bottom bracket would yield higher forces than I'd be comfortable with. I'd consider a stop on the frame extending down to touch the swingarm or axle/hub, thereby limiting motion passively & with low forces. I suspect they've figured out something more elegant.
#933
Senior Member
Something I haven't figured out.
Look at the Helix in folded condition.
You'll see a straight line between the front fork pivot, the wheels axle centerline, & the swingarm pivot. This means that there's a lot of vertical compliance in the 2 connected wheels. If allowed to move upward from this position, the high leverage would impose potentially damaging loads on the pivots. That wouldn't be acceptable, so it must be a solved problem.
What keeps the wheels in place?
Does the swingarm touch the bottom bracket in this position?
Look at the Helix in folded condition.
You'll see a straight line between the front fork pivot, the wheels axle centerline, & the swingarm pivot. This means that there's a lot of vertical compliance in the 2 connected wheels. If allowed to move upward from this position, the high leverage would impose potentially damaging loads on the pivots. That wouldn't be acceptable, so it must be a solved problem.
What keeps the wheels in place?
Does the swingarm touch the bottom bracket in this position?
#934
Widely Despised
Ref....
COMPACTABLE BICYCLE
#935
Widely Despised
Latest Helix update has arrived!
Not divulging more than is appropriate.....
Testing is nearly done.
Production setup continues.
Not divulging more than is appropriate.....
Testing is nearly done.
Production setup continues.
#936
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Strange commercial strategy to hide what is going on to potential customers while Helix is supposed to need more sales to survive ?
#937
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As to the 'real status', as far as anyone knows, it is as Revoltingest kindly posted.
"Testing is nearly done.
Production setup continues.".
More fun of course to see conspiracy and suppression of the truth
#939
Widely Despised
I really look forward to getting my Helix. But this talk of black-outs & secrecy enforcement is now adding an element of illicit pleasure. It'll be one sinful bicycle!
Last edited by Revoltingest; 02-20-18 at 08:08 AM.
#940
Senior Member
It'll be even more fun if the bike is released as a covert black op. "That's an interesting bicycle you have there, sir." 'What bicycle?'
#943
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I gave up the dream
I bought a Brompton. I couldn't wait any longer. 2+ years was long enough for me. I really do hope they are successful at some point.
#944
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Congratulations. What did you order or pick up for a Brompton configuration? My order will process on March 1st - it's the one of the window openings this year to order a custom Brompton.
#945
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They’re behind schedule, but I’d still bet we see a production Helix before George RR Martin’s next Game of Thrones book.
#946
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Thank you! I got an Orange Black Edition with the S-style handlebar, 6 speed with 12% gearing reduction, and rear rack. Looks to be the perfect travel companion!
#947
Senior Member
I come here for the Helix drama. Please take the Brompton talk elsewhere.
#948
Widely Despised
I heard a Helix is dating a Brompton.
Would the offspring be a 20" folder?
Would they raise it to be titanium or steel?
Would the offspring be a 20" folder?
Would they raise it to be titanium or steel?
Last edited by Revoltingest; 03-01-18 at 09:20 PM.
#949
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#950
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However, if the Helix ever shows up to date a Brompton, I think you're on the right track. They'd have a 20" folder and I'm pretty sure that the Helix would insist on raising it titanium. Unfortunately though, due to the Helix's family history, their offspring will most likely end up with perpetual psychological issues and brain disorders.