Gibsonsean

Those photos were updated a good long while ago. The 'production bike' in the most recent videos has some very clear differences including amongst other tweaks:
- Black front fork locking knob
- A small black bumper on the front fork to protect the frame
- No bulge in the seatpost
- Distinctive seatpost / saddle interface for sliding seat
- Black rubber rings on the apex of the rear triangle
- More cable guides, with a slightly diferent look
- Neater cable routing on the rear triangle
Still looks really good.

Gibsonsean

is based on the backer updates which, whilst cagey, and unreliable on timing, are otherwise confidence inspiring.

Gibsonsean

Short note posted last night saying the next update will be this coming week.

The previous update set the expectation that this would include final checkout instructions and a delivery schedule. We'll see.

There is still a chance I'll have my bike in time for a Christmas trip to Spain but I'm more confident I'll have it before Spring.

Gibsonsean

As ever, I hope that your cynisism is misplaced. I think the signs are good. Let's see what the next update brings.

Gibsonsean

The Hummingbird is less than 7kg if that floats your boat. They even have an e-version at around 10kg.

Gibsonsean

The only 10kg option on Brompton website is currently out of stock

MrFlamey

Yes, but I think most people that ordered a Helix don't want a Brompton for various reasons, so going on about currently available bikes, none of which have the same combination of decently large wheels, titanium frame, uncompromising folded dimensions, light weight, disc brakes and reasonable price, is kind of pointless. This thread is over 50 pages long now, so reading these comments gets really boring after a while, and yes, so does waiting for Helix to actually ship, but I am at least interested in that.

If someone else makes a bike with most or all of the features of Helix, then posting about that here might be of interest to Helix buyers and detractors alike

Gibsonsean

well said!

Joe Remi

We're just coming out of 2-and-a-half weeks of the air being too smokey to go outside here in California USA. You'd be amazed how exciting this boring thread is right now.

tds101 

Be safe sir,...my heart goes out to Cali!!!

MrFlamey

Was going to say the same. Hope those fires stop burning soon.

kidshibuya

That weight is meant to be good?... Confused.

pinholecam

The Tyrell IVE, Birdy and Brompton comes to mind.
On the other end, there is Change Bike with their 700c and MTB versions.

Gibsonsean

Not seen the Tyrell or the Change before. Both are interesting. Tyrell is kinda halfway between a Brompton and a Helix in terms of folding approach and tyre size (18") but without the refinement of either and by all accounts doesn't ride as well as a Brommie. Change is much like the Montague in terms of fold and requires removal of the front wheel.

None hit the sweet spot, for me, that Helix will - really elegant and practical fold/unfold, nearly as compact as the Brommie folded (same width and height, just 3" longer), normalish geometry, 24" wheels good for mild rough stuff, as light as the lightest Brommie, rolls on its wheels when folded,10 speed (in my case) but easily changed to single or 11 speed Alfine, aesthetically and mechanically pleasing, and a bargain for what it is imo. Remains to be seen what ride and reliability are like. And tyre options.... hmmm.

Yes, i know, it is not available yet - it will be, soon enough.

Gibsonsean

Oops, basically just paraphrased Mr Flamey's post. Sorry.

MrFlamey

Yeah, I think we had a discussion about that a few pages back and it's probably my biggest worry, aside from the obvious possibility of it not being a good bike or having to wait another year for it. Hopefully the existing slim 24" tyres won't all be discontinued, but most tyres in that size are too fat

tcs

Not to worry --> Kickstarter campaign to fund tire mold.

pinholecam

The Tyrell IVE rides great.
I have had it for 3 years now riding it for x3 200km Audax, 3 major cycling tours, multiple other rides.
Rides better than a B for sure as I have used my brother's one before.
Standard bike drive train and good deraileur shifting.

If I am to do it all over again, I'd get the Change Bike. (Thats from someone who has had a Moulton, a BF pocket rocket super pro, and a couple of other bikes).
Folds compact (well thought out fold too)
All the advantages of 700c
The only times I will fold the bike is for travel.
Someone who wants to do last mile type cycling will of course have different needs.

Gibsonsean

In what ways did you feel the Tyrell rides better than Brompton?

Re. Change, gave you tried one? How did it compare to your Moulton?

TheAngler2

Is there someone on here who wanted to sell, there initial buy in? Is it transferable?

Thanks,
Benjamin

zz_frankz

any coming week news?

Gibsonsean

next update has been deferred a couple more days.

ladi

You mean another bike that is delayed for years would be very welcome in this thread? To me the biggest difference between a Brompton and a Helix is not their wheel size or frame material. The biggest difference is that the Brompton actually exists. Beyond that, all comparison is hypothetical. It's like comparing your spouse to some movie character. The movie character might seem way better looking, they own a big house, can do kung fu, etc. ... . But one is real and one is not.

Gibsonsean

Rather binary. More like buying a house off plan. Your house isn't built yet but you have seen the show home, the blueprints, the site and the building works. You can compare what the house will be like to another house that has already been built.

Gibsonsean

An interim update posted deferring the full update. As ever, progress being made, convincingly evidenced, but things are taking longer than anticipated. A bit of an indication given on delivery schedule but taken with a pinch of salt - I think it'll be January before I see my bike and we won't really know production rates until bikes are actually shipping.