Joe, sorry we got you confused. It happens to me all the time...someone joins a conversation and freak out that he actually has split personality. No one could blame you, really.
To clarify my hypothetical design:
- novotny frame (skewed and weird and beautiful)
- helix rear triangle
- helix front lefty fork
- replace helical hinges by standard hinges
Envisioned benefits:
- vs. Novotny: no pokey bits, 24" wheels, the ensemble doesn't look as weird and unwieldy once folded.
- vs. Helix: no helical hinges. simplified manufacturing and maintenance.
Is it needed: probably not, helical hinges aren't exactly design failures.
@ MrFlamey: thank you for believing on our individuality, glad if our comments do not make things worse for you.
@ Joe: agree fully with Brompton taking some getting used to. My switching from 26" to Tern 24" was already weird, but it's now my new normal. Come to think of it, even racing bikes with a different rake will throw you off your game temporarily. Too bad Brompton, being such a radical change, is perceived as impractical by one-time testers.
@
KentS: I still don't exclude the BMW and Girlfriend theory completely. Sorry MrFlamey.