Looking for feedback on Origami Lotus
#26
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Steel is real....good call IMO. A different animal than aluminum and I personally prefer the ride over aluminum.
I like the matte finish as pictured, although thats not really a design element...
FWIW I'd be more than happy without disc brakes....take that cost and extra weight and use/lose it elsewhere (I have 4 bicycles and the one with discs (mechanical) is the most finicky in terms of brakes...squealing, rubbing, etc. and I wrench on all my bikes, motorcycles for many years, etc. and for most bicycles I think they're overkill. Just saying.... )
Not to mention discs tend to be more vulnerable especially when folded and transported.
Looks like could be a contender for belt/igh config. per the frame style?
Looks like a promising product....is there a price-point you're targeting or is that still proprietary info?
I like the matte finish as pictured, although thats not really a design element...
FWIW I'd be more than happy without disc brakes....take that cost and extra weight and use/lose it elsewhere (I have 4 bicycles and the one with discs (mechanical) is the most finicky in terms of brakes...squealing, rubbing, etc. and I wrench on all my bikes, motorcycles for many years, etc. and for most bicycles I think they're overkill. Just saying.... )
Not to mention discs tend to be more vulnerable especially when folded and transported.
Looks like could be a contender for belt/igh config. per the frame style?
Looks like a promising product....is there a price-point you're targeting or is that still proprietary info?
We will be offering it at $499 as shown, but the IGH and belt drive would probably add $200
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Paul Pinigis
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#27
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An IGH with a standard chain drive would be more than acceptable,...
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#28
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Personal opinion only: A folding bike with a greasy chain and derailleur, that will get that grease on anyting it touches, is a fail IMO. Belt drive and internal gear hub on something intended to be compact, light, and clean.
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an IGH is not light.
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#30
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#31
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Good point. We will have to either change the dropouts or add a tensioner.
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#33
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It certainly looks interesting. Could you share a few more details about the frame design?
Max pedal to top of seat distance? (max est. rider height). Wheelbase? Effective top tube length? Chainstay length? Bottom bracket height? Folded size?
Could be a replacement or companion for my 15-year old Downtube Mini.
Max pedal to top of seat distance? (max est. rider height). Wheelbase? Effective top tube length? Chainstay length? Bottom bracket height? Folded size?
Could be a replacement or companion for my 15-year old Downtube Mini.
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It certainly looks interesting. Could you share a few more details about the frame design?
Max pedal to top of seat distance? (max est. rider height). Wheelbase? Effective top tube length? Chainstay length? Bottom bracket height? Folded size?
Could be a replacement or companion for my 15-year old Downtube Mini.
Max pedal to top of seat distance? (max est. rider height). Wheelbase? Effective top tube length? Chainstay length? Bottom bracket height? Folded size?
Could be a replacement or companion for my 15-year old Downtube Mini.
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#39
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This bicycle looks beautiful. Two thumbs up for the 4130 (my preferred frame/fork metal over aluminum, always). Two more thumbs up for rolling-while-folded!
• Since it comes with disc brakes, please give it thru-axles. Lack of options for thru-axle is what's keeping me from upgrading my current bicycle to disc fork (there's another product idea for your company: Thru-axle, chromoly, disc forks for 20" horizontal-fold bicycles - Please contact me if you already offer this).
• I'd like to see an option for a lower, adjustable handlepost, that folds to the outside. Drop-bar fans like me prefer the bars level-to or lower-than the saddle, and I'm not real tall (5'7"ish). I'm still sorting this out on my Dahon Speed but, I think the handlepost that I need for it is 10" tall. Fnhon offers handleposts in several lengths.
• I prefer mechanical disc brakes over hydraulics. TRP Spyre/Spyke. I love the Spyres on my Konacado.
• Not sure if possible on this frame but, would be nice to have a bracket for a front derailleur.
• The IGHs that I prefer accept cassettes. Especially important if there's no room for a front derailleur.
• Don't forget anchor holes for rack and fenders.
• Since it comes with disc brakes, please give it thru-axles. Lack of options for thru-axle is what's keeping me from upgrading my current bicycle to disc fork (there's another product idea for your company: Thru-axle, chromoly, disc forks for 20" horizontal-fold bicycles - Please contact me if you already offer this).
• I'd like to see an option for a lower, adjustable handlepost, that folds to the outside. Drop-bar fans like me prefer the bars level-to or lower-than the saddle, and I'm not real tall (5'7"ish). I'm still sorting this out on my Dahon Speed but, I think the handlepost that I need for it is 10" tall. Fnhon offers handleposts in several lengths.
• I prefer mechanical disc brakes over hydraulics. TRP Spyre/Spyke. I love the Spyres on my Konacado.
• Not sure if possible on this frame but, would be nice to have a bracket for a front derailleur.
• The IGHs that I prefer accept cassettes. Especially important if there's no room for a front derailleur.
• Don't forget anchor holes for rack and fenders.
#40
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Even if you spec this model with disc brakes, would it be possible to add v-brake bosses to the frame since some customers would prefer rim brakes? I've never had disc brakes, and would be willing to try them, but would like the option of returning to rim brakes if the disc brakes don't work out. Btw - I love that its chromoly!
#41
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Even if you spec this model with disc brakes, would it be possible to add v-brake bosses to the frame since some customers would prefer rim brakes? I've never had disc brakes, and would be willing to try them, but would like the option of returning to rim brakes if the disc brakes don't work out. Btw - I love that its chromoly!
The disc brakes that we are using on the Lotus use mineral oil, so they are safer if there is spill. Additionally, they are very compact and lighter that cable-actuated calipers.
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#42
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Regarding brakes: While I'd be happy with v-brakes, I can easily understand the desire for disc brakes and the reasons for them (stopping ability wet weather performance, etc.). What I don't understand is the need for hydraulic disc brakes. These are bicycles, fer chrissakes, not motorcycles and I regard hydraulic systems as overkill. Plus, they're a major step away from the inherent simplicity that is a bicycle (don't get me started on electronic shifting). Is the price difference that small between a cable actuated and a hydraulic actuated system anymore?
Weight is not a huge thing to me, then again you've got a guy who's still happily riding a 1972 Raleigh Twenty and finding it suitable for a lot of his uses. Yes, I've got newer stuff, but still enjoying the vintage. I'm another guy who wouldn't mind the cost and weight penalty for an IGH drivetrain, whether belt or chain is indifferent to me. Virtually everything I own as a commuter bike (mostly full size, with some folders) are IGH because I prefer them in stop and go traffic.
Weight is not a huge thing to me, then again you've got a guy who's still happily riding a 1972 Raleigh Twenty and finding it suitable for a lot of his uses. Yes, I've got newer stuff, but still enjoying the vintage. I'm another guy who wouldn't mind the cost and weight penalty for an IGH drivetrain, whether belt or chain is indifferent to me. Virtually everything I own as a commuter bike (mostly full size, with some folders) are IGH because I prefer them in stop and go traffic.
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#43
Schwinnasaur
I would appreciate some feedback on the style and features.
This is going to be a 9-speed model with a Cro-Moly frame, hydraulic disc brakes (mineral oil, two piston), adjustable handlebar height, 349 16" wheels, 58t chain ring (53t shown in the photo, but 58t for production), etc. We are at about 21 pounds now, but could cut weight with a few tradeoffs or costlier parts.
Origami Lotus
This is going to be a 9-speed model with a Cro-Moly frame, hydraulic disc brakes (mineral oil, two piston), adjustable handlebar height, 349 16" wheels, 58t chain ring (53t shown in the photo, but 58t for production), etc. We are at about 21 pounds now, but could cut weight with a few tradeoffs or costlier parts.
Origami Lotus
#44
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Regarding brakes: While I'd be happy with v-brakes, I can easily understand the desire for disc brakes and the reasons for them (stopping ability wet weather performance, etc.). What I don't understand is the need for hydraulic disc brakes. These are bicycles, fer chrissakes, not motorcycles and I regard hydraulic systems as overkill. Plus, they're a major step away from the inherent simplicity that is a bicycle (don't get me started on electronic shifting). Is the price difference that small between a cable actuated and a hydraulic actuated system anymore?
Weight is not a huge thing to me, then again you've got a guy who's still happily riding a 1972 Raleigh Twenty and finding it suitable for a lot of his uses. Yes, I've got newer stuff, but still enjoying the vintage. I'm another guy who wouldn't mind the cost and weight penalty for an IGH drivetrain, whether belt or chain is indifferent to me. Virtually everything I own as a commuter bike (mostly full size, with some folders) are IGH because I prefer them in stop and go traffic.
Weight is not a huge thing to me, then again you've got a guy who's still happily riding a 1972 Raleigh Twenty and finding it suitable for a lot of his uses. Yes, I've got newer stuff, but still enjoying the vintage. I'm another guy who wouldn't mind the cost and weight penalty for an IGH drivetrain, whether belt or chain is indifferent to me. Virtually everything I own as a commuter bike (mostly full size, with some folders) are IGH because I prefer them in stop and go traffic.
Thanks for the feedback. It looks like we need to really work on the IGH option.
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#45
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We went with the 349 tire to keep the bike compact. But, it wouldn't take much redesign to offer a 406 option. I want to have the current design out by February, but will seriously consider a 406 version as well. I hadn't really given it any thought before you brought it up, but I do like the idea.
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#46
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This bicycle looks beautiful. Two thumbs up for the 4130 (my preferred frame/fork metal over aluminum, always). Two more thumbs up for rolling-while-folded!
• Since it comes with disc brakes, please give it thru-axles. Lack of options for thru-axle is what's keeping me from upgrading my current bicycle to disc fork (there's another product idea for your company: Thru-axle, chromoly, disc forks for 20" horizontal-fold bicycles - Please contact me if you already offer this).
• I'd like to see an option for a lower, adjustable handlepost, that folds to the outside. Drop-bar fans like me prefer the bars level-to or lower-than the saddle, and I'm not real tall (5'7"ish). I'm still sorting this out on my Dahon Speed but, I think the handlepost that I need for it is 10" tall. Fnhon offers handleposts in several lengths.
• I prefer mechanical disc brakes over hydraulics. TRP Spyre/Spyke. I love the Spyres on my Konacado.
• Not sure if possible on this frame but, would be nice to have a bracket for a front derailleur.
• The IGHs that I prefer accept cassettes. Especially important if there's no room for a front derailleur.
• Don't forget anchor holes for rack and fenders.
• Since it comes with disc brakes, please give it thru-axles. Lack of options for thru-axle is what's keeping me from upgrading my current bicycle to disc fork (there's another product idea for your company: Thru-axle, chromoly, disc forks for 20" horizontal-fold bicycles - Please contact me if you already offer this).
• I'd like to see an option for a lower, adjustable handlepost, that folds to the outside. Drop-bar fans like me prefer the bars level-to or lower-than the saddle, and I'm not real tall (5'7"ish). I'm still sorting this out on my Dahon Speed but, I think the handlepost that I need for it is 10" tall. Fnhon offers handleposts in several lengths.
• I prefer mechanical disc brakes over hydraulics. TRP Spyre/Spyke. I love the Spyres on my Konacado.
• Not sure if possible on this frame but, would be nice to have a bracket for a front derailleur.
• The IGHs that I prefer accept cassettes. Especially important if there's no room for a front derailleur.
• Don't forget anchor holes for rack and fenders.
We can easily offer different handleposts, no problem.
I really like the feedback and moduation of hydraulic disc brakes, I just can't see an advantage for cable-actuated (besides cost).
No room for a front derailleur. Just not enough seat post tube for this.
Yes, we are still working on fenders and a rack option. I am leaning toward bamboo fenders (natural or stained).
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#47
Schwinnasaur
We went with the 349 tire to keep the bike compact. But, it wouldn't take much redesign to offer a 406 option. I want to have the current design out by February, but will seriously consider a 406 version as well. I hadn't really given it any thought before you brought it up, but I do like the idea.
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#48
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Since thease are 16" (349) rims, the widest that are available (as far as I know) are 1 3/8"
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#50
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Ohhhhhh! Since we used disc brakes, we can install either 305 or 349 wheels. I will have to play around and see what the widest tire option will be.
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