AccuNeal

My Spin3 is a joy to ride, much more so than my other folders. The handlebar was a bit too low for my comfort. At 5'8", 190 pounds and 70 yrs old, I like to ride more upright than bent. It took quite a bit of searching on eBay to find a 520mm wide, 80mm rise, black alloy handlebar with sufficient horizontal space for brakes, grips and shifter. I found this one The first photo is a comparison of original equipment and new. The second is post installation which took no more than 10 minutes. Third and fourth show that the new bar does not interfere with the fold, but it is somewhat tedious to get it just right.

scrappy123

Looks like a good fit for an upright position.

Good to hear that you're still happy with the bike. Do you think it rides more stiff/solid compared to a hinged top-tube folder?

AccuNeal

Yes, it is very noticeably stiffer than my 1989 SteelMaster (a.k.a. Scooma) and slightly stiffer than my 1990 Dahon Classic III (both 16"). I haven't ridden my Dahon Boardwalk (20") in weeks so I can't give an accurate comparison.

blinki

Good upgrade

tdonline

Accuneal, does it roll folded? Unlike the FSIRs, where the handlebar folds outside, the Solorock has its handlebar tucked between the wheels.

And what do you have to do to get it to fold with the new handlebar?

smallwheeler

sir, would you mind posting a set of detail pictures of this bike? apparently, there are none online. it would be of particular interest to see exactly how the folding mechanism operates and how the two sections of frame are joined. thanks in advance for being a hero.

AccuNeal

It does not roll completely folded with the new handlebar. When the handlebar is nested the wheels are at an angle to each other rather than parallel. That causes the bike to jump side to side when rolling. However, leaving the handlepost unfolded allows the wheels to be positioned parallel and rolling is smooth.

AccuNeal

I will post a new thread with these photos. They will likely be overlooked under the current heading. thank you for asking.

smallwheeler

good idea! and thank you very much for taking the time to do it!

BikeLite

So tilt the bike to one wheel and roll it?

AccuNeal

Yes, the bike is light enough that there is very little risk of losing control of the bike and having it tip over. However, because it is small, it requires being stooped over to push it along. It will rest on the chainring if the seat post is raised to be used as the 'handle" for steering. For me, it would be more convenient to carry it since it only weighs 21 pounds.

It does maneuver nicely using the unfolded handlebar: squeeze a brake lever, tilt towards one's self and push like a hand-truck. It takes just a few seconds to separate the magnet, swing open the frame partway and fold the handlebar when one needs the smaller size. Also, it's much smaller than a shopping cart, but with a bag on the headpiece braze-ons or on the rear rack it can be used as one.

scrappy123

I'd also love to see those photos when you get a chance.
Looking at pics I can find on the web of FSIR and Solorock "Spin" bikes, I see that FSIR runs cables inside the top tube while Solorock has external cable guides, the FSIR doesn't have a height adjustable handle post.

scrappy123

Here is a folded FSIR rolling along



Here is a 14" FSIR doing a couple of tricks at a bike show in Thailand

AccuNeal

@scrappy123
Yeah! is that not a cool little bike or what? I will put that on my list of "needs"

Yes, the cables are on the outside of the main tube. The adjustable handlepost is a plus for me. Also, I don't think the Fsir has the front headpiece braze on for a luggage truss.

tdonline

Wonder if the truss is the same as Dahon/Tern's?

AccuNeal

I am gonna find out. I plan to order a truss from Thor and see if it fits. From what I can find the spacing is 30mm between screws. Although, on the Spin3 there are three screws one is centered at 15mm. So I fully expect the one from Thor will work. Maybe he'll respond here with the answer.

jazzmanjm8

any news on the truss???

Abu Mahendra

Yes, it is. Another plus for these ponies.