Helix Update?
03-22-21, 05:06 PM
#2552
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A Helix is such a rare bike I would just ask them to answer your question. For what the bike costs they should be happy to do it. Roger
03-23-21, 07:54 AM
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I bought the bike off someone else and the seller didn't give me any phone number. I wished helix would provide a technical manual, in the event it closes, at least owners would be able to have their bikes serviced by themselves. The current user guide is too generic.
03-23-21, 11:30 PM
#2556
Senior Member
Start with instructions from a regular bike with that hub and see if it looks the same as your bike. You should be able to disconnect the shifter cable somewhere near the wheel, then loosen two bolts with a 15mm wrench and pull the wheel out of the dropouts.
03-23-21, 11:53 PM
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Thanks. Helix finally replied me. It requires unscrewing the 2 small nut which holds the safety rod. And the 2 bigger nuts can be unscrewed to remove the rear wheel.
03-24-21, 08:30 PM
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Folders, in general, appear to be relatively popular in Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan. Locally, in Portland Oregon, I've seen fewer folders (usually Dahons, Terns, Bromptons and a few Bike Fridays). I find myself wondering if any Helix (Helices?) have been purchased/ordered by folks in the US?
03-27-21, 05:34 PM
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@ Mkatz: The signs are that Helix will continue in production and that all backers and preorderers will receive their bikes. Even with the resolution of the current safety issue still outstanding, I'm firmly convinced that production will continue and that the bike has a future. Helix can't sell bikes without tyres, so they have to ensure a supply is available. The worst case is that you have to always buy tyres direct from Helix if no one else is making them available. As long as you don't mind mail ordering (Internationally?) and are not too pernickety about having the perfect tyre for your needs then you should get a Helix. Another backer has compiled the list below of tyres which are apparently available at the moment: Note that even at the current low level of production Helix have apparently enough purchasing power to obtain batches from Kenda and Donnelly.
https://bicycle.kendatire.com/en-us/...-eight-pro-cx/
Part No: 212550 24x1.50 38-507 85psi
seems it can be only ordered through Peter
Kenda Happy Medium Pro
https://bicycle.kendatire.com/en-us/...medium-pro-cx/
Part No: 212504 24x1.125 32-507 85psi
https://www.biketiresdirect.com/prod...yclocross-tire
RITEWAY (these are what I am using)
https://www.riteway-jp.com/pa/013407.html
24 X 1.35", 75psi, Japanese brand, Taiwan made
https://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/B07Q1S7BNX/
Donnelly MXP 24 x 32 (1.25)
https://www.donnellycycling.com/coll...31327135826033
https://www.cantitoeroad.com/Donnell...ize_p_970.html
https://www.amazon.com/DONNELLY-Donn.../dp/B075QML4ZH
https://www.store.pronetcycling.com/...tire-p858.aspx (back order)
??Islabikes 24"
https://www.islabikes.co.uk/collecti...24x1-02-26-507
26-507
from https://helix.ca/admin/user/forum/sh...dID=1000013597
and some BMX tyres
Kenda Konversion Pro
https://bicycle.kendatire.com/en-us/...onversion-pro/
Part no: 212258 24x1.5 40-507 100psi
https://shop.kendatire.com/Konversion-p/212484.htm
??VEE BMX MK3
https://veetireco.com/product/bmx-mk3/
Part no: B28912 24×1.50 40-507 100psi
Part no: B28909 24×1.00 25-507 80psi
??VEE BMX Speedster
https://veetireco.com/product/bmx-speedster/
Part no: B31645 24×1.50 40-507 100psi
Part no: B316339 24×1.50 40-507 100psi
some different colors
https://www.eciimports.com/product_i...oducts_id/7904
https://www.eciimports.com/product_i...oducts_id/7901
https://www.eciimports.com/product_i...oducts_id/7900
some ETRTO-507 tyres for Helix
Kenda Small Block Eighthttps://bicycle.kendatire.com/en-us/...-eight-pro-cx/
Part No: 212550 24x1.50 38-507 85psi
seems it can be only ordered through Peter
Kenda Happy Medium Pro
https://bicycle.kendatire.com/en-us/...medium-pro-cx/
Part No: 212504 24x1.125 32-507 85psi
https://www.biketiresdirect.com/prod...yclocross-tire
RITEWAY (these are what I am using)
https://www.riteway-jp.com/pa/013407.html
24 X 1.35", 75psi, Japanese brand, Taiwan made
https://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/B07Q1S7BNX/
Donnelly MXP 24 x 32 (1.25)
https://www.donnellycycling.com/coll...31327135826033
https://www.cantitoeroad.com/Donnell...ize_p_970.html
https://www.amazon.com/DONNELLY-Donn.../dp/B075QML4ZH
https://www.store.pronetcycling.com/...tire-p858.aspx (back order)
??Islabikes 24"
https://www.islabikes.co.uk/collecti...24x1-02-26-507
26-507
from https://helix.ca/admin/user/forum/sh...dID=1000013597
and some BMX tyres
Kenda Konversion Pro
https://bicycle.kendatire.com/en-us/...onversion-pro/
Part no: 212258 24x1.5 40-507 100psi
https://shop.kendatire.com/Konversion-p/212484.htm
??VEE BMX MK3
https://veetireco.com/product/bmx-mk3/
Part no: B28912 24×1.50 40-507 100psi
Part no: B28909 24×1.00 25-507 80psi
??VEE BMX Speedster
https://veetireco.com/product/bmx-speedster/
Part no: B31645 24×1.50 40-507 100psi
Part no: B316339 24×1.50 40-507 100psi
some different colors
https://www.eciimports.com/product_i...oducts_id/7904
https://www.eciimports.com/product_i...oducts_id/7901
https://www.eciimports.com/product_i...oducts_id/7900
04-03-21, 05:05 PM
#2560
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Suspension stem: I wonder if anyone has used one of the suspensions stems with their Helix. If so, care to comment on their experience with it? Does it affect the fold?
04-11-21, 07:15 PM
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Seems like a lot of hassle for both Helix and customers, but I think they are handling this problem fairly well and transparently for such a small operation, and I'm glad it wasn't a larger issue affecting more of the bike that could have been much more devastating to the company.
In case it wasn't mentioned, Helix also said they are going to redo ISO testing with another three bikes because this issue with the steerer weld was not detected the first time when they only had a single bike tested before going into full production of customer's orders.
Likes For MrFlamey:
04-12-21, 11:12 AM
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And does anyone knows how to remove the front wheel? I want to change the disc rotor.
04-12-21, 10:50 PM
#2564
Member
front wheel
Helix sent me a DHL mailing label so that I can use it to send the steerer back to them. But I have no idea how to dismantle the steerer. I've emailed Helix and is waiting for their further instructions.
And does anyone knows how to remove the front wheel? I want to change the disc rotor.
And does anyone knows how to remove the front wheel? I want to change the disc rotor.
04-13-21, 02:47 AM
#2566
Member
04-15-21, 03:56 AM
#2569
Junior Member
Hi Mkatz, AFAIK Helix have not published the tightening torque for the front axle, and I have no expectation that they will because when screwing the axle in there is a face to face contact which gives a positive stopping point during tightening. Also, if the axle were to vibrate loose, the disc would move off centre in the brake caliper and the problem should very quickly become apparent due to the additional resistance (and probably noise) created. In an attempt to help another backer, I posted a link on the backers forum to a short video showing my procedure for front wheel removal for access to the disc. After doing so, I realised I might have missed an important safety issue and consequently asked Helix to check out my video. They didn't find any problem with it, so effectively my method has been approved by Helix. I can't post the link from this machine, but I'll do it when I get back home in a couple of days. There are some pitfalls to avoid regarding refitting of the wheel to wheel locking mechanism which I explain in the clip.
04-15-21, 04:16 AM
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If I understand well, before removing the front wheel with the hex key, you need to dismount the front brake caliper from the fork ?
Fortunately, the front wheel must not be dismounted to change the tire or fix a puncture.
Fortunately, the front wheel must not be dismounted to change the tire or fix a puncture.
04-15-21, 04:56 AM
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Yes, the front brake caliper needs to be removed before unscrewing the front axle.
I have the Rohloff oil change kit on the way to change the oil from the Alfine hub. The bike shops around my area doesn't service Alfine hub, and Shimano doesn't allow online purchase of their stuff, so I have to use Rohloff oil instead, which I read works well with the Alfine hub.
I have swapped the cranks for sram xo1 dub, sram centerline x rotors and tubolito tubes. And the tires to Kojak soon. I call it the "superlight" version, lighter than the standard version but more robust parts than the ultralight version.
I have the Rohloff oil change kit on the way to change the oil from the Alfine hub. The bike shops around my area doesn't service Alfine hub, and Shimano doesn't allow online purchase of their stuff, so I have to use Rohloff oil instead, which I read works well with the Alfine hub.
I have swapped the cranks for sram xo1 dub, sram centerline x rotors and tubolito tubes. And the tires to Kojak soon. I call it the "superlight" version, lighter than the standard version but more robust parts than the ultralight version.
04-15-21, 12:33 PM
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Hi Mkatz, AFAIK Helix have not published the tightening torque for the front axle, and I have no expectation that they will because when screwing the axle in there is a face to face contact which gives a positive stopping point during tightening. Also, if the axle were to vibrate loose, the disc would move off centre in the brake caliper and the problem should very quickly become apparent due to the additional resistance (and probably noise) created. In an attempt to help another backer, I posted a link on the backers forum to a short video showing my procedure for front wheel removal for access to the disc. After doing so, I realised I might have missed an important safety issue and consequently asked Helix to check out my video. They didn't find any problem with it, so effectively my method has been approved by Helix. I can't post the link from this machine, but I'll do it when I get back home in a couple of days. There are some pitfalls to avoid regarding refitting of the wheel to wheel locking mechanism which I explain in the clip.
Thanks for posting the wheel removal video (whenever you can do so). As a purchaser (waiting fo delivery) but non-backer (regret now not having done so) I do not hav access to the Helix backer portal. It would be nice if Helix eventually opened that portal to all owners.
04-17-21, 01:19 AM
#2573
Junior Member
Video for front wheel removal
Link to video: https://www.dropbox.com/s/q01o9hl9kl...%2025.mov?dl=0
You'll see that the spring behind the black knob flies out during this clip. You can prevent that by either keeping inwards pressure on the knob as you slowly pull it back or by holding it firmly in and pulling the locking shaft out from the other side of the wheel.
You'll see that the spring behind the black knob flies out during this clip. You can prevent that by either keeping inwards pressure on the knob as you slowly pull it back or by holding it firmly in and pulling the locking shaft out from the other side of the wheel.
04-18-21, 01:13 AM
#2574
Junior Member
front wheel removal
I've just realised I didn't mention the reason for marking the end of the locking shaft before removal in the video. Doing this guarantees that the orientation of the locking shaft will be correct on reassembly. There are 6 possible positions, only 2 of which are correct. If you get the position wrong, it's really tricky to figure out which way to reposition the knob on the end of the shaft. I think it took me about 3 or 4 attempts to get it right the first time I did this. You'll soon find out if you've got it wrong because you won't be able to link the two hubs together when folding the bike!
04-20-21, 07:07 AM
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Helix is selling their tube cutter
So I can’t post the eBay link, but Helix has posted their “3000 watt Prima LaserDyne 430 BD 5 + 1 Tube Laser and Welder, 2017” via a reseller “revelationmachinery”. $345k US.
I don’t have access to the secret customer portal so this is the first I’ve heard. What does this mean for customers and/or Helix? Are they outsourcing? Are they going under?
I don’t have access to the secret customer portal so this is the first I’ve heard. What does this mean for customers and/or Helix? Are they outsourcing? Are they going under?
