Helix Update?
11-03-19, 11:54 PM
#2251
Senior Member
Eh, it's not like it's fun. I remember saying several times I hope I'm wrong, and I was wrong about the bikes ever being built. At least the early adopters got them at the low prices.
11-04-19, 02:14 AM
#2252
Senior Member
1. Will the company be around if stuff breaks?
2. Does the bike fit me?
3. What accessories are available? Grocery/commuting bags?
After having the brompton for a while, I love the freedom of a folding bike. It's a bike that truly disappears when you don't need it, but does everything a utility bike would need.
However, brompton's don't ride that great. On Oakland potholes and cracks, you could seriously get hurt... not to mention some badly maintained streets in SF. As I get older, I want less stuff... just higher quality.
I think that's everybody's concerns for both current and potential Helix users.
2. Does the bike fit me?
Most likely. I'm 5'11". There is some latitude. Certainly, it's not any worse than trying to fit my Brompton.
3. What accessories are available? Grocery/commuting bags?
Not really anything to date. For my Helix, I have a handlebar bag that works great for smaller items like tools, etc.; a clip on water bottle holder that works great; and a clip on seat post rear rack. Can't sling a pannier on it; then again, that isn't the best option for a Brompton either.
The one thing the Brompton has going for it is its front mounting block, and I can stuff most (not all) of what I need into my Brompton front bag. Mind you, if it's that fully loaded, the Brompton doesn't ride the best either. So, it's a bit of toss up - the Brompton has an edge over the Helix for practical scenarios, but it's not as great of a difference as you might think.
After having the brompton for a while, I love the freedom of a folding bike. It's a bike that truly disappears when you don't need it, but does everything a utility bike would need. However, brompton's don't ride that great. On Oakland potholes and cracks, you could seriously get hurt... not to mention some badly maintained streets in SF.
There have been a number of criticisms about the Helix, its Ti frame, lack of suspension, etc. It rides fine. Sure, a little more suspension would be nice, but I'm not planning on going on single track trails regularly on this (although it would likely hold up far better than a Brompton and most folders). And as with almost every folder, it's a trade off. The best suspension folders probably aren't the lightest or fold up the smallest. The smallest folders don't have the handling for rough rides. It's about getting the best compromise. The Helix doesn't ride as compliant as, say, my full size Rivendell steel frame, but it handles noticeably better than my Brompton on rough roads so the chance of a spill is I would say far less.
As I get older, I want less stuff... just higher quality
Very true.
11-04-19, 02:27 AM
#2253
Senior Member
These are indeed the biggest concern about Helix. Helix uses several proprietary parts, if the company disappear there are no replacements for those parts. But this is normal with a KS project product and its not a problem on the short term.
But the two points are really problematic for the current Helix user/buyer.
Helix is a single size bike, only the seat post and saddle position are adjustable, there is only on size of frame, one type of stem and one type of handlebar.
From the bike size information seen on the KS page (are these valid for the production Helix ?), it seems to me that Helix is made for people up to 1m75 maybe 1m80. Taller people will have problem. Changing the handlebar will probably help but will cause problems when folding the bike
Actually, I think that Helix has the same problem as the Tyrell bikes because the size of Helix is similar to the size of most Tyrell models.
The second point is indeed the accessories for Helix: at this point there are no specific accessories at all. Specific accessories (especially bags) is what makes the Brompton so user friendly.
Last point the poor performances if the Brompton on bad roads, even worse on cobbles, potholes... This is indeed the biggest weak point of the Brompton.
Having also two Moulton and a Birdy which is are full suspension bikes that ave no problem on very bad roads and a non suspended 28x622 wheels titanium frame bike that doesn't like bad roads, I can tell that the wheel size is not the problem,
The problem is the lack of front suspension and good rear suspension and the lack of wide low pressure tires.
Helix has no suspension at all, has a single arm very rigid fork and uses relatively narrow and high pressure tires.
So I think that even with bigger wheels than the Brompton the Helix performances and comfort on bad roads won't be great.
But the two points are really problematic for the current Helix user/buyer.
Helix is a single size bike, only the seat post and saddle position are adjustable, there is only on size of frame, one type of stem and one type of handlebar.
From the bike size information seen on the KS page (are these valid for the production Helix ?), it seems to me that Helix is made for people up to 1m75 maybe 1m80. Taller people will have problem. Changing the handlebar will probably help but will cause problems when folding the bike
Actually, I think that Helix has the same problem as the Tyrell bikes because the size of Helix is similar to the size of most Tyrell models.
The second point is indeed the accessories for Helix: at this point there are no specific accessories at all. Specific accessories (especially bags) is what makes the Brompton so user friendly.
Last point the poor performances if the Brompton on bad roads, even worse on cobbles, potholes... This is indeed the biggest weak point of the Brompton.
Having also two Moulton and a Birdy which is are full suspension bikes that ave no problem on very bad roads and a non suspended 28x622 wheels titanium frame bike that doesn't like bad roads, I can tell that the wheel size is not the problem,
The problem is the lack of front suspension and good rear suspension and the lack of wide low pressure tires.
Helix has no suspension at all, has a single arm very rigid fork and uses relatively narrow and high pressure tires.
So I think that even with bigger wheels than the Brompton the Helix performances and comfort on bad roads won't be great.
From the bike size information seen on the KS page (are these valid for the production Helix ?), it seems to me that Helix is made for people up to 1m75 maybe 1m80. Taller people will have problem. Changing the handlebar will probably help but will cause problems when folding the bike
Actually, I think that Helix has the same problem as the Tyrell bikes because the size of Helix is similar to the size of most Tyrell models.
I'm almost 6'. The fit is reasonable, and the seat post is not at full extension either. There is still some latitude in the seat, and yes, you could swap out the handles. Looking at the fold, a different handlebar is unlikely to be an issue because it sits outside of the fold itself. Of course, if you get an outrageously large bar, it would pose an issue, but that would hold for any folding bike.
The second point is indeed the accessories for Helix: at this point there are no specific accessories at all. Specific accessories (especially bags) is what makes the Brompton so user friendly.
True. My current setup is reasonably satisfactory, but some Helix specific accessories would be great.
Last point the poor performances if the Brompton on bad roads, even worse on cobbles, potholes... This is indeed the biggest weak point of the Brompton.
Having also two Moulton and a Birdy which is are full suspension bikes that ave no problem on very bad roads and a non suspended 28x622 wheels titanium frame bike that doesn't like bad roads, I can tell that the wheel size is not the problem,
The problem is the lack of front suspension and good rear suspension and the lack of wide low pressure tires.
Helix has no suspension at all, has a single arm very rigid fork and uses relatively narrow and high pressure tires.
So I think that even with bigger wheels than the Brompton the Helix performances and comfort on bad roads won't be great.
As I said before, some suspension would be nice, but it rides fine. It's rides a bit stiffer than my full size bikes, but hey, I can fold it up and toss in the back without worrying about a rack, etc. It's all about compromise. The larger wheels contribute significantly to better handling on poor condition roads, plus the larger wheels carry you through surface conditions that would challenge smaller wheels (e.g., loose gravel, grass). Personally, if I have to sacrifice something, I'll sacrifice a bit of suspension for a whole lot more handling. And if the road surface is decent, the bike rides smooth.
11-04-19, 04:14 AM
#2254
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To be more accurate, the problem I see for the size of the Helix frame are (if those value are still valid for the production bikes):
- B) Effective top tube length: 590 mm / 23.2 in
- L) Frame reach: 435 mm / 17.1 in
Since he frame size is fixed, the only solution for that is to use another stem (like the sport stem of the Birdy) or another type of handlebar like a a race dropbar or a riser instead of a flatbar. but I think hat this will have a negative impact on the folded size.
For the ride performances, yes, on soft surface, bigger wheels help.
But on bad hard roads like cobbles, they do not really help. With as consequence a lack of comfort and for very bad roads being forced to ride slower.
- B) Effective top tube length: 590 mm / 23.2 in
- L) Frame reach: 435 mm / 17.1 in
Since he frame size is fixed, the only solution for that is to use another stem (like the sport stem of the Birdy) or another type of handlebar like a a race dropbar or a riser instead of a flatbar. but I think hat this will have a negative impact on the folded size.
For the ride performances, yes, on soft surface, bigger wheels help.
But on bad hard roads like cobbles, they do not really help. With as consequence a lack of comfort and for very bad roads being forced to ride slower.
11-04-19, 09:06 AM
#2255
Senior Member
Since he frame size is fixed, the only solution for that is to use another stem (like the sport stem of the Birdy) or another type of handlebar like a a race dropbar or a riser instead of a flatbar. but I think hat this will have a negative impact on the folded size.
For the ride performances, yes, on soft surface, bigger wheels help.
But on bad hard roads like cobbles, they do not really help. With as consequence a lack of comfort and for very bad roads being forced to ride slower.
For the ride performances, yes, on soft surface, bigger wheels help.
But on bad hard roads like cobbles, they do not really help. With as consequence a lack of comfort and for very bad roads being forced to ride slower.
The disadvantages you point out apply to most folders, and certainly to my Brompton. Yes with the Brompton you can vary the handle bar between three types, and choose a slightly longer seat tube but these are not perfect solutions, and my criticism is that my Brompton doesn't ride stiff enough. I can't push into the bike because the handle (M type) has a little too much flex.
The Helix stem and handlebar fold to the outside. So unless you get a bar that occupies a lot of volume (drop bar) or is very long, it's unlikely to affect the fold itself. A bar that is slightly larger or longer may not have an appreciable impact on the resulting folded volume. I have no intention of changing my bar at this time: replacing the foam grips with the Ergon grips has made a noticeable improvement in ride handling and comfort, just like it did for my Brompton.
For the ride performances, yes, on soft surface, bigger wheels help.
But on bad hard roads like cobbles, they do not really help. With as consequence a lack of comfort and for very bad roads being forced to ride slower.
Well... yeah... but this reasoning holds pretty much for every bike, folding or non-folding. Even my 54 cm Rivendell Hunqapillar with 55 mm Big Bens at moderate inflation would feel cobble stones. In fact, the only bike that would probably take the cobbles at "full speed" might be my fat bike with 4" wheels running at 5 to 10 psi. If the road is THAT bad, you should probably be riding slower anyways for safety's sake, regardless of what you're riding on.
So I go back to my earlier assessment... would it be preferable if the Helix had some more suspension (either through larger tires or some other means) - sure. Who wouldn't want a more suspended ride? Is the ride so uncomfortable that it's the-end-of-days and I should toss out the bike with all its advantages? Absolutely not. It rides fine.
11-05-19, 12:37 AM
#2256
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Regarding fit and handlebar, im 6'4'' and my Tern Node D8 fits me just fine with the handlebar in pushed forward position.
What's lovely about it is the very stiff yet super quick release stem system that Tern has rolled out. The handlebar goes from upright to forward and vice versa in 3 seconds. This on the Helix would be very good.
What's lovely about it is the very stiff yet super quick release stem system that Tern has rolled out. The handlebar goes from upright to forward and vice versa in 3 seconds. This on the Helix would be very good.
11-05-19, 08:42 AM
#2257
Senior Member
Regarding fit and handlebar, im 6'4'' and my Tern Node D8 fits me just fine with the handlebar in pushed forward position.
What's lovely about it is the very stiff yet super quick release stem system that Tern has rolled out. The handlebar goes from upright to forward and vice versa in 3 seconds. This on the Helix would be very good.
What's lovely about it is the very stiff yet super quick release stem system that Tern has rolled out. The handlebar goes from upright to forward and vice versa in 3 seconds. This on the Helix would be very good.
11-05-19, 10:03 AM
#2258
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As far as Tern goes they integrate it on the handlebar post.
I'd be surprised if there wasn't a similar system for aftermarket. If there isnt...there should be
I'd be surprised if there wasn't a similar system for aftermarket. If there isnt...there should be
Likes For RatonLaveur:
11-05-19, 12:48 PM
#2259
Full Member
If there's anyone around SF Bay Area/Alameda, I'd love to try out a Helix.
I'd be happy to buy lunch/dinner.
I'd be happy to buy lunch/dinner.
11-06-19, 10:02 AM
#2260
Junior Member
@ RatonLaveur
I don't know about the Tern Node D8 but Sean Gibson posted to say that he fitted bull horn bars to his Helix using the Tern Andross stem and I think the folding part worked fine. The problem was that the bars slipped down when riding because of the leverage given by the bullhorns. I guess flat bars or riser bars would not have that problem.
I think Ultralight posted pictures of Sean's bullhorn modification on his Helix Review thread, but unfortunately that thread has been removed recently. I mailed the administrator to ask why last week but have received no reply. Ultralight doesn't come up on a member list search. Anyone here know what happened to Ultralight?
I don't know about the Tern Node D8 but Sean Gibson posted to say that he fitted bull horn bars to his Helix using the Tern Andross stem and I think the folding part worked fine. The problem was that the bars slipped down when riding because of the leverage given by the bullhorns. I guess flat bars or riser bars would not have that problem.
I think Ultralight posted pictures of Sean's bullhorn modification on his Helix Review thread, but unfortunately that thread has been removed recently. I mailed the administrator to ask why last week but have received no reply. Ultralight doesn't come up on a member list search. Anyone here know what happened to Ultralight?
11-06-19, 12:21 PM
#2261
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I might be a weirdo, but I think their price is fair for what they offer....not amazing, but not outrageous either.
My understanding is titanium is a PITA to work with... unlike steel, aluminum, carbon, bamboo...
My main concern is:
1. Will the company be around if stuff breaks?
2. Does the bike fit me?
3. What accessories are available? Grocery/commuting bags?
After having the brompton for a while, I love the freedom of a folding bike. It's a bike that truly disappears when you don't need it, but does everything a utility bike would need.
However, brompton's don't ride that great.
On Oakland potholes and cracks, you could seriously get hurt... not to mention some badly maintained streets in SF.
As I get older, I want less stuff... just higher quality.
My understanding is titanium is a PITA to work with... unlike steel, aluminum, carbon, bamboo...
My main concern is:
1. Will the company be around if stuff breaks?
2. Does the bike fit me?
3. What accessories are available? Grocery/commuting bags?
After having the brompton for a while, I love the freedom of a folding bike. It's a bike that truly disappears when you don't need it, but does everything a utility bike would need.
However, brompton's don't ride that great.
On Oakland potholes and cracks, you could seriously get hurt... not to mention some badly maintained streets in SF.
As I get older, I want less stuff... just higher quality.
11-07-19, 12:39 AM
#2262
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Yea, you were right Joe (except about the BMW girl.) Honestly, Scorsese should direct this one.
Last edited by KentS; 11-07-19 at 12:44 AM.
11-07-19, 09:02 PM
#2263
Señor Mambo
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11-07-19, 11:44 PM
#2264
Senior Member
11-08-19, 09:00 PM
#2265
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I don't know about the Tern Node D8 but Sean Gibson posted to say that he fitted bull horn bars to his Helix using the Tern Andross stem and I think the folding part worked fine. The problem was that the bars slipped down when riding because of the leverage given by the bullhorns. I guess flat bars or riser bars would not have that problem.
11-11-19, 11:46 AM
#2266
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Since he frame size is fixed, the only solution for that is to use another stem (like the sport stem of the Birdy) or another type of handlebar like a a race dropbar or a riser instead of a flatbar. but I think hat this will have a negative impact on the folded size.
The disadvantages you point out apply to most folders, and certainly to my Brompton. Yes with the Brompton you can vary the handle bar between three types, and choose a slightly longer seat tube but these are not perfect solutions, and my criticism is that my Brompton doesn't ride stiff enough. I can't push into the bike because the handle (M type) has a little too much flex.
The stiffness issue of the Brompton you point out, which is true, doesn't come from the frame, its due to the very long stem and M type handlebar. If you take a flat bar like on the S type, its already stiffer but the long stem remains. Now doesn't really affect the performances., its just a feeling. What really reduce the performances of the Brompton is the poor gearing system.
The Birdy doesn't have this stem stiffness problem and offer several types of stem to fit different riders sises.
For the ride performances, yes, on soft surface, bigger wheels help.
But on bad hard roads like cobbles, they do not really help. With as consequence a lack of comfort and for very bad roads being forced to ride slower.
Well... yeah... but this reasoning holds pretty much for every bike, folding or non-folding. Even my 54 cm Rivendell Hunqapillar with 55 mm Big Bens at moderate inflation would feel cobble stones. In fact, the only bike that would probably take the cobbles at "full speed" might be my fat bike with 4" wheels running at 5 to 10 psi. If the road is THAT bad, you should probably be riding slower anyways for safety's sake, regardless of what you're riding on.
You should tryout a Moulton or a Birdy: both have small wheels but allow you to ride fast and safe on very bad roads and cobbles.
The disadvantages you point out apply to most folders, and certainly to my Brompton. Yes with the Brompton you can vary the handle bar between three types, and choose a slightly longer seat tube but these are not perfect solutions, and my criticism is that my Brompton doesn't ride stiff enough. I can't push into the bike because the handle (M type) has a little too much flex.
The stiffness issue of the Brompton you point out, which is true, doesn't come from the frame, its due to the very long stem and M type handlebar. If you take a flat bar like on the S type, its already stiffer but the long stem remains. Now doesn't really affect the performances., its just a feeling. What really reduce the performances of the Brompton is the poor gearing system.
The Birdy doesn't have this stem stiffness problem and offer several types of stem to fit different riders sises.
For the ride performances, yes, on soft surface, bigger wheels help.
But on bad hard roads like cobbles, they do not really help. With as consequence a lack of comfort and for very bad roads being forced to ride slower.
Well... yeah... but this reasoning holds pretty much for every bike, folding or non-folding. Even my 54 cm Rivendell Hunqapillar with 55 mm Big Bens at moderate inflation would feel cobble stones. In fact, the only bike that would probably take the cobbles at "full speed" might be my fat bike with 4" wheels running at 5 to 10 psi. If the road is THAT bad, you should probably be riding slower anyways for safety's sake, regardless of what you're riding on.
You should tryout a Moulton or a Birdy: both have small wheels but allow you to ride fast and safe on very bad roads and cobbles.
11-19-19, 04:59 AM
#2267
Senior Member
New supply dates
According to latest update, things are moving. Estimated order supply dates (long gone) have been updated. My bikes (in the 1100-1300's) are now scheduled for mid 2020. 👍
11-20-19, 08:25 AM
#2269
Senior Member
Give the record to date in predicting shipments, Helix future shipment dates are at best suspect. The current activity is more telling - how many did they ship in October? How is November looking?
11-20-19, 10:55 AM
#2270
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FYI for anyone looking to buy one (I'm not affiliated, just saw it on CL): https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/bik...023487431.html
11-20-19, 12:00 PM
#2271
Senior Member
Production
The update said 200 done so far. Another 100 welded and being assembled. New machine and another hand expected on January.
11-22-19, 10:01 PM
#2272
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That CL post feels dishonest to me. It reads that they paid 4250CAD in 2015 for two Helixes, but doesn't clarify that it was TOTAL, and not EACH. Then goes on to say that recently orders were taken at 4000CAD each.
It's okay for them to ask 3500USD or whatever price they want but I can't help but feel that they were trying to hide how much profit they are making at that price.
Last edited by Omikron; 11-22-19 at 10:06 PM. Reason: Clarified phrasing.
11-22-19, 11:13 PM
#2273
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That CL post feels dishonest to me. It reads that they paid 4250CAD in 2015 for two Helixes, but doesn't clarify that it was TOTAL, and not EACH. Then goes on to say that recently orders were taken at 4000CAD each.
It's okay for them to ask 3500USD or whatever price they want but I can't help but feel that they were trying to hide how much profit they are making at that price.
It's okay for them to ask 3500USD or whatever price they want but I can't help but feel that they were trying to hide how much profit they are making at that price.
11-23-19, 03:53 PM
#2274
Senior Member
I read it as honest, but emailed to confirm it's 3500 each anyway. The answer is yes and I can't imagine anyone paying that. Good luck!
11-23-19, 08:04 PM
#2275
Junior Member
Joe,
Why do you think a Helix Alfine is not worth $3500.?
Compared to what? A Ti Brompton, Ti Burke, Ti Swift, Ti ..., Pacific Reach, BF... what?
You do not have one, nor possibly have ridden one? ... and, well, ... I have one.
I have had so, sooo many folding bikes, but still I am reluctant to comment on bikes I haven't owned or ridden ... ?
I welcome your input.
Barry
Why do you think a Helix Alfine is not worth $3500.?
Compared to what? A Ti Brompton, Ti Burke, Ti Swift, Ti ..., Pacific Reach, BF... what?
You do not have one, nor possibly have ridden one? ... and, well, ... I have one.
I have had so, sooo many folding bikes, but still I am reluctant to comment on bikes I haven't owned or ridden ... ?
I welcome your input.
Barry
Last edited by porschetoyz; 11-23-19 at 08:37 PM.