paultman

Well, first, I don't like that if I move the bike backwards, it moves the petals. I think the Shimano will not do that right?

I am also with you wanting a bit more on the top end, though I'm fine with having 6 speeds.
Looks like for 12-28, u'd have to get a 7speed.

I'm considering removing the front brake, what do you think about that? It's a small enough bike that i'll never be going so fast, or doing any off-road type stuff. It would certainly lower the risk of going over the handlebars in the event of me locking the front brake Also less to keep track of when folding/adjusting. Maybe lose the front and put disc brakes on the back....

I do agree that in general the break lines are quite long (to accommodate folding the bike), if anything I'll shorten the lines a bit.

Any other choice mods for the Genesis?

cpg

DON'T remove the front brake. When braking, weight is transferred to front of the bike so in theory you need better brakes on the front than on the rear.

roving70

hello...like the other guys i also took the plunge and buy the genesis, thanks to your open box images. i made some changes to the handle bar, saddle, brake lever,A TROLLEY RACK, schwable marathon 1.5 tire and a thumb shifter. i have an m type handle bar from brompton, i find it comfortable. like you i enjoy upgrading the bike and more on the way including 2 speed front. i was just wondering how's the fd installation? by the way i am not too familiar with bikes but the forum educate me.

atombikes

Paul,

Thanks for creating an account to post here; it sounds like you are already enjoying the bike.

If the bike is making that knocking noise while riding, I would replace the freewheel. It's total garbage, the wheelbuilder really cut cost on that component.

Like BikeKraft, I was trying to figure out if a 7 spd freewheel would have worked, but ultimately decided to just replace it with similar. Since I was living out of a hotel at that time and didn't have a full set of tools, I elected to go to a local bike shop to buy the part. I took the wheel with me. The new freewheel was slightly more cost as I remember than I could have purchased online (about $20), but the shop swapped it for free (so no need to buy the tool).

Good luck with your bike! Post some pics when you can.

atombikes

Definitely keep both brakes. You need the front brake as well. I always apply both brakes on all my bikes, and this technique seems to work well with the Genesis as well.

As I recall, I chopped approx 6"-8" off both front and rear cable sheathes.

Mods:

In addition to the freewheel, I would:

swap out the brake pads
Cut the width of the stock handlebars down and add ergo bar end grips
perhaps ditch the shifter for something better

None of these suggestions are really required, but they make a good bike a lot better and more usable.

atombikes

roving70,

Welcome!
You've MUST get up to the required number of posts and post some pics of your bike! It sounds killer.
I have not yet given up on the front derailleur mounting, but it definitely wasn't as easy as I had hoped.

Will post progress as it happens.

roving70

atombikes,

at first i thought it will only for my daily commute around nyc, but as i ride the bike from 10 miles to 40 then 60. i begin to enjoy it more, it rides well and i can already imagine if it will be upgraded to better parts. i use to have an se draft 2 speed sram automatix(stolen), i feel almost the same speed and stiffness. hope we will have a good mount on the fd....i will post images on the bike soon.

BikeKraft

The price is back up to $199.
The Giordano at $235 looks to be the same bike but a different color.
I'm still undecided what upgrades to make.
I've been riding the Downtube 8H this week and
got reminded how nice the 8 speed IGH Sturmey Archer is.
Quiet, easy shifting and a wide gear range.
I've dropped the chain twice on the Genesis in the few weeks I've had it,
never on the 8H in 5K+ miles.
Oh anyway, just rambling.
I'm glad the Genesis option is available.
Thanks Atombikes for bringing to our attention.

atombikes

Yes, I noticed the price went back up. That Giordano does look almost the same; I think there are very minor differences like the Giordano is 7 spd IIRC.

You dropped the chain with the stock crankset that has the chainguards? That's a little strange; I only dropped the chain on mine with a Shimano crankset installed that had funky-cut teeth (I personally think they're a manufacturing defect which may be why I got the crankset for cheap). I've since swapped out the crankset for a Sakae FX and no more dropped chain.

atombikes

Talk about price gouging:

Amazon.com : 20", City Cruiser, Folding Bike, Green-Genesis-32008 : Bike Tires : Sports & Outdoors

$800???

roving70

bikekraft

i would suggest the Genesis at Wally...the GiordaNO handle post is so flimsy and the hinge bolt comes out as you keep on using it or it's really designed that way. i saw a kid riding it at the park and the paint is so cheap.

BikeKraft

I guess I should say the chain was riding up against the guard or
channeled between the guard and chain wheel.
It's an easy fix but did get my finger tips greasy.
And yes, I still like the bike, just still in limbo on upgrades.

atombikes

Did ~ 13 miles on the American Tobacco Trail in Durham, NC this morning. It's a very nice asphalt trail (at least the part I rode was) with good signage and street crossings. The stem on the Genesis was squeaking quite a bit, but I rode fairly hard. Going to have to isolate the squeak and fix it.

Having this folding bike is awesome; I never would have been able to ride this trail if I didn't have this bike.

atombikes

roving70

nice ride...but i'm excited & and waiting on your fd install post.

dannyluyo

Hi, i want to know about your experience with this bike. And also, how many teeth the crankset have. Thanks

cplager

If only there were a thread about his experiences with this bike...

dannyluyo

Thanks for the information. I cant find a quote with information about the crankset.

atombikes

You crack me up sometimes!

I don't have it handy at the moment since I'm traveling and the stock crankset is no longer on the bike, but it is brand Lasco and I'm fairly certain 48t.

cplager

Your question was perfectly reasonable.

The preface of your question got the response it deserved.

knightzz718

Greetings! after reading this very informative thread I went ahead and bought the bike. Regarding the stock plastic pedals, are they strong enough to pedal on standing up? I just have this thought in my head of the pedals snapping under my weight (about 170lb).

atombikes

Oh good, glad this thread was helpful. The pedals are fine, but I only use the folding pedals when traveling. Most other times I use platform pedals.

dannyluyo

Hi, i just received my genesis folding bike, but i am having a hard time with the steering post because wont adjust. Did you have the same issue?

atombikes

What won't adjust? Need more info. The only issue I have experienced with the folding steering stem has been a creaking noise, which I have not resolved yet.

dannyluyo

The handle bar post won't adjust. The Allen screw placed were the post fold, I have been trying to adjust it but the post still loose.