MissMarina

linberl

Other than reputation, I don't know the Mini but I personally don't find 16" wheels suitable for anything remotely off-road. I love my Bike Friday pakiT but the low wheels also means lower clearance. Maybe some very hard packed dirt might be okay but anything with ruts, rocks, or other obstructions would not be good. And sand or gravel is just unpleasant. Just my opinion. Tiny folders are great for multi modal riding and packing, but if you want to go off-road I would suggest at least a 20" wheel.

Lalato

The are other similarly priced 16" folding bikes. You can check out Dahon, Origami, Citizen, and a host of others. Are any of those bikes going to be better than the Downtube, probably not... except from a rider personal preference standpoint. Unfortunately, apart from Dahon, it isn't very easy to test ride most of these bikes.

I should note, however, that for the most part these bikes aren't meant for off-road. If you only mean a relatively flat packed earth path, then sure. But if you're going to be going over tree roots and other minor obstacles, this may not be the best option.

If you like the look and specs on the Downtube Mini, I would reach out to them about the return policy to see if you can get the bike, try it out and see if it fits your needs. The owner of the company is a poster here on the forums, so he may even see your questions and respond here.

tds101 

I have the DT Mini, and though it's a decent bike, it does have a few,...misgivings:

The fold is a PITA, as it doesn't have a way to keep it securely closed when folded. And even if it did, the handlebars don't sit well between the frame. I'm using clear gorilla tape to prevent scratches and such. I swapped out the handlebars, and it folds a bit better,...still not optimal.

The pedals are throwaways, so you'll need a new set asap.

It doesn't come with a front fender, only a rear. Regardless of what DT says, a front fender keeps mud, dirt, rain off of you,...it's necessary.

The rear rack is another MAJORLY annoying thing. I can't use a trunk bag with it, as my heels hit the bag. It might work for a person w/smaller feet. For myself, and my kids,...no good. I'll need to replace it with something that sits higher.

Now, I own quite a few bikes,...so I'm used to certain things. It's a good bike, and the $399 price is actually a steal. I'd still buy it,... I'm slowly making changes to it. The fold will always be MEH,...but it's doable.

The OP asked about light off-road, and at 5'2" & 120lbs, this bike will do just fine. The frame is decently strong. I'm 230lbs, and I'm quite comfortable riding it. Jur, who's a longstanding member here, did MAJOR rides on his Downtube Mini. I think, even with my admission that this bike isn't perfect, it's worth purchasing. I'm just annoyed that I need to do parts swaps to get it up to snuff,...but at this price, I should have expected that.

PS: I'm going to upgrade the tires next. As a heavier rider, the Kenda tires don't work for me,...they give the ride a "mushy" feel. Schwalbe Big Apples are next on the list,... 😁

tds101 

Apparently my Avenir trunk bag is JUST narrow enough to fit on the rack, and far enough back that I don't hit it with my heel. I forgot about this bag,...

BikeKraft

I agree with tds191, particularly on the fold. Mine came with a defective handlebar stem. I'm planning on upgrading the stem to one that allows the handlebar to rotate , my cost to replace it is not much more that having it repaired. I'm hoping this helps with folding.
As to using this bicycle off road, I don't think I would. A 20" wheel would better.
The Mini would certainly be a good fit for the OP at 5'2".

tds101 

If, and when, you find an alternative to the handlebar stem, could you please send me a link to where you're purchasing it from. I'd replace this one for either a rotating stem, or a stem that folds to the outside of the fold. Either way, we'll still need Velcro to keep the bike folded for carrying.

As to off road, it can be done on light trails and such. @jur did full on touring on his I believe. I'm not suggesting crazy mountain biking, but ral trails, dirt paths, etc. The DT Mini will be just fine.

Psst, it's tds101, not tds191,...

Roegmann

I use a rear rack that connects to the seat post to avoid any kicking issues. But, the fold is not as small now, because I can no longer drop the seat post to the bottom. All that being said, I usually sport a backpack anyway (a Tom Bihn Smart Alec, which was made for cyclists). I added a front fender like tds101, I swapped out the pedals, brakes, and tires; all over time. I've had the bike for a few years.

MissMarina

Thank you all for this great information! It really is hard to find folding bikes to inspect and bring out for a test ride, so this discussion has been very helpful. I have a feeling I'll be sticking with the 20" as my first bike, but I'm going to keep the mini in mind for the future and I'm glad I now have some more practical information! It does seem like a great deal for the price.

The EEZZ D3 is certainly intriguing and another bike on my 16" list, but it's definitely pricier than the Mini.

BikeKraft

Probably should start a new thread at this point, but.....
The handlebar stem can be folded to the outside or over the top as seen here.
Put the front wheel quick release to the drive side of the bike, things fit better.
I have the brake levers pointing up in this photo.

tds101 

Nope,..that's definitely not a folding option for me.

Rob_E

With my 20" Downtube, I currently use the rack it came with because it's sturdy and enables a cleaner fold, but I've also used a Topeak, quick-release, seat post rack. It does prevent the seat post from dropping all the way when attached, but it can be easily removed. It also has optional side-panels that make it pannier-friendly, which is nice, although that also makes the rack bulkier if you're looking to squeeze everything into a tight space. But between that rack and the front, Downtube bag, I feel like I could fit a fair amount of luggage on that bike, and I imagine the same could be done for the 16"

trace

This thread's a little old but if the OP is still reading, I am also a shortie (5' 1") and the Downtube Mini fits me really well. I replaced the handlebar with a narrow straight one (I prefer a narrower bar than the one it came with, and as a side benefit the bike now folds more compactly.) I replaced the tires with Primo Comets which are kevlar belted and a little narrower and slicker than the tires it came with. And I added a front fender. Personally I would not ride it off-road unless it was an obstacle-free, packed dirt path. It doesn't do well on loose sand or bumps/obstacles with the 16" wheels. But on the road I think it feels pretty much like a full size bike. I don't have a problem with riding with cargo on the rear rack. It's even great on the hills (I live in a very hilly area.) I am planning to take it on a trip in a month or 2 so I can report back on riding it longer distances. I got the "bike suitcase" that Downtube sells and it is indeed very easy to fold the bike up and throw it in the suitcase for bringing it on a plane, bus, etc. (and the suitcase can be folded and strapped to the rear rack.) FWIW I used to have a Dahon Presto which I bought used from craigslist (almost 10 years ago) for the same price as the new Downtube Mini. And I think the Mini is a better bike. The main negative for me is that it's kind of heavy, but that's not a huge deal (especially since the bike suitcase has wheels, so I don't need to carry it in a shoulder bag through airports or whatever, which I did with the Dahon.)

BikeKraft

It's not That old! Maybe it's time to start a making the most of your Mini thread. Always post a picture of your mods.

tds101 

Any update on that folding stem replacement you were planning?

bikebikebike

I have a 2007 Dahon curve. Similar small cockpit (24" mid seat to bars) , hefty , and bulky fold.
Stiff (ie not flexy) and comfortable enough for good for short runs.
Wouldn't want to go over 2 miles on it, but that is OK
Increasing seat-to-stem would complicate fold, but I may try my spare halloaber
120 mm OLD 3 speed rear. It's poky so not a big deal.
It has a 14.5" BB to Dropout "chain tube length" with a rack.
?what is the Downtube "chain tube" length? That and your shoe size make it rear bag-able.
Reminds me of my Honda 90's that were definitely not thinking of anyone over 5'6" sitting a gee.
It would be interesting to compare it, I like Downtubes and the option of increasing the gearing seems nice.

BromptonINrio

plz use decimal system.
also there is no "chain tube" in any bike.

tds101 

I own a DT Mini and a Dahon Curve,...the Curve fold is better implemented, and the magnet holds it nicely when folded. This thread is about the Downtube, not dahon bikes. Create a dahon curve thread and discuss the modifications you plan on doing in that. There's other threads about the bike also, so they're better suited to it's discussion.

BikeKraft

Sorry for the delay.
Here is my Mini with the new stem. No more fiddly thumb knob.
Also added the much needed front fender.

tds101 

OK,......where did you find it? I'd love to do this with my mini as well. Looks great btw.

BikeKraft

Bought it off ebay. I'll put the link below.
Not sure what it's called but I had to cut some of the fork top (tube).
After that it was pretty easy, if you are handy at that sort of thing.
Total cost is now over the $500 a bit.

ebay.com/itm/Folding-Bike-Adjustable-Stem-6061-Aluminum-Cycling-Handlebar-Telescoping-Stems/173374659279?_trkparms=aid%3D555018%26algo%3DPL.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20131003132420%26meid%3D4809b62 89fd34e23b94568f4715c77a0%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D4%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D332609549647%26itm%3D17337465927 9&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851

tds101 

Ah,...it's basically the same as the spare stem I had for a Dahon. I'd need to tap down the bolt hole in the fork, then use my pipe cutter to shorten it a bit, then put the new handlebar stem on. Got it,...THANKS!!!

I have an old, damaged Dahon Curve handlepost I just tested for fit, and it would work just fine. I'll purchase 1 later on.