Helix Update?
02-23-21, 10:09 AM
#2526
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'Major' problem? Meh. If you want to go on a world tour on your Moulton AM, rebuild the wheels with 18" rims and use Schwalbe Marathons in ISO40-355. Or perhaps you could rebuild with ISO349 rims; some Alex Moulton owners have.
I haven't looked into this: possibilities of using other perhaps more common/more available rim/tire sizes on the Helix?
I haven't looked into this: possibilities of using other perhaps more common/more available rim/tire sizes on the Helix?
I am not sure that 40mm wide tires will be compatible with the brake calipers used on Moulton AM. There are few narrow tires in ETRTO355, there is a Panaracer almost impossible to find outside Asia or the... 32x355 Kojak !
There are more tire options in ETRTO349, since the Brompton tire size is 35x349, assuming that the brake calipers accept 35mm wide tires and that the brake pads can be lowered by 10mm.
I changed the wheel size of my Birdy, I have two sets, one in ETRTO349 and another in ETRTO406 but its a Birdy disc, so no brake problems.
The same apply for Helix which also uses disc brakes, it is surely possible to use wheels in ETRTO406 or ETRTO451 or even ETRTO520 with the easiest available Schwalbe One 23x520 (that replaces he Durano 23x520 and is the only tire in ETRTO520 of Schwalbe).
02-23-21, 12:04 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
Though some of the listed tires are marked on sites as being "out of stock", this post, for me, has been very helpful. Thank you!
Also, fortuitously, as a result of my delayed decision making a new Helix purchase option has become available with an 11-speed (9-42) cassette and derailleur, providing in a wider gear ratio than the 10 speed. In somewhat hilly Portland, Oregon, this will be helpful.
I've placed my order.
02-24-21, 02:49 PM
#2528
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Air Travel: Has anyone tried traveling by commercial airliner with their Helix? Experience packing the bike into a hard suitcase?
Now that I've placed my order I've moved onto contemplating usage while waiting for delivery. (and adding options... gives me something else to do during the pandemic)
The order I've placed is for the standard model (rather than the lightweight one). I chose the 11 speed Derailleur, thinking of how much I struggled riding uphill when last I rode.
Now that I've placed my order I've moved onto contemplating usage while waiting for delivery. (and adding options... gives me something else to do during the pandemic)
The order I've placed is for the standard model (rather than the lightweight one). I chose the 11 speed Derailleur, thinking of how much I struggled riding uphill when last I rode.
02-24-21, 04:32 PM
#2529
Newbie
Air Travel: Has anyone tried traveling by commercial airliner with their Helix? Experience packing the bike into a hard suitcase?
Now that I've placed my order I've moved onto contemplating usage while waiting for delivery. (and adding options... gives me something else to do during the pandemic)
The order I've placed is for the standard model (rather than the lightweight one). I chose the 11 speed Derailleur, thinking of how much I struggled riding uphill when last I rode.
Now that I've placed my order I've moved onto contemplating usage while waiting for delivery. (and adding options... gives me something else to do during the pandemic)
The order I've placed is for the standard model (rather than the lightweight one). I chose the 11 speed Derailleur, thinking of how much I struggled riding uphill when last I rode.
When do you expect to receive your bike?
I'm a kickstarter backer and after 5 years of waiting, I think I will be selling my pledge and moving on as I no longer need this bike and travel with my Brompton instead.
As you can see, by angling the corners around the wheels, and that's how you get to 62" is my guess.
Last edited by mingo; 02-24-21 at 04:37 PM.
02-24-21, 05:35 PM
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I haven't seen anyone post anything on the Helix forum about traveling by air with one. Some have tried to find something suitable but nothing seems to come in under the 62" linear inch limit for standard suitcases without additional fees. Helix in the past had posted a CAD design of a Helix suitcase which basically cut the corners around the wheels which I think is how you will get to 62".
When do you expect to receive your bike?
I'm a kickstarter backer and after 5 years of waiting, I think I will be selling my pledge and moving on as I no longer need this bike and travel with my Brompton instead.
As you can see, by angling the corners around the wheels, and that's how you get to 62" is my guess.
When do you expect to receive your bike?
I'm a kickstarter backer and after 5 years of waiting, I think I will be selling my pledge and moving on as I no longer need this bike and travel with my Brompton instead.
As you can see, by angling the corners around the wheels, and that's how you get to 62" is my guess.
Nice mock-up: I'd hate to carry that thing on my back for any distance!
The main reason I eliminated consideration of the Brompton is that I found it to be too reactive during a test run a few years back (and hated the transmission system, a matter that a bit of additional investment could fix). The Helix is the only other bike that folds reasonably flat, a property I want for placement in the back of my car.
02-24-21, 06:44 PM
#2531
Newbie
This is just a mock up and who knows what the final product will look like, but the point is I think angling the corners of this custom case is how you get to 62 linear inches, so I don't think it will fit in an off the shelf suitcase and still be within the required measurement.
I'm sure the Helix with it's bigger wheels rides better than the Brompton, but I have taken several trips to the Netherlands, France, UK and Spain with my Brompton and it has served me well. I was hoping to do the same with the Helix, but I have no idea when I will have it, so I might as well sell my pledge.
I'm sure the Helix with it's bigger wheels rides better than the Brompton, but I have taken several trips to the Netherlands, France, UK and Spain with my Brompton and it has served me well. I was hoping to do the same with the Helix, but I have no idea when I will have it, so I might as well sell my pledge.
02-25-21, 03:47 AM
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Yes, the Brompton feel more reactive than other folding bikes, even folding bikes with (almost) the same wheel size like the Birdy.
But its just a matter of get accustomed to that feeling.
I am curious about the "11 speed derailleur (Hong Kong spec)" configuration.
Can you explain what it is ?
You mention a 9-42 cassette, this means that it should have a rear hub with something else than the usual Shimano/SRAM freewheel, is it a XDR freewheel like on the lightweight option ?
What derailleur is used to accept a 9-42 cassette the Dura Ace of the lightweight won't fit (it theoretically already doesn't accept the 9-34 cassette of the lightweight).
Last question for backers having access to the forum: are there any news about the announced front carrier block for Helix ?
For daily use of he bike and even for traveling, a front carrier block+front bag like on the Brompton (and now on the Birdy) is really a must have.
For the suitcase and remaining below the 62" linear inch limit, a solution could be to swap the wheels for ETRTO406 what would also solve the tire problem (besides the Riteway only available in Japan, I do not see any road tire in the list, only cyclocross and BMX tires).
The difficulty to change the wheels is the proprietary front hub.
But its just a matter of get accustomed to that feeling.
I am curious about the "11 speed derailleur (Hong Kong spec)" configuration.
Can you explain what it is ?
You mention a 9-42 cassette, this means that it should have a rear hub with something else than the usual Shimano/SRAM freewheel, is it a XDR freewheel like on the lightweight option ?
What derailleur is used to accept a 9-42 cassette the Dura Ace of the lightweight won't fit (it theoretically already doesn't accept the 9-34 cassette of the lightweight).
Last question for backers having access to the forum: are there any news about the announced front carrier block for Helix ?
For daily use of he bike and even for traveling, a front carrier block+front bag like on the Brompton (and now on the Birdy) is really a must have.
For the suitcase and remaining below the 62" linear inch limit, a solution could be to swap the wheels for ETRTO406 what would also solve the tire problem (besides the Riteway only available in Japan, I do not see any road tire in the list, only cyclocross and BMX tires).
The difficulty to change the wheels is the proprietary front hub.
Last edited by Jipe; 02-25-21 at 08:34 AM.
02-25-21, 07:55 AM
#2533
Newbie
We were supposed to learn about the accessories for Helix "soon", but this hasn't happened; fenders, front mounting block, travel case.. There was a lot of disruption when Helix had to move to a new facility in Nov. / Dec. so deliveries to backers were delayed and no new news on accessories. I hope a 62 linear inch suitcase is possible, as a lot of us want to use it for air travel.
02-25-21, 08:36 AM
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Was there any picture, drawing or other information published about the front mounting block like for the suitcase so that somebody else could try to make it ?
The lack of any easy luggage transportation (that must not be dismounted each time the bike is folded) is a major problem for a daily/commuter use of Helix.
The lack of any easy luggage transportation (that must not be dismounted each time the bike is folded) is a major problem for a daily/commuter use of Helix.
02-25-21, 10:51 AM
#2535
Schwinnasaur
In looking at the pictures it appears that there are two bolt lugs in the "head" tube. If someone was handy, they could use those to mount a Brompton block.
Was there any picture, drawing or other information published about the front mounting block like for the suitcase so that somebody else could try to make it ?
The lack of any easy luggage transportation (that must not be dismounted each time the bike is folded) is a major problem for a daily/commuter use of Helix.
The lack of any easy luggage transportation (that must not be dismounted each time the bike is folded) is a major problem for a daily/commuter use of Helix.
02-25-21, 11:51 AM
#2536
Newbie
02-25-21, 12:17 PM
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Yes, the Brompton feel more reactive than other folding bikes, even folding bikes with (almost) the same wheel size like the Birdy.
But its just a matter of get accustomed to that feeling.
I am curious about the "11 speed derailleur (Hong Kong spec)" configuration.
Can you explain what it is ?
You mention a 9-42 cassette, this means that it should have a rear hub with something else than the usual Shimano/SRAM freewheel, is it a XDR freewheel like on the lightweight option ?
What derailleur is used to accept a 9-42 cassette the Dura Ace of the lightweight won't fit (it theoretically already doesn't accept the 9-34 cassette of the lightweight).
But its just a matter of get accustomed to that feeling.
I am curious about the "11 speed derailleur (Hong Kong spec)" configuration.
Can you explain what it is ?
You mention a 9-42 cassette, this means that it should have a rear hub with something else than the usual Shimano/SRAM freewheel, is it a XDR freewheel like on the lightweight option ?
What derailleur is used to accept a 9-42 cassette the Dura Ace of the lightweight won't fit (it theoretically already doesn't accept the 9-34 cassette of the lightweight).
https://helix.ca/shop/standard/#second-tab
Rear Hub with XD-R driver Formula RXC-142,135mm x 12mm thru-axle,28h
Rear Derailleur Shimano SLX M7000,Shadow+ 11 Speed
Cassette e13 XCX 11 Speed XD-R (9-42t)
Shifter Shimano SL-M7000 SLX Rapid Fire
Approximate Weight 24.4 lbs (11.1 kg)
The "Hong Kong" reference on the website page derives from the request from a Hong Kong purchaser for a specification revision that would help with hills.
02-26-21, 04:34 AM
#2538
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Thanks for the information.
I as looking in the comparison table between "normal" and "lightweight" that doesn't include the 11s Hong-Kong specs.
Congratulation for your purchase, curious to have your feedback.
Did you order some spare Kwest tires ?
I as looking in the comparison table between "normal" and "lightweight" that doesn't include the 11s Hong-Kong specs.
Congratulation for your purchase, curious to have your feedback.
Did you order some spare Kwest tires ?
02-26-21, 03:11 PM
#2539
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With respect to extra tires, I ordered 2 each of Kenda inner tubes ), Kenda Kwest 1.5" commuter tires, and Kenda Small Block 8 Pro 1.5" cyclocross tires. (Just in case...). Thinking more about tire choice, I'm not sure that the Kenda Small Block makes sense for me given my envisioned use primarily on street and "bike trails suitable for old guys".
I'm also curious about the Vee 24 x 1.50" Speedster Foldable Tyre suit 507mm, with respect to whether or not it will fit without interfering with the fold and about its resistance to flats. Tread design seems like a reasonable compromise between street and mild bike trails.
Feedback will come in June (I hope), when the bike is scheduled to be delivered.
With respect to feedback, I wonder what became of the Helix Owners' thread on this forum?
02-26-21, 04:26 PM
#2541
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I think the tire Bym pictured was a different Vee model.
03-08-21, 04:02 AM
#2545
Junior Member
Hi mkatz, You are correct, Ultralight started the owners thread. He(?) was subsequently banned and the thread was removed.
03-08-21, 11:57 AM
#2546
Senior Member
He was banned? I guess that explains why the thread disappeared. I was looking for it a while back, and thought maybe my search skills had declined rapidly!
03-08-21, 02:21 PM
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It would be nice if someone who currently owns a Helix folding bike would restart the owners' thread. I've ordered one but as yet have nothing but questions to contribute.
It's somewhat of "a pain" to search through 2500+ posts in this thread in a search for tidbits of information about the bike.
It's somewhat of "a pain" to search through 2500+ posts in this thread in a search for tidbits of information about the bike.
03-21-21, 03:20 PM
#2549
Senior Member
They had a steerer failure?? I do not understand how that happened after all the years spent on prototyping and testing before bikes were delivered.
03-22-21, 09:13 AM
#2550
Junior Member
In a nutshell, they say they were focused on the fusion of the metal and overlooked the depth of penetration which did not extend to the root of the joint. Apparently the weld was "almost strong enough" and they got lucky when the ISO testing was carried out. They also say that during in house testing (after the failure happened) some steerers failed but some did not and concluded that sending just a single frame for testing was not enough. This time they're sending 3 frames.
