Looking at Downtube Folding Bikes
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Looking at Downtube Folding Bikes
I'm thinking about getting a folding bike to keep in my car. Not many folders in my area, so I can't take any test rides of reasonably priced bikes. I like the Gates carbon belt drive. Does anyone have any experience with that system? I'm a little concerned about the bike's size also. I'm just under 6'3", with a 34" inseam. From what I've read, maybe the IXFS is the better fit. Any help is appreciated.
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Thanks,
Yan
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Designer of Downtube Folding Bike
Ph.D. Temple University ( Math )
Biked across the USA twice
Semi-active chess player ( two time Bahamas National Champion )
Sivananda ( Bahamas ) Trained Yoga instructor ( 2013 ) and ThetaHealer since 2013
Bicycle delivery worker for Jimmy John's. Delivering is the best workout I have ever had.
#6
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Particularly since the OP is tall, I agree with Hank's subtle push that a few test rides are helpful.
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#7
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84 page thread already Going on these https://www.bikeforums.net/folding-bi...ding-bike.html
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84 page thread already Going on these https://www.bikeforums.net/folding-bi...ding-bike.html
Thanks,
Yan
__________________
Designer of Downtube Folding Bike
Ph.D. Temple University ( Math )
Biked across the USA twice
Semi-active chess player ( two time Bahamas National Champion )
Sivananda ( Bahamas ) Trained Yoga instructor ( 2013 ) and ThetaHealer since 2013
Bicycle delivery worker for Jimmy John's. Delivering is the best workout I have ever had.
Designer of Downtube Folding Bike
Ph.D. Temple University ( Math )
Biked across the USA twice
Semi-active chess player ( two time Bahamas National Champion )
Sivananda ( Bahamas ) Trained Yoga instructor ( 2013 ) and ThetaHealer since 2013
Bicycle delivery worker for Jimmy John's. Delivering is the best workout I have ever had.
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Mike
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Mike
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Thanks,
Yan
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Designer of Downtube Folding Bike
Ph.D. Temple University ( Math )
Biked across the USA twice
Semi-active chess player ( two time Bahamas National Champion )
Sivananda ( Bahamas ) Trained Yoga instructor ( 2013 ) and ThetaHealer since 2013
Bicycle delivery worker for Jimmy John's. Delivering is the best workout I have ever had.
Designer of Downtube Folding Bike
Ph.D. Temple University ( Math )
Biked across the USA twice
Semi-active chess player ( two time Bahamas National Champion )
Sivananda ( Bahamas ) Trained Yoga instructor ( 2013 ) and ThetaHealer since 2013
Bicycle delivery worker for Jimmy John's. Delivering is the best workout I have ever had.
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Thanks Hank. I went to Bicycle Michael's and the proprietor was less than helpful. He had very few Dahons and tried to steer me away from them. He didn't offer me a test ride. I test rode a Brompton and a Montague at another shop. The Brompton was nice but a bit pricey. There aren't many other options close by.
Mike
Mike
2nd: As a tall guy with long legs and arms (6'3" and a preferred seat-to-pedal distance of 39") who has owned two Dahons, even with a Thud-Buster saddle, both my Dahons were a bit short in saddle height for me. I now have two Bike Fridays, which are both great. I know you have a budget, but stock Bike Fridays come in three frame sizes. A large frame works nicely on my stock Friday, and my 62cm custom Friday is also great.
From what I have seen, Brompton's can be fitted with an extension seatpost that also provides adequate height.
Being tall has drawbacks - such as the availability of things that fit, and the higher cost of those items. Have to say, it's a lot better now than it was 50-60 years ago - things that fit might cost more, but at least they are available now!
Lou
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Just a comment on last post. I don't think a brompton with an telscopic seat post is a good trunk bike for a tall person on a budget. Especially without a test ride. The downtube 9fs is much more like a normal bike and I believe yan has further extended the seat-post and reinforced the frame. I recon my old downtube 9fs would fit a person 6"3 ok. It also gives you options to extend the stem using normal parts.
I personally feel you will find the 9fs fine as long as you are aware of how big a lump 20" folders are compared to 16". However, I recently took both wheels of my 9fs and was surprised how compact it became in my car boot along side 3 other bikes mainly birdies.
I personally feel you will find the 9fs fine as long as you are aware of how big a lump 20" folders are compared to 16". However, I recently took both wheels of my 9fs and was surprised how compact it became in my car boot along side 3 other bikes mainly birdies.
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Thanks for all of the help. Seems like the 9FS will accommodate my height and is pretty reasonably priced. I also saw on another post where Yan says it's pretty rugged.
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How would the Downtube 9FS be for a woman that is 4' 11" tall.
Would it fit her?
update: got my answer thanks
Would it fit her?
update: got my answer thanks
Last edited by westgl; 04-04-15 at 10:49 AM.
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Hey Yan,
What do you mean by comfortable tinkering with the 8H bike?
Is there a lot more adjustments to be made with the 8 speed hub?
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No less adjustment on the 8H. The OP is too tall for the 8H frame ( 6'3" ), hence he would need to customize it for his needs.
Thanks,
Yan
Thanks,
Yan
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Designer of Downtube Folding Bike
Ph.D. Temple University ( Math )
Biked across the USA twice
Semi-active chess player ( two time Bahamas National Champion )
Sivananda ( Bahamas ) Trained Yoga instructor ( 2013 ) and ThetaHealer since 2013
Bicycle delivery worker for Jimmy John's. Delivering is the best workout I have ever had.
Designer of Downtube Folding Bike
Ph.D. Temple University ( Math )
Biked across the USA twice
Semi-active chess player ( two time Bahamas National Champion )
Sivananda ( Bahamas ) Trained Yoga instructor ( 2013 ) and ThetaHealer since 2013
Bicycle delivery worker for Jimmy John's. Delivering is the best workout I have ever had.