Downtube folding bike
#2126
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I would agree that one option gets nuttin, however I see that as the $130 option for nearly nuttin. I think your the only one here that would support the nonsense....as usual.
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.
#2127
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I received both bikes from Yan at Downtube, and have ridden them for the last couple days.
They are very Nice, very smooth bikes in every aspect, shifting, comfort, and quality of ride, Brakes are really good, over all I really like the bikes.
Just a little of easy setup, and making sure every screw was tight, Brakes needed a little adjustment, loosen brake cable, and spread V brake slightly to obtain enough clearance to rim, adjust brake lever angle and shifter angle with supplied allen wrenches, simple stuff like that, it did not take me long.
quality of materials is very good.
Durability for the long term, i cannot answer that.
but looking at the design and all the extra bracing/gusseting, and longer frame seat tube and the swingarm all looks very robust and durable visually.
It looks, and rides like a quality bike.
They are very Nice, very smooth bikes in every aspect, shifting, comfort, and quality of ride, Brakes are really good, over all I really like the bikes.
Just a little of easy setup, and making sure every screw was tight, Brakes needed a little adjustment, loosen brake cable, and spread V brake slightly to obtain enough clearance to rim, adjust brake lever angle and shifter angle with supplied allen wrenches, simple stuff like that, it did not take me long.
quality of materials is very good.
Durability for the long term, i cannot answer that.
but looking at the design and all the extra bracing/gusseting, and longer frame seat tube and the swingarm all looks very robust and durable visually.
It looks, and rides like a quality bike.
Last edited by westgl; 04-11-15 at 10:35 AM.
#2128
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I was out on a ride with the New 9FS yesterday, and two guys were up the road a little ways.
I caught Up to them fairly quickly and passed them fairly quickly.
one guy was on a recumbent, other guy was on a upright bike.
I past them both like they were in reverse.
They obviously were not racing me, but i was just testing out the new bike.
the 9FS are fast for a 30-lb bike.
I caught Up to them fairly quickly and passed them fairly quickly.
one guy was on a recumbent, other guy was on a upright bike.
I past them both like they were in reverse.
They obviously were not racing me, but i was just testing out the new bike.
the 9FS are fast for a 30-lb bike.
#2129
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If Downtube made a 24" or 26" wheeled folder I'd order it NOW!!! I need larger, fatter wheels/tires for my NYC commute. Any hope of a larger bike @downtube ?
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If it wasn't for you meddling kids,...
#2130
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If Downtube made a 24" or 26" wheeled folder I'd order it NOW!!! I need larger, fatter wheels/tires for my NYC commute. Any hope of a larger bike @downtube ?
FYI I have a 6 & 7 yr old, my 7 yr old won her first triathlon series last year. I tried to buy her a nice kids bike, but found nothing. Trek has a $430 20" wheel 7sp freewheel model with steel fork, it is truly a sad bike. I will introduce a 9sp cassette model with aluminium lowers on the fork ( or rigid fork option ) for under $400 an analogous Trek would sell for $1000+.
Recently, I was told how hard it is to buy a hand bike by a disabled person. I would like to assist in that market if it is feasible. First I need to design models that can convert between regular trikes and hand trikes. Then I have to investigate feasibility of importing ( these things are big and will not be ready from the factory, hence dealers are necessary ). I really have alot to learn about the trikes. Is anyone interested in assisting with this?
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.
#2131
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Have a few questions, as I just got my Downtube in yesterday. Belt drive, Shimano 8sp, which I will use in the Rv when traveling. Everything was tight and first ride was great. 1) When I have a flat rear, what torque on the rear wheel with the Shimano? 2) What is that bracket below the Crank With that plastic rectangular piece (the seat tube touches it when seat tube is down)? Is it there to protect the crank in shipping & should I remove it? 3) I only use the bike while on rv trips & that seat is real bad on my 68 year old but. What is the softest seat I can get? Thanks in advance
#2132
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1. Do you mean how much tension on the belt? FYI you may want to keep an extra tube inside the rear axle held by a zip tie ( just in case you need to swap tubes quickly )
2. The bracket is removable ( and bendable ) the bike should balance on it when folded. I would keep it.
3. Don't buy a seat just yet. Please try to fit the bike to your body. I guarantee once you do you will be much happier. Take a look at Step by Step bicycle fitting instructions
Thanks,
Yan
2. The bracket is removable ( and bendable ) the bike should balance on it when folded. I would keep it.
3. Don't buy a seat just yet. Please try to fit the bike to your body. I guarantee once you do you will be much happier. Take a look at Step by Step bicycle fitting instructions
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.
#2134
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Thanks Yan for the reply but at 68 I have a PSA count of 7 (not good) Protrate problem. No need to aggravate it. Bought a MUCH larger seat & all is well.
I should have put nut torque in my first post as I now have read 32-35 pounds on rear nuts if changing tire. All the best to you & Downtube
I should have put nut torque in my first post as I now have read 32-35 pounds on rear nuts if changing tire. All the best to you & Downtube
#2135
Raleigh20 PugFixie, Merc
Little cross-post for downtubers - Yan and myself are happy to reveal the new Downtube branding
Post with details here
Post with details here
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My Raleigh Twenty site | foldr : A flickr pool | #6460, #5632 & #3407 on the fixedgeargallery
My Raleigh Twenty site | foldr : A flickr pool | #6460, #5632 & #3407 on the fixedgeargallery
#2136
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Hello Yan,
I'm looking for a bag on the front for my DT FS 9, I would like to take advantage of those screw slots available on front of headset, do you know any front rack or bag, kind of clip on?
I'm looking for a bag on the front for my DT FS 9, I would like to take advantage of those screw slots available on front of headset, do you know any front rack or bag, kind of clip on?
#2137
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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.
#2138
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I, personally, find the Tern Luggage Truss with the Kanga Rack is extremely versatile.
-HANK RYAN-
Norman, Oklahoma USA
#2139
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#2140
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Hi!
I found these "Downtube" folding bikes online and was wondering if anyone here owns one, has tested/seen one or knows of any independent review of any kind. From the description and the pictures on the webiste it looks pretty nice. Also the price seems quite reasonable.
Any thoughts...?!
Here are the links to the bikes:
https://www.downtube.com/catalog/prod...3c90514771fac6
https://www.downtube.com/catalog/prod...3c90514771fac6
I found these "Downtube" folding bikes online and was wondering if anyone here owns one, has tested/seen one or knows of any independent review of any kind. From the description and the pictures on the webiste it looks pretty nice. Also the price seems quite reasonable.
Any thoughts...?!
Here are the links to the bikes:
https://www.downtube.com/catalog/prod...3c90514771fac6
https://www.downtube.com/catalog/prod...3c90514771fac6
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.
#2141
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I did end up buying a Downtube folding bike a long time ago. I modified it quite a bit and rode it for some time (even in some semi-fast group rides with others on road bikes). It didn't get used much among the rest of my bikes and I decided I really didn't need a folding bike, so I eventually sold it. But it was fun to ride while I had it.
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TH 1.81 (133kg*62)
TH 1.81 (133kg*62)
#2142
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Yes you created a monster!
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.
#2143
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#2144
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Currently #77 in the all time monster thread history of bikeforums...
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.
#2145
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#2146
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I would like to announce a major change in the Downtube. Starting Jan 1, 2016 we will turn into a non-profit. My family has decided that the best place for profits to go is Orphanages in Indonesia ( my wife is Indonesian ). I will accept a salary for myself, however it will be very reasonable.
I assume many would ask why would I want to do this. I have learned alot over the years. Last time my business grew at a fast rate the profits created nothing but problems within my family. Thankfully sales slowed and my family is back together! I believe abundance is very likely to cause more family problems, hence I will do the best we can do by donating it to needy children.
Additionally in 2016 we will no longer be a folding bicycle company, but rather a bicycle company. We will expand into several different niche bicycle markets and I expect our growth to be dramatic. I could use help from anyone that has experience creating a non-profit....I have no experience in that matter.
Thanks,
Yan
I assume many would ask why would I want to do this. I have learned alot over the years. Last time my business grew at a fast rate the profits created nothing but problems within my family. Thankfully sales slowed and my family is back together! I believe abundance is very likely to cause more family problems, hence I will do the best we can do by donating it to needy children.
Additionally in 2016 we will no longer be a folding bicycle company, but rather a bicycle company. We will expand into several different niche bicycle markets and I expect our growth to be dramatic. I could use help from anyone that has experience creating a non-profit....I have no experience in that matter.
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.
#2147
Full Member
Hi Yan. Sorry to hear that your company has to change the course but whatever makes you happy.
Do you know 451s wheels are able to fit Downtube Nova? Thanks a lot in advance.
Do you know 451s wheels are able to fit Downtube Nova? Thanks a lot in advance.
#2148
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The change to a non-profit is meant to be a positive change....no need for an apology The braze-on for the brakes would be off, hence I think it would not be a good idea.
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.
#2149
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The overall diameter (rim plus tire) is probably about the same, so the 451 wheels will probably fit. You will need to use caliper brakes. I don't know how long the brakes would have to be; caliper brakes are available in a variety of lengths (the term is "brake reach"). As a general rule, the shorter the reach, the stronger the brakes. My guess is the Nova will require the longest you can find, if not longer. So, as Yan says, it's probably not a good idea.
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#2150
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The overall diameter (rim plus tire) is probably about the same, so the 451 wheels will probably fit. You will need to use caliper brakes. I don't know how long the brakes would have to be; caliper brakes are available in a variety of lengths (the term is "brake reach"). As a general rule, the shorter the reach, the stronger the brakes. My guess is the Nova will require the longest you can find, if not longer. So, as Yan says, it's probably not a good idea.