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Downtube folding bike

Old 04-08-15, 08:35 AM
  #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,
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Old 04-11-15, 10:27 AM
  #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.

Last edited by westgl; 04-11-15 at 10:35 AM.
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Old 04-11-15, 10:40 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.
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Old 04-11-15, 11:46 AM
  #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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Old 04-11-15, 12:09 PM
  #2130  
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Originally Posted by tds101
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 ?
I considered bringing in a 26" folder a long time ago, even got a sample made. However I ultimately found them to be too big even when folded. I am curious about getting into the 24" folder market however I am distracted by a few things. I am launching a 20" wheel 9sp kids bike in 2015, planning on introducing electric models in 2016, and I am investigating the idea of doing a tadpole trike that can be converted for disabled people.

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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Old 04-23-15, 05:46 PM
  #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
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Old 04-26-15, 08:55 AM
  #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
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Old 04-26-15, 01:16 PM
  #2133  
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On Step by Step bicycle fitting instructions, it should read saddle fore aft position? "For" should be "fore".
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Old 04-26-15, 03:08 PM
  #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
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Old 05-27-15, 12:20 PM
  #2135  
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Little cross-post for downtubers - Yan and myself are happy to reveal the new Downtube branding

Post with details here
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Old 06-04-15, 08:44 PM
  #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?
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Old 06-04-15, 09:12 PM
  #2137  
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Originally Posted by cheran75
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?
We are planning to bring in head tube bags.Unfortunately they were delayed. I do not have a solution at this time.

Thanks,
Yan
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Old 06-04-15, 09:19 PM
  #2138  
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Originally Posted by cheran75
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?
Check the spacing on the holes. Hopefully, they will be the same as on Dahons and Terns. If so, see Dahon Bags and Luggage.
I, personally, find the Tern Luggage Truss with the Kanga Rack is extremely versatile.

-HANK RYAN-
Norman, Oklahoma USA
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Old 06-05-15, 09:44 AM
  #2139  
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Thanks @Yan for the response

Thanks @HGR3inOK for reference, will check the spacing and see whether Truss can be fixed there.
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Old 07-17-15, 10:55 AM
  #2140  
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Originally Posted by Rincewind8
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
Tomorrow is the 10 year anniversary of this thread....wow!

Thanks,
Yan
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Old 07-17-15, 11:17 AM
  #2141  
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Originally Posted by downtube
Tomorrow is the 10 year anniversary of this thread....wow!

Thanks,
Yan
Oh wow! I never realized I created such a monster thread!
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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Old 07-17-15, 11:27 AM
  #2142  
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Originally Posted by Rincewind8
Oh wow! I never realized I created such a monster thread!
Yes you created a monster!

Thanks,
Yan
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Old 07-17-15, 11:33 AM
  #2143  
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Originally Posted by downtube
Yes you created a monster!
Currently #77 in the all time monster thread history of bikeforums...

Correction: #189
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Last edited by Rincewind8; 07-17-15 at 01:51 PM.
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Old 07-17-15, 01:25 PM
  #2144  
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Originally Posted by Rincewind8
Currently #77 in the all time monster thread history of bikeforums...
How did you find this?

Thanks,
Yan
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Old 07-17-15, 01:56 PM
  #2145  
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Originally Posted by downtube
How did you find this?
Advanced search -> search single content type -> search for threads with at least 2000 replies -> sort results by number of replies -> it's on page 8 of the results (176-200)

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Old 07-19-15, 07:09 PM
  #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,
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Old 07-31-15, 10:13 AM
  #2147  
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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.
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Old 07-31-15, 10:41 AM
  #2148  
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Originally Posted by shrooms
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.
shrooms,

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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Old 08-04-15, 09:59 AM
  #2149  
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Originally Posted by downtube
Originally Posted by shrooms
Do you know 451s wheels are able to fit Downtube Nova? Thanks a lot in advance.
The braze-on for the brakes would be off, hence I think it would not be a good idea.
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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Old 08-04-15, 10:51 AM
  #2150  
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Originally Posted by rhm
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.
Thank you guys. I decided to follow your advices. Performance wise 451s aren't much faster anyway. I appreciate your help and wish you all the best.
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