Revoltingest

I have no clue. I wonder how many were like me, not wanting to be a Kickstarter backer, but willing to place an order directly with Helix when things looked more mature & successful. The price increase was minimal ($300). We could've easily added as much money as was raised on Kickstarter, & with no commission taken from it.

Gibsonsean

Based on the timetable for production mooted at the time pre-orders were wrapped up, I seem to recall that pre-order bikes were to take about the same amount of time to complete shipping, once backer's were shipped, as the backer's bikes. From this, I assumed the volumes were similar.

Regardless, at this stage the Helix team must have a very good idea on cost to manufacture and they are still pressing on, which would be odd if they felt they didn't have a business case. Even at pre-order time, manufacturing costs would have been much clearer and pricing only stepped up $300.

Retail pricing has not been set and need bear no relation to the KS or pre-order pricing. It was always going to be more. How much more will, no doubt, reflect actual cost to manufacture, anticipated demand, Brompton and other competitor pricing and a premium for uniqueness and titaniumness.

Revoltingest

Something I haven't figured out.
Look at the Helix in folded condition.

You'll see a straight line between the front fork pivot, the wheels axle centerline, & the swingarm pivot. This means that there's a lot of vertical compliance in the 2 connected wheels. If allowed to move upward from this position, the high leverage would impose potentially damaging loads on the pivots. That wouldn't be acceptable, so it must be a solved problem.
What keeps the wheels in place?
Does the swingarm touch the bottom bracket in this position?

Gibsonsean

Took me a while to get your gist. It's an interesting question.

We do know that is a proprietary locking mechanism to lock the wheels together. This could potentially fix the angle between front monofork and rear swing arm. There may also/alternatively be robust limiters in the rear helical hinge. The front hinge looks like the weak spot in this scenario.
Then again, how much actual weight is going to be acting on the whole folded set up.

Revoltingest

To handle the forces, a rotational locking device at the axles would be noticeably large & inefficient, & it would likely not be a passive device. The hinges are too small do handle rotational locking. Even the swing arm impinging against the bottom bracket would yield higher forces than I'd be comfortable with. I'd consider a stop on the frame extending down to touch the swingarm or axle/hub, thereby limiting motion passively & with low forces. I suspect they've figured out something more elegant.

Thinking more about it, a stop attached to the brake side dropout could work well. It could be short, light & unobtrusive.

Gibsonsean

The wheel lock is not small. As the helical hinges result in horizontal translation, the limiter need not be rotational. From the picks I don't see any kind of impingement that would limit rotation with leverage. Be interesting to see when the bike arrives.

unclejemima

Looking forward to this weekends update!!

Happy Friday all

maxxevv

Perhaps you can look up its patent. It might be possible to figure it out from there instead ?

Revoltingest

I've looked over the US patent info, but don't see this issue addressed.
Ref....
COMPACTABLE BICYCLE

Revoltingest

Latest Helix update has arrived!
Not divulging more than is appropriate.....
Testing is nearly done.
Production setup continues.

Jipe

Boutakis eventually succeeded in enforcing a blackout about the real status of his Helix project !

Strange commercial strategy to hide what is going on to potential customers while Helix is supposed to need more sales to survive ?

Gibsonsean

Hardly 'enforcing'. Hardly 'hiding' the 'real status'. He just asked backers not to share details of updates for reasons of commercial sensitivity. Perfectly reasonable and happy to respect his wishes. He is not obliged to share any details with us after all.

As to the 'real status', as far as anyone knows, it is as Revoltingest kindly posted.
"Testing is nearly done.
Production setup continues.".

More fun of course to see conspiracy and suppression of the truth

Jipe

As long as the progress updates are only visible for backers and not open to everybody like for many other kickstarter projects, only backers know if what you state is true or not.

Revoltingest

I really look forward to getting my Helix. But this talk of black-outs & secrecy enforcement is now adding an element of illicit pleasure. It'll be one sinful bicycle!

Joe Remi

It'll be even more fun if the bike is released as a covert black op. "That's an interesting bicycle you have there, sir." 'What bicycle?'

Gibsonsean

https://youtu.be/ca-9UkUP6WU

RatonLaveur

It's all about the advantages of Not Being Seen...

firestorm135

I bought a Brompton. I couldn't wait any longer. 2+ years was long enough for me. I really do hope they are successful at some point.

DaKineDatFolds

Congratulations. What did you order or pick up for a Brompton configuration? My order will process on March 1st - it's the one of the window openings this year to order a custom Brompton.

Mtroup

They’re behind schedule, but I’d still bet we see a production Helix before George RR Martin’s next Game of Thrones book.

firestorm135

Thank you! I got an Orange Black Edition with the S-style handlebar, 6 speed with 12% gearing reduction, and rear rack. Looks to be the perfect travel companion!

Lalato

I come here for the Helix drama. Please take the Brompton talk elsewhere.

Revoltingest

I heard a Helix is dating a Brompton.
Would the offspring be a 20" folder?
Would they raise it to be titanium or steel?

Joe Remi

I have no interest in best folders in the world I can actually buy. BOOOORRRINNNNG!

DaKineDatFolds

Okay, done. ALMOST done...

Rumors. The Helix makes promise after promise to show up for date after date, but repeatedly continues to flake and never shows up... for ANYONE. So the Brompton continues to hook up with many others for one night stands, with results of not so attractive offspring in other continents.

However, if the Helix ever shows up to date a Brompton, I think you're on the right track. They'd have a 20" folder and I'm pretty sure that the Helix would insist on raising it titanium. Unfortunately though, due to the Helix's family history, their offspring will most likely end up with perpetual psychological issues and brain disorders.