Abu Mahendra

Ingenious pivoting fold that eliminates the hinge, light at 8.9kg without pedals, and quite affordable.

iamdougsbike

Would like to get one of these frames, looks like a solid design. Only see them on Taobao and AliExpress though...

pinholecam

I considered this bike a while ago and nearly got one 2nd hand.

What I've pondered about is whether the seat post is taking all that strain.

Abu Mahendra

As far as i can tell, the seatpost takes the rider's weight, of course, and prevents the frame from folding open laterally.

Btw, the seatpost and tube have a groove so you never need to align the seat. It always points dead ahead. A nice touch. Internal cable routing, another nice touch. Lug for luggage trus on the head tube, yet another plus.

I've stripped it so it's now down to a blank canvass ready for a custom build. My Dash is up for sale so once it goes, the FSIR will be my main 406er.

tds101 

fourknees

Any idea if the FSIR bike frame is the same as a solorock spin frames?

https://solorock.us/collections/folding-bike-aluminium-alloy-frame

I had seen these solorocks at one point, I believe someone posted on this forum and I like the design. Maybe this is the US version?

Abu Mahendra

As they'd say in Singapore, 'same same lah!'

tdonline

For those of us less technically-inclined, what's the forum's verdict on the 16 inch Spin 3?

Super Light Spin 3 - SOLOROCK 16" 9 Speed Aluminum Folding Bike | SoloRock Sports & Appliances

At 21 pounds with fenders and a rack included--it may be an option for those looking for a lighter bike?

Abu Mahendra

I rode this little pony, and I kinda regret not picking one up. When it comes to 16"ers, I'd pick up either a Spin 3 or a FnHon Gust.


Btw, i spotted a difference between the Solorocks and FSIRs. The 16"er Solorocks appear to have a lug on the headtube while the FSIRs do not.

tdonline

Thanks Abu.

What did you like about it? Why did you pass on it?

I've looked into Solorock before and I can't remember why I decided it wasn't a good option.

One concern is the folding size, that 31" will be difficult for a standard-size suitcase.

Folding Size: 30 cm x 79 cm x 59 cm or 12” x 31” x 23”

Abu Mahendra

Decent ride, decent components, low weight, low price, pivoting folding mechanism, unique X factor with quirky blue camo motif & disk brakes.

I passed cuz I didn't pass on the Spin 5.0. I've made a promise to myself to stay off the under-406 sauce.

invisiblehand

Is it my imagination or does the FSIR 20" bike use the same frame and rear section with a different fork?

FSIR-bike 20" (white) - FSIR bike

edelay

That fold is cool in that it won't cause the chain to go slack. I find those chain tensioners ugly.

Abu Mahendra

Good question. Had not considered that possibility. Perhaps. Which would mean the 16" bike has roughly the same wheelbase as the 20" bike. The only clear difference is that the 20"er has a luggage lug on the head tube, while the 16"er does not.

iamdougsbike

The SoloRock looks like it's made by the same place that makes the FSIR to me.

Looks like a really nice bike...

Abu Mahendra

Yes. That SRock even has the luggage block on the headtube, just like a FSIR Spin 5.0. One difference, though. The handlepost on FSIRs doesn't telescope.

iamdougsbike

But the SoloRock's handle post is like a Tern Physis 3D handlepost without welds near the hinge...

I wish Xootr had put that kind of luggage block on the head tube of the Swift!

Abu Mahendra

Yes. Good eye. I've seen, pawed the Tern handlepost. My LBS carries it. It is very well made, but it is also a good 200 grams heavier than a welded handlepost. I wonder, is the weight (and price) premium worth it?

Yes, the luggage block is another nice touch that endeared me to the FSIR.

dahoneezz

There is two clamps for the seat post? How does that work? Is there a groove cut in the frame (for the lower clamp)?

Abu Mahendra

I don't quite grasp the question. The frame is two sections held together at two points, at the folding pivot, and at the seatpost tube. The seatpost clamps onto the lower back section and the upper forward section. There is a raised groove inside the two-piece seat tube. This raised groove mates with the sunken groove on the seatpost.

maxxevv

Think the 20" version with a belt drive and IGH would look pretty slick.

Abu Mahendra

What IGH would you propose? It has to be a smooth-shifting, work horse with at least as much range as a 11-46T cogset. No, Rohloff is out of the question because it is far too pricey, and heavy.

dahoneezz

I watched the video again and ... yes two clamps. Understand now. Anyway, hope you do a review of the Fsir Spin vs the Fhon Gust.They both look like minimalist light weight bikes. How do they compare.

Abu Mahendra

It's a bit apples & oranges. The FSIR is light, and Alu for 406 wheels. The Gust cannot be called a featherweight with its steel frame for 305/349 wheels.

dahoneezz

Ah ... Somehow I missed the Alu bit. Sorry.