Comments on: Downtube FS Folding Bike Review http://www.newfoldingbikes.com/downtube-fs-folding-bike-review/ BEST site online for reviewing and shopping for FOLDING BIKES! Sun, 11 Jul 2010 04:00:29 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 By: SM http://www.newfoldingbikes.com/downtube-fs-folding-bike-review/comment-page-1/#comment-472 SM Wed, 05 May 2010 00:27:40 +0000 http://www.newfoldingbikes.com/?p=229#comment-472 There is a reason bike forums call people over 200 lbs Clydesdales. A folding bike is just that, a hinged device that isn't meant to be used like a SUV. So no offense to the poster, you essentially ignored recommendations and then blame your decision on build quality and not overtaxing a device. Overclocked computers have reduced longevity, that's how things work. From what I've read, the review follows suit. Solid frame (assuming you meet the weight requirements) and somewhat cheaper parts that are easy to replace. Pedals, crank and gearing are usually the first to go. Some DTs have tabs for adding disc brakes and people have modded them with those, and newer shifters. So in the US, for $400 dollars you'd have a tricked out bike far superior to most Dahons, which are notoriously small and cramped. There is a reason bike forums call people over 200 lbs Clydesdales. A folding bike is just that, a hinged device that isn’t meant to be used like a SUV. So no offense to the poster, you essentially ignored recommendations and then blame your decision on build quality and not overtaxing a device. Overclocked computers have reduced longevity, that’s how things work. From what I’ve read, the review follows suit. Solid frame (assuming you meet the weight requirements) and somewhat cheaper parts that are easy to replace. Pedals, crank and gearing are usually the first to go. Some DTs have tabs for adding disc brakes and people have modded them with those, and newer shifters. So in the US, for $400 dollars you’d have a tricked out bike far superior to most Dahons, which are notoriously small and cramped.

]]> By: Edwin Meyer http://www.newfoldingbikes.com/downtube-fs-folding-bike-review/comment-page-1/#comment-399 Edwin Meyer Tue, 09 Jun 2009 18:26:16 +0000 http://www.newfoldingbikes.com/?p=229#comment-399 My Downtube Brand Folding Bike Gradually Fell Apart I see a fair amount of positive comments about Downtube brand folding bikes, so I'd like to counterbalance these with my own experience. In Fall 2006 I bought a new lower end non-suspension Downtube bike sold by the American importer through Ebay.com. I paid about US $235 including delivery to me in Massachusetts, and with local bikeshop assembly, the total initial cost was about $265. At the time it seemed like a bargain, but as time went on and things went wrong, it gradually became less so. Over the past several years, the bike was regularly in the shop for repair. A non-exhaustive list of problems: - A bad bushing necessitated a fifty dollar bottom bracket disassembly. The mechanic said that another 50 cent investment in a better quality part would have prevented this. - The seat broke off from the attachment rails. - A couple of spokes broke. - The chainguard came detached from the chainring. Finally, in the Fall of 2008, the aluminum frame cracked right by the seat post attachment, putting fini to the bike. At least it saved me from continuing to put money into it. Confession: At anywhere from 230 - 240 lb., I was just a bit over the listed 225 lb. maximum load. And I was out regularly on it in all but winter weather. So this bike did not get light use. Still, I thought that my Downtube bike should have had more than a 2 year 1000 mile max lifetime. However, during its lifetime, the Downtube bike was fun to ride. Was it worth it? Maybe. Definitely a cheap (which means "sub-mediocre quality" in American) bike, it was also relatively inexpensive, and it gave me a good introduction to the joys of an easily transportable upright riding position bike. A Downtube bike might work out well for a smaller person who uses it occasionally. And for someone who rides it once or twice, then puts it away in the basement, the Downtube is close to ideal. But I have noticed that the current prices on the Downtube.com website are now higher. I would suggest instead looking for a higher quality used folding bike. For example, I just bought a used (but in excellent shape) 2006 Dahon Mariner at $175 through craigslist.com. You might be able to find a similar value. My Downtube Brand Folding Bike Gradually Fell Apart
I see a fair amount of positive comments about Downtube brand folding bikes, so I’d like to counterbalance these with my own experience.

In Fall 2006 I bought a new lower end non-suspension Downtube bike sold by the American importer through Ebay.com. I paid about US $235 including delivery to me in Massachusetts, and with local bikeshop assembly, the total initial cost was about $265. At the time it seemed like a bargain, but as time went on and things went wrong, it gradually became less so. Over the past several years, the bike was regularly in the shop for repair.

A non-exhaustive list of problems:
- A bad bushing necessitated a fifty dollar bottom bracket disassembly. The mechanic said that another 50 cent investment in a better quality part would have prevented this.
- The seat broke off from the attachment rails.
- A couple of spokes broke.
- The chainguard came detached from the chainring.

Finally, in the Fall of 2008, the aluminum frame cracked right by the seat post attachment, putting fini to the bike. At least it saved me from continuing to put money into it.

Confession: At anywhere from 230 – 240 lb., I was just a bit over the listed 225 lb. maximum load. And I was out regularly on it in all but winter weather. So this bike did not get light use. Still, I thought that my Downtube bike should have had more than a 2 year 1000 mile max lifetime.

However, during its lifetime, the Downtube bike was fun to ride.

Was it worth it? Maybe. Definitely a cheap (which means “sub-mediocre quality” in American) bike, it was also relatively inexpensive, and it gave me a good introduction to the joys of an easily transportable upright riding position bike. A Downtube bike might work out well for a smaller person who uses it occasionally. And for someone who rides it once or twice, then puts it away in the basement, the Downtube is close to ideal.

But I have noticed that the current prices on the Downtube.com website are now higher. I would suggest instead looking for a higher quality used folding bike. For example, I just bought a used (but in excellent shape) 2006 Dahon Mariner at $175 through craigslist.com. You might be able to find a similar value.

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