Frequently Asked Folding Bike Questions

Question: Which bike should I buy? Answer: See the below table to help explain the advantages and disadvantages of each bike. Need more details? View our comparison table

Answer: Overall if you are looking for the smoothest riding bike buy the FS bike. If you need a frame mounted rack get the IX or VIIIH. If you want a super lightweight bike get the VIIINS. Women seem to love the mini because of the low standover height and lightweight.

	Advantages	Disadvantages
Full suspension (FS model)	Amazingly comfortable ride Most stylish model Many color choices: white, orange, black, pink Folds most compactly if you disengage the rear swingarm Extra tall frame to fit tall riders	Our heaviest bike at a lightweight 28lbs No frame mounted racks will fit on this bike, only a seat post rack No kickstand is available
Front suspension (IX and VIIIH models)	Almost as comfy as the full suspension with suspension fork and wide saddle Includes frame mounted rack and kickstand, making this our top commuter model Optional internal 8sp hub (VIIIH model) for maintenance free shifting	Frame is not as tall as the FS hence taller riders (well over 6’) may not fit as well. Front fork adds about 1.5lbs to the weight of the bike
No suspension (NS model)	Lightest 20" wheel bike we carry ( ONLY 24lbs ) w/o accessories Ultra-lightest frame Includes rack, kickstand, and fenders	Stiffest ride due to no suspension Frame is not as tall as the FS hence taller riders (well over 6’) may not fit as well.
Mini	Lightest bike we carry at 24lbs Coil Spring rear suspension for comfort. Super compact folded size Internal hub or "high end" 9sp Shimano drivetrain. Super low standover height. Great for kids, women, and seniors	Not as adjustable as our bigger bikes Frame is not as tall hence taller riders (well over 6’) may not fit as well.

Q Why are your bikes so much less expensive than your competition?

A. We design, import, distribute, and retail our bikes. With all the savings we are able to sell $700-$800 bikes for around $330.

Q How do your bikes compare to your competition?

A. Our main competitors are:
Dahon They created the market in the late 70's. Currently the only Dahon's in our price range are the Speed 7 and Mariner ( MSRP $379 & $389 ). Both of these bikes have steel frames, no suspension, and 7sp drivetrains. All our 20" wheel bikes are less expensive, they have aluminum frames and components, angle adjustable stems ( only available on Dahons costing over $1000 ), 9sp cassette drivetrains ( Dahons use 7sp freewheels, freewheels are much lower grade because they wobble on the back of a wheel ), suspension designs, many design improvements including a water bottle braze-ons and replaceable rear hanger. Dahon's in the $600-$800 range are more competitive with our $300-$400 models.
Brompton The Brompton has the best fold in the market. However our mini competes very well with all Bromptons. The standard Brompton starts at $800 has a heavy steel frame ( bike weighs 28lbs ), bad brakes, 3 speeds, and thumpy elastomer suspension. Our mini starts at around $450, has a lightweight aluminum frame ( bike weighs 24lbs ), excellent V brakes, comfortable coil spring rear suspension, and high quality 8 speed Sturmey Archer internal hub drivertrain.
Xootr Swift The Xootr is the lightest 8sp folder in its price range, $679. Our NS is slightly heavier due to a heavier telescoping stem, which can be replaced with a lighter alloy stem. The 9sp NS costs $349 and includes a rack, fenders, and kickstand.
Bike Friday Friday's are difficult to fold, expensive, and made of steel with no suspension. All our models compete with the Friday lineup at less than half the cost.
Strida Strida's are lightweight and compact. However they are uncomfortable, bad durability, and pricy. They are a good option for inner city bikers that do not have far to ride. Our mini competes with the Strida.
Birdy A very slick looking full suspension aluminum folding bike for around $1000. Our FS model is equally stylish for less than half the price.
GoBike Interesting bikes that are not available in the US or UK at this time. Our FS competes with the GoBike

Q Will your bikes fit me?

A All our folding bikes have a seat tube that is angled back. This allows our full suspension frames to fit most riders from 4ft 10in - 6ft 5in. Front suspension bikes will fit most riders 4ft 10in- 6ft 2in. In addition to the frame geometry we include an adjustable angle stem; this allows a nearly custom fit. Recreational riders can tilt the angle up for relaxed riding comfort, while racers can reduce the angle to get a more aggressive fast paced ride.

Q Can I take it on an airplane?

A Yes. Scott Holmen was kind enough to post pictures on how to pack the bike in a regulation sized Samsonite Oyster case. Also view this blog with packing instructions

Q Are your bikes comfortable?

A Most of our bikes have a Zoom MCU suspension fork. Our Full Suspension (FS) models have a rear shock, which is amazingly comfortable. We challenge anyone to find a more comfortable folding bike! Even our IX model has a comfy wide saddle to absorb road shock.

Q How adjustable is it?

A The seat post is 500mm long which is long enough for most people. Additionally we use a height adjustable stem which is also angle adjustable. The angle can be changed from 0 to 60 degrees for all types of riding styles. Additionally the stem can be flipped around for people with short arms. If you have short arms remove the handlebar from the stem, then the stem from the stem extender. The stem can be rotated in the opposite direction (180 degrees in the opposite direction) then the handlebar can be reattached. This should help anyone with a short reach.

Q How do I adjust the saddle or stem height?

A See step by step pictorial saddle height instructions and stem height instructions

Q How do I fold the pedals frame and stem?

A See step by step pictorial pedal folding instructions, stem folding instructions, and frame folding instructions

Q The frame looks nice, but is it high quality?

A All our frames are made from 6061 Aluminum the most popular alloy used for bicycles. Hence our frames are light, durable, and rust resistant

Q Do you sell recumbent folders?

A Yes and No. We do not sell our own recumbent folders, however you can use the Cruzbike conversion to turn almost any Downtube into a folding recumbent.

Q How many speeds is the bicycle?

A Our bikes are 8 or 9 speed with a beautiful lightweight aluminum cassette. Most bikes under $500 use cheaper steel freewheels. Freewheels wobble around on the rear wheel, giving poor shifting performance. A cassette moves in a perfect circle allowing smoother shifts.

Q Are the components high quality?

A We use all aluminum components, except for the bottom stem for safety. We have the only folding bikes under $800 with an adjustable stem. We include one of the nicest cassettes you can buy. Some other nice features are an adjustable height stem, super soft grips, and nice bar ends ( to help steering and climbing). The brake calipers are aluminum V brake style. The wheels are light with stainless steel spokes and strong double wall rims.

Q Can I take it on a train?

A You should check with your local transit authority. However, we have had no issues carrying the bikes on Philadelphia trains. Once on a train the bike rolls when folded in half, hence there is no need to lift it.

Q Is it harder to ride a 20in wheel bike?

A Actually it is much easier to ride, since your center of gravity is much lower. Additionally, the stand over height is much lower than a conventional bike, making it safer to ride.

Q How do you remove the rear wheel to change a flat on the internal hub bikes?

A ( text and picture by Scott Holmen ) First shift the bike into 8th gear to get as much tension off the cable as possible.

Pull the shift cable end towards the rear of the bike. You should see a black ring rotating counter-clockwise as you pull the cable. You can pull it with your fingers, but a pair of pliers would make it easier. Rotate the black ring at least a few inches/ a quarter turn. Push down on the black ring with your fingers, a screwdriver, small piece of wood, etc. to keep the ring from turning. Pull the cable end nut out of the bracket in the black ring. You should end up with something that looks like this.

Q How is the gearing on the bike?

A The gearing is low enough to allow most people to climb up most hills. The designer, Dr. Yan Lyansky, claims to be able to climb any hill with his FS bike. The gearing is high enough to easily cruise at over 20mph.

Q Do your bikes have anything special?

A We think so, we have water bottle braze-ons standard (only bike in its class), a removable faceplate stem, super soft grips, mini barends (only bike under $800 with barends), replaceable rear derailleur hanger, thinner front tire for less rolling resistance (no one else specs thinner front tires).

Q Does it need assembly?

A The bike is 100% assembled, however it needs to be tuned by a professional.

Q Are they safe to ride?

A Our bikes are overbuilt and make to withstand punishment ( especially the FS ). In addition we have safety locks on our stem and frame quickrelease, so they can not fold while riding.

Q Why do you have different front and rear tires on some models?

A This is one of the best features of our bikes. Note the forces on the front wheel are push based, and pull based on the rear. Pushing is "harder" than pulling, hence more energy is wasted up front. Hence we thinned the front tire. Additionally, the seat tube is angled back more weight is distributed towards the rear of the bike. Hence we put a wide rear tire for traction. This configuration is highly efficient, and very safe.

Q Do you have tech support?

A Yes our tech email is yanL@downtube.com or AOLIM is DowntubeY and phone is 215-245-4032

Q Does it have a warranty?

A All bikes purchased on our website carry a 1 year limited warranty against defects on the frame and parts. Bikes purchased elsewhere may carry a longer or shorter warranty.