8H internal hub belt drive folding bike

Was: $1,599.00
Now: $1,399.00
(10 reviews) Write a Review
Pros:
Light aluminum frame, Shimano Alfine 8sp Internal hub, Gates CDX belt drive, cold forged cranks, fenders, rack, kickstand
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Cutting-Edge Bicycle Technology

Sold out until 2024

2023 models will have an upgraded Shimano Alfine 8sp hub with Gates CDX belt system.

Due to popular demand, we're bringing back the 8H bike with even more high-tech refinements in this 2020 version.The 8H model is on the leading edge of biking technologies. It has the Gates CDX belt drive system and a Shimano Alfine 8sp hub. The drive train is rust-proof and won't stretch or slip as you change gears (this is particularly useful for boaters). This belt system is tried-and-tested technology more commonly found in motorcycles. The new belt's rounded carbon fiber teeth are more reliable, easier to maintain, and provide a much smoother riding experience.

The Shimano Nexus internal gear hub of the 8H uses a single, handlebar mounted grip shifter that provides super smooth shifting, even at a full stop.

You won’t experience the headaches that often occur with a metal chain, and low lying derailleur. You’ll be free of damage from dirt and grime with the completely sealed internal hub of the Nexus 8-speed gear.

The newest model includes a disc front and rear hub, 60T front CDX chain ring, 22T cog, and a suspension option that results in a much more comfortable ride. Having no rear derailleur, external shifter, cog, gears or chain means that you don't have to worry about improper shifting. And you never have to clean the drive train. Being enclosed in a completely sealed and maintenance-free setting, the 8H gives you a great riding experience without having to worry about maintenance.

To make riding the 8H even more awesome, we've added lightweight fenders, a durable rack, and a kickstand. The top-tier Tektro V brakes teamed with aluminum machined-sidewall rims make stopping the 8H super-fast and smooth.

We've added a water bottle braze-on (the cage is not included), an interface for the head tube bag (this makes the lives of commuters using the 8H much easier), a headset that is integrated into the head tube, and additional mini-bar ends and high-rise handlebars (this gives the rider a customized the fit without interfering with the fold).

We also upgraded the frame quick release, the folding pedals, and the stem on the new 8H.

The fact that you'll never find a bike with a Gates CDX carbon drive belt paired with the Shimano Alfine 8sp hub for under $2000. Whether you're a boater, R'ver, or commuter, the 8H is a cutting-edge folding bike model that you'll definitely love.

Features

  • Folded size: approx. 14" x 24" x 33"
  • Weight: 31.5 lbs (w/o rack, pedals )
  • Shimano Alfine 8sp hub
  • Folding time: 15 seconds
  • Gates Carbon belt drive
  • Rider Height: 4'9" - 6'3"
  • Rider Weight 265 lbs max.
  • Preload adjustable transarch Zoom suspension fork
  • Zoom transarch designed fork with disc tabs and alloy lowers
  • Shimano trigger shifter
  • Gear Inches: 8sp hub 27 ( 1st ) - 82 ( 8th )
  • Lightweight and easy to fold alloy pedals
  • Prowheel cold forged 170mm 60T Gates carbon ring 22T rear cog
  • Shimano Gripshift 8sp
  • Gates CDX Carbon Drive Belt
  • Machined sidewall rims
  • Longer Seat tube to allow for taller riders
  • High-rise bars
  • Folding right and left aluminum pedals

Specifications

FRAME Downtube Aluminum frame
Shock N/A
FORK HL Corp CH-190AMS  20" alloy  suspension fork
HANDLEBAR HL Corp. MTB-AL-153PP  W:580 alloy
HANDLEBAR STEM HL Corp FB-AL-196-8 alloy φ28.6*25.4 *400 L.
BAR ENDS Kalloy BE-21 alloy  L:80mm
GRIPS Jie Li JL-311/312 110/80mm
HEAD SET Neco
SADDLE Velo VL-3037 3-04  B39  PU foam type, vinyl top
SEAT POST HL Corp. SP-233   alloy 30.4x500mmL
SEAT PIN Yen Yue
B.B. PARTS VP Comp.
CHAINWHEEL Gates CDX 60T
CRANK Prowheel 170mmL alloy
PEDALS Wellgo FP-7 alloy, foldable, 9/16" axle
BELT Gates CDX belt
TIRES Kenda F:20"x 1.5" R:20"x1.75"
TUBES Kenda
RIMS HJC DA-17 alloy Double F:20"x1.50" 14Gx24H   R:20"x1.50 32H CNC
SPOKES & NIPPLES 14G*56  pcs,45#stainless  braze nipples
FRONT HUB KT-MD7F alloy 14Gx24HxM9"   QR   (disc front hub)
REAR HUB Shimano Alfine 8sp hub
R/DERAILLEUR N/A
SHIFTER(S) Shimano 8sp trigger shifter
FREEWHEEL 22T
FRONT BRAKE Tektro MINI-10  V-Brake 55MM shoes
REAR BRAKE (I) Tektro MINI-10 V-Brake 55MM shoes
BRAKE LEVERS Tektro RS392A, alloy levers w/alloy black clamp

 

 

10 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews

  • 4
    8H bike review

    Posted by Robert on Apr 26th 2021

    The bike is fantastic. It doesn't quite fold as well as I would like, but otherwise is a good product. I'm docking one star because there is no response to support emails. I hope there won't be any warranty issues.

  • 4
    Well Made!

    Posted by Roderick Clyne on Oct 15th 2018

    I have so far ridden for just a couple of miles to the local bike shop to get the brakes adjusted. I like the sturdy feel of the ride and the range of gearing, although changing up requires rather too much effort. I dread having to take off the rear wheel though - and the local bike shop doesn't have any experience in hub gears and doesn't want to learn. The fold is quick and easy, although not particularly small. Nevertheless, the bike appears to be well made and built to last, so I am looking forward to many years of fun.

  • 5
    Wonderful

    Posted by Peter & Janet Terry on Jan 18th 2018

    We brought the bikes with us to Florida, and they've been wonderful. Smooth, quiet, comfortable. Thanks!

  • 5
    8H internal Hub Belt Drive Folding Bike

    Posted by Laurie Ritchie on Sep 20th 2017

    I bought this bike as we are sailing around the world and our 3 onboard bikes were subject to rust, were hard to store and with the chain grease getting the boat dirty. This bike is easy to ride, conveniently carries groceries in the accessory pannier bags and easy to store and unfold. It was such a success, my boyfriend got himself a 11H when he saw how much fun I was having. These are becoming a well used addition to our boat and will be much easier to bring ashore in our dinghy when we are anchored. Thanks, Yan, for your help in ordering the second bike and talking me through adjusting the belt when I assembled my bike.

  • 5
    GREAT BIKE...GREAT COMPANY

    Posted by Lyon Loomis on Sep 4th 2017

    I got my new 8H last week and love it! Thanks Yan, it was great to work with the owner/designer to get good info and questions answered. I had been wanting a folding bike with an internally geared hub and Gates belt drive for some time...the 8H brought those features to a price point I wanted. As a boater, I wanted the portability without the greasy or rusty chain. The 8H rides smooth, smooth, SMOOTH, AND QUIET. Very comfortable position for my 6'1" 210 lb frame. Love the longer handlebar and bar ends. Gone is the twichiness in the steering of some other very expensive fancy brand 20" folders I've ridden. The front suspension is fantastic! Also missing from those pricier bikes. Great job Yan! One little nit... the Shimano shift controller...not Downtube's fault. It runs reverse from the Shimano one on my 24 speed MTB. So, switching between bikes I have to think too much! Why so Shimano? Also noticeably stiffer upshifting versus down. GREAT BIKE...GREAT COMPANY.

  • 5
    Best Equiped Folding Bike for Design & Cost

    Posted by Neill & Kathleen Corse-Scott on Sep 4th 2017

    Researched a longtime to source the best folding bike for our specific needs for aboard a sailboat. The Downtube 8H bike model consistently was first on our preferred list to what other brands had to offer on an equal value cost comparison. There were none other out there that could fulfill our needs. We bought two of the same with the accessory panniers. Downtube's customer service & after sale follow-up is exemplary. We anticipate enjoying our bikes for many years to come!!

  • 5
    Excellent bike and value

    Posted by Joel Rothschild on Sep 4th 2017

    I have been riding my Downtube 8H in a variety of conditions, mostly city, for a month and I am very pleased with the bicycle's design, components, portability, and performance. I have taken it on many trains and buses without trouble, and I am pleasantly surprised how well it carries significant pannier freight when I am traveling.

  • 5
    review of 8H

    Posted by Scott on Sep 4th 2017

    I wanted a couple folding bikes to keep on my boat as we frequently sail to harbors and islands in MA and RI where the rentals are expensive and lots of wasted time. My initial preference was either the 8H or Dahon Mariner. I chose the 8H because of the belt drive and 8 speed internal hub. It's a pain to bag the bikes, get them into the dinghy, and then unload at a variety of beaches and docks, all of which would subject a bike with a derailleur to damage. Also, I wanted to avoid getting chain grease all over the place. So I bought one 8H and rode it around for a couple days and really like it. It's solid and I love the internal hub and shifter: great gear range and a nice low 1st gear for hills while toting a couple bags of groceries back from the market. My wife had been holding out for a different bike, but after a couple rides on my 8H she told me to buy another for her. So, if you're in the RI/MA area this summer, look for us on the 2 bright red H8's!

  • 5
    Great bike, great price

    Posted by Gabriel Chavez on Sep 4th 2017

    I purchased an 8H in early June. It was delivered promptly, but was damaged by the shipper. The front suspension fork was scratched. The damage was cosmetic and Yan took care of it. I have been commuting on the bike for several weeks and have been impressed. The belt drive and internal hub are a commuters dream. I also purchased the rack pack with panniers which is a nice set up for commuting. It's much smaller than the bags on my full size bike so I'll need to purchase the head tube bag system when it becomes available. I also own a Brompton which I like for the fold, but other than that the 8h is superior.

  • 5
    Belt Drive is awesome!

    Posted by Markus on Aug 22nd 2017

    Needless to say, that after one year of almost daily use of my 8H w/Gates Carbon Drive belt I absolutely love this bike and riding it. Currently I am upgrading it with some awesome Magura brakes [http://www.magura.com/en/], thus cherishing & leveraging my initial investment.

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