New Downtube + question about computers

[uforgot]

I recently purchased a Downtube folding bike. I'm going to keep it in the trunk of my car, and take it with me when I fly. I love it, it rides like a full size bike, and I know that Vickie (Fastdogs) likes hers! Anyway, a question. With it folding, I was wondering about putting a computer on it. Would the wires get in the way, and if I go wireless, would the smaller wheel keep the magnet too far away to get a good signal? What kind of computers do those of you with folders use? Thanks!

[DebW]

Wow. Neat bike. I use a wireless computer on my S&S coupled bike, though I could get away with a wired unit that mounted on the stem. You may also prefer a wireless unit, but looks like your bike folds without removing the wheel or stem, so the only problem with a wired unit would be excess cable flopping around then you fold the stem/handlebars.

[Tri Girl]

Don't know about the computer, but had to say that I LOVE your new bike. It's so pretty and compact! I would love to test ride one of those folders- they just look so comfy!

[uforgot]

Deb - that's why I was wondering if a wireless would work. I didn't want to deal with the cables, and if I put it in a suitcase the wheels would need to come off. I was wondering if a wireless would work, though. Is the distance too great or do they cover it. I guess I could always measure and look up the specs of any wireless computer I find.

Tri-Girl - It is very comfortable. I'm really surprised at how much. There have been times when I've thought "If I had my bike I'd stop here and ride", so it will be really handy as I'll just put it in the trunk before any trip. I shopped around and this had really good reviews on Bikeforums. it has a 30 day guarantee and the site is www.downtube.com . I'm in the center of Missouri, also in Tornado alley, maybe someday you can give it a shot!

[fastdogs]

of course I think it's a cool bike! I haven't ridden mine for a while, due to weather and too many meetings at work to get out during lunch, but it lives in the back of my car, so I'm always ready!
I did have a wireless computer on mine (if I can find it you're welcome to it), it was a topeak panoram or something like that. It worked fine, even though the distance from the magnet to the computer was pretty long due to how high the handlebars are- I think it was almost double the recommended distance. I decided if I get something for the bike, it's going to be one of those wrist mounted gps things, so I can go from bike to bike and use it walking. But then I got lost and lost my dog, so spent my money on dog gps instead. I put a handlebar bag on mine, and the handle is perfect for tucking in my magellan explorist handheld gps. So I still tell distance and speed with that.
I think you'll enjoy riding it, they are a blast. And they seem to geared really well for hills. THey get funny looks, but not so much when you whip into the parking lot, get off, fold it up, and put it in the back of your car. Then people want to know about them.
vickie

[emily_in_nc]

Hi Claudia,

Love the new ride! Which Downtube model is that? I've been looking at the Downtube Mini (16" wheels) for on our sailboat. We have Bike Fridays now, but with 20" wheels, and the Downtube folds a lot smaller. It's also less $$, so I'd be less concerned about corrosion and theft.

We are able to use wired computers on our Bike Fridays but haven't tried wireless. We have not had problems with them (Cateye Astrales) when folding the bikes, but every bike is set up a little different. I am sure you'll be able to make something work; just remember to calibrate the computer for your little wheels.

Hope you enjoy your new bike!

Emily

[uforgot]

Actually Emily, I hold you and Vickie responsible for this purchase. I wanted a folder, but didn't want to spend a fortune and I didn't remember which one Vickie had when we met up in St. Louis so I did a search. Your thread came up, also with the link to BikeForums. After lots of reading it seems it was the best bang for my buck. I had a Dahon Boardwalk a few years ago, liked it but could tell it was a folder by the way it rode, but I was still set to buy a Dahon. After getting your lead, I ordered this. I've only had the chance to ride to school one day, but I could tell the difference. It rides great! My students were fascinated with it and couldn't believe that a bicycle could fold up. I plan to tour with it, so maybe someday I'll go ahead and get the Bike Friday, or upgrade these components but for now this is perfect. It's the 8H with the Sturmey-Archer hub and front suspension since I want to take it on the Katy Trail also.

Vickie: Thanks for the computer offer. I think I actually will just put my Garmin Venture on it. Good idea and I don't have to worry about knocking it around when I fold it. I'm glad to hear that if I do need a computer the wireless one will work. I was in St. Louis yesterday and most of the ice and muck was gone there and I thought "Oboy! maybe I can ride in Belle". But alas, our roads STILL are not clear and no way am I taking this bike out in the muck. So far I love it though. We are doing to have to have Downtube Day in Rolla in the spring. Name a day!

[emily_in_nc]

Actually Emily, I hold you and Vickie responsible for this purchase. I wanted a folder, but didn't want to spend a fortune and I didn't remember which one Vickie had when we met up in St. Louis so I did a search. Your thread came up, also with the link to BikeForums. After lots of reading it seems it was the best bang for my buck. I had a Dahon Boardwalk a few years ago, liked it but could tell it was a folder by the way it rode, but I was still set to buy a Dahon. After getting your lead, I ordered this. I've only had the chance to ride to school one day, but I could tell the difference. It rides great! My students were fascinated with it and couldn't believe that a bicycle could fold up. I plan to tour with it, so maybe someday I'll go ahead and get the Bike Friday, or upgrade these components but for now this is perfect. It's the 8H with the Sturmey-Archer hub and front suspension since I want to take it on the Katy Trail also.

Hey cool! Yes, I inquired on Bikeforums about Downtubes (hadn't even heard of them til I checked out the folding bike forum over there). That's very neat that my post led you to them! There's a dealer right on Ocracoke Island here in NC we can zip over to and test ride them at some point. So glad you like yours!

Emily

[uforgot]

That dealer has the inventor running the store where you are! He answers the phone when you call and encourages you to email him. Seems like he isn't teaching anymore but running the Downtube business full time.

[Triskeliongirl]

My experience with wireless on a bike friday is that it is a problem if the distance is too far between the unit and sensor, which can happen easily on a small wheeled bike. So, you are probably better off with a wired, just check how it folds to install it in a way that is won't interfere with folding or packing. And as noted, be sure to calibrate for the smaller sized wheel.

[farrellcollie]

I have two folding bikes - a downtube and a dahon - we have sigma wireless computers on both of them. Sometimes I have had to readjust the parts on the fork and wheel - but otherwise it is fine.

[fastdogs]

I have to say, I really like the look of that front suspension downtube over my full suspension. I like the fenders and rack on the back- makes it look more like a utility bike and not a toy. I could put those seatpost mount fenders on mine I suppose, but I don't like the way they look. So I've got mud splattered up the back of my coat because I took it out for a ride today during lunch. It was supposed to get up to 50 today, but it was only around 35. I had my heart set on riding, though, so I went ahead. The snow is cleared off the roads, they're just wet and dirty with the salt stuff they use. The bike hasn't been out of the back of my car for ages, and I can just unfold it and go. It was cold, but felt good!

[uforgot]

I rode to school today and you're right! Where was that great weather they predicted for us? Maybe we won't get the snow tonight either! I think that there was some talk on one of the message boards about fenders on the full suspension. Even some pics on BikeForums. I like being able to put a bag on the back. I seem to have racks on most of my bikes, even my mountain bike. Downtube also has some parts for sale. racks maybe? Their customer service is really great. You could just call Yan and ask him. He answered the phone when I called.

Surely spring will head our way soon???