Slingshot Bikes, anyone?

[TxDoc]

Hi ladies -
I have the chance to buy a used slingshot road frame at a low price, and I'm wondering what are the advantages/disadvantages (if any) of this system compared to S-S couplers.
Any experiences with Slingshot Bikes?
Thanks!

[lunacycles]

If I recall correctly (it's been a long time since I have seen one), the Slingshot uses a cable for the downtube, to some suspension effect, or "slingshot" effect. They were kinda gimmicky when they came onto the scene (mid 80's), and while they were enjoyed by many and had a bit of a cult-like following, they didn't really catch on for very long. Also, and maybe more importantly as far as your question goes, I do not recall that they are meant to be broken down (as is the point with S&S couplers), nor do I think it is even possible, as you need to top tube to separate as well, and that is not the case with that bike.

[TxDoc]

Also, and maybe more importantly as far as your question goes, I do not recall that they are meant to be broken down (as is the point with S&S couplers), nor do I think it is even possible, as you need to top tube to separate as well, and that is not the case with that bike.

Hi Margo!
thanks for the info. This one I'm looking at is actually a folding bike - the top tube has a clamp where it connects to the seat tube, so between retracting the cable and loosening the clamp - the bicycle can be folded for transport.
My main question would be how reliable this system will be? Bikes with S&S couplers are pretty solid - but no clue about how this cable-downtube would work. It's just a frame so I cannot really test-ride it
Between buying the components to ft this frame and having my steel frame retrofitted and re-painted etc it comes pretty much down to the same price. So really I'd like to figure out which is the best thing to do. What do you think - do you build steel frames with S&S couplers too, and what would you choose between the two options?
Hopefully we will hear also from some people that have tried to ride one of those!
Thanks again!

E.

[lunacycles]

While I haven't seen a Slingshot bike in about 20 years, it looks like they still are in business (google them), but, like I said, this isn't a bike that is very common these days, and they were considered a bit funky back then. So, I don't know if it is a good buy. S&S couplers are a good and proven system, and by far the most popular among builders and retrofitters. I know nothing about Slingshot's system. If you can't even see it or ride it beforehand, my hunch is it is a bit of a risk to buy it. There is very little info about the bike on their web site, the top tube looks...weird, and there isn't a geo. chart or any info I can find about how the folding part works. The website seems to acknowledge it is a brand new thing, the folding aspect, so I can't imagine it is a proven system in real life yet. Yes, I agree it would be good to hear if anyone else has ridden one lately. If you like your current bike and it fits, and you have a good builder able to do the retrofit with the couplers, my inclination would be to recommend the retrofit.