Downtube VIII

Price Paid:  $275.00 at ebay

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
West Marin County

Bike Setup:
Stock.

Summary:
I have the NS (no suspension model) and I couldn't be happier -- not only is the bike comfortable to ride, it is really fun if you have spent years riding on aggressive road and MTB frames.

It's a great everyday bike -- it cruises fast on the flats, climbs SF hills easily with the low-gear and feels fairly comfortable going downhill (with the small wheels and tall stem, you have to remember to feather the front brake).

The only thing that stands out as feeling a bit "cheap" on the bike is the amount of friction in the brake system -- I'm not sure if it is the levers/cable or if maybe it is just the nature of having a fully-housed cable that allows it to fold.

I plan to upgrade components as they wear out, but the bike is completely functional with stock accessories.

Strengths:
Comfortable and Fun to ride.

Weaknesses:
Cannot attach panniers (due to heel clearance)

Price Paid:  $359.00 at From Downtube

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Downtube IXFS

Bike Setup:
Replaced stock tires w/20x1.3 Ritchey Rov'rs rated for 100psi (I run them @85) for a big improvement on pavement. Stock saddle replaced w/old Brooks Pro, and I've ordered a 135mm stem to increase the reach to the bars.

Summary:
I have the IX FS bike--wanted the non-susp. model with internal gearing, but it won't fit a 6'4" rider. I'm generally very pleased--the bike works well and is a good bargain for the price. Shipping was fast and the company has been responsive to my questions.
I wish I'd known Downtube sells its own bikes new on ebay, though. They're going there for $75-$100 less than I paid. It seems faintly dishonest to charge more to a customer who takes the time to seek out the source and order a bike directly.

Strengths:
Ability to fold is No. 1--that's why I bought it. I already have several good bikes and didn't need another. I'm surprised at its nimble handling and overall good performance.

Weaknesses:
Rider size range is exaggerated--I'm within the parameters by a couple of inches and 20+ pounds, but it's slightly too small for me, though still rideable.

Similar Products Used:
Tested Dahon and Swift folders, but no long-term experience.

Price Paid:  $200.00 at eBay

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
commute to work

Bike Setup:
As standard but with Shcwalbe(?) kevlar low puncture tyres. I have modified a pannier for the carry rack that comes as standard.

Summary:
I have been riding this bike for a few weeks an I am really impressed with how much pleasure it provides. Hills are no problem with the 8 gears and the bike is easy to navigate accurately through traffic. I spent some time looking at the alternatives and nothing comes close in the UK for value. (Note: the price I paid is in £ sterling not $US).

Strengths:
eMail help is good. The bike is fairly comfortable over distance. Value. Excellent features. Superb stability and accurate tracking on the road.

Weaknesses:
Lack of proper instructions for set up or adjustment, receipt or documentation. A tendency for the handlebars to jerk the hands more than a regular bike over bumps. This may be addressed by the FS version. No contact phone in the UK.

Similar Products Used:
Looked at Brompton but silly prices for entry level (£500) and a 16 week wait in the UK!

Price Paid:  $0.00

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
Fisher Sugar 2

Bike Setup:
Mostly stock, but with new brake levers that increased responsiveness and reduced weight.

Summary:
This is an excellent bike for the price. I have never had a better deal on a bike, and its lots of fun. I have an >$1,000 road bike, and an >$2,000 mountain bike, but I still like riding the Downtube. It attracts lots of positive comments from people, and it is just great to be able to fold it up and throw it in the car rather than dealing with bike racks. The component set that comes with it is by no means high-end, but seems reasonably functional. I have done some upgrades on my FS. The built-in seat is quite wide and cushy on the NS model, which is good if you want a soft ride. This NS model has a short top-tube/reach, so for tall riders like myself, it may require some adjustment (the FS model has a longer reach).

Strengths:
Great bike for the price. Rides well, handles well, is relatively light, comes with decent components that are standard and upgradable. It is pretty comfortable.

Weaknesses:
The "NS" (non-suspension) bike is a bit small/short for tall riders over 6'. The bike needed some tinkering to get it ready to go after it arrived (wheel true, derailur adjustment, so on - nothing major). The built-in rack won't accept panniers.

Similar Products Used:
Downtube FS, and also have ridden various Dahons.

Price Paid:  $225.00 at Ebay (new from manuf

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
Fox Valley River Trail -- Illinois

Bike Setup:
Tires: Primo Comet (not Kevlar) 1.5" on front and 1.75" on rear.
Schwinn gel seat with "cutout"
Nashbar rack trunk
Cateye LED headlight
Schwinn blinking tail light
MKS FD-6 folding pedals
Air zounds air horn
CatEye Enduro 8 cycle computer
Power Grips

Summary:
I bought this bike to use for commuting when our second car died. I needed a folding bike because part of my commute is via Metra (commuter rail) and they don't allow full size bikes on the trains during normal commuting hours. I've put about 1200 miles on the bike since last October. (Yes, I even biked in the winter.) This bike has made a bike nut out of me. The ride is no different from a larger-wheeled bike. I can average 15-16 mph on a paved trail. My commute is now exercise time as well. When the weather is good I do 30 miles/day on the Downtube VIII. I upgraded the tires to high pressure primo comets and replaced the resin pedals with folding MKS pedals that I fitted with Power Grips (highly recommended). I am now an avid bicycle commuter thanks to my Downtube VIII.

Strengths:
#1. Bang for the buck. High quality for the money.
#2. Customer service - Yan is on AIM a lot and responds promptly to e-mail.
#3. Easy to upgrade components such as tires, pedals, stem, seat, etc.

Weaknesses:
-Pedal bearing failed, probably due to salt from winter riding.
-Recommend upgrading to higher pressure tires if you do mostly road riding.