Downtube 9

Price Paid:  $0.00 at Sheepshead Bike Shop

Model Year:
2007

Bike Setup:
I bought it from a bike shop so it came already assembled.

Summary:
I have recently purchased the Downtube 9 and have been riding it all around town ever since and have been saving lots on gasoline. I mostly use it for a commuter bike and the fact that it is a folder appealled to my sense of practicality and control. However, it is not the most practical bike to carry althought it folds up rather quickly. There is nothing to keep the bike closed in the folding postion, other than locking the frame or wheels, wrapping them with bungi or nylon cords, or putting the bike in a bag. However, aside from this, the bike is great!! Even if it was not a folding bike, I would have purchased it anyway due to its quick and nimble performance, progressive saddle stance and peppy ride. This makes it a lot of fun; more than any "regular" bike I have ever owned. The 20" wheels are let me negotiate quicker turns and avoid pedestrirans who walk on the street, oblivious to anything that has less than four wheels. This bike is amazing! Because of its light weight, I can zip around town and get to work in less time than a bike with larger tires with a higher center of gravity. It would be nice to see more bike desings like this even for non folding bikes. Good job Downtube!!

Strengths:
light weight, low tires, saddle stance, flexibiltiy of adjustments, responsiveness, quick fold time, powerful style, riding excitment.

Weaknesses:
Not practicle to carry with due to its akward weight distribution, does not come with any tethers or fasteners.