Downtube folding bike
09-11-16, 12:49 PM
#2251
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Greensboro, NC
Posts: 1,498
Bikes: Many Downtube Folders :)
Likes: 0
Liked 24 Times
in
17 Posts
The BIG comes in a huge box which is hard to inventory, it's very costly to ship, and it's costs a lot to produce. Hence I was hoping to presell the BIG via crowd funding. Our first campaign did not work out. We will try again soon. I am looking to hire someone to help solve our crowd funding issues.
I do not expect to sell this bike via normal retail on our website. I am fairly certain it would not work, hence I would rather not assume the risk.
Thanks
Yan
I do not expect to sell this bike via normal retail on our website. I am fairly certain it would not work, hence I would rather not assume the risk.
Thanks
Yan
__________________
Designer of Downtube Folding Bike
Ph.D. Temple University ( Math )
Biked across the USA twice
Semi-active chess player ( two time Bahamas National Champion )
Sivananda ( Bahamas ) Trained Yoga instructor ( 2013 ) and ThetaHealer since 2013
Bicycle delivery worker for Jimmy John's. Delivering is the best workout I have ever had.
Designer of Downtube Folding Bike
Ph.D. Temple University ( Math )
Biked across the USA twice
Semi-active chess player ( two time Bahamas National Champion )
Sivananda ( Bahamas ) Trained Yoga instructor ( 2013 ) and ThetaHealer since 2013
Bicycle delivery worker for Jimmy John's. Delivering is the best workout I have ever had.
09-11-16, 08:12 PM
#2253
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Greensboro, NC
Posts: 1,498
Bikes: Many Downtube Folders :)
Likes: 0
Liked 24 Times
in
17 Posts
Thanks...I'm excited! This year I added several new bikes to our lineup and I have 3 samples which have a good chance of entering production. Additionally we will enter the ebike market within two years.
Thanks,
Yan
Thanks,
Yan
__________________
Designer of Downtube Folding Bike
Ph.D. Temple University ( Math )
Biked across the USA twice
Semi-active chess player ( two time Bahamas National Champion )
Sivananda ( Bahamas ) Trained Yoga instructor ( 2013 ) and ThetaHealer since 2013
Bicycle delivery worker for Jimmy John's. Delivering is the best workout I have ever had.
Designer of Downtube Folding Bike
Ph.D. Temple University ( Math )
Biked across the USA twice
Semi-active chess player ( two time Bahamas National Champion )
Sivananda ( Bahamas ) Trained Yoga instructor ( 2013 ) and ThetaHealer since 2013
Bicycle delivery worker for Jimmy John's. Delivering is the best workout I have ever had.
09-12-16, 12:18 PM
#2254
55+ Club,...
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Somewhere in New York, NY
Posts: 4,416
Bikes: 9+,...
Liked 901 Times
in
632 Posts
The BIG comes in a huge box which is hard to inventory, it's very costly to ship, and it's costs a lot to produce. Hence I was hoping to presell the BIG via crowd funding. Our first campaign did not work out. We will try again soon. I am looking to hire someone to help solve our crowd funding issues.
I do not expect to sell this bike via normal retail on our website. I am fairly certain it would not work, hence I would rather not assume the risk.
Thanks
Yan
I do not expect to sell this bike via normal retail on our website. I am fairly certain it would not work, hence I would rather not assume the risk.
Thanks
Yan
__________________
If it wasn't for you meddling kids,...
09-12-16, 05:37 PM
#2256
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Greensboro, NC
Posts: 1,498
Bikes: Many Downtube Folders :)
Likes: 0
Liked 24 Times
in
17 Posts
Burro Bike did this a long time ago. It is a very small market.
Thanks,
Yan
Thanks,
Yan
__________________
Designer of Downtube Folding Bike
Ph.D. Temple University ( Math )
Biked across the USA twice
Semi-active chess player ( two time Bahamas National Champion )
Sivananda ( Bahamas ) Trained Yoga instructor ( 2013 ) and ThetaHealer since 2013
Bicycle delivery worker for Jimmy John's. Delivering is the best workout I have ever had.
Designer of Downtube Folding Bike
Ph.D. Temple University ( Math )
Biked across the USA twice
Semi-active chess player ( two time Bahamas National Champion )
Sivananda ( Bahamas ) Trained Yoga instructor ( 2013 ) and ThetaHealer since 2013
Bicycle delivery worker for Jimmy John's. Delivering is the best workout I have ever had.
09-12-16, 05:38 PM
#2257
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Greensboro, NC
Posts: 1,498
Bikes: Many Downtube Folders :)
Likes: 0
Liked 24 Times
in
17 Posts
2 suggestions,...try Kickstarter instead, and sell the bike by itself. Believe me, more people trust Kickstarter. And a single item for sale usually has greater success. When multiple items are listed on these crowdfunding sites people tend to think the creator/manufacturer is spreading themselves too thin. They don't think it'll be produced, and fear losing their money.
Thanks again,
Yan
__________________
Designer of Downtube Folding Bike
Ph.D. Temple University ( Math )
Biked across the USA twice
Semi-active chess player ( two time Bahamas National Champion )
Sivananda ( Bahamas ) Trained Yoga instructor ( 2013 ) and ThetaHealer since 2013
Bicycle delivery worker for Jimmy John's. Delivering is the best workout I have ever had.
Designer of Downtube Folding Bike
Ph.D. Temple University ( Math )
Biked across the USA twice
Semi-active chess player ( two time Bahamas National Champion )
Sivananda ( Bahamas ) Trained Yoga instructor ( 2013 ) and ThetaHealer since 2013
Bicycle delivery worker for Jimmy John's. Delivering is the best workout I have ever had.
09-12-16, 07:03 PM
#2258
Senior Member
...yes...
...a fat minivelo with 4.00" (ETRTO 100-406) meat. You know, a mini version of a Surly Ice Cream Truck, in pastel blue...
09-13-16, 03:53 AM
#2259
55+ Club,...
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Somewhere in New York, NY
Posts: 4,416
Bikes: 9+,...
Liked 901 Times
in
632 Posts
A fat tire minivelo is NOW something that I'd prefer. All the traction of a fatbike, in a smaller, easier to maneuver and carry in my house package. Oh yeah,...so HoTT!!!
__________________
If it wasn't for you meddling kids,...
09-13-16, 04:48 PM
#2260
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Greensboro, NC
Posts: 1,498
Bikes: Many Downtube Folders :)
Likes: 0
Liked 24 Times
in
17 Posts
I would like to explain my rational and interest in crowd funding. Moving forward I would love to sell bikes cheaper than we do today, and donate all profits. However, I am having problems with inventory management, and cash flow. I see CF as a perfect solution for the following reasons:
1. It solves the cash flow problem.
2. Inventory on CF bikes would not exist
3. Warranty issues would be easier to handle since I have exact numbers and can estimate required parts. Currently I get bikes, then more bikes....then some more. Hence I have to wait for warranty parts occasionally ( which is a headache )
4. Donations could happen quickly no waiting until cash positions are high.
So I like CF, but I am not really good at it yet. I would make an offer to the members here....along the lines of open source software. I would look to develop one ( or more ) CF bikes with the help of forum members. All profits go to charity ( World Wildlife Fund or something similar ), I need a team of volunteers to help develop the bike. Any one else? If so let me know and we will find a way to make this work.
Ideally I would not want to handle the campaign money. I just want funds for warranty & shipping of warranty parts ( unless that can be outsourced...then I need nothing ). FYI I teach in Hawaii until Dec 16th, so I can not shoot videos for 3+ months, but maybe someone else can??? My factory needs between 2-5 months to get samples ready ( internal hubs take longer than regular drivetrains )
Does anyone want to do an open source bike project?
Thanks,
Yan
1. It solves the cash flow problem.
2. Inventory on CF bikes would not exist
3. Warranty issues would be easier to handle since I have exact numbers and can estimate required parts. Currently I get bikes, then more bikes....then some more. Hence I have to wait for warranty parts occasionally ( which is a headache )
4. Donations could happen quickly no waiting until cash positions are high.
So I like CF, but I am not really good at it yet. I would make an offer to the members here....along the lines of open source software. I would look to develop one ( or more ) CF bikes with the help of forum members. All profits go to charity ( World Wildlife Fund or something similar ), I need a team of volunteers to help develop the bike. Any one else? If so let me know and we will find a way to make this work.
Ideally I would not want to handle the campaign money. I just want funds for warranty & shipping of warranty parts ( unless that can be outsourced...then I need nothing ). FYI I teach in Hawaii until Dec 16th, so I can not shoot videos for 3+ months, but maybe someone else can??? My factory needs between 2-5 months to get samples ready ( internal hubs take longer than regular drivetrains )
Does anyone want to do an open source bike project?
Thanks,
Yan
__________________
Designer of Downtube Folding Bike
Ph.D. Temple University ( Math )
Biked across the USA twice
Semi-active chess player ( two time Bahamas National Champion )
Sivananda ( Bahamas ) Trained Yoga instructor ( 2013 ) and ThetaHealer since 2013
Bicycle delivery worker for Jimmy John's. Delivering is the best workout I have ever had.
Designer of Downtube Folding Bike
Ph.D. Temple University ( Math )
Biked across the USA twice
Semi-active chess player ( two time Bahamas National Champion )
Sivananda ( Bahamas ) Trained Yoga instructor ( 2013 ) and ThetaHealer since 2013
Bicycle delivery worker for Jimmy John's. Delivering is the best workout I have ever had.
Last edited by downtube; 09-16-16 at 10:44 AM.
09-13-16, 05:30 PM
#2261
55+ Club,...
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Somewhere in New York, NY
Posts: 4,416
Bikes: 9+,...
Liked 901 Times
in
632 Posts
This is a Radmini folding ELECTRIC bike. The design MIGHT be a good reference point to start with. The sky is the limit with a quality design. And, folding ISN'T a necessity.
The image is courtesy of ElectricBikeReview.com
The image is courtesy of ElectricBikeReview.com
__________________
If it wasn't for you meddling kids,...
09-13-16, 08:29 PM
#2262
Senior Member
Sure...what do you have in mind?
I would like to explain my rational and interest in crowd funding. Moving forward I would love to sell bikes cheaper than we do today, and donate all profits. However, I am having problems with inventory management, and cash flow. I see CF as a perfect solution for the following reasons:
1. It solves the cash flow problem.
2. Inventory on CF bikes would not exist
3. Warranty issues would be easier to handle since I have exact numbers and can estimate required parts. Currently I get bikes, then more bikes....then some more. Hence I have to wait for warranty parts occasionally ( which is a headache )
4. Donations could happen quickly no waiting until cash positions are high.
So I like CF, but I am not really good at it yet. I would make an offer to the members here....along the lines of open source software. I would look to develop one ( or more ) CF bikes with the help of forum members. All profits go to charity ( World Wildlife Fund or something similar ), I need a team of volunteers to help develop the bike. I expect that Abu would handle the style aspect ( he's talented ). Abu are you interested? Any one else? If so let me know and we will find a way to make this work.
Ideally I would not want to handle the campaign money. I just want funds for warranty & shipping of warranty parts ( unless that can be outsourced...then I need nothing ). FYI I teach in Hawaii until Dec 16th, so I can not shoot videos for 3+ months, but maybe someone else can??? My factory needs between 2-5 months to get samples ready ( internal hubs take longer than regular drivetrains )
Does anyone want to do an open source bike project?
Thanks,
Yan
1. It solves the cash flow problem.
2. Inventory on CF bikes would not exist
3. Warranty issues would be easier to handle since I have exact numbers and can estimate required parts. Currently I get bikes, then more bikes....then some more. Hence I have to wait for warranty parts occasionally ( which is a headache )
4. Donations could happen quickly no waiting until cash positions are high.
So I like CF, but I am not really good at it yet. I would make an offer to the members here....along the lines of open source software. I would look to develop one ( or more ) CF bikes with the help of forum members. All profits go to charity ( World Wildlife Fund or something similar ), I need a team of volunteers to help develop the bike. I expect that Abu would handle the style aspect ( he's talented ). Abu are you interested? Any one else? If so let me know and we will find a way to make this work.
Ideally I would not want to handle the campaign money. I just want funds for warranty & shipping of warranty parts ( unless that can be outsourced...then I need nothing ). FYI I teach in Hawaii until Dec 16th, so I can not shoot videos for 3+ months, but maybe someone else can??? My factory needs between 2-5 months to get samples ready ( internal hubs take longer than regular drivetrains )
Does anyone want to do an open source bike project?
Thanks,
Yan
09-13-16, 08:34 PM
#2263
Senior Member
How big are them chops on those rims? This rig needs a camouflage paint scheme in order to give it a take-no-prisoners mercenary vibe. And it needs to be steel rigid, integrated aluminium can panniers that resemble gerry cans and IGH so you can trash it like a Timex.
The genius of a fat minivelo is that the smaller wheel mitigates the weight, large wheelbase and acceleration penalties of 26", 27.5" and 29" wheel fatsos...
The genius of a fat minivelo is that the smaller wheel mitigates the weight, large wheelbase and acceleration penalties of 26", 27.5" and 29" wheel fatsos...
Last edited by Abu Mahendra; 09-13-16 at 08:42 PM.
09-13-16, 10:05 PM
#2264
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Greensboro, NC
Posts: 1,498
Bikes: Many Downtube Folders :)
Likes: 0
Liked 24 Times
in
17 Posts
I'm not sure, but maybe the following outline will help:
Step 1: I would need a list of participants.
Step 2: I would ask participants volunteer for a specific duty. Duties include designing the frame, picking components, managing the crowdfunding, doing the video, and artistic touches.
Step 3: After a vote to pick the winning bike/frame ( 20" wheel fat wheel, one size fits all fat wheel, full suspension ebike, etc.... ) a list would be compiled to pick components.
Step 4: CAD person would get to work on the frame
Step 5: Testing the sample ( tester has to pay for it and gets to keep it).
Step 6: Video for CF campaign
Step 7: Text for the campaign
Step 8: The person handling the money would handle logistics and delivery to the customer, keeping enough parts/ shipping money for warranty claims.
Step 9: Once it is done ALL profits go to World Wildlife Fund or something similar ( again a vote should choose ).
Anyone interested? I would prefer not to be the one handling money, but I could do almost everything else as needed ( I always wear many hats ). I see this as a good opportunity to create a great bike to share with others.
Thanks,
Yan
Step 1: I would need a list of participants.
Step 2: I would ask participants volunteer for a specific duty. Duties include designing the frame, picking components, managing the crowdfunding, doing the video, and artistic touches.
Step 3: After a vote to pick the winning bike/frame ( 20" wheel fat wheel, one size fits all fat wheel, full suspension ebike, etc.... ) a list would be compiled to pick components.
Step 4: CAD person would get to work on the frame
Step 5: Testing the sample ( tester has to pay for it and gets to keep it).
Step 6: Video for CF campaign
Step 7: Text for the campaign
Step 8: The person handling the money would handle logistics and delivery to the customer, keeping enough parts/ shipping money for warranty claims.
Step 9: Once it is done ALL profits go to World Wildlife Fund or something similar ( again a vote should choose ).
Anyone interested? I would prefer not to be the one handling money, but I could do almost everything else as needed ( I always wear many hats ). I see this as a good opportunity to create a great bike to share with others.
Thanks,
Yan
__________________
Designer of Downtube Folding Bike
Ph.D. Temple University ( Math )
Biked across the USA twice
Semi-active chess player ( two time Bahamas National Champion )
Sivananda ( Bahamas ) Trained Yoga instructor ( 2013 ) and ThetaHealer since 2013
Bicycle delivery worker for Jimmy John's. Delivering is the best workout I have ever had.
Designer of Downtube Folding Bike
Ph.D. Temple University ( Math )
Biked across the USA twice
Semi-active chess player ( two time Bahamas National Champion )
Sivananda ( Bahamas ) Trained Yoga instructor ( 2013 ) and ThetaHealer since 2013
Bicycle delivery worker for Jimmy John's. Delivering is the best workout I have ever had.
09-14-16, 12:48 AM
#2265
Senior Member
So who's down for a Mini Fatso?
Color schemeS
* John Deere green/yellow
* KLM blue/white
* Kylo Ren matte black/silver
Those in Indonesia or with an Indonesian spouse (Yan knows who we are) will be able to special order the Batik vermillion/cobalt paint scheme
Color schemeS
* John Deere green/yellow
* KLM blue/white
* Kylo Ren matte black/silver
Those in Indonesia or with an Indonesian spouse (Yan knows who we are) will be able to special order the Batik vermillion/cobalt paint scheme
Last edited by Abu Mahendra; 09-14-16 at 04:25 AM.
09-14-16, 03:54 AM
#2266
55+ Club,...
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Somewhere in New York, NY
Posts: 4,416
Bikes: 9+,...
Liked 901 Times
in
632 Posts
If it's proportionately sound, and has a frame that really can handle riding in more extreme situations, I'd so GO FOR IT! If it doesn't fold, it's more solid, and the frame is definitely going to be stronger.
__________________
If it wasn't for you meddling kids,...
09-14-16, 04:36 PM
#2268
09-14-16, 05:05 PM
#2269
You almost made me poop my pants!!! 
09-15-16, 12:43 AM
#2272
Senior Member
You've been out of Indonesia too long, bro. The pattern on that bike is not Javanese, or a batik or kain jawa motif. That motif, that artwork is either Papuan or native Australian.
Last edited by Abu Mahendra; 09-15-16 at 02:02 AM.
09-15-16, 02:07 AM
#2273
Do`nt you think it was the idea of a native print on a bike that he was refering to- and not nescesarely a Indonesian print? At least I do. To decide what is "native" where is not a job for this group of bike nerds I think. Peopel have been travelling and bringing home inspiration from other parts of the world for so long that "where it came from" makes no sense- at least to me.
09-15-16, 02:17 AM
#2274
I would like to explain my rational and interest in crowd funding. Moving forward I would love to sell bikes cheaper than we do today, and donate all profits. However, I am having problems with inventory management, and cash flow. I see CF as a perfect solution for the following reasons:
1. It solves the cash flow problem.
2. Inventory on CF bikes would not exist
3. Warranty issues would be easier to handle since I have exact numbers and can estimate required parts. Currently I get bikes, then more bikes....then some more. Hence I have to wait for warranty parts occasionally ( which is a headache )
4. Donations could happen quickly no waiting until cash positions are high.
So I like CF, but I am not really good at it yet. I would make an offer to the members here....along the lines of open source software. I would look to develop one ( or more ) CF bikes with the help of forum members. All profits go to charity ( World Wildlife Fund or something similar ), I need a team of volunteers to help develop the bike. I expect that Abu would handle the style aspect ( he's talented ). Abu are you interested? Any one else? If so let me know and we will find a way to make this work.
Ideally I would not want to handle the campaign money. I just want funds for warranty & shipping of warranty parts ( unless that can be outsourced...then I need nothing ). FYI I teach in Hawaii until Dec 16th, so I can not shoot videos for 3+ months, but maybe someone else can??? My factory needs between 2-5 months to get samples ready ( internal hubs take longer than regular drivetrains )
Does anyone want to do an open source bike project?
Thanks,
Yan
1. It solves the cash flow problem.
2. Inventory on CF bikes would not exist
3. Warranty issues would be easier to handle since I have exact numbers and can estimate required parts. Currently I get bikes, then more bikes....then some more. Hence I have to wait for warranty parts occasionally ( which is a headache )
4. Donations could happen quickly no waiting until cash positions are high.
So I like CF, but I am not really good at it yet. I would make an offer to the members here....along the lines of open source software. I would look to develop one ( or more ) CF bikes with the help of forum members. All profits go to charity ( World Wildlife Fund or something similar ), I need a team of volunteers to help develop the bike. I expect that Abu would handle the style aspect ( he's talented ). Abu are you interested? Any one else? If so let me know and we will find a way to make this work.
Ideally I would not want to handle the campaign money. I just want funds for warranty & shipping of warranty parts ( unless that can be outsourced...then I need nothing ). FYI I teach in Hawaii until Dec 16th, so I can not shoot videos for 3+ months, but maybe someone else can??? My factory needs between 2-5 months to get samples ready ( internal hubs take longer than regular drivetrains )
Does anyone want to do an open source bike project?
Thanks,
Yan
Wishing you all good luck. I`ll stick to my private projects for now
09-15-16, 02:34 AM
#2275
Senior Member
Oh that's what this is all about. The popular kids sulking cuz they weren't invited to play, and not given credit for inventing the wheel. Let me get this straight. You take exception to the open call for collaboration because i. only one person was mentioned explicitly, and ii. SW was not mentioned by name?
SW: do you indeed feel slighted, or is BM banging on one of those empty drums in his sig line?
SW: do you indeed feel slighted, or is BM banging on one of those empty drums in his sig line?
Not to offend anybody but if you want to invite peopel by name I suggest you mention more than one. Smallwheeler has shown many times he has got exellent taste and a lot of knowledge (at least IMHO) and, not mentioning him is enough to keep him out I think. You invite others several times (in general) but my guess is that it is not enough for a sensitive artistic soul. If this was my project (or if I was a part of it) I would have wanted him in on it. Just sayin.
Wishing you all good luck. I`ll stick to my private projects for now
Wishing you all good luck. I`ll stick to my private projects for now
Last edited by Abu Mahendra; 09-15-16 at 03:19 AM.
