Foldie as Donor

[Ken_1]

Hi guys,

After seeing the posts, I'm 90% hooked on converting my foldie into a bent. Would like to hear if my foldie is appropriate for the conversion.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/uentfa585sjbj4k/CameraZOOM-20140525242457662.jpg

As the foldie comes with disc brake, I guess it will have to go. I will be using a Tektro R559 to replace the disc brake. Seatpost will be either grind down or replaced.

I hope end of the "project", i would still be able to keep the full foldable-ability while having such an unique bike.

Thanks.

 

[chrisblessing]

folding conversion...

Hi Ken,

As you know, there are at least 3 of us who have successfully converted folding bikes. Charles, Shahmatt and me. I think your donor has potential, but I'd be concerned about the mid-section hinge. It protrudes above the top tube which could be an issue. That said, if the conversion seat mount can rest between the hinge and the seat post you should be fine. With the seat positioned that far back a lay back seat post would be a necessity to give you the right seat angle.

If you're willing to do a bit of machine work you can even keep the folding stem. I can let you know what I did with mine to achieve this.

And, of course, you're right about the disc brake.

Good luck with this. If you can build a compact conversion you'll not regret it.

Cheers,

Chris

 

[Ken_1]

Seat location

Thanks Chris for the comment.

You mentioned placing the seat position between the hinge and the seatpost.

Will it be better if it is placed between the hinge and the handlepost? At least 1 advantage I can think of is that the handle bar will be closer to me and not obstructing the leg-knee movement.

Appreciate any comments, especially related to foldie conversion.

Cheers, (will be placing the order tonight after work)

 

[Vargas]

The conversion kit costs

The conversion kit costs US$400. There are two Quests for sale for US$750 each. I'd rather buy one of them.
After all it won't be a foldie after the conversion, or at least no so easy and quick to fold.

 

[Charles.Plager]

Hi,
Short version: You're

Hi,

Short version: You're good to go.

Long version:

Yes, you'll need to do something about the front brakes. And, yes, you'll need to do something about the front stem. (I do recommend looking into what Chris did as this would be a very nice feature to have that I don't. I do worry about the stem being strong enough as you can put a lot of torque on it when your pushing hard.)

Personally, I'd put the seat pan between the hinge and the head tube (that's what I did). I wanted to be able to have a lower seat angle and having the seat pan move forward is necessary for that.

Vargas isn't wrong: those are good prices on the Quests and depending on what you want, that may not be a bad option. In my case, I can take a folding bike on the train it takes me 60 seconds to get my bike small enough for that. A Quest would take a lot longer (I will say the fact that the Quest 451 fits in a single suitcase is mega-cool! I need to try that with my bike at some point ).

Cheers,
Charles

 

[Ken_1]

Good to go

Thanks all.

Placed the order and all set to go.

Will take pics along the journey and hope to see some beautiful transformation.

Cplager, nice sweet foldie.

By the way, i will be using stem adapter to lift up the handle post clamp & place the conversion arm under.
Hope that way, I should still be able to fold the handlepost.

Wish me luck

 

[chrisblessing]

Good to go...

Hi Ken,

Sadly, the two Quests are gone. I almost got them but the seller found a local buyer for both.

Charles is right about the seat placement. I'm tall, and have my seat mounted as far back as I could get it. Any further forward and I'd be riding a plow



Good luck with the build. Keep us posted.

ps. By the way, my foldie is still a foldie, and takes only a moment to fold. A bit more time and it fits into a suitcase.

 

[Ken_1]

Work in progress

Been weeks since i got the kit and still progressing slowly due to lack of parts.

Anyway, let me share my progress and enjoy the fun.
Sorry for the link as I can't upload as embedded pictures.

This is the "package"
https://www.dropbox.com/s/y7ibz5j9ya1cxl2/CameraZOOM-20140605184458842.jpg

Still raw
https://www.dropbox.com/s/v8fkrf3wspupml4/CameraZOOM-20140607113509060.jpg

BB, crank, and seat post done
https://www.dropbox.com/s/rouh74bdcqio14d/CameraZOOM-20140609195417744.jpg

Made some modification on the kit seat pole clamp and used back the original pole.
Tested out the limit of the recline angle
https://www.dropbox.com/s/6i9ou8v3vpcm2mo/CameraZOOM-20140614202139857.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/wwgae2wo7xzrngh/CameraZOOM-20140614202301483.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/1qvpchiwtbsb1ro/CameraZOOM-20140614202234435.jpg

Copied the idea of using butterfly nut to screw/unscrew the support from the seat. Good idea, Charles (Cplager)!
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ijz1qq4dusy9l6g/CameraZOOM-20140614202607515.jpg

The foldie folds
https://www.dropbox.com/s/rozu2f1xb386xsz/CameraZOOM-20140614202525541.jpg

As the existing handlebar hit the knee, Im waiting for a new handlebar, brakes and etc to make it good.

Cheers and great thanks to the community for the support.

 

[Charles.Plager]

Nicely done, sir!
Now get

Nicely done, sir!

Now get outside (with new handlebars) and ride that bike.

 

[Eric Winn]

I agree with Charles, nicely

I agree with Charles, nicely done! I like the colors too. Keep us posted on your riding progress.

-Eric

 

[Ken_1]

Thanks guys. im as eager as

Thanks guys. im as eager as well but need another 1~2weeks to get the parts in..

Till then, I can only try to peddle at home. lolz

 

[Shahmatt]

Hey there,
Nice job!
What

Hey there,

Nice job!

What parts are you waiting for to get started?