Downtube 9FS Yellow Folding Bike - 9 Speed Full Suspension

I bought 2 bike, and overall, i like it because it looks good, and the suspension feels good, BUT, i have few things that i really hate from these bikes.1. It comes without a kickstand.2. i have the purchase a new seat post, because i want to use my own seat, and the screw to remove the seat from the post is IMPOSSIBLE to remove. I use the tools that came with the bike, 2 pliers, and a hammer, and i still cant remove it. See the attached pictures, I even bend the tool.3. I removed the seat and the post and the pedals, and it weight 30.8 lbs. On their website, it stated weight is 27.5lbs. I weighted using not only 1, but 2 scale.Both problems exist on both bikes.

Please Note: The yellow 2014 Model is $499 at Downtube's website, and is the only model at that price. All the 2015s are $549 irrespective of color - same price as Amazon.So -As stated before, ain't nothing close in Texas. My job was a one hundred mile round-trip, and I wanted something that was faster and easier than walking to get me and my Get Home Bag back to Mount Goatmore if some event disabled all the vehicles.I wanted a reasonably priced, lightweight folding bike that that would not take up a ton of room in my crew cab truck, would be quick to assemble, and that I could easily pick up carry around obstacles and obstructions.Did considerable research and settled on the Downtube 20 inch Full Suspension bicycle.I bought the 2008 FS (Black) model in August 2007, and had it shipped to my work (shipping was $35 back then). As I recall, the shipping carton was beat up some, but not bad, and the bike itself was well packaged and undamaged. Took it to a local bike shop and had them go through it and set it up.The current 2015 9FS Model has some tweaks and upgrades, but is essentially the same bike as my 2008 model.This bicycle's only mission is to get me home. I unobtrusively stealthed it - took off the stickers and reflectors and painted all the shiny aluminum flat black. Also filled the tires with Slime for inner tubes; have found that the tires don't lose air very much at all.***Nuts 'n' bolts:Some of the bike aficionados state that the frame is well-made but that the components are cheap. I can't speak to that as I'm no bike aficionado; what I can say is that everything works so far with no problems. I'm not going to be taking it off-road unless I have to, and I don't plan to beat on it or do any extreme biking with it, so the components it came with should be more than enough for what I use it for.The bike goes together quickly and easily and locks up rock solid. It comes with street tires and handles well and provides a smooth, comfortable, quiet ride. Have ridden it enough to break it in, and it is in fact staring at me accusingly as I write this as I haven't had it out in a while and certainly should.Tomorrow - I'll take it out tomorrow. I will. Promise.Yeah, you can spend more, but you likely won't get as much bike.

I have the 2015 Downtube 9FS. I chose the yellow version for reflective brightness (too many people being distracted by too many things while on the road). After receiving it, I had it tuned. It is a beautifully conceived and designed bike. Everything feels very solid and of very good quality. It rides well and shifting gears is very smooth. The full suspension (both front and rear), 9 speeds and great price for such a fine package sold me.I spent over four weeks unsatisfactorily browsing folding bikes before I came across this relatively little known gem. I feel sorry for those who spent more money and got less bike.Smaller wheeled bikes transmit road vibrations more readily. Few folding bikes offer any form of shock absorption features, not to say both front and rear self-adjustable shocks. The Dahon full suspension bike is about $1300 to over $1500. The 2015 Downtube 9FS cost me $549, plus $32 shipping, plus a $17 kick stand, and a $75 tune up. The kick stand is available from Downtube, but not listed in their accessories.The wheel rims are scored so there is really good stopping power when breaking. Yan Lyansky designed the bike with a slightly larger rear wheel to account for most of the weight being in the rear.I am very very happily pleased with this purchase.Subsequently I researched bought some additional bike 'accessories.'Neiko 53942A High Visibility Safety Vest with 2-Inch Reflective Strips, Mesh Fabric and Front Zip, X-Large, Neon YellowSold by: Amazon.com LLCAdd-on Item$7.73USB Rechargeable LED Bike Light - 300 LUMENS, Lithium Battery, Tail Light Included, Shaped Beam - VIVO-BIKE Illuminati - CREE XP-E LED, 5 Second No ToOxyLED® BTL-10 Rechargeable Bike Bicycle Cycling Safety Zone Tail Light, 8 Super Bright LED Taillights, 2 Red LaserWaterproof, 1000mAh Li-ion Battery,Sold by: Hisgadget Inc$14.99Oumers 4 Sets/48pcs Cycling Wheel Spoke Reflector Clips, Reflective Mount Clip Tube Warning Strip, Made with 3M Scotchlite Reflective Material, BicyclSold by: Oumers Inc$8.99Char-Broil 65" Artisan Grill Cover - Coastal Blue Use it to cover the bike when stored outdoor.Sold by: Amazon.com LLC$19.97Columba 20 inch Folding Bike Bag Use it to cover the folded bike when stowed in trunk of car or minivan and traveling.Sold by: 2KSILVER LLC$27.99Topeak Alien III Mini Folding Bicycle ToolSold by: Amazon.com LLC$49.90Original Penguin Men's Roll-Top Backpack, Dress Blues, One Size Strap it to inside of handlebar for shopping, or to carry my 20 lb dog here or there. I did not want one that zips open, but wish this one had a draw cord to adjust the top opening.Sold by: Amazon.com LLC$37.91BEST BICYCLE HELMET MIRROR - Our 360° Adjustable & Lightweight Clear View Bike Mirror Is a Safety Must Have for Adults and Kids - Enjoy Riding your MoSold by: FIREGEAR ROCKS$10.75Halo Headbands Visor Head Bands, Black Useful to keep sun out of eyes while wearing bike helmet. Wish brim was longer.Sold by: Amazon.com LLC$24.46

Downtube 8FS Folding BikeBefore unpacking it all I saw was paint scratched or worn off.I sent Yan an email for advices, hoping he would say "return it and I'll send a new one." But his respond was I can send you nail polish. We use it as touch up paint. It's been already 3 weeks and I haven't still received it.Pro: looks nice and comfortable.Con: a little bulky and heavy, 30 lbs.

I purchased the 2015 model of the the 9FS and I have to say I LOVE IT !Rarely do you find a small wheeled folding bike with FULL SUSPENSION and what a difference it makes. Typically the small wheels (20 inch) are a bit brutal with handling the bumps in the road but the Downtube 9FS handles splendidly with it's Front and Rear Supension. I used this bike for the first time on my commute today and it was perfect. The nine gears are all you really need as it handles the flats and the hills with equal ease. I purchased the Yellow version for added visibility.I think anyone looking for a solid, folding bike will be very pleased with the look, the handling and the ease of use of the Downtube 9FS.