Here are answers to frequently asked questions regarding the 3 speed folding bike known as the Kent Compact Nexus. As additional questions are asked, the answers will be posted here.

Q: Why should I buy a Kent Compact Nexus folding bike?
A: For a sturdy, low maintenance folding bike at a reasonable price, the Kent Compact Nexus is the way to go. The Shimano Nexus internally geared hub used on this bike is a huge improvement over a multi-speed bike with exposed gears and a rear derailleur. With the Nexus system, the gears are inside the rear wheel hub, keeping the drivetrain cleaner much longer. Having a coaster brake on the rear wheel, there are fewer brake components to maintain on the Compact Nexus and the rear wheel will remain cleaner longer too. By the way, when the time does eventually come, mechanical components (from the Nexus drive to the brake pads on the front wheel) are all readily available at local bike shops.

Q: What's the shipping time?
A: For destinations within the USA lower 48 states, shipping typically takes a week or less.

Q: Which delivery carrier do you use?
A: Within the USA lower 48 states, we now use Fedex Ground. For orders to Hawaii, Alaska, APO's and some other destinations outside the USA, we use the US Postal Service.

Q: Do you provide tracking info?
A: Yes. Tracking info is sent via email so you can see the status of your delivery.

Q: Is the Kent Compact Nexus a good choice for commuters?
A: Yes. In fact, the Compact Nexus is one of the folding bikes that I show to transit agencies that ask about bikes that fold. When folded, it's compact and light enough to carry aboard mass transit. The high, middle and low gears on this 3 speed are all that most urban commuters typically need and you can shift gears even when you're not moving.

Q: Does the bike have folding pedals?
A. Yes. The bike does ship with single sided folding pedals. In other words, one side of the pedal is flat and the other is angled (because there's a locking pin to keep the pedal from folding while riding). As a result, the pedal is really meant to be pedaled on just 1 side (you can pedal on the under side too but it's not comfortable).

Q: Do you offer better folding pedals?
A: Yes. I offer lighter, dual sided folding pedals as an optional upgrade. The optional pedals fold/unfold faster and can be pedaled on either side; the locking mechanism is virtually instantaneous and fool proof. The optional folding pedals are an additional $29.99 when purchasing a bike or $35.99 as a stand alone purchase.

Q: What's the cruising speed on the Kent Compact Nexus?
A: The bike was designed so that most riders could cruise comfortably at 12-14 mph. If you want to cruise at a higher rate of speed, replace the stock rear cog with a cog that has fewer teeth. Most local bike shops can complete this upgrade in 15 minutes and suitable replacement cogs cost $10-20.

Q: What is the maximum safe limit for extending the seatpost height?
A: With the seatpost raised to the min. insertion safety hashes and the pedal at it's lowest position, the max. distance from seatpost to pedal is 33".

Q: What is the distance between the handlebars and saddle?
A: When measured from the center of the saddle to the weld point where the handlebars are welded to the extendable handlebar stem, the distance is 24".

Q: What size are the pedal crank arms?
A: To provide proper ground clearance with 16" wheels, the cranks are 6" or about 1.5" shorter than normal.

Q: Are the cranks long enough to make this bike pedal similar to a comfort/cruiser bike?
A: You can still cruise comfortably at 12-14 mph (I cruise at 15mph at a high cadence which is natural for me).

Q: I’m 5’11”, 32 inch inseam. Is the seating position high enough to get good leg extension while pedaling?
A: I have a 29" inseam. I ride the Kent 3 speed with the seat post an inch from the min insertion line and the saddle midway on the rails. If you raised the seat to the min insertion notches and pushed the saddle back on the rails, you'll be fine.

Q: Are the standard folding pedals 2 sided?
A: Standard pedals on this and previous Kent folders have a lock pin protruding from the bottom of the pedal. Though you can do it, the side with the lock pin is not meant for pedaling. If you're riding occasionally and for short distances, it's not a problem. If you're riding more regularly and for longer rides, go for the optional Marwi folding pedals (much better quality, lighter, no chance of the lock pin coming loose and can pedal on either side).

Q: Would this bike be appropriate to pop in the trunk and go for a five mile ride around the park?
A: The Kent folds small enough so you could fit it in the smallest car trunk. Additionally, I have ridden the current Kent on leisurely circuits of 5-7 miles and an early version around NY's Central Park, shifting into middle gear for the hills and low for one gentle climb.

Q: With a comfortable pedaling cadence what would the cruising speed be for this bike?
A: Comfortable for most people would be about 10-12 mph. Stronger riders: 12-15 mph.

Labels: Kent-Compact-Nexus

by Larry Lagarde

The 2009 Kent Compact Nexus (Superlite Aluminum) 3 speed folding bikes have arrived here. I pulled one from its shipping carton and went for a short ride this evening. Here are my impressions.

The Kent Compact Nexus is a basic, no nonsense, bike that folds for easy storage and/or transport on buses, subway, etc. Designed for commuters, boaters and for running errands in the neighborhood, this sturdy folding bike has an exceptionally low pass through, making it easy to mount and dismount. The bicycle is equipped with an adjustable height folding handlebar stem and seat post, rear carry rack, fenders, kickstand and folding pedals.

The Compact Nexus folding bike ships completely assembled. Including all the standard accessories, the bike weighs about 26 lbs, making it light enough to pick up and carry when needed (such as going up/down stairs).

No Assembly Required
Once I pulled the bike from the carton, it was simply a matter of pumping up the tires and tightening bits left loose to prevent damage during shipping (such as the quick releases, brake lever handle, grip shifter and reflectors). Ten minutes after opening the carton, I was riding the bike.

First Ride Impressions
I only had a moment so I simply rode the bike down the street. The bike shifted perfectly into every gear. Although the coaster brake and front brake worked well, there was some squeal from the coaster brake (but this should disappear with use).The bike accelerates well and appears to cruise at about 14 mph. Once I put the GPS on and go for a longer ride, I'll know more. Hopefully, that will be tomorrow.

Likes
Love the Nexus drivetrain; it's simple, efficient and quiet.
Brakes function well; coaster brake allows for long lasting, hands free braking.
Upright ride is comfortable; frame geometry offers good power transfer.
Low pass through makes it easy to get on or off the bike.
Beefy handlebar stem means less stem flex.
Nice blue color.

Dislikes
Fenders are cheap plastic; they'll do but wish they were nicer.
Stock folding pedals are single sided and heavy (optional, lighter dual sided pedals available though).

Most Similar Folding Bike
The Dahon Curve D3 is the closest folding bike to the Kent Compact Nexus. I find the Kent's Nexus hub superior to the Curve's Sturmey Archer (but only slightly). The Dahon comes standard with higher pressure tires (for a faster cruising speed), better fenders and an air pump BUT the Dahon is TWICE THE PRICE too. If you're looking for great value and practicality, the Kent Compact Nexus is the bike to buy.

Labels: Kent-Compact-Nexus

New 2009 Kent Compact Nexus 3 Folding Bikes Now In USA

by Larry Lagarde

After months of restless waiting, the latest Kent 16" folding bikes have finally arrived at Kent's main U.S. warehouse. Known as the Kent Compact Nexus 3, this folding bicycle is essentially the same bike as the Kent Compact 16-6; however, it has the quiet, maintenance free, Shimano Nexus internal gear hub (3 speed model). The other 2 differences are that the Kent Compact Nexus 3 also has a rear coaster brake instead of a rear v-brake and is blue in color.

Since RideTHISbike.com is the exclusive retailer for the Kent Compact Nexus folding bike, Kent will begin shipping these to me on Monday. I expect to begin shipping bikes to customers within a week of having these bikes in stock.

To kick off the launch of this great little folding bike, I've decided to include the optional carry bag FREE of charge for all orders received within the next 14 days. That's right - you'll receive a sturdy, practical and light aluminum alloy folding bike with carry rack, padded comfort seat, fenders, kickstand, adjustable height & foldable handlebar stem, carry bag AND shipping (within the USA lower 48 states) all for just $259.

Without a doubt, the Kent Compact Nexus is THE BEST VALUE folding bike for your money. To get a bike of similar quality and components, you'd have to pay twice the price.

Due to the high demand for Nexus gear hubs, only a small number of these bikes were produced. If you want one, place your order now.

Labels: Kent-Compact-Nexus