Folding Bikes - Which Dahon

Hi

Due to problems with my neck, back, and hips I am considering buying a folder, mainly because they have a step through frame and upright riding position. I am looking at the entry level Dahons, namely the Speed D7 or the Vitesse D7. I notice that the difference between them appears to be that the Speed D7 has a steel frame and the Vitesse has an aluminium frame making the bike about 1 kg lighter. Does anyone have any experience of these two machines? Is the ride quality likely to be different between the steel and alumium? I cycle for leisure and typically ride between 20 and 40 miles on well surfaced roads.

Brian

there are differences ... will you most likely feel them ? nope .....

The old and past notion that alloy frames are too stiff to ride comfortable comes from the early big bikes. Bikes like Klein and Cannondale indeed were stiff and unforgiving to ride. Its a little opening a can of worms, as they are hardcore steel fanatics out there. The second can of worms is the that you will find folks who will not accept anything else than internal gears ( "cans") Derailleur systems have downfalls and merits, the same as cans do.

Both are great bikes, very different in their ideology, but both ride well, in the end you need to take the bike you like better ( nobody else than yourself is riding it, and nobody else is paying for it )

thor

I purchased the folders I like and is very happy with either of them. My first entry into the world of folders was the Dahon Boardwalk S1 (modified into a three speed) for it's steel frame and durability for extensive city (pothole) riding. The Brompton C type is my second one for better merging into other forms of trasport.

If you can, test ride either Vitesse or the Speed before you make your final choice. Like the Brakemeister stated, you are the one that will be shelling out the money and so you are the one who will be living with that choice. Post what you decided on.

differences:

The frame, some minor parts, ie brakes. I prefer the chromoly frame over alluminum because it is stronger, but you may prefer weight reduction and black paint.

I have a 2006 Speed D-7. I use it for receational riding and bought it because I can fit it in a 29" Samsonite Oyster suitcase for use when traveling. I am very pleased with the solid feel and the way it rides. I am small 5'7" and 140 lbs so I won't stress a frame as much as larger riders. My cycling experience is with mountain bikes on singletrack and recumbents on the road. The Speed D-7 is my first folder experience and I am very impressed with it. I have seen the Vitesse but since I prefer derailleur bikes I did not try it, I also like chrome-moly frames.

I went to a local dealer who had in stock a Speed D7 and the Vitesse D5. Whilst I preferred the colour/finish of the D5 in the end I plumped for the Speed 7 as it was £100 cheaper.
Did about 15 miles on it today with some cycling friends. Must say I am really impressed.The ride wasn't has harsh as I expected and it handled ok too. Only slightly scary bit was descending at speed on a bumpy/potholed side road.
Thanks to all who replied to my original post.