[SoonerLater]

As I write this, I'm looking at two auctions. There's a 2006-1/2 Downtube 9NS which I estimate I can buy for $275 to $300 including S/H. There's also a 2004 Dahon D6 for sale locally (no s/h) for about $175.

Which would you buy, and why?

My intended use is to drive about 1/2 mile, each way, to work. I'm sick of paying $120/month to park near my office. I can park for free about 6 blocks away. I do not expect to use a folder for any other purpose or route. I need some gears (there's a long incline), so a single speed is out, but the 6 gears on the Dahon (which I've test-ridden) are more than adequate.

I'm convinced that the Downtube is a better bike. I just am not sure how much better it is and whether I really need anything better. The Dahon weighs 30.5 lbs. as equiped. The DT is 24lbs without its rack and fenders, so I can't really compare the two.

And I've got a short time to make a decision.

[The BikeForums Team]

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[folder fanatic]

2006-1/2 Downtube 9NS estimate I can buy for $275 to $300 including S/H

a 2004 Dahon D6 for sale locally (no s/h) for about $175

Intended Uses (warning: subject to change as you use any of the bikes you are considering):

about 1/2 mile, each way, to work

I need some gears (there's a long incline), so a single speed is out, but the 6 gears on the Dahon (which I've test-ridden) are more than adequate.

The Dahon weighs 30.5 lbs. as equiped. The DT is 24lbs without its rack and fenders, so I can't really compare the two.

I'm convinced that the Downtube is a better bike

It does not matter what I say or think-you have made your decision. This bike is what you want rather than what others will dictate for you. Remember that as you gain experience with your chosen folder, you could always spring for other folder makes and models as I have done. Others here will agree with me I am sure. After all, decisions are not written in stone. Good luck with your new bike and let us know how you are getting along with your puchase when you are ready.

[14R]

Expand your riding horizons, go for the downtube and make sure you come back and let us know how happy you are.

[SoonerLater]

Expand your riding horizons...

My weekends are full of happily putting lots of miles on my Trek road bike. Or my Trek hybrid. I'll never ride the folder except when I can't ride a full sized bike.

[SoonerLater]

FWIW... I decided to buy for $191 a 2004 Boardwalk D6 which was so lightly used that the tire still had all of their little danglies where the tire was originally molded -- which tend to wear off in about 10 miles. I did this even though I am convinced that the Downtube is a better bike.

If I am still riding this thing in three months, I'll treat myself to a Downtube and sell this on Ebay or keep it in my ever-growing fleet of bikes.

Thanks to all for your input.

[14R]

I'll never ride the folder except when I can't ride a full sized bike.

That's what happened to me and, before I noticed, I was putting more mileage on my folder than on my commuter!

Good luck with you bike, if you have a chance take pictures and share with us.

[SoonerLater]

... before I noticed, I was putting more mileage on my folder than on my commuter!

Huh?

Isn't folder = commuter?

[folder fanatic]

I recommend that you keep your Boardwalk since it was so little used when you bought it (like new condition I assume). You can use it for a spare for yourself after the Downtube purchase and/or use it for a guest since the bike could fit a wide range of different sizes, shapes, and genders of the varied groups of people without too much readjustment to the bike.