Folding Bikes - Opinions on the 2007 Dahon Mu XL?

As a errand/city/commuter bike, the Mu XL looks very interesting. I already have two full size road and two full size mountain bikes, so I am looking at a folder as a supplement, not replacement to my existing bicycles. Any thoughts on this model?

If you are used to a hard riding road bike with 115 PSI tires, it's a great bike. Clearly, these things are not rational choices (like having 4 bikes already), but it's a bit high end for an errand bike. Unless you are rich.

For one, if you are above 80Kg, you won't be able to load it with groceries and then ride on rough roads, since you'll go over the weight limit. In my mind, a P8 would be a better choice for what you are proposing, as it will be more comfy and nearly as light and fast.

I used my 2006 SL as my only bike, but I couldn't tour on it, and the commute to work was painful on pothole laden roads. You can't really modify the bike, other than to put fatter tires on it. A Thudbuster will interfere with folding, and the I-beam saddle cannot be swapped for your fav.

What really attracts me to the Mu XL is the Nexus redband drive system. That, and the full fender and dynamo light setup. Up here in the rainy and dark Seattle area, a bike that is equipped out of the box to be relatively weather resistant piques my interest. What I have to ponder is if the Vitesse D7, with the five speed SA drive system, but no light setup, would be a good substitute. And I can readily afford either choice.

Can't everyone in Mill Creek afford five bikes???

Daughter lives in Snohomish so we have driven through numerous times - thought I saw a BMW in most every garage!

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Snotty remark from a guy whose family thinks he is crazy for having two low-end folding bikes (D7 & S1).
Enjoy life before they 'follow us home' and our silly little bikes are banned.

Can't everyone in Mill Creek afford five bikes???

Daughter lives in Snohomish so we have driven through numerous times - thought I saw a BMW in most every garage!

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Snotty remark from a guy whose family thinks he is crazy for having two low-end folding bikes (D7 & S1).
Enjoy life before they 'follow us home' and our silly little bikes are banned.

I don't gamble, drive expensive cars, drink to excess and have paid off the kids' orthodontia. Now I can afford to buy bicycles instead. A good use of funds, wouldn't you agree?

Definitely agree!!!

My lifestyle is similar, and it enabled me to retire seven years ago at age 57. I figure spending money on healthy things like bikes will cut down on medical problems and costs, later.

Have to say my wife is sold on having folding bikes - easier to travel and easier to store them, too. As we get older and the money doesn't appear to be going down, wife is getting a little more relaxed about spending it. Figure she may even be interested in upgrading her Boardwalk D7 at some point.

She saw a Mu SL at the bike at our Dahon Dealer (she couldn't believe just how light it was) and calls it her dream bike. She may not want that much or a road bike, but we are making progress!

I bought 6 folding bikes in the last year after I sold off the BM7 and switched to a Toyota. I could not agree more with all you good folks that money spent on bikes are worth every cent, if we use them that is... Wishing all a happy & healthy lifestyle!

Sorry, I misread the XL...so comments only stand for the SL.

super great bike .... the redband is the classiest can around and the light setup is worth .... well. just even try to get something half as nice and spend under 200 bucks for the lights alone...

And I dont say that cause I sell them.. I actually dont have any in stock
llol

thor

I just wanted the Mu XL frame for a fixed conversion. The bike itself seems good value for money, and as such I would be loathe to strip it down just for frame. Luckily, I can hold on to 2008 when a new ss/fixed is being considered by Dahon - hopefully it will be based on the Mu XL frame...

There is a cheaper model of the Mu coming out this year called the Mu P8. You can see it on the Dahon website.

People who owned them that I have talked to spoke highly of it. They liked the pantour suspension front hub.

... I can hold on to 2008 when a new ss/fixed is being considered by Dahon - hopefully it will be based on the Mu XL frame...
Better also hope it comes with a stronger handlepost, esp. if you're going to ride fixed. Or I guess you can use a front brake...but that wouldn't be as cool. :)

Better also hope it comes with a stronger handlepost, esp. if you're going to ride fixed. Or I guess you can use a front brake...but that wouldn't be as cool.

I will cut the handlepost down (so there's less leverage) and use a quill stem again. That's why I hope they go with the Mu XL and not SL as the base for the ss/fixed. The quill mod really does make the front-end feel stiffer. That said, the current handlpost I am using on my Trek (Dahon 2003/4 vintage) is slowly dying on me, (increasing play even when tightened) but I cannot really complain as it is under considerable stress and has done over 5000 miles.

I always use a front brake as my cool rating is not measured on the Kelvin scale...

That's pretty damn cool, fo' sho'.