Dahon Speed P8 question >>>>

[JDELUNA]

I am interested in the Speed P8 and have some questions:


1. How adjustable is the handlebar height as I would like a little more upright riding position ??

2. I weight right around 220+ pounds and plan on getting a rack to carry some items, I see that the MAX limit is 230 pounds. Is the weak link on the bike the wheels ?? I have contacted http://gaerlan.com/ and they said that they can replace the stock rims and build me up a set of stronger wheels such as 36 spoke, 14 gauge, rear wheel, etc. redo the front wheel, etc. for about $100 more.


Please let me know what you think. God Bless :)

[CrimsonEclipse]

The handlebar hight has a lot of room for adjustment.
I cut 5" off the slider tube to make it lower (I have an aggressive stance)

The wheels are a bit weak, ok for someone like me but for touring, I'd upgrade.

Gaerlan is a good place to buy.

CE

[JDELUNA]

CE,

Thanks for the response. So I take it that the Speed P8 in the STOCK configuration is a more upright riding position if you had to cut of that much from the tube ?? Again in STOCK form is it more like a comfortable touring position ?? Thanks again for any info. God Bless :)

[OldiesONfoldies]

Hi Jdeluna. I just came back from Lao, Vientiane on a touring trip with my new 06 Speed 8. The handle bar can be adjusted up/down to suit your preferred riding position. For touring, I like it upright as I have a bad back. Found the Speed 8 to be an extremely competent bike and it had no problems keeping up with my friend on a Trek Hybrid. The 200+ km we did was a breeze!

Go for it! Many bikes like Bike Friday et al may be better in some ways than the Speed 8, but for sheer value, its really hard to beat. Packed nicely too into a suitcase and that saved me additional airline $! I love this bike...

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l260/oldiesonfoldies/DahonLaoricefieldR.jpg

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l260/oldiesonfoldies/DahonBuddaParkNKR.jpg

[CrimsonEclipse]

CE,

Thanks for the response. So I take it that the Speed P8 in the STOCK configuration is a more upright riding position if you had to cut of that much from the tube ?? Again in STOCK form is it more like a comfortable touring position ?? Thanks again for any info. God Bless :)

That is correct.
Oldy's bike is a great example. (Great pictures!! Are those stock rims?)
It shows how upright you can ride.

I have a picture posted on the sticky thread (page 9).
Also have pics here:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=233303

Also keep in mind the rear hub modification available for a better gear range.
The stock gear range is fine for me but i don't have any mountains in my area.

CE

[pm124]

I love that sculpture park in Vientiane.

Gaerlan will rebuild the wheels for you before the bike ships for not too much money. Though a spoke tension check and true might do the trick if the wheels weren't built by a newbie in the Dahon factory.

[atom bomb]

Well, the color of the 2007 Speed P8 might just be the thing that drags me away from the Sw*ft I was thinking of getting. That and the Big Apples. And the lower price.
http://www.dahon.com/us/speedp8.htm

[OldiesONfoldies]

I hear great things abt the Swift but can't comment as I have not tested it.

But I'm more than satisfied with the Speed 8. It is supremely comfortable over long distances thanks to Big Apple (fantastic tires), Chromoly frame that is pliant and an upright seating position. Packs easy into a suitcase too.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l260/oldiesonfoldies/MuddybigappleR.jpg

Yes, the wheels are stock. Only added the Dahon Touring Rack that had good heel clearance and took normal size panniers. Also, fitted the excellent MKS pedals plus a bell... At a price of US$450, Speed 8 is unbeatable!

[mcalpik]

Love my Speed P8. I added bar ends, and cut down my steering tube 3 1/2 inches to get the position I wanted, as it was to upright for me stock. Also added MKS pedals and Powergrips. The bike is fast, rides well on the Big Apples and sits in my trunk all the time, ready for a ride on any trail I see.

Buy one and enjoy the best bargain in general use folders (IMHO)!