Please help me choose a folder

[MequonJim]

I'm looking for a folder that is $500 or less, and 25 pounds or less. I also want it to be small enough to fit in the trunk of my car, but still have room for other stuff.

I plan to ride the bike occasionally, not daily. Rides lasting 30-60 minutes. For fun and exercise, not racing or training. I'm 5'5" tall, so I would like something that fits someone that size.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

[makeinu]

what kind of terrain do you plan to bike on? (smooth roads, bike trails, mountain biking, etc)

[14R]

Assuming that you are not looking for any technical bike (very fast bike for road performance, compact bike for trail roads, expedition races or the eco-challenge) I believe a Dahon Curve or a Downtube Mini would be a really nice fit.

I am personally leaning towards 16" wheeled bikes instead of the most popular 20"wheel size. The ability to pack your bike for travelling using airport-legal luggage without the need of a degree in engineering or the patience of a monk is a big turn on to me, and having your bike with you more often is more important to me than being able to ride it on rough terrain. In other words, 16"wheels, for my kind of ride, is just perfect.

This is the downtube mini:

http://www.downtube.com/catalogimages/100_2432.JPG

It has more gears than the Dahon, and most of the components can be upgraded from your local bike shop.

and this is the Dahon Curve (basic model, 3 speed, called D3):

http://www.futurecycles.org/components/com_virtuemart/shop_image/product/a087d64c0f18d2ae65e12841dd1c298c.jpg

It's cheaper, comes with fenders and rear rack, it has a more sophisticated folding mechanism and it comes with some devices to help keeping it folded once folded. This model only comes with 3 speed though.

For size idea, I'm 5'9", and this is my Curve D3:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/152/413118414_21a4d38b7c.jpg

Most people will point you towards the conventional 20" wheeled folders. The riding feeling of those are a little closer to what you are used to (if you ride 700c road bikes or conventional 26", "mountain bikes"), they behave better than 16" bikes on rough terrain and some brands (like Bike Friday and Dahon) make some super fast models that you can keep up with road bikers (assuming you could keep up with them on regular bikes as well).

Good luck on your decision. Please come back and let us know what you end up getting. The most important thing, in my opinion, is to have a chance to ride the bike you want before making the commitment to keep it. They are both good products and you can always return your Downtube if you are not satisfied with it (never heard of anyone actually doing it, it's a pretty sweet bike with several enthusiasts around this forum. I personally already had 3).

[Bacciagalupe]

'ey 14R

How is the handlebar / handlepost stiffness on the Curve? It's ridiculously flexy on my Dahon Mariner D7.

[pm124]

How big is your trunk? Will you need to fold for any other reason?

[MequonJim]

what kind of terrain do you plan to bike on? (smooth roads, bike trails, mountain biking, etc)

Mostly paved bike trails and relatively smooth roads.

[MequonJim]

How big is your trunk? Will you need to fold for any other reason?

Trunk is mid sized USA sedan. I don't think I will need to fold for any other reason, but I can't say for sure.

Last year I bought a cheapo folding bike from walmart.com which has 20" wheels. I think the bike is too heavy to lug around, it is probably in the 30-40 pound range. In addition, it takes up a lot of space in my trunk, and barely folds flat enough to get in there.

I also have a Rans Tailwind recumbent which has 20" wheels, so I am used to riding with smaller wheels.

[MequonJim]

Thank you 14R. I doubt that any of my local bike shops will have many folders to test ride, but I will call around. I'm definitely willing to buy off of forum member recommendations without test riding.

With 3 gears on your Curve D3, do you feel as though you have a low enough gear for hill climbing and a high enough gear to not get passed by senior citizens? That would concern me.

I'm not against the idea of 16" wheels at all.

Thank you for your suggestions.

[holymoly]

Wow, this original post could be from me -- same height, same budget, same requirements, and newbie. (But I'm female; MequonJim I assume is male.) Even before reading 14R's great post, I narrowed it down to the Downtube Mini and the Dahon Curve through online research. I haven't done any test riding yet, but I think the Curve is available here.

Not wanting to hijack the OP's thread, but hopefully he'll be interested in the answer too: Is one of these significantly easier to fold and/or carry? According to the specs, the weight seems about the same, and the Curve's folded size is longer (Mini 10"x20"x29", Curve 13"x24"x26"). I like that the Curve has fenders.

(Size and ability to camouflage is a bit more of an issue than weight for me, since I'll be carrying the bike up stairs and into a fancy office building elevator, and stashing in a small shared space -- but MequonJim might have other needs, so general thoughts on size/fold/carry would be awesome. BTW, I'll be on road, mostly 5km/3mile trips. )

[14R]

Thank you 14R. With 3 gears on your Curve D3, do you feel as though you have a low enough gear for hill climbing and a high enough gear to not get passed by senior citizens? That would concern me.

I'm not against the idea of 16" wheels at all.

Thank you for your suggestions.

besides the hard core road bikers and triathletes using aerobars, I pass most of the other bikers while riding casually and all if I decide to go fast (again, excluding the roadsters. I do pass several road bikes, but they are not road bikers. They are average people like me, just riding expensive road bikes). Without any effort, I can average 14mph on my Curve. 16mph can be mantained, the real problem begins above that. On my Urban Bad Boy Ultra, I can go from 16 to 20 and maintain it. With the curve, going from 16 to 18 becomes a challenge. But please keep in mind I am no longer an athlete. My resting heart rate is on high 60s and I do not ride as often as I want. In other words: Currently, the weakest link is me, not the bike.

[makeinu]

Thank you 14R. I doubt that any of my local bike shops will have many folders to test ride, but I will call around. I'm definitely willing to buy off of forum member recommendations without test riding.

With 3 gears on your Curve D3, do you feel as though you have a low enough gear for hill climbing and a high enough gear to not get passed by senior citizens? That would concern me.

I'm not against the idea of 16" wheels at all.

Thank you for your suggestions.

Since you'll be riding on smooth roads and you don't have any issue with 16" wheels then it sounds like either the Downtube Mini or the Curve D3 would be just what you need. Obviously the Mini and the Curve D3 are similar bikes. Let's look at some of the differences:
-The Curve comes with a rack and fenders, which probably aren't very useful for the kind of recreational riding you'll be doing.
-The Mini has more gears, which you're obviously concerned about.
-The Mini is a bit lighter, especially if you go with the capreo version, and you said that weight is important to you.

Sounds like the Mini would be more appropriate for your needs, especially the Capreo version (what do you need an internal hub for? you won't be riding in bad weather or banging your bike around on the train or airplane and a derailleur is lighter and more efficient). The only question is whether or not you should pay the $100 premium for the Capreo Mini or if you should go with the internally hubbed Mini.

Wow, this original post could be from me -- same height, same budget, same requirements, and newbie. (But I'm female; MequonJim I assume is male.) Even before reading 14R's great post, I narrowed it down to the Downtube Mini and the Dahon Curve through online research. I haven't done any test riding yet, but I think the Curve is available here.

Not wanting to hijack the OP's thread, but hopefully he'll be interested in the answer too: Is one of these significantly easier to fold and/or carry? According to the specs, the weight seems about the same, and the Curve's folded size is longer (Mini 10"x20"x29", Curve 13"x24"x26"). I like that the Curve has fenders.

(Size and ability to camouflage is a bit more of an issue than weight for me, since I'll be carrying the bike up stairs and into a fancy office building elevator, and stashing in a small shared space -- but MequonJim might have other needs, so general thoughts on size/fold/carry would be awesome. BTW, I'll be on road, mostly 5km/3mile trips. )

Sounds like you would be better off with the Curve. The fenders will help keep you dry if you ride through a puddle on the way to work and the rear rack will be useful for carrying your briefcase.

[James H Haury]

Which allows bigger tires? Fenders can always be purchased ( from Gaerlan or nashbar and modded with a bit of ingenuity) A nice seat bag from Rivendell can fulfill your carrying needs without a rack .I have found that wider tires on my classic 3 have made a big positive difference in the ride. I own Dahons and Yeah bicycles but the DT mini looks like a good bet to me.

[MequonJim]

Dahon's website lists the Gear Inches for the Curve D3 as 42"/56"/77"

I can't find the same type of information at Downtube's website.

To James H Haury, the Curve D3 has big fat tires on it right now. The site says that the fenders are made to accept the fat tires.

I'm not sure that if I bought a Downtube Mini instead of the Curve D3, I don't know if I should spend the extra $100 on the Capreo version. Do you think it is money well spent?

Thanks again to everyone for their help.

[14R]

There are no user's review of the DT Mini with the Capreo system. But one thing that I forgot to mention is that the Mini comes with some kind of rear suspension, while the Curve benefits from the extra investment of a Thudbuster seatpost.

[SesameCrunch]

Detailed review and discussion of the Mini here: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=218634

One poster mentions that the gear inches ranges from 25 - 75 inches.

I like the 8 speeds on the Mini, but that Curve sure has a stylish top tube!

[MequonJim]

So they probably go about the same speeds on the flats (75" vs. 77") and if you have steep hills to climb, the DT Mini might be better with 25" vs. 42" minimum.

I don't really have many steep hills.

14R, do you ever have problems climbing hills with your Curve D3?

I wonder what the gear inches are for the Capreo equipped DT Mini.

[kgibbs51]

14R,

Are there any comparative reviews of the Curve and the Mini? I like the Mini price but the styling is so so and the color is aweful (both when compared to the Curve).

The 9speed Mini Capreo is also 1lb lighter than the 8speed. How is this achieved? I'm on the fence on this issue and really am waiting to see how the new Curve SL stacks up. Its a 5 speed but weighs 2lbs less than the Mini Capreo but $100 more.

Dahon's web site tells of a May release for the Curve SL but after talking with a few dealers I'm getting the impression that this may be July 2007 instead. Any thoughts on this?

[14R]

As far as I know, there is no comparison between those two. I like the Mini too (and I even don't have a problem with the color) but I agree with you, the design is not as stylish and the folding mechanism is not as "cool" (even though it is an efficient mechanism).

If I were you I woudn't wait for the SL. Dahon is well known for release delays and unless you have 3% body fat, anything less than 3 pounds can be achieved by a smaller breakfast in less than 2 weeks. :)

[kgibbs51]

14R,

So you recommend the Curve over the Mini? I'm not sure if you've said you've owned both but I think you may have at some point.

[14R]

I cannot make that recommendation, I never had a chance to ride a Mini. I'm a big fan of Downtube bikes for several reasons (price, upgradeability, customer service) but when it was time to buy a new bike I decided to go with a Curve. Main reason was the way it looks. I really liked the Scimitar-like frame! I almost bought a Mu when they first came out, and the Mini was like something that I wanted before it even existed.

It's just a matter of time I will need a new folder (I like to have two, so I can ride with someone, and usually sell it overseas to renew the fleet). If I don't have the money to buy Merc or Brompton, I may consider the Mini. Since I travel with my bikes, the Capreo Version is not a good option for me. But I spoke with Yan more than once about that, it is just a matter of time for me to get one.

14R.

[pm124]

I would love to see a review of the Mini with Capreo. It's a great drivetrain set up, and is about equivalent to the 105-level groupo according to Bike Friday. So, the Capreo Mini is an outstanding deal.

The other consideration is that the non-Capreo equipment on the big Downtube is the worst stuff coming out of China. Some people have had bikes that were missing bearings on one side of the BB, had frozen parts, etc. So, the Capreo stuff will be a huge improvement, and well worth the $100.

For what it's worth, my 24 pound Downtube NS required a new seat, tires, cranks, and bottom bracket to get to it's stated weight. (Yes, without the iron pedals, etc.!) Given that it was stocked with pedals and a seat that weighed close to 2Kg, it's a bit deceptive. I'm not sure how much more conservative Dahon is with weight, but I would bet that the stock Dahon, including pedals, is a bit lighter than the stock mini.

Finally, both Downtube and Dahon have a *history* of terrible quality control problems. So, if you don't like fussing with rebuilding wheels, etc., that's a consideration. That all said, for what you get, the Downtube is a super bargain for builders.

[kgibbs51]

14R,

Because you travel the Capreo won't work? Explain?

[invisiblehand]

The 9speed Mini Capreo is also 1lb lighter than the 8speed. How is this achieved? I'm on the fence on this issue and really am waiting to see how the new Curve SL stacks up. Its a 5 speed but weighs 2lbs less than the Mini Capreo but $100 more.

Internal hub drivetrains are typically heavier than derailer drivetrains.

From a conversation with Peter Reich

weight(Nexus 8 speed hub) = weight(DUAL DRIVE) + 1 lb. = weight(8 sp derailer drivetrain) + 2 lbs.

Note, there was another recent thread that discussed internal hubs versus derailers.

EDIT: Here is the old thread http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=273185. Regarding the previous travel question, it might have to do with a derailer being messy and easily damaged during travel.

[DaFriMon]

. . .Not wanting to hijack the OP's thread, but hopefully he'll be interested in the answer too: Is one of these significantly easier to fold and/or carry? According to the specs, the weight seems about the same, and the Curve's folded size is longer (Mini 10"x20"x29", Curve 13"x24"x26"). I like that the Curve has fenders. . .

Actually, I've wondered about the stated folding size for the Mini. Looking at the picture of it folded in the middle of this page (http://www.downtube.com/Downtube_2006_1_2_mini_16_wheel_Bike_8sp_Sturmey_Archer.html), it's hard to say which dimension is supposed to be 10 inches. You'd think that would be the width, but it doesn't seem possible from that picture. Maybe that bike is not fully folded. Mini owners might shed more light on this.

[14R]

14R,

Because you travel the Capreo won't work? Explain?

Derailleurs are one of the most abused parts of a bike once it is packed, one of the most broken parts upon arrival, and at least another 10 minutes to tune up after each and every travel. I'm done with them on folders.

One of the reasons I sold my Merc (and may consider buying another Curve or a Mini in the future instead of a Brompton or anoter Merc) is the absence of rear chain tensioner or derailleur. Trust me, it is just a matter of time to have a problem with one of those if you pack/unpack your bike often.

14R.

[14R]

I honestly think that a folding bike needs to be light enough for you to pick it up and load your car's trunk, light enough for you to climb a hill without walking pushing it AND light enough to fit, with extra gear, under the airline weight limits. If you are a high performance athlete you shouldn't be riding a folder. Since we are not a high performance athlete, 99% chances are that we can lose some weight anyways, making the bike-rider-combo pretty decent even if your bike is not the lightest.

[SesameCrunch]

Actually, I've wondered about the stated folding size for the Mini. Looking at the picture of it folded in the middle of this page (http://www.downtube.com/Downtube_2006_1_2_mini_16_wheel_Bike_8sp_Sturmey_Archer.html), it's hard to say which dimension is supposed to be 10 inches. You'd think that would be the width, but it doesn't seem possible from that picture. Maybe that bike is not fully folded. Mini owners might shed more light on this.
In that picture, as in real life usage, there is nothing holding the two wheels together. DT provides a bungee cord to achieve that. Other manufacturers provide various clamping solutions. I don't know if there's a perfect answer for keeping them together.

If you fold the handlebars between the wheels and tie the wheels together, the fold is pretty darn small. I can't remember the size of the box that it shipped in, but it was surprisingly small. You can ask Yan from Downtube what the dimensions of the shipping box are. That will give you some verification of the optimal fold.

[SesameCrunch]

Finally, both Downtube and Dahon have a *history* of terrible quality control problems. So, if you don't like fussing with rebuilding wheels, etc., that's a consideration. That all said, for what you get, the Downtube is a super bargain for builders.

I have bought 5 DTs. I think they do have a quality control problem with BBs, but that's the only one I've seen. I wouldn't agree with leaving a perception with a new buyer that there is an endemic and random quality problem, because that's not my experience. The number of satisfied users on these forums far outweigh the dissatisfied ones. I don't question that individuals have come onto these forums complaining about problems, but you get that on a Bike Friday forum, too.

For the difference in price between DTs and other brands, I'm happy to take the 15 minutes to remove the BB shells and lube them, which is what I've done with all 5 of my purchases.

I don't know about Dahons since I don't own one. I prefer to buy bikes with non-proprietary parts and service design.

[MequonJim]

I like the idea of an internal hub instead of an external derailer. So the Capreo DT Mini is out of consideration for me personally. I find no pleasure in tuning up my bike's shifting.

I still feel undecided between the Mini and the Curve. I will try to make up my mind soon.

I really do appreciate everyones information they have shared.

[holymoly]

I also really appreciate everyone's responses. I test-rode and bought a Curve today!

[SesameCrunch]

I also really appreciate everyone's responses. I test-rode and bought a Curve today!

Holy Moly! :) That was fast!

I'm sure you'll be happy with the Curve. As far as I'm concerned both the Mini and Curve are great choices.

[kgibbs51]

14R

Sorry but I can't see enough in the Downtube website's images that clearly show the derailer on the Capreo so I assumed it was the same setup as the 8speed Mini. I'm avaiding derailers entirely. I have bad luck with them on any bike. I'm always bending them on tree stumps or some bum will pass out leaning on my bike and offset the thing.

KISS - Keep it simple is my moto.

My only question is with the 8 speed Mini how often does one cycle through gears on even terrain and city biking? Do you use the gearing to go over bridges or to peddle against the wind? I'm in Chicago so its fairly flat but the wind, that's another story. Plus the train station is near the river and you have to climb up a 2 block gradual incline past the Sears Tower to get there.

14R: How about this for the Curve? In general, unless I'm mountain biking I'm a fairly lazy shifter and prefer to dial her in and go the distance.

[MequonJim]

Does the lowest gear on the Curve D3 seem low enough to climb most hills? Do you feel as though you want more than 3 gears?

Also, I found this picture of a folded DT Mini on the Downtube website:

http://www.downtube.com/images/Bikes_7-14/08-10-06%20Downtube%20Bikes/Full%20size%20photos/ND6W7928.JPG

Clearly the 10" dimension is the width of the bike. It is also nice to see it next to a folded 20" version to see the size difference.

[holymoly]

Holy Moly! :) That was fast!

I'm sure you'll be happy with the Curve. As far as I'm concerned both the Mini and Curve are great choices.
Thanks! :) It was great getting advice from this thread! (And also insights from the many other threads I read.) It made deciding easy... and then today I loved the feel of the Curve when I test-rode it, AND I got an incredible price. I've had some challenges folding, but I'm working it out.

[kgibbs51]

Holymoly: Can I ask what you paid for the Curve D3? I'm seeing them from simple Google searches at $359 and free shipping/no tax. My local shop is selling them for $439!

[14R]

14R: How about this for the Curve? In general, unless I'm mountain biking I'm a fairly lazy shifter and prefer to dial her in and go the distance.

I'm a lazy shifter myself. Unless I'm trying to keep up with roadsters, I only use first and second gear.
I do not have a lot of hills here in Florida, But I think the Curve D3 gives me enough room for whatever I want to do, including riding as fast as 19mph with some road bikers.


14R

[kgibbs51]

14R: Ya I was looking at the black and white of you and the bike and thinking to myself "self, I think that's a hill there in the background, probably the only one in Florida"

We have hills in Chicago too. They also call them highway overpasses.

[folder fanatic]

Thanks! :) It was great getting advice from this thread! (And also insights from the many other threads I read.) It made deciding easy... and then today I loved the feel of the Curve when I test-rode it, AND I got an incredible price. I've had some challenges folding, but I'm working it out.

Welcome Holymoly to this and other forums,

I think the Curve is a great bike to start getting involved with and owning folding bikes. I bought the 2006 Piccolo (predecessor to the Curve) a few months ago and I could not be happier. As for the folding part, it does take some getting used to, though I feel that it is the most important feature offered by this type of bike. For more ideas, photos, and information see my web sites below:

[maunakea]

hey FF, please append your links in the previous post ... always looking for new links.

[pm124]

I have bought 5 DTs. I think they do have a quality control problem with BBs, but that's the only one I've seen. I wouldn't agree with leaving a perception with a new buyer that there is an endemic and random quality problem, because that's not my experience. The number of satisfied users on these forums far outweigh the dissatisfied ones. I don't question that individuals have come onto these forums complaining about problems, but you get that on a Bike Friday forum, too.

For the difference in price between DTs and other brands, I'm happy to take the 15 minutes to remove the BB shells and lube them, which is what I've done with all 5 of my purchases.

I don't know about Dahons since I don't own one. I prefer to buy bikes with non-proprietary parts and service design.

Well, any $200 bike will have quality control problems. I'm too much of a complainer. But after rebuilding the BB, headset, and wheels, there's still two hubs to go before everything is true and non-crunchy. I love the NS though, and it's been fun working on. It rides great, and has some parts that can only be found on more expensive bikes. It's true that the BB barely turned, but the major issue on mine was that the spokes creaked, which is a potential safety problem. The headset race was crooked, and the water bottle braze-ons were crooked, but these were more minor concerns. Probably, if one took apart many new bikes, similar problems would be uncovered. But, I see the bike more of either a light commuting bike with an adjustment investment or a potential gem for a fixer upper.

[propagandhi]

i got my strida 2.5 (at least i think thats what it is) about 15 minutes ago... i unpacked the box and took it out... initial impressions are:

1) i was surprised by how robust it looks and feels
2) somewhat disappointed by how big it is when it folds down (but in the greater scheme of things it would definately fit in the trunk of even the smallest car)
3) feels very comfortable... really comfortable, just sitting on it anyway

i have yet to ride it due to the tires being low and my current blood alcohol level

it cost me 250 shipped via ebay, i think it looks better than other folding bikes and its a definate attention getter... well worth the money, i would not spend the money on a new strida 5 (i heard some people saying they will be around 800 shipped) but you can get a strida 3 on ebay for less than 400 + shipping

its worth looking into

here is a pic of mine:
http://i10.ebayimg.com/04/i/000/91/31/d363_3.JPG

and the youtube video of a road test (vs. a sinclair a-bike): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVVgsQt1DK4

[holymoly]

Holymoly: Can I ask what you paid for the Curve D3? I'm seeing them from simple Google searches at $359 and free shipping/no tax. My local shop is selling them for $439!
My LBS sells the D3 for $500 Canadian (around US$435 US) but, temporarily, had listed the price incorrectly on their website as $395 (around US$343.) They were very gracious about honouring the lower/incorrect price. I'd never dealt with them before, but now I always will.

[holymoly]

Welcome Holymoly to this and other forums,

I think the Curve is a great bike to start getting involved with and owning folding bikes. I bought the 2006 Piccolo (predecessor to the Curve) a few months ago and I could not be happier. As for the folding part, it does take some getting used to, though I feel that it is the most important feature offered by this type of bike. For more ideas, photos, and information see my web sites below:
Thanks, folder fanatic. I actually had a look at your websites a few days ago!

One thing I've discovered already is that folding works much better when I keep the handlebar post extended, so that when the bike is folded, the bars are below the magnets. It's a very 'newbie' discovery, but it feels good to figure out a few things, basic as they might be! :)

[14R]

I also really appreciate everyone's responses. I test-rode and bought a Curve today!

We need pictures!!

[locostbamboo]

I am also trying to choose a folder for a short commute to work (2 miles each way). I have been looking at the Downtube site, but saw the Dahon made Yeah on Ebay. I am wanting a bike that is a usable bike, not junk, and not expensive. Possible?

Thanks.

Rob in Oregon

[MequonJim]

Here is my list of the positive and negative traits for both the Downtube Mini and Dahon Curve D3.

Downtube Mini 8 Speed:

+Granny gear for hill climbing & more speeds
+Easier to upgrade
+Built in suspension
+Includes carry bag

-Higher cost ($432 shipped)
-Possible bad parts (BBs) and/or bad lubrication
-Handlebar height not adjustable
-Tires not as nice

Dahon Curve D3 3 Speed:

+Lower cost ($360 shipped)
+Better tires
+Includes fenders and rack
+Handlebar height is adjustable
+Folds and/or stays folded better
+Mounting bracket for KlickFix bags & baskets on front
+Reflective strip around tires

-Needs odd size suspension seatpost (no suspension built in)
-Missing granny gear for hill climbing & less speeds
-More difficult to upgrade
-Carry bag not included

Did I miss anything? Did I get this correct?

It is tough to decide. They are close in pros and cons.

-Message edited to include feedback-

[old and new]

I've had a Dahon Helios for four years.Dahon has many models, a big range in price. Helios is an al. frame.
The components do it justice. I't very easy to master the folding and un-folding.Once you get the procedure down -pat,very fast and simple to deal with.i've read much of what's been written here. i've not much to adrees in the realm of gearing and comparisons. The only problem I've had with the bike itself is the chain ring got bent
(the wife has no patience). The bike is designed to be folded and quite easy to pack and carry IF you do it right
the chain-ring is indeed vulnerable. It's alot btter performing than one would suspect. I prefer it over some crappy cruiser or rental.That's why WE got it.It's MINE now though. The transition from my roadbikes to the Dahon is easier than I'd thought it would be. I't a blast to ride, I'll say; I feel "better" on it than most hybrids.
That's an oppinion.probably because it's so adjustable. I'd gone the bike-rack route for weekends at the shore
.THAT was WAY more problematic, a pain really, a theft risk as well.These folders will fit in your car easily.I won't
say much (don't know) about wheel size other than the manuverabilty is welcome when toolin' around resorts ,
metro areas. The small wheels in any case make average "hill climbing" an non-issue.By the way,i'd worried about the rear derailer when I first got it..I just don't see a problem with that AT ALL.

[old and new]

since the man remarked about "proprietary parts"..funny..I've located all of my componets within a few different places on the net..happenned to spot 'm findin' an $18.00 chain ring so...??...?? ..as far as folkes not liking thier folders..I don' know..50 years ain't a bad track record.

[holymoly]

We need pictures!!

Pictures coming soon! The only unusual thing about it so far is my slipcover/bag. I went to Ikea to check out the Dimpa spare-tire bag that fits Bromptons. That bag was too small for my Curve, but I found something else that fit -- a big, orange (my favourite colour), sofa cushion cover. If I pull out the seatpost I can sit the bike in it and zip the cover completely closed around it. Or I can use it as a slipcover, leaving the zipper open at the bike bottom. I found the cover in Ikea's "as is" section, for $3! I don't need a bag with handles, just some camouflage, so I'm happy.

[holymoly]

Did I miss anything?

This is a tiny thing, but it's kind of neat... The Curve has a mounting bracket on the front for KlickFix bags and baskets. Another little detail I like is the reflective strip around the tires.