Folding Bikes - Dahon MU SL 07

Anyone have one ? whats the good word with it?

Just caught an article in Wired magazine rating it their best folder - do a search on Wired.com

Just caught an article in Wired magazine rating it their best folder - do a search on Wired.com

I had no luck finding it on wired's site, but here is the url:

http://www.wired.com/gadgets/gadgetreviews/magazine/15-06/pl_test

I have the '06 MU SL, 8 speed SRAM vs. 9 speed on '07 bikes.
Very little difference between the 2 years. SRAM 7 vs. SRAM 9.

The bike is awesome, fast, comfortable, folds very quick.
The '06 is actually a tad lighter than the '07, coming in under 19 lbs.

I am definitely happy with my MU SL.
Dale

I don't like frame hinges and the stem scares me, but otherwise it's a nice bike.

what is the correct size thudbuster to buy for an 07 MU SL

I am well over their weight rating and the bike is solid, no flexing, creaking, nada from the frame, stem or seatpost.

The thing is like a tank.

Dale

Do get a Thudbuster. The Mu SL needs it more than any other folder I've ever ridden.

The Wired reviewer wanted toe clips on the Mu, and then blasted the Breezer for having an "old fogey" kickstand. How about old fogey toe clips? And he gave the Mu one more chili than the Brommie. My guess is the first time the reviewer ever sat on a folder was this review.

34 mm for the thudbuster , just ike all other Dahons

Thanks Thor

Or you can use Marathon Racers for shock absorption. The Thudbuster will interfere with the fold of the bike. Both options will add some weight.

I found that I eventually adapted to the bike. The main thing is getting over obsessing on low spoke count wheels and New York potholes. Once I accepted the fact that they are strong enough to handle a blow or two, the stiffness of the ride became less of a problem, and I just stood and used my body as a shock absorber.

Whatever you do, don't try to run the tires at a lower pressure. You will get a snakebite flat faster than a rattlesnake.

i went to the crane creek website they dont have a seat post thudbuster with 34 mm how do i get it to fit?

what about the seat you do you use any gel pad or anything ? i am in long island and will be using LIRR and using it as my commutter to train station and around campus

http://www.thorusa.com/dahon/accessories/seatpost.htm

thats were the thudbusters reside ....
Thanks Thor

I test rode one in Brooklyn for 30-40 minutes yesterday. It feels very light, but not at all flimsy. I was worried that I'd bend a rim immediately but the skinny tires were fine on the shallower kind of potholes. It felt fast. Very quick acceleration - once (trying to beat a car to an intersection) when I tried to accelerate too fast the front tire came up. Probably pretty funny image for the folks in the car.

Compared to the Xootr Swift it felt smaller, lighter, the weight balanced more on the seat and less on the hands, but I'm guessing that could all be adjusted.

The only thing that really bothered me about it was that (as I read I think on the Dahon site) in the 7th and 8th (wheels fast, feet slow) gears there was this kind of thrumming vibration. Wasn't going to shake the fillings out or anything, but it was definitely there and kind of worrisome feeling. Speaking of gears, the shift felt nice, both triggers ergonomic for your right hand.

I've been trying to figure out the differences between the sl and the p8 versions of the Mu. Haven't gotten to ride the p8 yet.

I am quite satisfied with my 2007 Mu XL.

Check out the Dahon community forum on the Dahon website. Someone just listed a 2006 Mu SL for sale for $600! If I hadn't just bought a P8 I'd get it! I tried both bikes and liked them both. The frames are identical except for the paint job (way cooler look on the SL...) The SL is noticeably lighter dt components and, mostly, tires. Gaerlan makes a very good point about the P8 folding smaller becuase the stem folds differently - makes the whole folded packeage seem more secure. I also just liked the ride on the P8 better (less harsh) but everyone will tell you that changing out the tires improves that. I ended up making the decision for the P8 because I plan to do some back roads cycling and I wanted something a little more sturdy feeling and I worried (perhaps needlessly) about the rims on the SL. I really love my P8. Right now I'm choosing it most days over my Ti road bike. It's more fun! And I'm enjoying the scenery more in an upright position...
Happy choosing!
ME

The frames are identical except for the paint job (way cooler look on the SL...) The SL is noticeably lighter dt components and, mostly, tires.


The SL also has an aluminum fork and the P8 has a steel fork.