Folding Bikes - Dahon Vitesse 2007

Hi everyone,

Been lurking a few weeks while thinking about getting a bike (first since my 20s, 25 years ago!), you all seem a nice crowd.

My question: I think I've narrowed my choice to the Dahon Vitesse 2007 being a reasonably priced folder but not seen any comment about this bike on the forums. Anyone got/experienced one?

Your comments appreciated.

Regards
Jim

I *think* it's basically an aluminum framed Speed 7?
I've ridden the Speed7 and the '06 Vitesse, neither of which are bad bikes. They fold pretty quickly, and into an OK sized package, and they ride OK.

What do you intend to use it for?

I've never owned a Vitesse, although I have a Dahon Speed Pro. However, I remember this thread from a Vitesse owner who was not so happy with his experience:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=323270&highlight=dahon

YMMV...

Been lurking a few weeks while thinking about getting a bike (first since my 20s, 25 years ago!), you all seem a nice crowd...
Looks can be deceiving ;)

What do you think you will use the bike for -- commuting? Casual riding? Touring? Long distance?

For example the Vitesse might be good for some stuff (and the color is very nice). But the Speed P8 may be a better choice if you think you will be riding a lot, since it has more standard components.

Hi,

Thanks for the replies.

SesameCrunch:

I saw the thread and was hoping to have better news on a different model. What is your Speed Pro like? (and YMMV?)

Mooo and Bacciagalupe:

I want to build up to some very extensive casual riding/short touring but be able to use the bike locally (not commute) and fold it up on arrival to save space and for security. The Speed P8 was a bit more than I was thinking of spending, but if there is a better value for the extra £60 I would consider it. Are you pleased with the ride and is it good value?

Thanks and regards
jim

YMMV = Your Mileage May Vary :)

I like my Speed Pro. It's built for a different purpose - it's a go fast bike. Replicates a road bike experience. Has the SRAM DualDrive technology, which is very cool. It's about US$1,000 for the base model and more for the TT version.




SesameCrunch:

I saw the thread and was hoping to have better news on a different model. What is your Speed Pro like? (and YMMV?)

Hi,

The Speed P8 was a bit more than I was thinking of spending, but if there is a better value for the extra £60 I would consider it. Are you pleased with the ride and is it good value?



I would respectfully suggest bumping up to the Speed P8 unless it means you'll have to eat at McDonald's for a month. :)

The Speed P8 is the workhorse of the Dahon line-up in my opinion, terrific value. The Vitesse seems like a good bike too but I do wonder if "for a little bit more", you end up with a better bike.

One of the key differences between the two is that you are moving from what Dahon calls their "Deluxe" component package to "Premium". Many users express frustration with the Neos derailleur on the Vitesse, when they look at upgrading for example.

The Speed P8 is a bit heavier, due in part to the steel frame, but also in part due to the Schwalbe Big Apple (BA) tires. Those tires are heavier, but get such rave reviews that you would probably want to upgrade to them anyway. By playing with the air pressure in them, you can also achieve a form of suspension or damping that many users find agreeable in terms of smoothing out road shocks. The BA also gets good marks for puncture resistance etc.

I'm uncertain if the UK/Euro Vitesse comes with some of the components features (rack/mudguards).
However unless you ride in the rain, or you commute, those may not be of much value to you.

I ride a (no longer produced!) aluminum Dahon (the Helios) so I'm a happy aluminum (*aluminium!) rider, but many people also believe steel to be a better frame material, for example it's possible to repair more easily (bend/weld) and you will find the opinion that steel bikes last longer.

My girlfriend has the 2006 Speed P8, so I am quite familiar with that model, but I admit to not having firsthand experience with the Vitesse. The 2007 Vitesse does have quite a spiffy look.

One other point, not sure if anyone mentioned, but Dahon does run their own forum (http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php) - which is not censored or anything nefarious ... it's worth dropping your questions in both places to get the most responses. Or just search old posts on both forums. BF is particularly great for getting comparisons to other folding bikes on the market.

Oh, since you quoted prices in pounds I assume you are UK - many people seem to buy their Dahon's in Germany or on the continent... I guess pricing over there is perhaps a bit more sane. Maybe that will make it easier for you to step up a model.

Good luck with your purchase!
Callum

Hmm, tough call...

The pluses of the Speed P8 is that it uses a standard SRAM drivetrain. So if you have a Vitesse or a Speed D7 or Mariner, and something like the rear derailleur brakes, you'd have a harder time getting it replaced. But by that time, you may have totally outgrown the bike. (This is pretty much what happened to me with my cheap Dahon.)

The Speed P8 also doesn't come with a rack IIRC. If I'm correct about that, then it probably isn't worth the extra cost.

I guess if I were in your shoes, and wanted to save a little scratch, the Speed D7 or the Mariner may be better. They're steel and will have a nicer ride. I did a week-long tour with my Mariner and it worked out OK.

I'd do a couple of test rides, and see which one you prefer.