I only found out about folding bikes this afternoon, so you can guess that I'm a newbie.
I live near Toronto, in the suburban city of Mississauga. I've always wanted a bicycle, it feels like all of a sudden hybrid or utility (??) bicycles are popular (or I've suddenly noticed them,) and, I've had this extra longing for mobility and freedom, so I really want a bicycle.
I had felt pretty upset that there had been no engineering marvels to prevent the all too common theft of bicycles, discouraging me from buying a bicycle, and further more, get more people into the habit of environmentally-friendly transportation!
Lo and behold! I discover the brilliant folding bicycle!
From this afternoon 'til midnight now, I've been researching folding bicycles. Bromptons, Birdies, Bicycle Fridays, ... they're all too expensive.
However, Dahons seem to have pretty good reviews overall, and they have a price I can afford (CAN$500 = $UK235 = $US475)
I'm on that budget, which Dahon bicycle would you most recommend?
Dahon Piccolo
Dahon Curve D3
Dahon Speed D7
If you can even recommend a bike under $CAN500, please do!
I'll be using this bicycle perhaps 2-3 weekly, on mostly flat terrain, for usually shorter than 15 mile trips a time. I'm very interested in having a lighter, sturdy, comfortable and smaller folded bicycle - what cheap folded bicycle can you suggest? best quality for its price?
Such an interesting exciting discovery, the folding bicycle for me. :P
Thanks!!
p.s. And curiosity, what is a "mini bike"?
p.s.s. If you live in Toronto, what other stores besides "Urbane Cyclist" and "Curbside Cycle" have a good selection of folding bikes?
Dynocoaster
08-27-07, 10:29 PM
Do you have any hills or is it all flat, the first two ar three speeds and the last is a 7 speed, which will fit your need. Checkout the Downtube good deal for the money.
burmesepenguin
08-27-07, 10:31 PM
very rarely I think I'll encounter a hill.
I'll check out Downtube, haven't heard alot of buzz about it online though...
JosephLMonti
08-28-07, 07:50 AM
I'll check out Downtube, haven't heard alot of buzz about it online though...
Funny you should say that b/c Downtubes are one of the most discussed bikes on this forum. If you want to check out their website, just click the link on the rightside of this screen (see all the bike company ads).
brakemeister
08-28-07, 08:34 AM
the curve d 3 is the newest design and although a 16 incher rides very well....
Speed D 7 is 20 incher, folds slightly bigger, is a little heavier runs a little easier for longer distances ( but not by much )
go with the curve ...
thor
psykoocycle
08-28-07, 11:40 AM
Gears: (lakeshore just west of Cawthra) used to carry treks f400 and giant halfway (but this was 2 years ago).
Cyclepath: (creditview and burhamthorpe) used to carry Dahon's cheaper version (forgot what they were called).
Other than Urbane and Curbside, not sure which other store's carry them.
I second the DT suggestion at your price range.
mbnz230
08-28-07, 11:53 AM
looks like anything under $500 downtube is king. and downtube only make bikes up to $500. but do let us know if you found something else. i am kinda on the same boat as you are.
burmesepenguin
08-28-07, 11:55 AM
hmm, but I guess I have an extra stipulation, and that's that I can't order online, and I'd much rather test ride it first. - and DownTube is in America, which would give me the hassle of shipping charges, etc.
Realistically, I think I'm narrowing it down to those 3 Dahon bikes, Piccolo, Curve D3 and Speed D7, I'm leaning towards the Curve D3.
give your recommendation :o
Kabir
08-28-07, 12:15 PM
I ordered my Downtube IXNS several months back when 1 US$ is about 1.13 CDN. The total cost to me is 400 CDN including all the tax, shipping charge and that stupid UPS brokerage fee. Curve D3 is now about 500 CDN before tax. Now, with US$ being even cheaper, it is probably a good time to buy directly from US.
hmm, but I guess I have an extra stipulation, and that's that I can't order online, and I'd much rather test ride it first. - and DownTube is in America, which would give me the hassle of shipping charges, etc.
Realistically, I think I'm narrowing it down to those 3 Dahon bikes, Piccolo, Curve D3 and Speed D7, I'm leaning towards the Curve D3.
give your recommendation :o
jnb-rare
08-28-07, 12:20 PM
I too am in the market for my first folder. The choice is always subjective -- as it should be, of course.
For ME, 3-speeds isn't really enough. I really do use the gears to try to keep my cadence as optimal as I can. I will also choose the 20" wheels for a bit smoother ride. Given those choices *I* would opt for the Speed D7, but that's not to say it's the best for you.
psykoocycle
08-28-07, 12:25 PM
BURM: I have a DT FS, mind you... its been modified quite a bit... I'd let you test ride, but that will be dependent on schedule (I visit Sauga on the weekends... but don't always get the chance). I just picked up my DT when I went to visited my cousin in NY. Even importing it will still go head to head with the Dahon's you mentioned.
But if you insist on a Dahon... Speed D7...
4cmd3
08-28-07, 02:53 PM
Gears: (lakeshore just west of Cawthra) used to carry treks f400 and giant halfway (but this was 2 years ago).
Cyclepath: (creditview and burhamthorpe) used to carry Dahon's cheaper version (forgot what they were called).
Other than Urbane and Curbside, not sure which other store's carry them.
I second the DT suggestion at your price range.
I do not recall seeing folding bikes at Gears in Mississauga when I was in (in the last month or so).
They definitely do NOT have Dahon though.
Lots of places have Avenir... I see lots of Avenir driving around. They are a cheaper version of the Dahon's, but... you can tell.
Dahon is carried by the following:
Duke's Cycle (http://www.dukesonqueen.com), Queen St. Toronto
Urbane Cyclist (http://www.ucycle.com), just off Queen St. Toronto
Racer Sportif, (http://www.racersportif.com) Bloor West area, Toronto
The only one I have not been to is Racer Sportif... just not my end of town.
Urbane has the widest selection of Dahon and other folders.
Duke's just carries folders by Dahon and they had just the Speed P8 and Speed Pro TT when I was last in.
burmesepenguin
08-28-07, 07:59 PM
@psykoocycle & Kabir: thanks guys, but despite all the praise of the DT (now that I've looked around) I think I'm still more comfortable with a bigger brand, I'm having enough trouble convincing my dad as it is :/
@jnb-rare: I really want my folder to be compact though, I think that's the best point of having a folder, that it's portable, and my daily school route isn't hilly or rough. hmm. but thx for the advice
@4cmd3: I emailed Racer Sportif, and they say they have four models: Speed D7, MU P8, Ciao & Sweet Pea. I'll be heading down to the Urbane Cyclist tomorrow, to check them out :)
oilfreeandhappy
08-28-07, 11:53 PM
You can pick up a used Dahon, and save yourself some money. Check out E-Bay and Craig's List. I bought a used Piccolo, and I really enjoy it, but if I get another folder, I'll probably get one with a little larger wheels for more speed.