Folding Bikes - Upgrade from Jack to Matrix...Worth it?

Anyone have any thoughts on whether it makes sense to do so?

What of the Cadenza 8?

My jack is only a few months old, but it isn't very fast - though it does soak up bumps and laughs at potholes and debris on the dreadful NYC streets with ease. The matrix and Cadenza 8 look faster, and have better components (according to the Dahon website), but what do you all suggest?

I would also think that the better components would make for a better, more comfortable ride.

Most of my riding is around Manhattan.

" Anyone have any thoughts on whether it makes sense to do so?"

Waddya mean, your Jack isn't very fast? Acceleration? Top speed?

Upgraditis is expensive - the Jack's gearing can be tweaked, possibly a larger chainring, which may need a longer chain and new front derailleur for more top speed.

I haven't compared the Matrix gearing, but the 2007 bike spins out around 28 mph with me on it. Though billed as an urban warrior the bike is a 24 speed folding offroadie with OEM smooth tires. Has the same frame as the Jack - changed on the 2008 models

The rims, disk brakes etc are all medium-to-good spec on the Matrix, but aren't going to make the bike faster. The heavier weight of the forks won't help either.

If you post the gear info for both bikes here, somebody whizzo will give you a bit more info. A chainring change might give more top speed, together with a close look at the overall gear ratios - but you only got seven to play with.

For comfort though, the Matrix is pretty good, but you'll need a suspension seatpost or a gel saddle to finish it off. The Suntour Nex 4600 forks are good performers on potholed tarmac, but need an oil change every 50 hours, and a dealer service every 100.

Another option is for your LBS to swap out the Jack fork for a sus unit, but this won't increase top speed. It might make you ride a bit faster though, as you won't slow down so much for bad surfaces.

Cheapest upgrade is a susp-seatpost. 27.2mm x 350 mm I believe.

I did all kinds of custom things to my Matrix, but after the second broken frame, I gave up on it. It's currently in the shop awaiting a warranty frame replacement--AGAIN--and I bought a Xootr Swift to replace it.

If you're heavy and do a lot of miles (I'm 215 and put about 100 miles/week on it), I'd suggest not sinking any money into this bike.

Any Cadenza 8 owners out there? Opinions on the bike? The superior brakes and hug shifter over the PITA derailler on the '08 Jack is really attractive...

those just came into the country 2 weeks ago. you will be hard pressed to find owners ...
having said that , the bike is pretty awesome in my book ... check out other bikes with the alfine group and compare prices.... with Dahon you get a folding frame on top of hundreds of dolalrs savings ...
I think they made a mistake with the price on that bike ... lol

thor