I am looking into purchasing one of these three bikes.
Any feed back from anyone who owns any these bikes would be great.

My band goes on tour, so we end up in random areas of different citys,
towns and back rds. So I decided I wanted a good fold up bike, to
wonder around and go through the occasion bumpy terrain.

Any advice one which bike would suit these needs the most.
I am going to spend alot of time on this bicycle for sure

Thanks,
Demetrius

I would go with the Vitesse because of the rear hub and it is almost 8 pounds lighter than the Glide.

how about the dahon jetstream? i also would like to add the Dahon smooth hound to the mix.
if i could see these bikes in person , this whole decision would be less confusing.

I didnt do the Jetstream because I would rather have the internal geared hub. Now I really like the Smooth Hound, I keep checking it out. For the money the SH is the best value.

whats your thoughts on the glide overall?

The Smooth Hound is a flat packing bike and not a pure folding bike. Lovely bike sure but depends what you need it for like say commuting on normal roads. The Jetstream is an excellent choice because its suspension is ideal your needs for bumpy terrain bu also as a bike for regular use too. OK it hasn't the hub gears but it has an excellent SRAM X7 gear shifting mechanism that has a nice range and a very smooth shift. Nice looking bike and folds properly too. Best by far given the info you provided. The suspension is very important in your case.

Do give the Downtube FS a good look too at
http://www.downtube.com/product531.html

This bike is very good value for the money. The Jetstream has a better shifter but you would be surprised how good this bike is for the money and its very upgradeable. I own a Downtube FS and I've ridden the Jetstream. They are both very good bikes at their respective pricing points. If budget is not a concern then the Dahon JS is the way to go.

HI m, thanks for all the info. wow you do seem impressed with the jetstream, do you feel its a better bike than the vitesse? as far as the feel the ride, and the components? give me your detailed thoughts on that.
yes im very interested. money is not an issue so i just want whats best.

Hi UB welcome to the folding bike sub-forum. You will find it very friendly here as I did when I joined in august 2007 and was converted to folding bikes totally! :)

The Jeststream is a higher range model than the Vitesse. The Vitesse is a good bike with a stiff ride designed for normal road use and regular paths. It could go off-road on some trails or bumpy terrain but you would feel it more. The JS can do both and has better components. Yes I was very impressed with the Jetstream, both aesthetically appealing and cool looking and excellent ride and fold for a 20" wheel bike.

See:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=351442&highlight=jetstream+dahon
Nice pics & info for you!

And pics of an upgraded one:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=317074&highlight=jetstream+dahon

A real mean machine! :D

Ahhh well thankyou, I feel welcomed already. I never got your take on the glide.
Oh and do you prefer 16inch 20inch or 24inch?

I have both a 16" and 20" folding bikes. A Downtube FS 20" and a Brompton 16".

For my bikes see:
1) http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=420368&highlight=raw+brompton+lacquer
2) http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=433020&highlight=upgraded+downtube

The purpose of a 16" is for a smaller more compact footprint and necessary for smaller trunks, maybe putting in a suitcase but most of all for commute and go on trains/buses. The 20" still gives a pretty compact fold but offers greater versatility, handling and grip and that's what you need when you are touring with your band and want to go off for the occasional ride.

My take on the Glide? A nice bike for casual riding and commuting with hub gearing but not as versatile and cool as the JS. The 24" wheel doesn't offer anything better on ride quality to the JS and would be a bigger when folded and for storage purposes. In fact, on bumpy terrain the JS would be the clear winner but still have a nice firm ride on normal roads.

Well M,

I made the move and ordered the Dahon Jetstream, I really hope I made the right choice.
its difficult to order something having never seen it. i appreciate all your imput, and alot of
what you had to say sold me on the bike. So one last time, you think that this was the best choice
for me out of the Dahon glide, and vitesse,? if the option is there should I have them build the
bike with internal hub?

D

Congrats! I think you made a very godo choice for your needs. I was very impressed with this bike and wouldn't mind one myself when the time comes but just spent $1600 on the Brompton!

Hub gears are great but the SRAM X7 is a very smooth shifter indeed. I wouldn't bother. Wish you luck and do post pics when you get it!

I sure think you made the right choice!