Folding Bikes - yes...another one of my 'what bike?' threads

yes! ive finally got enough money to get a folding bike. but the question is (again) what 1?

list:
dahon speed d7 (2007),
http://i7.ebayimg.com/07/i/000/fe/88/0189_1.JPG
dahon speed d7 (2006),
http://i1.ebayimg.com/02/i/000/fd/8e/bac4_1.JPG
dahon presto lite (2006),
http://i23.ebayimg.com/04/i/000/fe/6c/8e6a_1.JPG
dahon speed p8 (2007).
http://i14.ebayimg.com/06/i/000/fe/4e/f8ae_1.JPG
plz help :o

sorry to bump up this thread but i really need advise on these folders as 1 is selling tomorrow.

The Curve has an eye appeal and I like the hub. The 8 looks pretty cool but I am not excited about the derailleur.

what do you want it for?

I think the curve and the presto lite have 16" wheels rather than the 20" of the Speeds. Obviously the presto lite does not have a luggage rack - is that an issue for you?

The Speeds are the 20" entry level for Dahon and I don't know too much about the technical differences - but you'll be able to find it in the historical entries for the bikes on www.dahon.com (under bikes).

Those bikes are not all in the same category - different wheel size, different gears etc. Depends on your needs which you haven't stated here. So we can only make a recommendation based on our own preferences which may not align with yours.

I would go for the Curve. I have enough other bikes with gears and stuff. But I don't have a Curve. So go for it! ;)

I just won an offer on a Curve SL 5 spd. I am looking forward to it.

Dynocoaster (http://www.bikeforums.net/member.php?u=11848)- how did you enter the comp or get selected to win?
Yeah- the thread starter- you have to give info like- what you are gonna use the bike for- how tall you are- your weight- and kind of terrain you wil be riding- is storage an issue or are you taking it on a bus/train also? Also how often are you gonna ride? for fun or commuting ect? this will help people decide which bike would fit your needs.

It was on Ebay and Buy it now or best offer and the person took my offer.

looks like its the curve, i need the bike just for weekly commutes, not that far a couple of miles, its quite hilly where i am so that might be an issue, i am 5 foot something i think around 5"6.

thanks for the advice

looks like its the curve, i need the bike just for weekly commutes, not that far a couple of miles, its quite hilly where i am so that might be an issue, i am 5 foot something i think around 5"6.

thanks for the advice
There is a thread where someone replaced the rear cog or the front chain ring to goo uphills easier.

ahh ok but the curve is now out of the equation so i dont know what one now :(

Presto Lite next.

dyno could you give me a list of the order of the best bike to the worst plz, just incase i dont get the best one i can get the other one below it

thanks :D

This is subjective
Presto Lite
Speed 8
Speed 7

ok thanks :D, works well seen as thats the order they are being sold in haha :D

http://www.dahon.com/archive/2006/us/prestolite.htm 19.8 pounds

http://www.dahon.com/archive/2007/us/speedp8.htm 27.7 pounds

http://www.dahon.com/archive/2007/us/speedd7.htm 26.6 pounds

would 16" wheels effect how it goes up hills?, i need 2 know quick its ending in 2h's

Why not get a 26" one that allows full speed travel? Jack, Matrix, Espresso, Cadenz 8 (yummmmmm)...

i dont want a full size folding bike the fold is to big

would 16" wheels effect how it goes up hills?, i need 2 know quick its ending in 2h's
No. It affects the gearing only so it might be on the low side going downhill.

oh ok thanks for the help, is the presto lite any good?

Did you read the Dahon site specs for the bikes?

yeah im not an expert on these so i dont know, anyway the presto sold above my budget, i can afford the dawes diamond they any good?

Why not get a 26" one that allows full speed travel? Jack, Matrix, Espresso, Cadenz 8 (yummmmmm)...

Both 16" and 20" wheels allow full speed travel.