Hello, I'm new to the forum and was looking for some opinions.

I bought a Dahon Curve D3 a couple of monhts ago, mostly for travelling to/from work but I was moved to another job in the company based at another location where it is no longer possible for me to cycle to work.
As a result I have teken it out with me 3 times, once for a ride round the park, second time to register at the gym where I had to take it with me and get them to leave it at reception and the last time was to go food shopping where I folded it and put it in the trolley.

I have decided the Dahon is not very practical for me. I want a folder because I don't have anywhere to store a standard bike and I find it a lot more practical for me. But I find the curve is still quite heavy and bulky for carrying around when folded and I can't bring myself to chain it up and leave it anywhere. I've read the thread about locking a Dahon Curve and I'm still convinced I don't want to lock it up and leave it.
I'll mostly be using it for popping to the shops or to the cinema and to/from the gym - putting it in a shopping trolley isn't practical as it takes up too much space and gyms and cinemas wont let me take it in.

I had thought about locking it up folded but I'm just too paranoid and would be really upset if it got stolen.

So I've been thinking of selling and getting a Brompton instead. I have compared the folded measurements and the Brompton is small enough to make a difference and I think would be easier to carry around, I also know I can fit it in a locker at the gym, the Brompton seems like it would be easier to carry as well, I don't find that the Dahon has an easy way of carrying with one had, it swings about too much.

Is it a worthwhile trade? Or have I just fallen for the Brompton and built it up too much in my head?

Should I stick with the curve and risk locking it up outside? I have insurance, I could leave it to fate to decide :lol:

Sorry for the essay, the price difference is maknig the decision hard and I'm worried about having difficulty selling the Curve

Use the Curve. Park it outside. If it gets stolen, presto - your reason to buy a new folder thanks to insurance! :)

The Brompton is an excellent bike, but though it packs up small, it isn't light. It is also very expensive. Although it will fold a bit smaller than your curve, it must way something about the same - at least near enough that it makes no practical difference.

EDIT:

Did I really write way there? I meant weigh, obviously (red face).

Hi, welcome to the forum :)

I have a brompton and while its a super nice bike and all you mentioned is possible with it, I think it is not that big difference to your Dahon when it comes to carrying it around. So since you are fed up with your Dahon, the brompton will be an improvement, but I suppose you could be disappointed by the small degree of improvement. For example: I find it convenient to go to the supermarket and USE the brompton as shopping chart (not putting it inside one). The brompton rolls okay at slow pace and if you are single and hence not shop huge amounts it nicely going into the front bag while shopping. But going to the shopping district for hopping into shops just to try "that dress on" is a pain even with a brompton.

So I would say lock the dahon with the best locks you can get. There are quite some tips for securing a bike.

Or try a CarryMe, not as a replacement but an alternative to your dahon. I have no experience with a CarryMe but depending on how long distances you ride it may be the niche filler. (8kg)

If you decide you go for the brompton I would recommend to go for a superlight one: 2Speed and Ti-parts. (9,7kg)
Good luck

Thanks for the replies

The Brompton is an excellent bike, but though it packs up small, it isn't light. It is also very expensive. Although it will fold a bit smaller than your curve, it must way something about the same - at least near enough that it makes no practical difference.

I know what you mean, but with the Dahon it's more about it being awkward than heavy, I find it pretty awkwardly shaped when folded, it's not a very neat package.

Part fo my problem is that I've always wanted the Bompton, I researched it for ages and was going to buy but I found out I could be getting made redundant in a couple of months time and wouldn't qualify for any kind of pay off so I went for the cheaper option, but things have all changed now and I can afford the Brompton. The Dahon just didn't feel very exciting when it arrived and I felt kind of disappointed that I hadn't gone for the Brompton and I really don't think that's helping.

I'm also interested in the option of lowering the gearing on the Brompton, there's a couple of hills i just can't mange with the Dahon....

Part fo my problem is that I've always wanted the Bompton, I researched it for ages ... The Dahon just didn't feel very exciting when it arrived and I felt kind of disappointed that I hadn't gone for the Brompton and I really don't think that's helping.

Aha, so then you have fallen in love :love:
Something I can very much understand. But who needs arguments then:D
Go and get the best alacarte brompton you want and give it some nice "jewellery" such as a lighter Ti-bottom bracket and the like. Then you will feel like on a honeymoon trip and stay inseparable with your lover.

Part fo my problem is that I've always wanted the Bompton ........

As Somntash says, go and get it ! No matter how good the Curve is, you will always look at it and wish you had got the Brompton. So, find a good home for the Dahon, which wont be difficult, and go and get what you really want, if only, as Jennifer Anniston says of her shampoo, ''Because I'm worth it'' ! I've really warmed to the ivory and black brommies of late, it's a very elegant combination.

Have you tried rolling the Curve instead of carrying it? You can probably roll it by leaving he handlebars up instead of lowering them. Sure, it doesn't make for a small folded package, but it also means you don't have to worry about hefting that weight. You can just roll the bike along instead.

NOTE: I haven't tried this with the Curve, but it works with many folding bikes.

Another thing... if you're really in love with the Brompton, I don't see why you shouldn't get it... especially if you have the money for one. Even if it's only marginally better for your needs, it's still better and you'll have the bike you really want. Besides, you can still get a decent chunk of change for your Curve D3 via craigslist or ebay.

go ahead and buy a Brommie
there is no best bike for everybody ( fortunate enough..... personnal taste are different)

that way you dont see the few shortfalls of a Curve ( if there are any) and even if you run into problems with the Brommie ( weight, brakes, cablerouting, etc,etc, ??? ) you will forgive the bike, as you really wanted one to start out with...

All in all you gonna be more happy, as you wanted to do this in the first place.......

thor

Have you tried rolling the Curve instead of carrying it? You can probably roll it by leaving he handlebars up instead of lowering them. Sure, it doesn't make for a small folded package, but it also means you don't have to worry about hefting that weight. You can just roll the bike along instead.

NOTE: I haven't tried this with the Curve, but it works with many folding bikes.

Another thing... if you're really in love with the Brompton, I don't see why you shouldn't get it... especially if you have the money for one. Even if it's only marginally better for your needs, it's still better and you'll have the bike you really want. Besides, you can still get a decent chunk of change for your Curve D3 via craigslist or ebay.

I'll investigate the rolling thing when I get home.

you're all right, I just don't love the Dahon enough and it was second choice... if the Brompton for some reason doesn't work out I know I can get a very good price on ebay
And if I do find anything crappy about the Brompton I have a feeling it wont bother me all that much. I've filled out the order form so many times, can't wait to actually hit "submit"

Do you think the Curve will sell ok on ebay? I'm in the UK and there's only a handful of Curve's on, all new, all buy it it now, all red. Most of them £280 - £350. Mine is the pink one (yes I'm a a big girl!), which I struggled to find for sale over here, hopefully that will be an advantage, I can only try, stick a high starting bid on and hope for the best! and try to resist ordering a Brompton before I sell it!

I'll investigate the rolling thing when I get home.

Just in case it isn't clear ... http://www.gaerlan.com/bikes/dahonfold/dahonfold.htm

Keep the Curve until you are sure the Brompton does it for you.

.........
I'll mostly be using it for popping to the shops or to the cinema and to/from the gym - putting it in a shopping trolley isn't practical as it takes up too much space and gyms and cinemas wont let me take it in.

I had thought about locking it up folded but I'm just too paranoid and would be really upset if it got stolen.
.........


Are the shops "old style" in a High St., or a covered shopping centre?

Is the gym just for exercise or social gatherings too? I ask that as I find a gym to be mind numbing, & having ridden pretty frequently again over the last 2 years seems to have been good exercise for me ;-)
I'm surprised they refuse a folding bike.

The cinemas don't have a cloakroom then?
Does that mean you'd envisage taking a Brompton into the cinema & tucking it at the end of an aisle?

What is the maximum weight you think you can carry over the distances you imagine you'll need to?

Would a bag over an alternative Dahon (say the MuSL which weighs about 20 pounds) do the trick for admittance to the places you're interested in?

Like you, I have absolutely no faith in bike locks. There are a couple of recent threads which discuss locks indirectly.

Dyno ... that might be a good idea ..lol


good points well Cyclist John


its going to be interesting to know half a year down the road how this has been played ....

thor

Thanks for the replies

I know what you mean, but with the Dahon it's more about it being awkward than heavy, I find it pretty awkwardly shaped when folded, it's not a very neat package.

Part fo my problem is that I've always wanted the Bompton, I researched it for ages and was going to buy but I found out I could be getting made redundant in a couple of months time and wouldn't qualify for any kind of pay off so I went for the cheaper option, but things have all changed now and I can afford the Brompton. The Dahon just didn't feel very exciting when it arrived and I felt kind of disappointed that I hadn't gone for the Brompton and I really don't think that's helping.

I'm also interested in the option of lowering the gearing on the Brompton, there's a couple of hills i just can't mange with the Dahon....

As Somntash says, go and get it ! No matter how good the Curve is, you will always look at it and wish you had got the Brompton. So, find a good home for the Dahon, which wont be difficult, and go and get what you really want, if only, as Jennifer Anniston says of her shampoo, ''Because I'm worth it'' ! I've really warmed to the ivory and black brommies of late, it's a very elegant combination.


Keep the Curve until you are sure the Brompton does it for you.

Who says that you have to own only one bike-much less a folding ones. I say keep your Curve as a spare and go for the Brompton! Two is far better than one folding bike. I should know, I have 3 (including a Brompton, too).

I'll investigate the rolling thing when I get home.

you're all right, I just don't love the Dahon enough and it was second choice... if the Brompton for some reason doesn't work out I know I can get a very good price on ebay
And if I do find anything crappy about the Brompton I have a feeling it wont bother me all that much. I've filled out the order form so many times, can't wait to actually hit "submit"

Do you think the Curve will sell ok on ebay? I'm in the UK and there's only a handful of Curve's on, all new, all buy it it now, all red. Most of them £280 - £350. Mine is the pink one (yes I'm a a big girl!), which I struggled to find for sale over here, hopefully that will be an advantage, I can only try, stick a high starting bid on and hope for the best! and try to resist ordering a Brompton before I sell it!

With your complains I personally would not be happy with a Brompton either (everyone around here knows I'm a big fan of the Carryme), but since you seem so confident that that little bit of extra polish will do it for you (and since you seem to be in the UK) I say take a Brompton on a test ride to the nearest gym, grocer, and cinema to see if it's everything you hoped it would be.

stella, I bought a merc, which is a brompton copy. It has the fold, but needs a little bit of work in your local bike shop to get it right. However, though cheaper than a brompton £342 inc shipping, when you factor in the work - which really is very little -you might get a brompton proper on ebay. But do try riding a brompton first - it took me some getting used to, and it is heavy. Have you thought of just getting a bag to put the curve in?

Try before buy...
I have a Brompton and happy with it for several years.
But it's not a perfect bike, it's a special bike and if you like that you will be very happy with it. You can modify the bike, but maybe you can do that with a Dahon too.
Go to a good bikeshop and ask for a Brompton and take it for a ride. take it on a bus, into a shop, go hilly, go city, go slow, go fast, go ...
And than do the same with the Dahon.
Compare and decide...
I'm sure you can do that.
By the way there is a Brompton group on Yahoo. Maybe very useful.

Good luck and a nice ride

A trip on my Brommie makes me smile ...

http://plooifiets.blogspot.com/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/20208513@N06/

I went for the Brompton and love mine after 2 months use. On packed London trains or in busy pubs it just hides away and is easily stowed. The folding improvements are significant enough compared to the D3 and the way it latches together, in other areas like carrying weight it wouldn't. Don't bother paying looads extra for titanium options unless money is no object. My main recommendation is its worth opting for the rack and 6 speed system. The front luggage system is also excellent too.

You can see a review of my bike at:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=420368&highlight=raw+lacquer+brompton

Hi Stella Star

I'd like to point out a third option if you don't mind?


I'm currently waiting for a Dahon Curve D3 which I got through my cycle to work scheme. Like you I was hoping to get a Brompton (but couldn't afford it with our £500 limit) and have settled for the Dahon, which I have to say I'm still looking forward to :)

After ordering it I became aware of the Downtube brand and really wish I had brought a Downtube Mini. Its pretty comparable to the Brompton in size when folded and from what I have read, rides really well. Not forgetting what great value they are.

It may be a good idea to check them out as well.

www.downtube.com (http://www.downtube.com/)

The good news is that you can buy them in the UK from

http://www.velochocolate.co.uk/

Both the owner of Downtube (Yan) and the UK dealer (Sammyboy) are both regulars on this site and can help you with any questions, or you can search the forums.

I hope you don't think I'm trying to muddle the waters for you but I do think you sound a little like where I was a few weeks ago and knowing what I know now (Thanks to this great forum) I would of choosen the Mini. :)

Enjoy whatever your choice :)

Jonathan

Downtube are excellent but I believe Stella wants a bike that has an extremely compact fold and latches together better. The Brompton wins on this.

Hello *waves*

I do like it when people I don't know from Adam quietly pimp my business!

I have decided the Dahon is not very practical for me. I want a folder because I don't have anywhere to store a standard bike and I find it a lot more practical for me. But I find the curve is still quite heavy and bulky for carrying around when folded and I can't bring myself to chain it up and leave it anywhere. I've read the thread about locking a Dahon Curve and I'm still convinced I don't want to lock it up and leave it.
I'll mostly be using it for popping to the shops or to the cinema and to/from the gym - putting it in a shopping trolley isn't practical as it takes up too much space and gyms and cinemas wont let me take it in.

I had thought about locking it up folded but I'm just too paranoid and would be really upset if it got stolen.

So I've been thinking of selling and getting a Brompton instead. I have compared the folded measurements and the Brompton is small enough to make a difference and I think would be easier to carry around, I also know I can fit it in a locker at the gym, the Brompton seems like it would be easier to carry as well, I don't find that the Dahon has an easy way of carrying with one had, it swings about too much.




1. "But I find the curve is still quite heavy and bulky for carrying around when folded and I can't bring myself to chain it up and leave it anywhere."

The Brompton weights just as much and it costs twice the price of the curve. That means, the bike will have to be within 10 feet of your physical body!

2. "I've read the thread about locking a Dahon Curve and I'm still convinced I don't want to lock it up and leave it."

You might be able to lock with Curve (in a hidden location, no bike rack) but there's no way anyone can lock a Brompton. The bike costs too much to leave locked anywhere.


3. "I'll mostly be using it for popping to the shops or to the cinema and to/from the gym - putting it in a shopping trolley isn't practical as it takes up too much space and gyms and cinemas wont let me take it in."

Someone posted pictures of the Brompton with the Curve and they are almost the same size. I highly doubt anyone other than forums members would be able to tell the difference in size. In other words, if you had trouble bringing the bike inside a gym or cinema with the Curve, the Brompton will probably get similar treatment.

4. "I had thought about locking it up folded but I'm just too paranoid and would be really upset if it got stolen."

You'll be more paranoid if they steal the Brompton.

5. So I've been thinking of selling and getting a Brompton instead. I have compared the folded measurements and the Brompton is small enough to make a difference and I think would be easier to carry around

It won't be easier to carry around. Pick up your Curve and remove the seat post with the saddle. Carry it for about 200 feet. If it's still too heavy, the Brompton won't be much lighter. In fact, it might be heavier.

6. "Is it a worthwhile trade? Or have I just fallen for the Brompton and built it up too much in my head?"

Agreed.

Here's my advice before you go out and spend all that money. Buy yourself a cheap bungy cord and slip cover. Dahon and other folding bikes offer slip covers and you might want to remove the rear rack. Try visiting the gyms and cinemas again but using the slip cover and see how that works. More than likely, you'll get through. Tell us your results.

On another tread, I discussed how folders are not the "go everywhere" bike they are marketed to be. In fact, it surprised me how often they were not accepted by supermarkets, shopping centers, universities, malls, cinemas, buses etc, etc! It's a huge problem but the folding bike concept works if you know the location where you're headed will accept the bike. Furthermore, the activity can't involve a lot of walking because that would involve carrying a 25lb bike! Trust me, you will not be able to carry that weight for very long!

Here's another option. Buy an inexpensive used bicycle, attach fenders and put a basket in the front. Then get yourself a heavy U-Lock or Chain and you're set! You'll find this setup more liberating than you can imagine.

In relation to the last post. I wouldn't compare the Curve D3 to the Brompton. There might be little difference in weight but there is a difference in fold and footprint size and how they latch together. Also, I'd be more likely to compare the Curve SL to a 6 speed Brompton. Bromptons are extremely reliable bikes. However I'd test ride one befoe buying it. If budget isn't an issue, Bromptons still lead the way in compact folded form allied to a good ride.

The Dahon Curl prototype might challenge this if its released but at the moment it remains a concept bike. Don't get me wrong Dahons are very good bikes. I'm about to get one soon in 20" wheel form :)

There is a UK dealer who sells a well regarded Taiwanese clone of the Brompton called the Merc at around $560 (off ebay, ebay price $660) for the 3 speed. The only issue is shipping costs to the US

I own a Brompton M2L-X model, it wins on fast fold, compact secure package, and the dirty bits inside, it fits in places other bikes can't which helps when commuting. It is a light bike to carry a few hundred feet but too heavy to carry much further. The 2-speed is ok for shortish journeys, but I done 90 miles on mine, and for flattish terrain but I customised with a double chainring to get over the odd steep long ascent. Works for me. The other, most likely more important, feature is the front luggage system, the touring pannier can carry a big shop, all stuff to spend days away from home, etc. I often go into supermarket on way between home/work and shop with Brompton in trolley and load the pannier at checkout and ride away from just outside entrance. Each rear pocket on the touring pannier can fit a 4 pint bottle (e.g. milk). The compact quick fold works well with ad-hoc days where you get a lift or go to meeting car-share and ride home via train. I do wish it was lighter and smaller but not found one which still is reliable & comfortable and handles well.

Dahon Curve SL is cheaper and lighter than any model of Brompton.

Brompton will fold a lot quicker and a little smaller