Folding Bikes - Dahon Curve D3 Accessory Questions

Hi Everyone

I am considering some two accessories for my Dahon Curve and I'd like your advice.

1. Cyclocomputer under $50, preferably wireless. I'd like something showing speed, average speed, distance travelled, time, and elapsed time. It'd also be nice to be able to take it off my bike with ease for security purposes if I lock my bike up on a rack outside a store.

2. U-lock...I did some research on this and initially wanted a simple cable lock, but after much consideration I definitely want the stronger U-locks. When I'm travelling around town on my bike, the lock will hopefully fit on the rear rack and out of the way. Right now I'm looking at the OnGuard Bulldog DT, which I believe has a U-lock in addition to a cable lock and is only $29.99.


Here's more about how I ride. I ride for fun, short trips around town exploring places, and I only ride on paved roads. I'm from San Diego and the different areas are relatively safe. Again, I have the Dahon Curve d3, which is a 16-inch wheel, so factor that in. Thanks in advance.

Hi Everyone

I am considering some two accessories for my Dahon Curve and I'd like your advice.

1. Cyclocomputer under $50, preferably wireless. I'd like something showing speed, average speed, distance travelled, time, and elapsed time. It'd also be nice to be able to take it off my bike with ease for security purposes if I lock my bike up on a rack outside a store.

2. U-lock...I did some research on this and initially wanted a simple cable lock, but after much consideration I definitely want the stronger U-locks. When I'm travelling around town on my bike, the lock will hopefully fit on the rear rack and out of the way. Right now I'm looking at the OnGuard Bulldog DT, which I believe has a U-lock in addition to a cable lock and is only $29.99.


Here's more about how I ride. I ride for fun, short trips around town exploring places, and I only ride on paved roads. I'm from San Diego and the different areas are relatively safe. Again, I have the Dahon Curve d3, which is a 16-inch wheel, so factor that in. Thanks in advance.

The Luggage Mounts For The Front & Even Rear Of The Bike:

http://www.dahon.com/intl/accessories/luggage/mount.htm (http://www.dahon.com/intl/accessories/luggage/mount.htm)

Bags For The Bike:

Make Your Own:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/world-of-folding-bicycles/sets/72157601331380862/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/world-of-folding-bicycles/sets/72157601331380862/)

Or Choose Pre-Made Ones:

http://www.geocities.com/folder_fanatic/Security3A.html (http://www.geocities.com/folder_fanatic/Security3A.html)

Locks Plus Bags Security Combination-My Personal Philosophy:

http://www.geocities.com/folder_fanatic/Security.html (http://www.geocities.com/folder_fanatic/Security.html)

Rear Rack Pack (It Sits On Rack's Top So Your Heels Should Not Strike It):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2XKgrNcdCU (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2XKgrNcdCU)

Ohhh come on...anyone?

I've decided on the Cat Eye Strada Wireless...but I keep changing my mind on the lock. The guy at the store convinced me that a cable lock will work fine considering my needs. I grabbed the cable lock AND the U-lock and the cable one is half the weight of the U-lock and seems easier to put on my Curve. So, why am I leaning towards a cable lock now? I thought the U-locks looked really sturdy and tough, but was told that they can easily be broken into with a screwdriver or crowbar. He also mentioned that even though the cable locks can be cut especially easily with wire-cutters, the wire-cutters are really big to carry around, so taking that into consideration, it seems like I should be okie with the cable lock? Sorry I'm stressing...I just don't want to buy one kind of lock and then have to buy another because it doesnt work well.

Anymore suggestions?

any lock can be opened or destroyed.. period ...

A light cable lock ( which is easier to cut than a U lock ) is MUCH better than a heavy U lock you have sitting at home in the garage

thor

Your safest locking strategy with a folder is to not carry a lock at all. That way you just take the bike in with you every where you go. It's also a great excuse for why you have to bring the bike in should you get any flack.

The D3 is so cute even a hardened security giard should crumble when you get all teary eyed and say"...this little guy wouldn't last 5 mins on those mean streets alone..."....;)

The Cat Eye Strada Wireless is fine. I have three of them, two of which are on my Dahons (a Curve and a P24).

I also own a U-lock, a Trek Kryptonite. Thor is right, I hardly take it out. I end up with my good quality cable lock for most of my outings and I try to carry my foldie into buildings with me instead.

The only time I use the U-lock (and always in combo with a cable lock), is when I take the big non-foldie out.

Okie thanks, now I'm settled on a cable lock just because I don't go biking all that much, live in a safe neighborhood, and I love traveling light:).......now which cable lock would be good and light enough to carry on my Curve and what's worked for you? And do you just lay it on top of the rack?

I was looking at the OnGuard Akita 5041 and it seems to have positive reviews on amazon...any other suggestions?

OK, I just bought the Cat Eye Strada Wireless and requested it to be mounted to the right side of the handle bars as opposed to the left as I'm right handed and it'd be easier for me to operate...where do you people mount it on a Curve or other bike?

I mount mine centre but I use a VRO handlepost.

I think it is fine either side (I am left handed) cos in the end, I try not to fiddle with it too much, while riding. I fell once because of that. LOL

I was told when I got my curve that the wireless computers were really bad and I shouldn't bother with one. Also, as it's a folding bike, not to bother with a wired version.

I had my suspicions at the time as they wouldn't cut down some slime tube tyre liners to fit as they said they wouldn't work when cut down.

I get this strong feeling the staff were just being lazy? It was Halfords in the UK whose staff told me this. (not a LBS). Should I get a wireless one then?

Also, does anybody know of a decent LBS near Long Eaton, Derbyshire, UK?

I was told when I got my curve that the wireless computers were really bad and I shouldn't bother with one. Also, as it's a folding bike, not to bother with a wired version.

I had my suspicions at the time as they wouldn't cut down some slime tube tyre liners to fit as they said they wouldn't work when cut down.

I get this strong feeling the staff were just being lazy? It was Halfords in the UK whose staff told me this. (not a LBS). Should I get a wireless one then?

Also, does anybody know of a decent LBS near Long Eaton, Derbyshire, UK?

Ok, I had Cat Eye at home (not wireless) and i did put it on the Mu no sweat, it's totally fine even if i need to extend the handlepost, you just need a few extra plastic bands to attach the wire to the cables.
I have not tried the wireless but a friend of mine said it's ok but he likes the wired better because they are more reliable.

Your safest locking strategy with a folder is to not carry a lock at all. That way you just take the bike in with you every where you go. It's also a great excuse for why you have to bring the bike in should you get any flack.

The D3 is so cute even a hardened security giard should crumble when you get all teary eyed and say"...this little guy wouldn't last 5 mins on those mean streets alone..."....;)


any lock can be opened or destroyed.. period ...

A light cable lock ( which is easier to cut than a U lock ) is MUCH better than a heavy U lock you have sitting at home in the garage

thor

I only carry a simple cable lock. I only lock a bike to a solid, embedded object indoors, usually under my table as I dine and have to get up to use the buffet or the bathroom. I also might use it in a business enviroment locked under my desk as I might have to get up at any time. I have a bag for indoor use, too. As for computers, I never use one and have no interest in cluttering up my handlebars.

Hello...okie now I'm also looking for a bike pump. I see one at Performance Bike on sale at $12.99. it's the Hurricane HPV Dual Mini Pump. Does anyone know if it's any good? I do like that it's cheap and small. I don't imagine needed to use the pump all that often...all pumps work the same, correct? How often do you pump your tires? As usual, I like things simple and reliable, thanks in advance.

oncentrestage, there's a great pump inside your seatpost already you know? Unscrew the bottom plug and you will find it. It's very good and fast at filling any tire. Even my wife's 16 year old younger brother who thinks my Curve is stupid was impressed when I used it to fill up his mountain bike tires :lol:

WOW, is all I have to say...I completely forgot about the pump integrated into the seat!!! I don't know why I'm all happy all of a sudden. It's like a light bulb moment for me...I love the simplicity of the Curve hehe. But actually I only wanted to use the integrated pump for emergencies as I don't wanna wear it out...am I being too paranoid? Also, isn't there a lot of wear and tear if you constantly use the pump?

The pump I'm looking at also isn't too expensive so I might just go with it. Can anyone answer my question that any pump is a good pump and reliable?

I don't really like the pump because in the process of disconnecting the pump, you lose air and also there's no way to tell other than by feel if the PSI is correct. It's good for emergencies though.

I don't really like the pump because in the process of disconnecting the pump, you lose air and also there's no way to tell other than by feel if the PSI is correct. It's good for emergencies though.

I carry a small dial gauge in my saddle bag. You can inflate the tire a fwe PSI above where you want it and it'll compensate for the air bleed. If exact PSI is that important to you, by all means carry another pump.

Anyone have any experience with pumps for the Curve? Will any type of pump work for this bike? I'd like to keep a mini pump with me in the trunk of my car, where I currently keep my Dahon Curve. The floor-type pumps look to but, so I'm leaning towards the frame-pumps. Any ideas? The Performance Bike website has a ton of frame-pumps...sheesh...so many options and all I want is a simple, reliable one.

Anyone have any experience with pumps for the Curve? Will any type of pump work for this bike? I'd like to keep a mini pump with me in the trunk of my car, where I currently keep my Dahon Curve. The floor-type pumps look to but, so I'm leaning towards the frame-pumps. Any ideas? The Performance Bike website has a ton of frame-pumps...sheesh...so many options and all I want is a simple, reliable one.

Topeak Mountain Morph.