Folding Bikes - Dahon Presto lite 2006 vs Curve 2008

Which frame is better or stiffer? The Presto lite or the Curve (any). How well does it compares to the Curve SL besides the hub? The brushed aluminium is not paint right? Last but not least, can I install a shimano roller brake into the SRAM Spectro T3? Thank you in advance.

Which frame is better or stiffer? The Presto lite or the Curve (any). How well does it compares to the Curve SL besides the hub? The brushed aluminium is not paint right? Last but not least, can I install a shimano roller brake into the SRAM Spectro T3? Thank you in advance.

I test rode the Presto lite and thought it should never have been discontinued. Some people say it was had too much flex but I didn't think it was more than other Dahon's of the day. The weight only makes a difference if the bike is going to be lifted.

The Curve SL is just a better bike with a better hub. Then again, it will cost twice the price of the Presto Lite. I would hold off putting a roller brake hub on the Presto Lite. The Sram Hub made for the Presto was very small and I don't know if the roller brake version will fit. You may have to expand the rear triagle which is a no on for the Presto.

The brushed aluminium is covered in a clear coat.

I test rode the Presto lite and thought it should never have been discontinued. Some people say it was had too much flex but I didn't think it was more than other Dahon's of the day. The weight only makes a difference if the bike is going to be lifted.

The Curve SL is just a better bike with a better hub. Then again, it will cost twice the price of the Presto Lite. I would hold off putting a roller brake hub on the Presto Lite. The Sram Hub made for the Presto was very small and I don't know if the roller brake version will fit. You may have to expand the rear triagle which is a no on for the Presto.


Does the flex comes from the frame or the handlepost? I don't really mind it being 3 speed, because it is enough for me to climb some hills at a acceptable speed. I read in one of your post that it was possible to install a roller brake into the SRAM T3. Do you happen to have a link on how to do this or do you know if it has the splines in order to install it?

The brushed aluminium is covered in a clear coat.

Thanks jur, that is perfect. I have been looking for a bike with brushed aluminum instead of paint. I want to enjoy the ride instead of focusing on keeping the bike looking good.

hi joako, both are great bikes which is to be expected with a dahon.

take a look on the dahon website and they have bike specs there, i think the presto has better components than the curve but just to make sure check the dahon website.

Also search the net for reviews on both bikes and if you can test ride one.

I have got a bid on ebay for a presta, I have just bought a Curve 08. WHats a reasonable price in UK to go up to ? I am thinking about£200 +pp. What is the axle width of the presta in mm please?

The Curve frame has a much shorter wheelbase.
The Curve therefor folds a tiny bit smaller.
The Dahon re-bar design of the Presto is similar to the Helios. The re-bar adds strength when riding regularly but unfortunately not in the other direction, i.e., if you are braking or hitting an obstacle. Also stem is very long on these models so there is a lot of torsional force on the hinge then. The re-bar joints can squeak under high force (but can be fixed by some lube).

Main improvement of the Curve over the Presto are the Big Apple tires. These are a requirement on unsuspended 16" wheelers. But you can easily upgrade tires, of course. The Presto should provide a better ride than the Curve due to its longer wheelbase. It is also the lightest frame. Unfortunately frame weights are not specified but I think it is not only the lightest in the Dahon range but the lightest allover. In particular it is lighter than a Titanium Brompton. With light parts one could make it a sub 8kg singlespeed.