Folding Bikes - Need a folder...again... any suggestions ?

Man, I hate this situation... most of you probably know that I am returning my Dahon Mu P8, My wife has issues with her bike as well, including slipping seatpost, so we will probably have to return both bikes... Too bad, I really liked the bike but the slipping seatpost is unacceptable, I can't stop after every 10 minutes of light riding to raise the seat, it's ridiculous. It's a $600 bike and a solid seatpost isn't too much to ask.
My biggest concern is that I am not the only Dahon owner with this problem, this issue seems to be with the Speed, the Mu SL and the Curve. I have tried to clean the seat tube the shim and the seatpost, I have applied grease between the shim and the frame, I have tried 4 different seatposts, 5 shims and 2 QR clamps- I am so worn out from trying to fix this and generally speaking, I just had enough.

Basically, I really like the Mu SL, but what if I will have this problem with the seatpost, I really feel that maybe it's time to checkout a Brompton....although more expensive but maybe will be hassle free...

I have checked Bike Friday, I don't like the concept... I don't care if it takes 5 second or 30 second to fold the bike. I want it to be light, small and manageable, the Brompton looks like my only choice here.
Original budget was $600 but I guess I will have to invest some more in order to get something better.
Any suggestions ?

TC

But you haven't tried liquid torque which is very likely to solve you problems?

But you haven't tried liquid torque which is very likely to solve you problems?

No I have not. One of the Dahon dealers in the area suggested me to ship back the bikes to Dahon because they are only a month old.

Where do you put the liquid torque ? Between the shim and the frame, or the shim and the seatpost ?

I also had slipping seatpost problems when the Mu was new, no matter how tight I clamped it. Now (6 months later) I can get away with very little clamping force and the seatpost stays put.

I say give it some time, your $600 isn't going to buy a better bike. A tikit and/or brompton would be way over that.

OTOH if you're not after a small fold... I'm looking at the steel swift... seems a nice bike for the ocassional car/taxi ride (but not bus).

Will Liquid Torque rub off on your hands? Seat posts get 'handled' allot more than headsets.

Hi, I never had slippage on my new brompton - but am not heavy. In the brompton talk group there is seatpost-slippage reported for older bromptons with the old clamp style - so if you consider a used brompton, be sure to upgrade it with the new clamp. What also is reported that the slippage normally stops after a few month, so perhaps also on your bike it needs more braking in time?

Sorry for off topic: where to look at the steel swift?

Swift: Here's a nice place to start
http://james.architectureburger.com/swift.html
I think the owner is here on BF as well?

Swift: Here's a nice place to start
http://james.architectureburger.com/swift.html
I think the owner is here on BF as well?

thanks for the link, hmhm okay, maybe misunderstanding, I thought you proposed the OP to get a steel swift and was curious if that could be bought somewhere.

If I lived in N America I would be tempted by Xootr, but maybe the fold isn't small enough for you ? Am getting some liquid torque to try on both merc and DT mini slippage, will report back. Thanks for the tip Jur (SJS cycles in UK sell it at a fair comparison to US price.)

And what about rubbing some garlic to the tube.

(No, I'm not kidding.)

Hi, I never had slippage on my new brompton - but am not heavy. In the brompton talk group there is seatpost-slippage reported for older bromptons with the old clamp style - so if you consider a used brompton, be sure to upgrade it with the new clamp. What also is reported that the slippage normally stops after a few month, so perhaps also on your bike it needs more braking in time?

Sorry for off topic: where to look at the steel swift?

Thanx for the tip, I am not planning to get a used Brompton unless it's a bargain.
A few months ago I have tried a Brompton, I was a little annoyed by the way the cables are and the way they are just hanging there.

Generally speaking I think I like the Mu SL but the slipping seat post is a big concern. I am only 60kg and I usually use my bike for long rides so stopping every 10 min to raise the seat is not an option.

If I lived in N America I would be tempted by Xootr, but maybe the fold isn't small enough for you ? Am getting some liquid torque to try on both merc and DT mini slippage, will report back. Thanks for the tip Jur (SJS cycles in UK sell it at a fair comparison to US price.)

The Xootr looks nice but it's not small enough for my needs..... Thanks anyway.

And what about rubbing some garlic to the tube.

(No, I'm not kidding.)

It sure sounds like a new fetish to me :D

Man, I hate this situation... most of you probably know that I am returning my Dahon Mu P8, My wife has issues with her bike as well, including slipping seatpost, so we will probably have to return both bikes... Too bad, I really liked the bike but the slipping seatpost is unacceptable, I can't stop after every 10 minutes of light riding to raise the seat, it's ridiculous. It's a $600 bike and a solid seatpost isn't too much to ask.
My biggest concern is that I am not the only Dahon owner with this problem, this issue seems to be with the Speed, the Mu SL and the Curve. I have tried to clean the seat tube the shim and the seatpost, I have applied grease between the shim and the frame, I have tried 4 different seatposts, 5 shims and 2 QR clamps- I am so worn out from trying to fix this and generally speaking, I just had enough.

Basically, I really like the Mu SL, but what if I will have this problem with the seatpost, I really feel that maybe it's time to checkout a Brompton....although more expensive but maybe will be hassle free...

I have checked Bike Friday, I don't like the concept... I don't care if it takes 5 second or 30 second to fold the bike. I want it to be light, small and manageable, the Brompton looks like my only choice here.
Original budget was $600 but I guess I will have to invest some more in order to get something better.
Any suggestions ?

TC

I do not much care for the aluminum frame Dahons or Downtubes. I prefer steel as I don't have much problems with slippage of the seat tubes or anything else on steel frames. Try out the Speed model series if you can before moving on to other brands. Perhaps you might be suprised. If not, I would go for quality over price savings when it comes to folding bikes. Go for the brands that are not traded in at a high rate. That indicates quality as well as a good match to the user.

Man, I hate this situation... most of you probably know that I am returning my Dahon Mu P8, My wife has issues with her bike as well, including slipping seatpost, so we will probably have to return both bikes... Too bad, I really liked the bike but the slipping seatpost is unacceptable, I can't stop after every 10 minutes of light riding to raise the seat, it's ridiculous. It's a $600 bike and a solid seatpost isn't too much to ask.
My biggest concern is that I am not the only Dahon owner with this problem, this issue seems to be with the Speed, the Mu SL and the Curve. I have tried to clean the seat tube the shim and the seatpost, I have applied grease between the shim and the frame, I have tried 4 different seatposts, 5 shims and 2 QR clamps- I am so worn out from trying to fix this and generally speaking, I just had enough.

Basically, I really like the Mu SL, but what if I will have this problem with the seatpost, I really feel that maybe it's time to checkout a Brompton....although more expensive but maybe will be hassle free...

I have checked Bike Friday, I don't like the concept... I don't care if it takes 5 second or 30 second to fold the bike. I want it to be light, small and manageable, the Brompton looks like my only choice here.
Original budget was $600 but I guess I will have to invest some more in order to get something better.
Any suggestions ?

TC

boy am i glad i didn't get a dahon...no seat slippage on my japanese folding bike so far.

how about the downtubes mini by any chance? did u get a chance to check them out? maybe someone here who owns one can answer ur question. how much do u weight any if u dont mind me asking?

boy am i glad i didn't get a dahon...no seat slippage on my japanese folding bike so far.

how about the downtubes mini by any chance? did u get a chance to check them out? maybe someone here who owns one can answer ur question. how much do u weight any if u dont mind me asking?

I am from Toronto and there are no DT dealers here.
I weigh 130lbs (60kg) so I don't think that's the problem.
I will consider Brompton or Dahon Speed which is a still frame.... I guess.

Try the Downtube Mini if you can. I am pretty happy with mine. It lists at 25lbs. Have had some initial break in issues with shimming up the handlebar stem and getting the quick releases set right, but I haven't had serious seat post slippage issues - and I weigh more than you. Good luck.

I do not much care for the aluminum frame Dahons or Downtubes. I prefer steel as I don't have much problems with slippage of the seat tubes or anything else on steel frames. Try out the Speed model series if you can before moving on to other brands. Perhaps you might be suprised. If not, I would go for quality over price savings when it comes to folding bikes. Go for the brands that are not traded in at a high rate. That indicates quality as well as a good match to the user.

The steel is a very good point, years ago I had a still frame, no problems whatsoever, although last week I got a chance to ride a Speed TR for 45 min and same thing happened, the seatpost was sinking pretty bad after a few minutes, mind you i didn't care because it was a bike I borrowed from the lbs while they worked on my bike. I am only 130lbs (60kg) and I refuse to believe that I am so unfortunate to come across with 3 defective Dahons.
I have checked Dahon forum and it seems like a lot of owners have this problem with the seatpost.
Maybe we will get a chance to hear from ThorUSA, I am sure he got some tips.

Try the Downtube Mini if you can. I am pretty happy with mine. It lists at 25lbs. Have had some initial break in issues with shimming up the handlebar stem and getting the quick releases set right, but I haven't had serious seat post slippage issues - and I weigh more than you. Good luck.

Thanx ! :thumb:

The still is a very good point, years ago I had a still frame, no problems whatsoever, although last week I got a chance to ride a Speed TR for 45 min and same thing happened, the seatpost was sinking pretty bad after a few minutes, mind you i didn't care because it was a bike I borrowed from the lbs while they worked on my bike. I am only 130lbs (60kg) and I refuse to believe that I am so unfortunate to come across with 3 defective Dahons.Perhaps you have very weak hands, too weak for doing up QRs...?

I'm 77kg on a Speed P8..typically wearing a ~2lb "tool" vest under my safety vest. I have tools, and lights on a seat post bag, +~1.5kg.

I don't remember slipping when I originally bought the bike, but if so I likely tightened the seat clamp ~1/4 turn at a time until it stayed put. I definitely didn't slip/sink on the 2006 Mu XL the LBS had for demo rides.

I also commute on Oakland, CA roads, that is the roads are potholed, speed-bumped, and generally bouncing enough to increase slippage.

Perhaps you have very weak hands, too weak for doing up QRs...?

Dude, I was a wrestler when I was younger..... Now seriously, I come from mountain biking, I sure know how to deal with QRs but with our Dahons it's ridiculously difficult.
Two lbs could not find what's wrong with the bike, like I have posted before, we have tried to replace shims, seatposts and QR clamps but it didn't cure the seatpost slippage.

I'm 77kg on a Speed P8..typically wearing a ~2lb "tool" vest under my safety vest. I have tools, and lights on a seat post bag, +~1.5kg.

I don't remember slipping when I originally bought the bike, but if so I likely tightened the seat clamp ~1/4 turn at a time until it stayed put. I definitely didn't slip/sink on the 2006 Mu XL the LBS had for demo rides.

I also commute on Oakland, CA roads, that is the roads are potholed, speed-bumped, and generally bouncing enough to increase slippage.

Maybe it's the steel frame, like someone posted here earlier.... I don't know what to tell you.....

There are some older Dahon 16" wheel bikes that are lite and have small folds. Helios, Presto.

http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/tor/bik/840568337.html Cool bike, great to upgrade
http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/tor/bik/835172999.html a favorite to upgrade here on the forum
http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/tor/bik/835172999.html cheap

http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/bik/856248378.html New York
http://capecod.craigslist.org/bik/841937251.html
http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/bik/833378373.html

This is the folder that I have, I am 190 pounds. I removed the rack and fenders.
http://www.largoscooters.com/dahonpiccolo.html

Maybe it's the steel frame, like someone posted here earlier.... I don't know what to tell you.....

I only demo'd a 2006 Mu XL (max 25 KPH), but the seat post didn't slip. More importantly the 2006 Mu XL had a Thudbuster on the saddle. I speculate with a Thudbuster there was more downward push/pull against the seat-post clamp than a Mu SL.

FWIW, my LBS recently swapped my broken (zorin pump internals failed [black]) with a 2008 Mu (silver) seat-post. I didn't grease the new post at all, or adjust the clamp. It didn't slip for the half week or 1 1/2 wks I rode it.

Also, my decision to go with the 2007 Speed P8 was due to harshness at the handlebar/fork on the 2006 Mu XL frame, and not any particular problem with the Mu.

The steel is a very good point, years ago I had a still frame, no problems whatsoever, although last week I got a chance to ride a Speed TR for 45 min and same thing happened, the seatpost was sinking pretty bad after a few minutes, mind you i didn't care because it was a bike I borrowed from the lbs while they worked on my bike. I am only 130lbs (60kg) and I refuse to believe that I am so unfortunate to come across with 3 defective Dahons.
I have checked Dahon forum and it seems like a lot of owners have this problem with the seatpost.
Maybe we will get a chance to hear from ThorUSA, I am sure he got some tips.

I do hope so. Meanwhile, I would check the seat post lever adjustment nut on the side-located on the far side of the actual lever pictured. It might simply be a bit loose. That happens somewhat frequently on both my Dahons and I adjust them even on the road. It seems to be a inherent problem of the design. I have learned to live with it as it does not pose a real hazard to safety while on the bike.

Thanks for your help guys, I have tried to adjust the seat post lever adjustment nut but no matter how tight I make it, the seatpost still slips. Too bad, I really like the bike and I got a great deal when I bought it.
I know that a lot of owners don't have any issues but from looking at Tech forum on Dahon.com it seems like this problem is well documented -and it's not just a simple adjustment.

...I have checked Bike Friday, I don't like the concept... I don't care if it takes 5 second or 30 second to fold the bike. I want it to be light, small and manageable, the Brompton looks like my only choice here.
...
TC

bike friday tikit weight around 25-27 lbs which is the same weight as your mu...what do you mean it isn't light? if u can carry/handle the mu...u definately can handly bike friday. unless u want it lighter than that...then conside carry-me or strida etc.

bike friday tikit weight around 25-27 lbs which is the same weight as your mu...what do you mean it isn't light? if u can carry/handle the mu...u definately can handly bike friday. unless u want it lighter than that...then conside carry-me or strida etc.

tell us, where did tommy write, he means the friday isn't light, from what you quote this cant be understood. :rolleyes:
As far I got it, he said, he did not like the concept...

But Tommy, I am curious, what about the concept of Bike Friday (you refer to tikit, right?) you don't like. When I spoke to Moulton people about Bike Friday, they told me stories about safety issues because of the forces which lay on the seatpost and how its folded...I thought that was competitive dealers talk...since the only other folder they let live was brompton maybe a little patriotic talk also.

tell us, where did tommy write, he means the friday isn't light, from what you quote this cant be understood. :rolleyes:
As far I got it, he said, he did not like the concept...

But Tommy, I am curious, what about the concept of Bike Friday (you refer to tikit, right?) you don't like. When I spoke to Moulton people about Bike Friday, they told me stories about safety issues because of the forces which lay on the seatpost and how its folded...I thought that was competitive dealers talk...since the only other folder they let live was brompton maybe a little patriotic talk also.

ah learn to read...he said "I want it to be light, small and manageable, the Brompton looks like my only choice here." it's funny u tell me to read carefully on other thread...maybe u can learn what u preach.

thanks for the link, hmhm okay, maybe misunderstanding, I thought you proposed the OP to get a steel swift and was curious if that could be bought somewhere.

My understanding is that you have to talk to the original designers for a steel swift folder.

http://www.swiftfolders.com/

@invisible
:thumb:
that was I was looking for...not that I need another bike :innocent:

Thanks for your help guys, I have tried to adjust the seat post lever adjustment nut but no matter how tight I make it, the seatpost still slips. Too bad, I really like the bike and I got a great deal when I bought it.
I know that a lot of owners don't have any issues but from looking at Tech forum on Dahon.com it seems like this problem is well documented -and it's not just a simple adjustment.

I got the sense that you bought this from a local dealer. What do they say?

What have you tried to prevent the seatpost from slipping? I see that you went to the tech forums ...

It almost sounds like a manufacturer defect.

@invisible
:thumb:
that was I was looking for...not that I need another bike :innocent:

hahahaha ... excellent.

Thanks for your help guys, I have tried to adjust the seat post lever adjustment nut but no matter how tight I make it, the seatpost still slips. Too bad, I really like the bike and I got a great deal when I bought it.
I know that a lot of owners don't have any issues but from looking at Tech forum on Dahon.com it seems like this problem is well documented -and it's not just a simple adjustment.

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=82405&d=1222615750

What does this lever look like on the side not shown in the photo? Is there a nut that tightens? Is the face of the nut convex so that it fits into a cup on the clamp?

Regards
T

tell us, where did tommy write, he means the friday isn't light, from what you quote this cant be understood. :rolleyes:
As far I got it, he said, he did not like the concept...

But Tommy, I am curious, what about the concept of Bike Friday (you refer to tikit, right?) you don't like. When I spoke to Moulton people about Bike Friday, they told me stories about safety issues because of the forces which lay on the seatpost and how its folded...I thought that was competitive dealers talk...since the only other folder they let live was brompton maybe a little patriotic talk also.

The Bike Friday (Tikit) is nice, but although easy to fold and carry isn't small enough for my needs.
I said I don't like the concept because basically BF offers regular fold and quick fold mechanism. I really don't care if it takes 10 sec to fold the bike or 25 sec.... The Tikit is $1000 (plus tax) in Toronto and $1300 (plus tax) with the quick fold mechanism.... at this price range I prefer the Brompton.
A few lbs in T.O stock Dahon and BF, Brompton isn't that popular. I have heard the stories about the forces on the seatpost like I have heard the stories on the forces that the Dahon main hinge has to take..... :notamused:
I really think that Dahon, Brompton and BF make great bikes.... I wish I didn't have that problem with the seat post and I could use the bike for years to come, but I think this is unacceptable when it comes to folding bike, if I use the bike for long weekend rides I am expecting the seatpost to be rock solid and the QR to be easy to use.... I have tried to tighten the QR as much as possible, I don't think Dahon is expecting us to use so much power in orderto force the QR to be firm.... It just doesn't make sense.
I really like the bike and I am sure that most folders are more sensitive, but having said that, those bikes should serve us well as long as you do the maintenance.... unfortunately this isn't the case with my bike.
TC