Folding Bikes - Why is a Dahon Speed P8 heavier than a D7

According to Dahon's website, the Speed P8 is about 27 lbs and the D7 is 25.75. The D7 includes a rack and fenders as well. They seem to have the same frame. The P8 has an aluminum fork that is "500g lighter" (but not compared to the D7?). The P8 has the integrated pump seatpost that's "only 100g heavier". The P8 also has Big Apples that look heavier than the D7's tires, but Big Apples aren't that heavy for their size.

I have ridden a P8 and it struck me as being high quality for the price (nice seatpost clamp, brake levers, wheels, derailleur, etc) but it seems like a raw deal to pay $150 more for a heavier bike without fenders and a rack. What do you guys think? Is the D7 weight quoted without accessories? Are the wheels a big step down from the P8?

My wife has my old D7 and I have the P8. There is definitely a couple pounds difference in the weight. The P8 has the Big Apples but I'm guessing some of the weight is also that the frame is notably more substantial. Both of those differences result in the bike feeling much more solid and smooth on the road than the D7. The D7 groans under the punishment of carrying me.

If you are a big person (I'm 6' and 190) then the P8 is totally worth the extra $150. If not, then the D7 is probably fine and you might want a lighter bike for carrying anyway ;)

The Big Apples are about 100 grams heavier each. The rack that comes with the D7 weights over a kilo.

Have to say I never felt our previous D7s (or my current Boardwalk S1) groan under my weight.

I'm 6'3" and about 205-207 in riding gear.

Don't doubt the Speed-8 is sturdier, though.

My wife has my old D7 and I have the P8. There is definitely a couple pounds difference in the weight. The P8 has the Big Apples but I'm guessing some of the weight is also that the frame is notably more substantial. Both of those differences result in the bike feeling much more solid and smooth on the road than the D7. The D7 groans under the punishment of carrying me.

If you are a big person (I'm 6' and 190) then the P8 is totally worth the extra $150. If not, then the D7 is probably fine and you might want a lighter bike for carrying anyway ;)


+1
We had the 2007 Mu P8 (11.1kg according to dahon website) and it wasn't fun to carry.... My wife didn't want to admit but I could tell it wasn't an easy task. For me it was easier but still, not fun at all if you need to carry the folded bike for a long distance.

the speed P 8 weighs 27.15 and the speed D7 weighs 29.55 with all the goodies attached, pedals, seat, and real live UPS scale

its a typo on the Dahon page or maybe happened from converting KG to lbs back and forth a couple times

thor