Folding Bikes - Got My New Dahon Curve D3

to justify my folderitis i decided to get another folder. here it is - a Dahon Curve D3 in fire red. i took it for a spin and so far i am liking it. gears maybe not enough (3 speed) but this could be my regular commute to work bike (slightly lighter than my dahon boardwalk). that is if i can control this sickness (folderitis). anyone here has a curve D3 ? anyone can tell me what i can expect from this cute folder. so far i am liking the schwalbe apple tire. anyone done any upgrades on their curve ? appreciate it.

TIA,
vic

Lots of Curve D3 owners around.

I took off the fenders and rack, I've changed the saddle, upgraded the break pads, (the curve's wore out in a matter of months), put on Ergon Grips, changed the peddles to MKS with power grips and added a Cateye wireless computer.

I love the bike. I think it's a blast.

Lots of Curve D3 owners around.

I took off the fenders and rack, I've changed the saddle, upgraded the break pads, (the curve's wore out in a matter of months), put on Ergon Grips, changed the peddles to MKS with power grips and added a Cateye wireless computer.

I love the bike. I think it's a blast.

you've got a long list of upgrades. did you get the ergon GC2 ? any pics you can share with us ?

thanks again,
vic

The Ergons are the R2 magnesium. I remember I got them somewhere for 35 bucks, which was a good price at the time. I love them. Made a huge difference in comfort level. I'll post some pics later when I get a chance.

Do you like bullhorns? If yes, then here it goes :thumb:

Do you like bullhorns? If yes, then here it goes :thumb:

sweet. what happened to your brake levers ? or is this just a picture in progress ???

Took the picture yesterday just to show how a curve looked with bullhorns. That bullhorn is going to be used in my xootr swift which is a work in progress. The rack was not useful for me since it rubbed my feet, but it can be used as a multiple bottle holder. By the way, if you flip the bike and pedal backward does your rear wheel move?

Cool. They have a pink Curve with flowers on it here in Okinawa at the LBS and I'd love to get it for my daughter but it's over $600.

John

Took the picture yesterday just to show how a curve looked with bullhorns. That bullhorn is going to be used in my xootr swift which is a work in progress. The rack was not useful for me since it rubbed my feet, but it can be used as a multiple bottle holder. By the way, if you flip the bike and pedal backward does your rear wheel move?

i will check later about this back pedal thing...

After you've ridden the Curve a bit more, I'd love to see a comparison with your Tokyo.

Cool. They have a pink Curve with flowers on it here in Okinawa at the LBS and I'd love to get it for my daughter but it's over $600.

John

john,
i am thinking and hope that the red color isn't too girly for me. in any case i really like the red color though. on a side note i just received the adapter you sent thru usps. it's really nice. awesomw. does it really come with the nylon pouch ? i know - i still owe you. been busy lately due to daughters activities in school. so many parent-student meetings as she's going to cornell university this month for a summer program. i promise i will get into it as soon as possible. my apology....thanks again...

vic

After you've ridden the Curve a bit more, I'd love to see a comparison with your Tokyo.

i sure will update you on this one. been wanting to get this for so long....

vic,
The nylon pouch is an airline thing they give you on the planes with airline swag in it. I have a million and do stuff like that rather than throw them away.

John

If it's anything like my Curve you can expect hassle. This is the first bike I've had that I take real good care of, treat gently and get serviced.. and I've never had so much hassle from things going wrong lol

What kind of hassle. So far the only thing I really needed to do was change the brake pads. The originals were garbage. But other than that, it's been stable.

Oh wait, I can't fold the handlepost down now either. That's having issues. Guys have given me tips on how to fix it but nothing's worked.

Hey but if anyone is interested on an almost new Lt thudbuster for a dahon, pm me.

Do you like bullhorns? If yes, then here it goes :thumb:

yes!

I am considering this set up,matched with racing STI to either a dual drive or an 8 speed internal hub, and an I beam saddle.

However I can't alter the my curve as it needs to fit my daughter.

But its my bike !!

Might (need to) buy another curve or a presto to upgrade in this manner. May need a job however.

My folderitis is kicking in again, some other family members need to buy their own folders(fat chance).

I love my D3. I've upgraded the saddle to a Rido, added Ergon grips (the ones with the little barends), upgraded the chain, added a mirror on the left-side handlebar, bottle cage holder, and a saddle bag. Here's what it looks like now:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3603/3329826272_44d3579999.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/neilfein/3329826272/)

I love my D3. I've upgraded the saddle to a Rido, added Ergon grips (the ones with the little barends), upgraded the chain, added a mirror on the left-side handlebar, bottle cage holder, and a saddle bag. Here's what it looks like now:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3603/3329826272_44d3579999.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/neilfein/3329826272/)

how long you had your Curve ? does it treat you good with nice rides ? any complaints ? pros ? cons ? reason i decided to get this is because of it's 16" wheel. small when folded compare to my dahon boardwalk. although i can safely say that they are almost identical in weight if i remove the rack of boardwalk. i haven't taken it yet for a long ride. hopefully today as the weather here in bay area is warm and breezy.....

thanks,
vic

how long you had your Curve ? does it treat you good with nice rides ? any complaints ? pros ? cons ? reason i decided to get this is because of it's 16" wheel. small when folded compare to my dahon boardwalk. although i can safely say that they are almost identical in weight if i remove the rack of boardwalk. i haven't taken it yet for a long ride. hopefully today as the weather here in bay area is warm and breezy.....

thanks,
vic

It's a great bike, but third gear bottoms out around 25mph for me. Watch out for the frame hinge joint, the handlebar post hinge joint, and the headset, and you'll be fine.

I put on 1.5 and 1.75" tires (rear/front) and it's a much easier, if rougher, ride. Kid's 2.25x16" knobby tires work very well for winter riding.

Almost forgot - the Lone Peak Rack Pack (http://thetouringstore.com/LONE%20PEAK/LP%20Rack%20Packs/RP700%20RACK%20PACK%20PAGE.htm) works very well on the curve - it's narrow enough that I don't get heelstrike.

Mr. Brown in Singapore has several photos up showing how he tricked out his curve. The Klickfix New Frame Adapter works with the Ortlieb handlebar bag, and the weight stays on the frame. Like this:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3284/3073170241_1058d35048.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mr-brown/3073170241/)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3035/3073169947_e524632bc2.jpg?v=0 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mr-brown/3073169947/in/set-72157604040308100/)

I did the same thing with mine. I've got one of these bags for touring already, which is why I did this.

It's a great bike, but third gear bottoms out around 25mph for me. Watch out for the frame hinge joint, the handlebar post hinge joint, and the headset, and you'll be fine.


when you say watch out what you mean by that ? do they break or split in two easily so be careful (??)

thanks,
vic

Watch out for the frame hinge joint, the handlebar post hinge joint, and the headset, and you'll be fine.

when you say watch out what you mean by that ? do they break or split in two easily so be careful (??)

They all have a tendency to loosen over time. I had the retaining clip for the frame hinge joint fall off while riding once.

They all have a tendency to loosen over time. I had the retaining clip for the frame hinge joint fall off while riding once.

hmmm not good or just the way it was designed. thanks for the advise. i will keep an eye on these things.

These aren't big problems - you just need to know to keep on top of them during regular maintenance. Every bike has some weak spots.


hmmm not good or just the way it was designed. thanks for the advise. i will keep an eye on these things.

neilfine,

Which ortleib bag is that? Is that the Ultimate 5? I can't find an exact match in the catalog.

John

Which ortleib bag is that? Is that the Ultimate 5? I can't find an exact match in the catalog.

Yes, that's it (http://thetouringstore.com/ORTLIEB/Ort%20Ultimate%20Bags/ULT%205%20PAGE.htm).

And this is the part to mount it: http://www.thorusa.com/dahon/accessories/baskets.htm (Klickfix New Frame Adapter)

Thanks. I've got that Klickfix mount on my Speed TR. I bought a basket for grocery runs for my office but don't use it that much and the bag would be a better fit the rest of the time.

I think they may sell those bags here locally.

John

Thanks. I've got that Klickfix mount on my Speed TR. I bought a basket for grocery runs for my office but don't use it that much and the bag would be a better fit the rest of the time.

I think they may sell those bags here locally.

John

The Ortlieb Ultimate is the single most useful piece of bike luggage I've ever had. Even aside from the incredible usefulness of any handlebar bag, it's a perfect size, well-designed, lightweight, strong, and waterproof. If I lost it, I'd call Wayne at the touring store and order another one on the spot.

Here's my Curve D3 with Klickfix adapter, Rixen and Kaul Freepack City bag and Reelight SL150 magnetic lights.

Welcome to the Curve D3 world of lurve!

My Curve is currently out of commission until I fix that front wheel with the damaged Big Apple tire. Thinking if a Marathon Racer may be a better idea up front, since I need to replace it anyway.

I put a Marathon on my rear wheel, and love it. I need an excuse to put one on the front as well.

Welcome to the Curve D3 world of lurve!

My Curve is currently out of commission until I fix that front wheel with the damaged Big Apple tire. Thinking if a Marathon Racer may be a better idea up front, since I need to replace it anyway.

thanks mr. brown. reading everyone's posts gave me the incentive to keep my Curve (no pun intended - as i don;t have any curves in my bod ).

i was trying to remove the rack on my curve when all of a sudden i noticed that the fender is attached to the rack itself. anyone have an idea on how i can do it?

thanks,
vic

thanks mr. brown. reading everyone's posts gave me the incentive to keep my Curve (no pun intended - as i don;t have any curves in my bod ).

i was trying to remove the rack on my curve when all of a sudden i noticed that the fender is attached to the rack itself. anyone have an idea on how i can do it?

thanks,
vic

Use a metal strut to replace the support the fender gives.

Use a metal strut to replace the support the fender gives.


sorry for my ignorance but where can i get this metal strut ? is it available at LBS ?

thanks,
vic

sorry for my ignorance but where can i get this metal strut ? is it available at LBS ?

thanks,
vic

You'd probably be best off making your own. Very narrow strips of sheet metal (such as aluminum) from a hardware store would do the trick. A strong coat hanger might also work.

By the way, if you flip the bike and pedal backward does your rear wheel move?

joako,
i tried this and flipped my bike and the wheel doesn't moved when a pedal backward. is this good or not good ? is your wheel moving when pedalling backward ?

thanks,
vic

joako,
i tried this and flipped my bike and the wheel doesn't moved when a pedal backward. is this good or not good ? is your wheel moving when pedalling backward ?

thanks,
vic

It is good. Mine was doing this until this weekend. I had to loosen one of the nuts because it was too tight causing it to drag. For the fenders take a look at this post:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=456967&highlight=curve+fender

I used some clothe hangers and the screws and nuts from the fender. You can also buy some clips if you don't want to open a hole in your fender.

sorry for my ignorance but where can i get this metal strut ? is it available at LBS ?

thanks,
vic

Sorry , I should have made it clear my suggestion was a DIY suggestion. You could also support it from the frame like a pannier I guess.

Sorry , I should have made it clear my suggestion was a DIY suggestion. You could also support it from the frame like a pannier I guess.

no need to apologize. i have a wire lying around somewhere in my garage. i will try and see if i can do this.

thanks again,
vic

Do you like bullhorns? If yes, then here it goes :thumb:

joako,

how's the fold on this bike with bullhorn ? have you tried it ?

thanks,
vic

I love my D3. I've upgraded the saddle to a Rido, added Ergon grips (the ones with the little barends), upgraded the chain, added a mirror on the left-side handlebar, bottle cage holder, and a saddle bag. Here's what it looks like now:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3603/3329826272_44d3579999.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/neilfein/3329826272/)

nice neilfein - i see that your helmet is also color coordinated with your curve....

Here's my Curve D3 with Klickfix adapter, Rixen and Kaul Freepack City bag and Reelight SL150 magnetic lights.

semaler - do you kind the 3 speed lacking on your curve ? do you wish it had more than 3 speed ?

Welcome to the Curve D3 world of lurve!

My Curve is currently out of commission until I fix that front wheel with the damaged Big Apple tire. Thinking if a Marathon Racer may be a better idea up front, since I need to replace it anyway.

have you changed your tires to a racer ? how was it ? i see that neilfein changed his rear tire and he's loving it.

anyone fitted a dual drive. I got one spare looking for a bike.

My daughter finds the gearing a little high, so maybe it can go on.
Else i have a spare chainset with a 42t

semaler - do you kind the 3 speed lacking on your curve ? do you wish it had more than 3 speed ?

Definitely YES. Barcelona is not flat so I'd like to have more gears. Maybe I should have gone for the SL, it would be more of an all-purpose bike.

Definitely YES. Barcelona is not flat so I'd like to have more gears. Maybe I should have gone for the SL, it would be more of an all-purpose bike.

there was a Dahon Mu P8 on sale here in bay area for $375. i should have jumped on that deal. in fact there are 2 one is listed at $425 and yet both of them got sold in a day.

anyone fitted a dual drive. I got one spare looking for a bike.

My daughter finds the gearing a little high, so maybe it can go on.
Else i have a spare chainset with a 42t

hmm. i am also thinking about that but have no idea how. since this is my commute bike, gearing can be ok for me.....although quite limited.

I have a DaHon Curve and I'm have trouble finding 16 x 1.5 Presta tubes. Please advise your source, or provide a link or . . . any clues would be appreciated!

Rick / OCRR

I have a DaHon Curve and I'm have trouble finding 16 x 1.5 Presta tubes. Please advise your source, or provide a link or . . . any clues would be appreciated!

Rick / OCRR

The Curve comes with rims drilled for Schrader. Unless you swapped out the rims?

Schwalbe tube SV2 according to the Schwalbe web site. See:
http://www.schwalbetires.com/bike_tires/tubes
Looks like you can order it from them.