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09-15-09, 05:53 AM
Brought the bike on a business trip to CT. Luckily, I'm staying right near the Farmington Canal Trail (http://www.farmingtoncanal.org/). Took the D7 out for a spin this morning.
http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=118356&stc=1&d=1253015549
(Sorry about the awful cellphone pic)
The Farmington Canal Trail is paved and well maintained. Only saw a handful of bikers and hikers when I was out this AM. Very different than riding on the NYC Greenway!
First impressions of the D7:
Surprisingly stiff frame and handlepost. There's no flex in the handlepost as with my Downtube Mini. Took a little while to get used to the shifter and derailleur setup, compared to the Mini's IGH. The drivetrain doesn't feel as smooth as on my Mini - maybe that's a difference between derailleur vs. IGH, or maybe my chainring is a bit wobbly. Need to get that sorted out.
I like the seatpost much better on the D7 - you don't have to use excessive clamping force, and the seatpost stays where you put it. I've heard stories of seatpost slippage on the Dahons, so maybe I should enjoy it while it lasts?
The D7 stock seat has got to go. I'm thinking a spring seat, Brooks B66 would be nice on this bike.
Could use some better grips. Glad to see Dahon is putting Ergons on the newer Dahons.
I like the 20" wheels, they seem to roll a bit better than the 16" wheels on the Mini. Of course you pay a price in folded size, but the bike fits in my car trunk OK.
Overall, a really enjoyable ride, glad I brought the bike on my trip!
http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=118356&stc=1&d=1253015549
(Sorry about the awful cellphone pic)
The Farmington Canal Trail is paved and well maintained. Only saw a handful of bikers and hikers when I was out this AM. Very different than riding on the NYC Greenway!
First impressions of the D7:
Surprisingly stiff frame and handlepost. There's no flex in the handlepost as with my Downtube Mini. Took a little while to get used to the shifter and derailleur setup, compared to the Mini's IGH. The drivetrain doesn't feel as smooth as on my Mini - maybe that's a difference between derailleur vs. IGH, or maybe my chainring is a bit wobbly. Need to get that sorted out.
I like the seatpost much better on the D7 - you don't have to use excessive clamping force, and the seatpost stays where you put it. I've heard stories of seatpost slippage on the Dahons, so maybe I should enjoy it while it lasts?
The D7 stock seat has got to go. I'm thinking a spring seat, Brooks B66 would be nice on this bike.
Could use some better grips. Glad to see Dahon is putting Ergons on the newer Dahons.
I like the 20" wheels, they seem to roll a bit better than the 16" wheels on the Mini. Of course you pay a price in folded size, but the bike fits in my car trunk OK.
Overall, a really enjoyable ride, glad I brought the bike on my trip!