Folding Bikes - Dahon Mu Uno vs Dahon Speed Uno

I've been wanting a Mu Uno due to its sleek and simplicity of a single speed. Now I found there will be a Dahon Speed Uno which is very similar, but much cheaper. Do any of you have any opinions on the two in comparison? Thanks

Dahon Mu Uno
http://www.dahon.com/sites/default/files/images/bikes/unfold/0/2010/2010__unfold_muuno.jpg

Dahon Speed Uno
http://www.thorusa.com/images/dahon/current/speeduno.jpg

For one thing, it would be easier to U-lock the Speed through the rear triangle: Not easy with the Mu frame. For times when I don't want to bring it into a building.

The Speed at least, looks like it has that plastic chainguard that is attached to the chainring—breakable. Mu picture not big enough to tell (assuming the pictures are accurate representations of the bicycles).

Used to be that the Speed series was made of steel too, not sure about now. The frame is only a small part of the Dahon bicycles though.

Bummer not available till spring/summer.

I like the look of the Mu better but I may be biased because of the higher price (ya know the thought of higher cost = better bike). The Mu is $599 whereas the Speed is $379.

Whether it is made of steel of not, is one more durable than the other? Is there a benefit with having a steel frame or is it the other way around?

Mu picture not big enough to tell (assuming the pictures are accurate representations of the bicycles).



fixed

If you were ever contemplating converting to belt drive, you could with the Mu, but not with the Speed as there would be no way to get the belt on and off of the Speed.. If you want to spend $400 on a Mu Uno, I've got one to sell. PM if interested..

The Speed looks similar to my Downtube Nova in that the chainring is integrated to the crankarm, so if you want a bigger chainring you'll have to get a whole new crankset, whereas the Uno is swappable. Not too big of a deal, though, since I got a basically new Gossamer road crankset with external bottom bracket and 53t large chainring for $25 on ebay.

Even with that big of a chainring its hard to get a decent ratio if you want a freewheel, since most only go down to 16t. I got one of the crappy 15t BMX freewheels that are still around NOS but its not good quality, which puts the gear inches in the mid to upper 60's, which works pretty good. If you want any smaller than that, Nashbar has a single-speed cassette hub, which would take smaller cogs or else you can go fixed. I think the Sturmey-Archer 2-speed hub is a good alternative for these bikes to get a better crusing gear and separate startup gear, but that's another thread...

If you were ever contemplating converting to belt drive, you could with the Mu, but not with the Speed as there would be no way to get the belt on and off of the Speed.. If you want to spend $400 on a Mu Uno, I've got one to sell. PM if interested..

I am a newbie to this forum so I don't have the required 50 posts to send you a PM. If you'd like, shoot that information here.

How would you do a belt drive? What are the pros and cons of using a belt drive vs a typical change? I know grease is one of them.

Also, the Mu Uno is 22 lbs and the Speed Uno is 24 lbs.

Ooo! Nice to see the Speed Uno. Like the Mu quite a bit, but too rich for a ss folder. Either is begging for a S/A S2C hub...

Ooo! Nice to see the Speed Uno. Like the Mu quite a bit, but too rich for a ss folder. Either is begging for a S/A S2C hub...

I agree the price of the Mu Uno is quite steep. For $600 range, there are so many choices out there that might steer me to go with "geared" bike. I wish it was priced at $399, and the speed at $299.

me too ...lol

for me the mu uno does it with that nice curvy frame. Plus the mu is using the newer clamp technology while the speed is using the old vice grip tech that's on most of their frames.

Is there a benefit with having a steel frame or is it the other way around?

Heheh. This question not asked enough really. :)

By the way, look at the specs
http://www.nycewheels.com/dahon-folding-bike-speed-uno.html
http://us.dahon.com/bikes/1646/mu-uno

The Speed has no seatpost pump. And has Dahon tyres c.f. Shwalbe. Different grips, and different saddle.

Single speed/fixed is not my thing, so no recommendation.

i like both models.
as i said i would love to be able to seel them cheaper, but thats life I guess...

I love the ss bikes as there is a sense of simplicity and clean lines which is striking. Having said that the mu is much sexier than the speed.. but the speed is a good platform to mod later on ( you simply have more money to mod from the get go ..lol )
steel or alloy is NOT an issue since about 20 years ago.... but choices are good
what i wished for is a real ss flip flop hub on the mu and the coaster brake hub only on the speed...maybe next year.
maybe an automatik or 2 speed coaster hub as an option for both....

ss with folders ( which have long handleposts and seatposts) is somewhat a oxymoron as you now have to pull and push like crazy on the handlepost to keep momentum up .... while I usually suggest to sit down and spin on a regular folder ....keeping the cadence higher than usual ( in order not to experience some ofthe flex ) now with a single speed you are forced to mash the one gear to come up to speed...

its not a big problem as the speed frame and the mu especially is a pretty stiff platform .... but there are some newbie folder folks with a singlespeeds, which wish for gears and a more relaxed spinning bike later on.... a few .... actually not many at all, which let Dahon to offer a second ss bike after all...

thor

For one thing, it would be easier to U-lock the Speed through the rear triangle: Not easy with the Mu frame.

Personal experience: U-locking no problem with the Mu.

.... but there are some newbie folder folks with a singlespeeds, which wish for gears and a more relaxed spinning bike later on....

Flash! This just in! They've invented a way to fix that (http://www.sturmey-archerheritage.com/images/photos/pic-6.jpg).

How would you do a belt drive?

Step 1: wait patiently until such time - if ever - Gates makes a drive belt short enough to fit.

now comes the speed uno...

when the mu uno was about to appear, my friends and I were already fantasizing.
1. to fit a 3 speed IG coaster brake hub.
2. to make it fixed gear.
3. to fit a nexus/alfine 8 speed hub
4. to fit a rohloff hub.... just kidding...

now that the speed is also uno...

well.... simply one more option.
at a lower price....

when the mu uno was about to appear, my friends and I were already fantasizing.
1. to fit a 3 speed IG coaster brake hub.
2. to make it fixed gear.
3. to fit a nexus/alfine 8 speed hub


What's the OLD (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/gloss_n-o.html#old) on these bikes?

What's the OLD (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/gloss_n-o.html#old) on these bikes?

The Mu Uno is 120mm .. you can also run a Gates belt on the Mu Uno if you wanted, but you would have to pay special attention to available sprockets to get acceptable ratios for a conversion.

The Mu Uno is 120mm .. you can also run a Gates belt on the Mu Uno if you wanted, but you would have to pay special attention to available sprockets to get acceptable ratios for a conversion.

Which is much easier when you convert the UNO to a DUE with 451 wheels :)

Greetings

Which is much easier when you convert the UNO to a DUE with 451 wheels :)

Greetings

So would like to build up an Uno with a S2C + Gates Centerline...

The Mu Uno is 120mm .. you can also run a Gates belt on the Mu Uno if you wanted, but you would have to pay special attention to available sprockets to get acceptable ratios for a conversion.

Interesting, I was told from a reliable source that the Mu Uno is too narrow to fit a Gates Belt drive. Are you confident that the Gates Belt drive will fit?

Checked Thors site and the Speed Uno is in.

Checked Thors site and the Speed Uno is in.

lol .......almost .... should be next week

thor

So would like to build up an Uno with a S2C + Gates Centerline...

lets say you will get a rear sprocket.... than you would be approx 30 % lowered geared than the original bike...
Gates is great on a wider rear 8 speed Nexus equipped Mu XL sport. but will be worthless on a one speed

thor

both look good, and nicely black.....
but i think it's too pricey for just only single speed bike....

both look good, and nicely black.....
but i think it's too pricey for just only single speed bike....

not that pricey cause the mu frame is pretty neat and would require more manufacturing.

people don't think that their bike is too pricey when they buy a single speed strida, brompton or bike friday. it's all in your own perception. Having gears alone doesn't make the bike more expensive, it's everything else the gears are bolted onto also. :)

some single speeds are pretty expensive but they roll/fold really well which makes a world of difference.

I really like the uno cause its soo clean looking without the rear brake lines and stuff.

lets say you will get a rear sprocket.... than you would be approx 30 % lowered geared than the original bike...
Gates is great on a wider rear 8 speed Nexus equipped Mu XL sport. but will be worthless on a one speed

thor

Thor,

Is that before or after accounting for the 30% bump in speed of the high gear of the S2C?

Hello, I have just ordered a Dahon Mu Uno. I have not recieved it yet but I allready know I would like to change the rear hub to a singlespeed freewheelhub without the coaster brake. Is that possible? Is there any manufactorer of such a hub that will fit the 120 mm Mu Uno?

/Gustav

Hello, I have just ordered a Dahon Mu Uno. I have not recieved it yet but I allready know I would like to change the rear hub to a singlespeed freewheelhub without the coaster brake. Is that possible? Is there any manufactorer of such a hub that will fit the 120 mm Mu Uno?

/Gustav

Ordering is easy ...... getting one is a totally different story ....lol
unless some dealer had one stashed away for a year ???

have you checked your email ? is it available actually ?

thor
p.s. only singlespeed I have are the Dahon Speed Uno and the Tern Link Uno

...I would like to change the rear hub to a singlespeed freewheelhub without the coaster brake. Is that possible? Is there any manufacturer of such a hub that will fit the 120 mm Mu Uno?

/Gustav

Sure, no problem. You want a track or "flip-flop" hub, which will accept a single speed freewheel. A lot of companies offer hubs like that on the 'net or through your LBS.

You could even get esoteric and go with a SRAM Torpedo (http://www.sram.com/sram/urban/products/sram-torpedo-single-speed-hub).

Hello, I have just ordered a Dahon Mu Uno. I have not recieved it yet but I allready know I would like to change the rear hub to a singlespeed freewheelhub without the coaster brake. Is that possible? Is there any manufactorer of such a hub that will fit the 120 mm Mu Uno?

/Gustav

Unless the newest frames are different from my Mu Uno, you won't have provisions for a rear rim type brake (no brake bosses/mounts) .. keep that in mind if you are going to run freewheel .. if fixed, then not much of an issue..

Unless the newest frames are different from my Mu Uno, you won't have provisions for a rear rim type brake (no brake bosses/mounts) .. keep that in mind if you are going to run freewheel .. if fixed, then not much of an issue..

The front fork should have a mount for a road caliper.

Checked Thors site and the Speed Uno is in.

no no no
it says call ..( to get me out of trouble )
Not all bikes are indeed available ..... its more complicated ..but in any case

I havd Dahon Speed Unos and Tern Link Unos in stock .... havent seen a Mu for almost a year ?

thor

Ordering is easy ...... getting one is a totally different story ....lol
unless some dealer had one stashed away for a year ???

have you checked your email ? is it available actually ?

thor
p.s. only singlespeed I have are the Dahon Speed Uno and the Tern Link Uno

Plenty of Mu Uno in Germany....mine will arrive tomorrow acording to UPS.
Is there no Mu Unos in USA? But Dahon still make them or????


/Gustav

Unless the newest frames are different from my Mu Uno, you won't have provisions for a rear rim type brake (no brake bosses/mounts) .. keep that in mind if you are going to run freewheel .. if fixed, then not much of an issue..

But is there not a drilled hole to mount a rear roadbikebrake with long reach?

/Gustav

Sure, no problem. You want a track or "flip-flop" hub, which will accept a single speed freewheel. A lot of companies offer hubs like that on the 'net or through your LBS.

You could even get esoteric and go with a SRAM Torpedo (http://www.sram.com/sram/urban/products/sram-torpedo-single-speed-hub).

Any more spesific suggestions of hubs? (manufaturer, model, where to buy etc...?

/Gustav

Plenty of Mu Uno in Germany....mine will arrive tomorrow acording to UPS.
Is there no Mu Unos in USA? But Dahon still make them or????

/Gustav

Here's MINE (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/592559-My-Dahon-Mu-Duo-a-blend-of-old-an-new?highlight=mu+duo)


But is there not a drilled hole to mount a rear roadbikebrake with long reach? ...
/Gustav

Nope.. there's a fender mount, not a caliper brake mount ... at least on my 2009 model.

The front fork should have a mount for a road caliper.

How about mounting a rear road caliper with long reach?

/Gustav

Here's MINE (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/592559-My-Dahon-Mu-Duo-a-blend-of-old-an-new?highlight=mu+duo)



Nope.. there's a fender mount, not a caliper brake mount ... at least on my 2009 model.

That bike looks fantastic. So if I understand You right, You only changed the wheels and rear hub? I will defenetly get thoos wheels but I dont want a hub with coasterbrake. I dont know much about bicycles (yet) so can You please help me out with a few qustions? Do you know any manufacturer that make a really super quality singlespeed rear hub that will fit this bike? What does fender mount mean? Does that mean its possible to mount a rear brake of any kind and if so...which kind of brake (manufacturer, model ???)
My Mu Uno will arrive tomorrow and I cant wait to start rebild it,,, your bike looks just soo sweet with them wheels...
Thanks
/Gustav

Gustav
just relax .... ride the bike as is for a little while, get everything sorted out and THAN its still time to do the modding ....

also you can put pics in here so we can say easier what will fit or not

:-)
have fun
Thor

That bike looks fantastic. So if I understand You right, You only changed the wheels and rear hub? I will defenetly get thoos wheels but I dont want a hub with coasterbrake. I dont know much about bicycles (yet) so can You please help me out with a few qustions? Do you know any manufacturer that make a really super quality singlespeed rear hub that will fit this bike? What does fender mount mean? Does that mean its possible to mount a rear brake of any kind and if so...which kind of brake (manufacturer, model ???)
My Mu Uno will arrive tomorrow and I cant wait to start rebild it,,, your bike looks just soo sweet with them wheels...
Thanks
/Gustav

Thanks for the compliments.. the fender (mudguard) mount is not a caliper brake mount.. I'm sure it is designed for a mudguard/fender or maybe a forward rack mount... a long reach Tektro won't reach the 451 rear rim on my bike.. it'll be quite a distance from a 406 wheel...

If you are contemplating going to 451 wheels, you will need a short reach road caliper on the front and will not be able to use the supplied long reach ...

Where there's a will, there is usually a way, but that bike is happiest with the coaster brake in rear.. the Shimano hub is actually pretty good, and I doubt if you will notice any brake related drag.. assuming you want a rear brake and you absolutely don't want a coaster brake, don't want to modify the fender/mudguard/rack mount with adapter/spacers for a caliper brake, you could conceivably run a hand operated drum brake in the rear, but you need to stay within the 120mm OLN width... doubt if there are too many of those options to choose from ..

Gustav
just relax .... ride the bike as is for a little while, get everything sorted out and THAN its still time to do the modding ....

also you can put pics in here so we can say easier what will fit or not

:-)
have fun
Thor

Yes I will do so, thanks for the advice. My Uno arrived today and it looks fantastic as it is. If the temperature stays over 0 celsius tomorrow, I will try it out. Very exciting since I have never been riding a folder before.
Anyway, are You the very same Thor that runs the bikestore thorusa? If thats the case it would be nice if You would like to answer my mail about the speed Uno bcz I really considering that one aswell, I´m a sucker for steel frames.

/Gustav

It takes me a day to figure out he freight costs......in order to answer your email from yesterday....
( we are only working 24 hours a day ...lol )

couple points. No we dont cheat with customs invoices to save duty on the other end, we are not a private person or a garage shop who can and will do that, sorry .

and questions if I know somebody who has all the spareparts ( besides me I assume ) arnt going over so well ...lol
You will have to find that out by yourself I am afraid ... lol

in any case
the email has been answered

thor

The Speed Uno is a great folder and simple. It is just waiting for a Sram automatic 2 speed upgrade.:D