Folding Bikes - Is the Dahon P8 stiff enough?

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josr

04-13-05, 02:21 AM

Hello,

I am still searching for my perfect folder.

People on this forum convinced me to go for a derailleur system. I have already blew up a Nexus 7 hub gear (wear) from a normal bike, and you can't see anything (easy), and this hub gears are really expensive (in retail 20-25% of the new price of the bike)!

Now I am back again at the Giant Halfway. The problem with the Giant Halfway is only the large folding size (height = 80 cm). The Dahon P8 is folding better (height 56 cm). Size does matter for me: I am carrying it arround every day at a train. (I don't consider a 16" folder).

So I am looking for the SMALLEST 20" folding bike which is suitable for longer rides (with derailleur).

Is this P8 suitable for long rides? Is it stiff enough?

And in general: does a Dahon folds fast, reliable (does it still work after a year) and save?

Thanks!

Jos

dannyg1

04-14-05, 09:24 PM

All of the 20" Dahon's (I own one) fold fast, but I'm not sure that they'll fold any smaller than your Halfway. If you're looking for the smallest fold in a larger than 16" wheel, your best bets are these:

www.mezzobikes.com

www.r-m.de look up the birdy bike

DG1

brakemeister

04-15-05, 07:41 AM

mezzo bike
no weight
no way to contact them, no address, no names

i hate that if a so called manufacturer has no way to contact him... or am i blind and dont find the link ?

thor

Simple Simon

04-15-05, 04:12 PM

The link works for me .... in the UK Mezzo are mucho hailed as the next BIG thing. They are designed by Jon Whyte, ex-formula 1 suspension designer who designs Marin bike' suspensions, and has a range of top MTBs see http://www.whytebikes.com

I for 1 am looking forward to seeing some reviews in AtoB, and other bike mags. Looks like the folding bike market is getting hot !!!

ruchai

04-15-05, 11:43 PM

You do not compare folded bikes by just one dimension! The Halfway with it's single side forks should folded flatter than any other folder. I found the height of the folded Halfway to be an advantage. I could walk it by holding the saddle without having to bow down my back!

Simple Simon

04-16-05, 05:27 AM

True Ruchai !!
And sizes and weighs quoted by manufacturers, are, shall we say 'optimistic' - whenever I have measured my folding bikes, and others in shops they seem to be bigger than the manufacturers sizes posted on their web sites, and also heavier. Its competitive and nearly all bike manufactures tell porkies ;-) ie weights without pedals (and then some) and sizes without seats etc.

Thats why independant reviews are good - but even they can be influenced ...... by big PR budgets ;-) all a game in which we, as consumers are the prey ;-) ;-) ....... Simon