Kllai

Hi,
Need some suggestion buying my first folding bike.
I live in NYC and the bike mainly use for recreation, not for daily commute. And I am complete new to cycling or in bicycle in general. After some research, I narrow it down to these few bikes. All these bikes price range from 600-700.

1. Dahon Mu P8
2. Dahon Vigor P9
3. Tern Link D8
4. Dahon Mu D8

- How these bike’s component compare to each other?
- Style is very subjective, I like the Mu D8 > Vigor P9 > Link >Mu P9

Thanks
KL

12boy

You might also consider a Xootr Swift for 100 more. There is a huge thread on these and I certainly like mine. Very sturdy bike with 8 speeds and using a lot of regular bike parts.

northernlights

Dahon says on their website the components vary depending on the region you're in. And may even vary within the same region. Two bikes with the same model name can have different components. The only way to know for sure is to go into the bike shop that sells the bike and see it in person. The same might apply for Tern. I would take a good look at the bike up close before you buy it to make sure all the components are satisfactory for you.

linberl

How important is the fold to you? As mentioned by another poster, the Swift is really an excellent bike. Very stiff frame and rides much more like a full sized bike than a Dahon does, imo. Also, as you ride more, you will find you might want to make some changes (trust me, we all do it) and the Swift is open to stock parts from any manufacturer, not just one. It does not fold as compactly as the Dahon, but it actually folds quickly and rolls very well when folded. Search for the threads here about it; it has quite a following. When I was looking for a bike, Swift had a dealer so I could test ride it..at least check in your area and see if they can give you a test ride to compare to the Dahon.

1nterceptor

Stop by BFold on 13th st 2nd av.; see the models you like in person side by side. It looks like they have most if not all of the models you're interested in:

Dahon : Bfold

Test ride a few or all. Dahon MU P8 is marked down from US$750 to US$600.

Pinigis 

Take a look at the Origami Crane 8. If offers light weight, a compact fold, and a wide gear range with an 8-speed cassette.

Kllai

I checked BFold last week. They do have the Mu P8. It is very nice and the person there prefer Mu P8 than Link D8, perhaps it is due to they still sell Link D8 700 instead of the 590 i see in other store.

Unfortunately, they didn't have the Vigor.

downtube

I would trust David at bfold, he's a really good guy.

Thanks,
Yan

1nterceptor

Not only does he know his stuff when it comes to bikes; he really is a nice fella.
Bought my current Bromtpon from his shop. The last folder I bought used on
Craigslist; Dahon Speed Uno didn't have a front brake. Since he already had all
the parts; I made him do the labor as well. It came out pretty good:

Dahon at Work by 1nterceptor, on Flickr

downtube

I met him at all the folding bike events, he has great energy. Trophy Bikes in Philly is also active in the folding community, but their energy is not so good.

Thanks,
Yan

Kllai

I live in a apt, and i want to get 2 bikes , folding small is very important. The Switft just look "different" when folded. I may check it out in store, i think BFold has them.

Thanks
KL

Kllai

Exactly, it is so confusing especially Dahon.
Still learning about all the bike tech.. 'im just clueless newbie in bicycle world.

Thanks
KL

fietsbob

I bought 2 Brompton's Used , Resold the 1st one with Improvements I Made .

chesky

I'm using the Dahon Mu P8 after testing tons of folding bikes.
You can get a used one for less than $600.

fietsbob

Used Brompton Mk 2_3T was about that ..

invisiblehand

If you're inclined to learn something about bike maintenance, I'd seriously consider a used bike. You typically get a much better value that way and will learn something about what you like/dislike after a few months of use.

FietsDontFailMe

This is good advice, because what you may come to like in a folding bicycle may take experimentation.

For example, my first folder was a Dahon Mu P8. I bought it new. A well-made bicycle, fun to ride. Some parts were not "industry standard" and finding replacements was difficult. I sold the Mu P8 to a friend.

My next folder was a MEC Origami (made by Tern, although Tern would not admit it). Poor components, frame hinge was broken after one season of commuting. The store gave me a full refund. I decided that I did not like folding bicycles with hinge in the middle of the frame.

Next I bought a Bike Friday diamond-frame New World Tourist. *Lifetime* guarantee, standard components, very good service. The fold is not fast or elegant (see Dahon or Brompton), but it's a beauty of a bicycle. It can be packed for travel. I ride it as my mini-velo.

I have also bought a Mezzo D9. It's my only bicycle with 16" (40cm) wheels. I bought it for the quality and the small fold-size, which is good for trains. The parts are industry-standard.

osco53

Dahon Speed P8

What ever you do get an 8 speed, The gear Inch range of the 7 speed I rode was far too limiting.
I find myself in 8th quite often....

Mine,New, $599 plus tax last year.

https://www.twofoldbicycleshop.com/

I did upgrade the rear derailleur, chain and shifter as I found the performance of the stock system horrible and totally unacceptable...
I am very happy with this bike and ride It often In down town congestion

linberl

+1 on the 8 speed. As I have learned, 7 speeds do not upgrade without a wheel change usually but 8 speeds do.

bent4me

I recently bought an Xootr Swift with an upgraded 9 speed derailuer and shifter. I will be replacing the current 11/32 with 11/34 or maybe 12/36. I have the bike 5 weeks and I have put 500 miles on it. It is a fantastic bike. I agree at least 8 speed and an 11/32 cassette. Having non proprietary parts is a very good thing. Good derailuers, shifters and cassettes can be had for very little money. Plenty of Youtube vids to show you how. Unfortunately it seems most bikes come with cheap drive chains or wheels. I do a lot of miles so my drive chain gets changed annually, my wheels never. Remember 8,9,10 speed cassettes go with corresponding chains.
Good luck.

downtube

Be careful with 36T rear cog, that may be too close to the ground, depending on the derailleur.

Thanks,
Yan

canklecat

How's the weight on that Xootr? Is it really close to 25 lbs? That's pretty comparable to a hybrid I'm considering (my current bike is closer to 35 lbs, so anything under 30 would be good).

Are there any parts swaps that would make a significant reduction in weight? Rims, tires, etc.? Or is it already spec'd about as light as possible and still be practical?

LBlady111

Check out the Mini Cooper as well.. mine was $560 with tax from the car dealership .. it's sleek and a great ride

linberl

I test rode the Xootr before I ended up with my bike friday (needed a lower step over). It's a zippy little bike and feels incredibly light; I'm an old lady and picking it up was really easy. Had mixed feelings about the fold...it's not as small as a full fold, otoh, it's very fast and it still ROLLS while folded which my BF does not. Put one of those fittings on the stem that let's you rotate 90 degrees and it is an extremely thin footprint. I would say it is only 25 lbs, maybe a bit less if you cut down the seatpost a bit.

1nterceptor

The specs from the local shop here lists the weight at 9.9 kg (22lbs):

Xootr Swift 8 speed Silver : Bfold

Looking at the parts list; a few of swaps can be made to lighten the weight.
Schwalbe Kojaks or Primo comets tires, wheels with less spoke count and
butted, lighter saddle, etc.