Downtube 16" NS or Dahon Speed7
 

I am going to purchase a mid range folder, which is better a Downtube NS 16" or a Dahon speed7, or some other type? I want it for travel and mid length distances, both can be had for slightly over $300
http://www.downtube.com/product530.html
http://www.dahon.com/us/speedd7.htm

FYI The NS has 20" wheels not 16".

Thanks,
Yan

Disclaimer: I have a Boardwalk D7 - predecessor to the Speed 7, and I have never seen or ridden a Downtube bike.

That said, DT is Aluminum frame and Dahon is 4130 Chromoly steel - the DT Bike is lighter - not getting into the Alum vs Steel argument.

The DT Max rider height is 6'2" - Dahon 6'4" - I am 6'3" (barefoot) and have a 36" inseam. I have the seats on both my Dahons at MAX height. There's also the stretch-out factor - my Boardwalk has the current tilted forward design and gives enough reach - the DT NS looks like it has less distance from seat to handlebars. Don't know your physical size.

The DT appears to be geared lower than the Dahon. 28"-81.5" for DT vs. 34"-94.5" for the Dahon. So, terrain will matter a bit. DT is 9-speed & the Speed 7 is just that, 7-speeds.

Price: Dahon is MSRP is higher than DT, but they are sold for less many places, you just have to look.

I'm sure others can point out additional differences.

+1 for Downtube
 

The owner of Downtube just posted to this very thread.

On the other hand.

It will take probably three emails from you to get a brief "half" answer to any question you might have from the Dahon folks.