folder fanatic

Folding bikes are a rare sight in Southern California. One of the bike shops that I patronize did tell me that he did stock one Dahon-a 2005 Mariner-and he had to sell that after a long time at a loss. So while I do see an occaisional one around, they will continue to be rare since they are not popular with the local cycling crowd. They want "real" bikes-like a mountain or a road one-not a funny small wheel one.

Or perhaps it is a matter of education and awareness that these bikes even exist. That is one of the main reasons why I created World Of Folding Bicycles series on the Web. I am still amazed that even almost 2 years since I released the first 2 Websites there is so much hunger for more information about these little wonders.

v6v6v6

oncenterstage, if you're around Laguna Beach check out Electric Cyclery. They specialize in electric and folding bikes and have a decent inventory. They're website is https://www.bikefold.com.

I'm biased, but when I think of sleek and cool I think of Dahons. They've got the slick curved frame, the folding mechanisms are unobtrusive, and they have more of that BMX look to them. Plus, I'm not so keen on the 16" wheels... But these only concern aesthetics. Riding comfort should no problem at all.

My Dahon picks would be the Jetstream P8, Mu SL, Speed P8, and Speed Pro or TT. I'm totally disregarding your $500 spending limit.

Good luck!

SesameCrunch

With Downtubes, the company offers a no-questions-asked return policy of 30 days. You only have to pay shipping back ($35). The Mini is a great bike, with a solid history. Read the big Mini bike thread on this Forum, if you have any questions. Big fan following.

oncenterstage

Hi Everyone

So after looking around SD for a place that has folding bikes to test out I finally found one--Zumwalt's Bikes by SDSU, www.zcbikes.com. They carried the Dahon D7 and I tried it out and I want to get a bike NOW! Wow...it was so much fun. I hadn't ridden a bike for years now, but hauling the bike outdoors and then sitting on the seat and peddling away with the cool wind against my face was a feeling I'll never forget. These things are a lot of fun. My first impression are that it was a very comfortable ride and I liked the different gears, although when switching gears I did notice sometimes it would get stuck or stay in a mid-switch. I really like the look of the bike and it's simplicity with a front and back brakes and a simple rotating lever on the handle bars to switch gears. I am a 6 footer and felt very comfortable riding the bike......it didn't feel especially small or awkward, but just right.

I have some questions now. I'm still really considering the Downtube Mini with the 16 inch wheels, or maybe even the Dahon Curve but I don't think any of the places here carry those in stock, ie, they only have 20 inch wheels. Because I won't be able to try out a 16 incher, can someone tell me how riding a 16 incher will feel different than a 20 incher? Also is it really that much smaller when folded and not folded? I folded the Dahon D7 20 incher and imagined putting it in my Honda Civic trunk and although it would totally fit, it did seem slightly bulky. And what are the advantages or ordering off an actual bike retailer with an actual physical store as opposed to ordering it online, where it's usually cheaper?

My final choices are the Dahon D7, Dahon Curve, or the Downtube Mini.....if anyone has any ideas or comments on anything, please respond. And remember, I want the bike that's comfortable, low maintenance, and simple....riding more for fun/joy as opposed to for commuting...thanks again

nigelme

Hello there!

This thread is a pretty comprehensive review of the Downtube Mini.
https://www.bikeforums.net/folding-bikes/218634-review-downtube-mini-internal-hub.html

In fact the Mini and the Curve are mentioned on many forum threads so it's worth putting in a search.

I have the Downtube FS IX (imported to England) and had to set up almost every part myself. This is the obvious consideration when buying off the internet. If this doesn't perturb you then such a move is fine.

I also have a Brompton (16inch wheels) and let's just say the ride is different and not to everybodys liking, but I personally love it. I would recommend trying the 16inch wheel model before commiting yourself.

Happy riding

PolishGuy

Oncenterstage- Congrats on buying your bike. Small wheeled/folder bikes are a blast. I bought an old Raleigh R20 last year and ride it more than my other full-sized Raleigh road bikes because it, the R20, is just so much fun and snappy to ride. In the city of Oceanside, about 30 miles north of you, is Folding Bikes West. They handle and stock Dahon, Brompton, Birdy and a few others. Might be worth checking-out. Happy riding, PG.

Mr. Smith

I like the 16" wheels for the compactness (I can get 2 tikits in the trunk of my sedan) but the other day I nearly died when I scraped a pedal going around a tight turn and almost went down in traffic. Watch the leaning and you'll be fine. Otherwise I can't tell much difference.

oncenterstage

Hey....thanks for the responses....I finally got the chance to try out a 16 inch wheeled bike and wow! I tried out the Dahon Curve 2007 model and and I loved it. The bike fit me perfectly and the red color of it is very stylish, which I absolutely love. The handling was a ***** twitchy at times (or I may have just been imagining it) but it's expected because of the small wheels. The gear changes were nice and quick and I think for someone like me who wants to ride bikes for fun, having only 3 gears actually works out. I didn't get a chance to ride fast, ie, downhill....but I'd imagine it to be a lil scary because of the tiny wheels. Every bump I hit I was worried I'd fly off.......but it was a fun ride. It's still a tossup for the Downtube Mini or Dahon Curve. Before I was concerned that such a small bike wouldn't fit a 6 feet, 155 pound rider like myself but after riding the 16 inch wheel Dahon Curve, my fears are gone. I like how the stem (or is it called the handlebar?) was adjustable up and down to accomodate different height riders. I also really love how the seat was adjustable up and down, as taller or shorter riders can feel comfortable on the bike. Does anyone know if the downtube mini's seat can be adjusted up and down also like the Curve?

I want a comfortable ride on a bike....the DT Mini has a rear suspension which should be easy on my butt..................the Dahon Curve has no suspension but has big apple tires which I hear make it really comfy. How much would it cost to add rear suspension to the Curve or is this a moot point as is has big apple tires? Would you rather have rear suspension or nice tires?

folder fanatic

I have 3 folding bikes. All are smaller wheeled, 2 16" and 1 20", and each has a sprung saddle on it by different makes. My Brompton has a Nirve, my Piccolo has a Electra, and my Dahon has this one...

https://www.flickr.com/photos/world-of-folding-bicycles/289511363/in/set-72157594461421431/


....which works out well for me as far as a bit wider and not too much suspension added and where I need it the most (where I am sitting). I have heard much about the big Apple tires for their added suspension. But I find that each person must find their own "comfort zone" when it comes to suspension and saddles. I hope this helps.

Sixty Fiver

For some, vintage bikes are cool and vintage folders are even cooler.

For what you are asking a Raleigh or Phillip's Twenty might fit the bill really well in that they are tough, nice riding, and can be picked up for a pretty good price. They work well for folks with moderate mechanical skills as they do require some minor modifications to really make them shine. In particular, replacing the stock steel wheels with alloy wheels and replacing the steel post with an alloy post makes a world of difference. The wheel upgrade should probably run around $100.00 - $120.00 (if you can't do it yourself) and the seat post... another $20.00.

This greatly improves the braking and the increased saddle height works for taller riders... I have a friend who is six foot two who can ride my Twentys. The ride quality and handling are excellent and as one who rides a lot of different bikes, I do not feel that I give up anything when I am riding one of the Twentys.

I don't have a car but borrow one on occasion and when I do I take the Twenty and after folding it can be tucked into the back of a Nissan Sentra hatchback.


1972 Phillip's Twenty - It's tough enough to off road - it has new wheels and although I laced up the new rear wheel a shop should be able to do this for a reasonable cost... ($50.00 or so).


1972 Phillip's Twenty - Even without it's new wheels (I'm building them) it is still a very capable road bike and the braking is quite decent after I replaced the old pads with softer ones.

The only danger to having a Twenty and some skills is that they can be quite habit forming.

M-323

try this site www.canambikes.com I bought the "Swiss LX" - fast shipping - I love the bike. Since it fits in my trunk, Im never without it! they also sell the Strida bikes if you want a smaller bike.