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2007 curve D3 versus downtube mini

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2007 curve D3 versus downtube mini

Old 06-23-08, 09:09 AM
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Originally Posted by rhm
I am not a fan of rear suspension, but the fact is that Mini has it and Curve doesn't; and this suspension can be adjusted, modified, or even disabled entirely, as the user sees fit; and Curve does not have these options. Mine, in its current modified form, is very nice (Mini +1).
Could you talk a little about how you modded the suspension system, particularly where the chainstays connect to the frame via plastic "brackets"? I've seen the extensive work Jur has done but was wondering if you've done anything differently.
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Old 06-23-08, 09:28 AM
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Originally Posted by JosephLMonti
Could you talk a little about how you modded the suspension system, particularly where the chainstays connect to the frame via plastic "brackets"? I've seen the extensive work Jur has done but was wondering if you've done anything differently.
Yes, good point. The suspension consists of two things: a hinge, just behind the BB; and the spring/compression system, between the seat and seat stays. To the latter, I did more or less the same thing as Jur did; I did not glue the two pieces of rubber to one another. I had some trouble with the former as well; the bolt that holds it all together tends to bottom out, and even with it tightened all the way, I was still getting some side-to-side play. But I don't remember what I did to change this; if memory serves, I ground part of the bolt down, so it wouldn't bottom out, and I put some kind of flexible plastic washer in there. I honestly don't remember, but inspection of the bike suggests it's blue in color! At any rate, when I tightened the bolt back up, I compressed the $%^ out of my plastic washer. The result is that there is no side-to-side play, and very little up-and-down movement, which is severely restricted by the rubber cushion anyway. Make sense?
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Old 06-23-08, 09:49 AM
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Originally Posted by folder fanatic
I would add that even though Dahon has more proprietary parts, I find that it is easier to order parts from Dahon through a good bike shop since you purchase the bike through one usually.
What a fanciful notion! If only it were so. Please tell me through which bike store you order parts.
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Old 06-23-08, 10:38 AM
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Originally Posted by SesameCrunch
Great job comparing the two bikes which are often competitive. Your review should be saved for posterity.
+1 - very well balanced, Thanks to the pair of you.
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Old 06-23-08, 11:03 AM
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Originally Posted by Simple Simon
+1 - very well balanced, Thanks to the pair of you.
Thanks!
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I forgot to mention the fortuitous fact that Caaah's Curve is upgraded to the X-RF8 hub. This removed the distraction of a major difference between the Curve and the Mini, and allowed us to concentrate on less obvious matters. The same should be said of the fact that both of us have Brooks saddles.

I don't mean to deny the importance of superficial little things, though. They can add a lot to the comfort of a bike. In particular Caaah has very nice (Ergon?) grips on the Curve, while I have cheap (Bell) ones from Wal*mart; and the nice ones really make a difference. The way I have mine set up, at present, the front tire sometimes rubs on the grip when folded, so my grips have been ruined more than once. This seems to be my fault, so I didn't dock the Mini a point for that one.

Oh, I also forgot to reward Curve +1 for coming with Big Apple tires.
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Old 06-23-08, 11:46 AM
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Let me add my +1 for an exemplary review.

Can I ask tho' - and it may be too late in the day - were you able to form a view on folding - in terms of time and compactness (which doesn't always, imho get reflected in official manufacturer folded dimensions) ? Its quite important when commuting.
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Old 06-23-08, 11:51 AM
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Originally Posted by gringo_gus
Let me add my +1 for an exemplary review.

Can I ask tho' - and it may be too late in the day - were you able to form a view on folding - in terms of time and compactness (which doesn't always, imho get reflected in official manufacturer folded dimensions) ? Its quite important when commuting.
Oh, uh, yeah, good point. Would you believe ... we forgot?
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Old 06-23-08, 11:54 AM
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Originally Posted by gringo_gus
Let me add my +1 for an exemplary review.

Can I ask tho' - and it may be too late in the day - were you able to form a view on folding - in terms of time and compactness (which doesn't always, imho get reflected in official manufacturer folded dimensions) ? Its quite important when commuting.

Yes, and also weight.
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Old 06-23-08, 05:48 PM
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Originally Posted by rhm
Oh, uh, yeah, good point. Would you believe ... we forgot?
Ahhh! Derrrr...Chalk it up to the heat??
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Old 06-23-08, 07:04 PM
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What a great review.

Another point that the Mini scores... the ability to fit longer stems to increase reach. Not sure whether the latest incarnation allows that though. But it would be a very simple retrofit.
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Old 06-24-08, 02:54 AM
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actually, there is a folded merc/curve comparison here:

https://www.bikeforums.net/attachment...6&d=1173135382

even though curve is small, nothing yet gets close to the fold in the bromclone style...
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Old 06-24-08, 11:56 AM
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Does anyone know the gear ratios for the Curve vs the Mini? I realize the curve is 3 gears, and the mini 8 but does the mini hub actually have a much larger range of gears or is it just smaller divisions within the same general max/min?

I do find that the hill climb gear on my curve is not quite cutting it for a few steep hills on my ride. I'd love to hear about Caaah's upgrade to the X-RF8 hub - how hard was it, how expensive, etc? That would be really helpful info!

Thanks for the great comparision! I was struggling to decide between these two bikes and ended up with a curve mostly because I'm in Canada and didn't want to deal with cross-border shipping of a Downtube.
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Old 06-24-08, 12:05 PM
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According to Dahon, the gear ratios of the Curve are 42, 56, and 77 gear inches. The Mini's gears range between 28 and 85.

Browse Caaah's posts, I think you'll get a pretty good idea of the expense and nuisance of the conversion. If you did it all yourself, you might be able to do the conversion for $200 or less... but you'll run into the chain clearance problem, which can easily set in motion a domino effect of little expenses which will stop... well... who knows where.
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Old 06-24-08, 12:14 PM
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Thanks rhm - I just found caaah's post on his conversion - sounds like it was kind of a pain. Guess I'll just have to get in better shape or move to the bottom of the really steep hill.
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Old 06-24-08, 01:50 PM
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having started all this off.... I think I am gonna go for a merc, its the fold/price/ride nexus that it wins on for me.....
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Old 06-24-08, 07:06 PM
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Originally Posted by gringo_gus
having started all this off.... I think I am gonna go for a merc, its the fold/price/ride nexus that it wins on for me.....
What are the Mercs going for now? I usually leave it out of my considerations because pricing and availability is so uncertain.
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Old 06-25-08, 01:32 AM
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Originally Posted by makeinu
What are the Mercs going for now? I usually leave it out of my considerations because pricing and availability is so uncertain.

I am in the UK, and got one for £330 + shipping. Same as a mini, you can get a 2008 curve D3 for £299 but when you factor in shipping they are all more or less the same. But I get the impression that there aren't that many more mercs to be had...
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Old 08-01-08, 04:47 PM
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Great reviews! One thing I wanted to add in comparison is the warranty-- 1 yr. for Downtube vs. 5yr/Lifetime for Dahon. I give that a +1 to Curve.
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Old 08-14-08, 08:41 PM
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Originally Posted by Caaah
Well, here you have it, the meeting of the minds, per se. I know Rhm is writing a longer review, so I'll keep mine short.





They aren't that different. Really, the only thing I felt was that the cockpit is a smmmmmidgen smaller on the Mini. Mind you, for the price, though, the Mini is the better bargain. I don't think I could live with out my 8 speed hub, and that was a pricey upgrade.

Oh, and rhm definitely sold me on the shorter crank length.
I can't help but notice the radially laced rear wheel on the Dahon. Big No No. It might be less horrible with the 16" wheels, but it is still not a good idea.
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Old 08-15-08, 05:38 AM
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Originally Posted by Caaah
Caaah, are you able to fold the Curve with the bell on the handlebar?
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Old 08-15-08, 05:43 AM
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Originally Posted by K6-III
I can't help but notice the radially laced rear wheel on the Dahon. Big No No. It might be less horrible with the 16" wheels, but it is still not a good idea.
Have you actually done this? Interestingly, I've only ever read negative comments from people who have "received wisdom" that it's a bad idea, countered by "I've done it and it's fine" comments from people who've, er, done it. I have no experience either way, but I'd be interested to hear from people who have done it, and suffered problems.

Personally, low spoke count wheels, radial lacing etc etc ALL seem like a bad idea!
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Old 08-15-08, 06:33 AM
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Originally Posted by Sammyboy
Have you actually done this? Interestingly, I've only ever read negative comments from people who have "received wisdom" that it's a bad idea, countered by "I've done it and it's fine" comments from people who've, er, done it. I have no experience either way, but I'd be interested to hear from people who have done it, and suffered problems.

Personally, low spoke count wheels, radial lacing etc etc ALL seem like a bad idea!
I didn't specify one way or the other. That was just how Harris Cyclery built it. I didn't research spoke lacing, so I didn't request one style or the other. If you're curious why they chose that pattern, I'm sure they could give you their reasoning.

Last edited by Caaah; 08-15-08 at 06:37 AM.
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Old 08-15-08, 06:35 AM
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Originally Posted by neilfein
Caaah, are you able to fold the Curve with the bell on the handlebar?
I have zero problems folding the handlebar with the bell, headlight and Ergon grips. The Magnetix engage and everything. I don't even have to rotate it when I fold!
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Old 08-15-08, 07:35 AM
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I'm in the process of upgrading a curve d3 to 8spd (thnx Caah!), so the spoke topic is of some interest to me. Two LBS techs I talked with separately and both said the same thing-- on 16" wheel hooking up to a 36 spoke hub, radial lacing is quite fine. With spokes that tight and short, I can see their point.

I might just email Harris and get their view... hmmm.
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Old 08-15-08, 07:44 AM
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Originally Posted by old_school_dave
I'm in the process of upgrading a curve d3 to 8spd
What does it cost for that conversion? I'd have loved to get the SL instead of the D3, but they were seriously backorded.
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