vmaniqui

to justify my folderitis i decided to get another folder. here it is - a Dahon Curve D3 in fire red. i took it for a spin and so far i am liking it. gears maybe not enough (3 speed) but this could be my regular commute to work bike (slightly lighter than my dahon boardwalk). that is if i can control this sickness (folderitis). anyone here has a curve D3 ? anyone can tell me what i can expect from this cute folder. so far i am liking the schwalbe apple tire. anyone done any upgrades on their curve ? appreciate it.

TIA,
vic

DLBroox

Lots of Curve D3 owners around.

I took off the fenders and rack, I've changed the saddle, upgraded the break pads, (the curve's wore out in a matter of months), put on Ergon Grips, changed the peddles to MKS with power grips and added a Cateye wireless computer.

I love the bike. I think it's a blast.

vmaniqui

you've got a long list of upgrades. did you get the ergon GC2 ? any pics you can share with us ?

thanks again,
vic

DLBroox

The Ergons are the R2 magnesium. I remember I got them somewhere for 35 bucks, which was a good price at the time. I love them. Made a huge difference in comfort level. I'll post some pics later when I get a chance.

Joako

Do you like bullhorns? If yes, then here it goes

vmaniqui

sweet. what happened to your brake levers ? or is this just a picture in progress ???

Joako

Took the picture yesterday just to show how a curve looked with bullhorns. That bullhorn is going to be used in my xootr swift which is a work in progress. The rack was not useful for me since it rubbed my feet, but it can be used as a multiple bottle holder. By the way, if you flip the bike and pedal backward does your rear wheel move?

TrekJapan

Cool. They have a pink Curve with flowers on it here in Okinawa at the LBS and I'd love to get it for my daughter but it's over $600.

John

vmaniqui

i will check later about this back pedal thing...

JCFlack

After you've ridden the Curve a bit more, I'd love to see a comparison with your Tokyo.

vmaniqui

john,
i am thinking and hope that the red color isn't too girly for me. in any case i really like the red color though. on a side note i just received the adapter you sent thru usps. it's really nice. awesomw. does it really come with the nylon pouch ? i know - i still owe you. been busy lately due to daughters activities in school. so many parent-student meetings as she's going to cornell university this month for a summer program. i promise i will get into it as soon as possible. my apology....thanks again...

vic

vmaniqui

i sure will update you on this one. been wanting to get this for so long....

TrekJapan

vic,
The nylon pouch is an airline thing they give you on the planes with airline swag in it. I have a million and do stuff like that rather than throw them away.

John

joose

If it's anything like my Curve you can expect hassle. This is the first bike I've had that I take real good care of, treat gently and get serviced.. and I've never had so much hassle from things going wrong lol

DLBroox

What kind of hassle. So far the only thing I really needed to do was change the brake pads. The originals were garbage. But other than that, it's been stable.

Oh wait, I can't fold the handlepost down now either. That's having issues. Guys have given me tips on how to fix it but nothing's worked.

Hey but if anyone is interested on an almost new Lt thudbuster for a dahon, pm me.

bhkyte

yes!

I am considering this set up,matched with racing STI to either a dual drive or an 8 speed internal hub, and an I beam saddle.

However I can't alter the my curve as it needs to fit my daughter.

But its my bike !!

Might (need to) buy another curve or a presto to upgrade in this manner. May need a job however.

My folderitis is kicking in again, some other family members need to buy their own folders(fat chance).

neilfein

I love my D3. I've upgraded the saddle to a Rido, added Ergon grips (the ones with the little barends), upgraded the chain, added a mirror on the left-side handlebar, bottle cage holder, and a saddle bag. Here's what it looks like now:

vmaniqui

how long you had your Curve ? does it treat you good with nice rides ? any complaints ? pros ? cons ? reason i decided to get this is because of it's 16" wheel. small when folded compare to my dahon boardwalk. although i can safely say that they are almost identical in weight if i remove the rack of boardwalk. i haven't taken it yet for a long ride. hopefully today as the weather here in bay area is warm and breezy.....

thanks,
vic

neilfein

It's a great bike, but third gear bottoms out around 25mph for me. Watch out for the frame hinge joint, the handlebar post hinge joint, and the headset, and you'll be fine.

I put on 1.5 and 1.75" tires (rear/front) and it's a much easier, if rougher, ride. Kid's 2.25x16" knobby tires work very well for winter riding.

neilfein

Almost forgot - the Lone Peak Rack Pack works very well on the curve - it's narrow enough that I don't get heelstrike.

Mr. Brown in Singapore has several photos up showing how he tricked out his curve. The Klickfix New Frame Adapter works with the Ortlieb handlebar bag, and the weight stays on the frame. Like this:




I did the same thing with mine. I've got one of these bags for touring already, which is why I did this.

vmaniqui

when you say watch out what you mean by that ? do they break or split in two easily so be careful (??)

thanks,
vic

neilfein

They all have a tendency to loosen over time. I had the retaining clip for the frame hinge joint fall off while riding once.

vmaniqui

hmmm not good or just the way it was designed. thanks for the advise. i will keep an eye on these things.

neilfein

These aren't big problems - you just need to know to keep on top of them during regular maintenance. Every bike has some weak spots.

TrekJapan

neilfine,

Which ortleib bag is that? Is that the Ultimate 5? I can't find an exact match in the catalog.

John