Seira321

2nd try.

Hello.

I have been reading a lot of the folding threads and have decided that I want either a Downtube 8H or Dahon Vitesse D7HG due to the internal gear hub and similarity in weight.

I am female, 5'4" tall with an average weight of 117 lbs, and a 29" inseam. I live in Sacramento, CA and will be riding with my kids to the park and neighborhood on flat streets. I may also do some traveling by bus and train and ride over train overpasses. Currently, I am riding my daughter's 20" bike, so all three can fit in the Odyssey minivan hole.

I test drove a Dahon Mu Uno and Speed D7 and prefer the v-shaped handle bar and grips of the D7. The D7 was a tad on the heavy side for me. I also didn't like the seat post being a stand for the bike when folded.

These seem to be what I like about the 8H:
Price seems reasonable.
There is a U- shape stand that seems to stand the bike up when folded. Is this true?
The handlebar looks very customizable.
Removable barends. Is this true?
Front suspension fork can be changed to non suspending fork, reducing weight of bike. Is this true? If so, how much ws there a manual on how to do it?
Fender can be moved to the front.

What I may not like:
Internal gear hub may not be as good as the one on the D7HG. Is this true?
Extra step to keep bike in folded position like tying or clipping.
Front suspension adds weight to bike.
To make bike weigh less, may have to purchase additional fork.
May not have knowledgeable repair person to fix bike if problems arise.

These seem to be what I like about the D7HG:
Like the bungee cord on the rack.
4.8 oz lighter than 8H. Is this even noticeable?:)
Full chainguard.
Some bike shops carry Dahon, so may be easier fixing it up if any problems arise.

What I may not like:
Costs more.
Handlebar shape is more like the Uno than the Speed D7. Is this true?
Have to push seat post down to use as stand when folded so chain will not touch ground.

I am leaning more towards the 8H right now. Is there anything else I should consider to lean more favorable to the D7HG?

Your suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

mulleady

The Downtube is a very good bike for the money and the Sturmey Archer hub is not bad. It is true that the Shimano Nexus hub is better and less likely to slip when changing but it is not dramatically superior.

The Downtube is an easily upgradeale bike and not at all difficult for a bike mechanic to service. $421.50 ($389+32.50) Vs $639 (Thorusa.com & free shipping). Over $200 in the difference I'd probably just about opt for the Downtube. It's a good bike with a nice frame for the money The Dahon fold is marginally better but wouldn't wouldn't make a difference to you putting the bike in the back of your car.

If you value the warranty part then Dahon have a limited 5 year warranty and I believe Downtube 3 months. It is worth taking that into consideration.

ThorUSA (Brakemeister) for the Dahon and Downtube are both relatively good sellers at their pricing points.

Seira321

There is a $20 off coupon for the 8H right now too, making the bike even more tempting. I talked to my friend and he said he would choose the Dahon. He is a road bike person. He said not to worry about the warranty but to keep the bike tuned up and just choose which I like more.

I am going to bite soon.

Thank you!

mulleady

Yes he is right about the warranty. The downtube is a breeze to service or even upgrade with standard parts. You will like the gears on it.