First Official Folding Bike Thread!! :) Name Your Bike!
#1103
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I have three folding bikes:
This is my first one, a cheap Chinese clone of the 26" Dahon Espresso. Not a bad bike really for £130. I purchased it late 2010 and converted it to an e-bike from new last year. I downgraded the 21-speed gears to 2-speed. I also upgraded the tyres to Marathon Plus road tyres, the saddle and grips.
Unfortunately, I developed a knee problem and got diagnosed with osteoarthritis and so I can't
carry the bike any more up and down the two flights of stairs to my flat so it's in storage now.
I was looking for something smaller and lighter so bought a Mezzo D9:
I love this bike! It's 9-speed with 16" wheels but feels and handles like a much bigger bike..it also
folds really small like a Brompton almost. These bikes are a good alternative to a Brompton as you
can pick them up much cheaper second hand. They're well designed and well made..the bike is fully anodised so doesn't scratch. Mine came with the generous sized Mezzo commuter bag which slots on the rack.
And my third and latest folding bike is the Dahon JetStream P8 which I just won today on eBay for the bargain price of £250! I've been after one for ages but they keep going out of my budget, very popular bikes! They seem to hold their value well on the second hand market compared to other bikes. Probably due to the fact there's not a great deal of choice for a full suspension folder in UK is there, unless you're prepared to spend ££££!
I'm planning to convert either the Mezzo or the JetStream into an e-bike shortly...or possibly both.
I might be selling my 26" e-bike as it's silly keeping 3 bikes in a flat and I probably won't get to ride it for a long time.
This is my first one, a cheap Chinese clone of the 26" Dahon Espresso. Not a bad bike really for £130. I purchased it late 2010 and converted it to an e-bike from new last year. I downgraded the 21-speed gears to 2-speed. I also upgraded the tyres to Marathon Plus road tyres, the saddle and grips.
Unfortunately, I developed a knee problem and got diagnosed with osteoarthritis and so I can't
carry the bike any more up and down the two flights of stairs to my flat so it's in storage now.
I was looking for something smaller and lighter so bought a Mezzo D9:
I love this bike! It's 9-speed with 16" wheels but feels and handles like a much bigger bike..it also
folds really small like a Brompton almost. These bikes are a good alternative to a Brompton as you
can pick them up much cheaper second hand. They're well designed and well made..the bike is fully anodised so doesn't scratch. Mine came with the generous sized Mezzo commuter bag which slots on the rack.
And my third and latest folding bike is the Dahon JetStream P8 which I just won today on eBay for the bargain price of £250! I've been after one for ages but they keep going out of my budget, very popular bikes! They seem to hold their value well on the second hand market compared to other bikes. Probably due to the fact there's not a great deal of choice for a full suspension folder in UK is there, unless you're prepared to spend ££££!
I'm planning to convert either the Mezzo or the JetStream into an e-bike shortly...or possibly both.
I might be selling my 26" e-bike as it's silly keeping 3 bikes in a flat and I probably won't get to ride it for a long time.
Last edited by morphix; 10-21-12 at 02:57 PM.
#1104
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Location: York UK
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Bikes: 2X dualdrive Mezzo folder,plus others
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E. mezzo would like to see that.
See the upgrading mezzo threads and dual drive on a mezzo for more mezzo upgrading.
See the upgrading mezzo threads and dual drive on a mezzo for more mezzo upgrading.
#1106
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That is very neat.
Why didn't you use the trailer original wheels? Are they not adapted for speed/vibration/bump or something?
I'd like to have the same thing, but with smaller wheels. Was wondering if skateboard wheel would work? Otherwise how do you choose the wheels?
Thanks
Why didn't you use the trailer original wheels? Are they not adapted for speed/vibration/bump or something?
I'd like to have the same thing, but with smaller wheels. Was wondering if skateboard wheel would work? Otherwise how do you choose the wheels?
Thanks
#1107
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Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Bogor, West java, Indonesia
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Bikes: DownTube 9FS, DownTube Nova & Surly Troll
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Hi guys,
warm greeting from Indonesia...
Below are both of my folding bike.
This one is the coolpapa - Black Dotty 30FS (DownTube 9FS)
And this one, I customize it for my beloved soulmate,
is the hotmama - Red DonNa 30 Sp (DownTube Nova)
warm greeting from Indonesia...
Below are both of my folding bike.
This one is the coolpapa - Black Dotty 30FS (DownTube 9FS)
And this one, I customize it for my beloved soulmate,
is the hotmama - Red DonNa 30 Sp (DownTube Nova)
#1108
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Location: 捷克布傑約維採
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greetings from BUDWEIS
https://www.faltraeder.com/faltrad/dahon/2012/dahon.htm
https://www.radsport-smit.de/epages/R...ducts/00034549
https://www.ebay.de/itm/26-Zoll-Fahrr...t_Fahrradteile
https://www.bike-mailorder.de/BIKE-TE...t-Contact.html
https://www.alltours.de/service-hilfe...gsbedingungen/
https://forum.helmuts-fahrrad-seiten....pic.php?t=6056
https://www.faltraeder.com/faltrad/dahon/2012/dahon.htm
https://www.radsport-smit.de/epages/R...ducts/00034549
https://www.ebay.de/itm/26-Zoll-Fahrr...t_Fahrradteile
https://www.bike-mailorder.de/BIKE-TE...t-Contact.html
https://www.alltours.de/service-hilfe...gsbedingungen/
https://forum.helmuts-fahrrad-seiten....pic.php?t=6056
Last edited by kolo@post.cz; 11-20-12 at 05:52 AM.
#1109
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just got a dahon jifo 16 and like it very much,,previously had dahon vector mu8 and found it tough to handle - the jifo is great and rides great. One problem I have is when it folds, the traingle brace loosens up and so does the chain to the point of falling off the sprockets - cant figure out the adustments, if any - anyone have a clue? Thanks
#1111
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Location: Upper West Side, NYC
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Bikes: Dahon Mariner D7 - "Lil' Sebastian"
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hey all!
just got a used Dahon Mariner D7 off craigslist and i love it. dealing with some technical issues with scratches on the seat post - but am trying to work that out.
oh - and the name? "Lil' Sebastian."
Parks and Rec? Anyone?
- e
just got a used Dahon Mariner D7 off craigslist and i love it. dealing with some technical issues with scratches on the seat post - but am trying to work that out.
oh - and the name? "Lil' Sebastian."
Parks and Rec? Anyone?
- e
#1112
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Hello guys, first post here.
I own a Dahon Mu SL which I bought new in spring 2011. It was a gorgeous little bike, it looked so fast in the showroom I just couldn't resist, even though I had set out to buy a much cheaper Mu Uno instead.
As I was planning to use this bike to commute as often as possible, I bought some SKS fenders for it. The Mu SL comes with short reach v-brake calipers though, and they didn't exactly clear the fenders, so I replaced the brakes by some black Deore calipers. They look pretty nice if you ask me, and the brake feel is much better. The longer reach makes it easier to modulate. Also, the brake pads that came on it had a tendency to squeak in moist conditions.
The bike came with Schwalbe Kojaks, which look the part but are kinda rubbish against punctures apparently. After getting a shard of gravel embedded in the sidewall and puncturing the inner tube three times, I swapped out the tires for Schwalbe Big Apples (2.00"). These fit with room to spare, no chain rub or anything, perhaps because the kinetix rims are so narrow. The ride is much more comfortable on the big apples. Once you get over the fact that the bike doesn't feel as immediately sporty (rock hard ride is often associated with fast bikes apparently), it's about as fast as before at much lower tire pressures. Also, the bigger momentum of the wheels makes it possible to ride without hands on the bars, which is handy to wipe your nose in cold weather.
The sram X9 gears are awesome, no matter how twisted the cable is from folding it up, the indices just end up offset when you don't get the cable sorted again, but there is never any waywardness in shifting or any noise from the derailer. I'm really glad I didn't go for the singlespeed Mu Uno too by the way, because I get a lot of wind on the flats in Belgium and this is a commuter bike, not an "exercise yourself to destruction" bike.
Overall, really satisfied with this bike, it's done about 2000 miles so far, even the wife uses it from time to time. Everything's held up well to the abuse and the bike is definitely fast, and reasonably comfortable. Only downside is that it isn't the neatest package when folded. Kind of annoying on the bus really; but if you just need a bike to chuck in the trunk of your car and take everywhere, this surely should be on your list.
Regrets? Not going for the 2.15" big apples. They would most likely fit without issues too, at worst I'd lose the largest cog at the back which I never use anyway.
Obligatory cellphone pic.
If pic doesn't work, here is a mirror:https://telin.ugent.be/~dvhamme/IMAG0014.jpg
I own a Dahon Mu SL which I bought new in spring 2011. It was a gorgeous little bike, it looked so fast in the showroom I just couldn't resist, even though I had set out to buy a much cheaper Mu Uno instead.
As I was planning to use this bike to commute as often as possible, I bought some SKS fenders for it. The Mu SL comes with short reach v-brake calipers though, and they didn't exactly clear the fenders, so I replaced the brakes by some black Deore calipers. They look pretty nice if you ask me, and the brake feel is much better. The longer reach makes it easier to modulate. Also, the brake pads that came on it had a tendency to squeak in moist conditions.
The bike came with Schwalbe Kojaks, which look the part but are kinda rubbish against punctures apparently. After getting a shard of gravel embedded in the sidewall and puncturing the inner tube three times, I swapped out the tires for Schwalbe Big Apples (2.00"). These fit with room to spare, no chain rub or anything, perhaps because the kinetix rims are so narrow. The ride is much more comfortable on the big apples. Once you get over the fact that the bike doesn't feel as immediately sporty (rock hard ride is often associated with fast bikes apparently), it's about as fast as before at much lower tire pressures. Also, the bigger momentum of the wheels makes it possible to ride without hands on the bars, which is handy to wipe your nose in cold weather.
The sram X9 gears are awesome, no matter how twisted the cable is from folding it up, the indices just end up offset when you don't get the cable sorted again, but there is never any waywardness in shifting or any noise from the derailer. I'm really glad I didn't go for the singlespeed Mu Uno too by the way, because I get a lot of wind on the flats in Belgium and this is a commuter bike, not an "exercise yourself to destruction" bike.
Overall, really satisfied with this bike, it's done about 2000 miles so far, even the wife uses it from time to time. Everything's held up well to the abuse and the bike is definitely fast, and reasonably comfortable. Only downside is that it isn't the neatest package when folded. Kind of annoying on the bus really; but if you just need a bike to chuck in the trunk of your car and take everywhere, this surely should be on your list.
Regrets? Not going for the 2.15" big apples. They would most likely fit without issues too, at worst I'd lose the largest cog at the back which I never use anyway.
Obligatory cellphone pic.
If pic doesn't work, here is a mirror:https://telin.ugent.be/~dvhamme/IMAG0014.jpg
Last edited by xlDooM; 11-22-12 at 07:06 AM.
#1113
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I love it.
:-)
:-)
#1114
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Say hi to my brand new Mu P8 (not even fully setup :-P) and my newly bought "used" Speed Uno :-)
#1115
Day trip lover
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i just got a new (to me) iped full size folding bike. things a beast! 26" wheels, 6 spds, and the strangest back brake i've ever seen (looks like some kind of disk break hybrid). i call her red.
Last edited by mr geeker; 12-27-12 at 01:01 PM.
#1117
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found this image on the web, same bike, same color, etc... (apparently my camera was taking too big of pictures)
Now the problem is telling my auntie that although i like it, it's just to big for train travel and that i still plan on buying one anyway.
Last edited by mr geeker; 12-27-12 at 01:11 PM.
#1118
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Here is my contribution. The first three photos were taken in Strasbourg, France this past summer. The photo on the right was taken in Eguisheim, France (a small village south of Strasbourg).
1. My wife's and mine.
2. Bikeshare in Strasbourg.
3. I can't believe there is a car (Renault Twingo) with the same color as my Brompton.
4. A wonderful village known for their flowers and wines.
#1120
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#1121
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got a diblasi recently, 20" wheel with folding fork, seems less usefull due to fold size than a 16" R4, so selling soon. Like the simple fold, but although the folding fork makes the fold shorted it adds width to the fold, I prefer the R4 in !6 inch. Also less joints to get out of line ect.
Also got a Birdie.
Some issues with this if anyone can advise ?
1) the chain seem too short, as it locks in low gear (due to excess chain tension?0
2) seems to be some lateral play in rear pivot, adjust this out??
3) chain guard catchs on rear frame when folding unless done very slowly it bounce off it. Bottom bracket alignment? or remove doulbe chain ring guard ?
4) chain comes of when folding at front chain wheel despite double guard.
5) bit of play in front stem that cant seem to get rid of by tightening bolt, ie it does not tighten any more, and tryed putting washers behind it to space out.
Also got a Birdie.
Some issues with this if anyone can advise ?
1) the chain seem too short, as it locks in low gear (due to excess chain tension?0
2) seems to be some lateral play in rear pivot, adjust this out??
3) chain guard catchs on rear frame when folding unless done very slowly it bounce off it. Bottom bracket alignment? or remove doulbe chain ring guard ?
4) chain comes of when folding at front chain wheel despite double guard.
5) bit of play in front stem that cant seem to get rid of by tightening bolt, ie it does not tighten any more, and tryed putting washers behind it to space out.
#1122
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Someone correct me if I'm wrong, because I've never done this adjustment. But I think you should be able to fix the problem #1 listed below by adjusting the B-tension. It tightens a torsion spring that angles the derailleur away from the cassette. It seems like it should be just a quick adjustment to keep the chain from catching in the lower gears.
got a diblasi recently, 20" wheel with folding fork, seems less usefull due to fold size than a 16" R4, so selling soon. Like the simple fold, but although the folding fork makes the fold shorted it adds width to the fold, I prefer the R4 in !6 inch. Also less joints to get out of line ect.
Also got a Birdie.
Some issues with this if anyone can advise ?
1) the chain seem too short, as it locks in low gear (due to excess chain tension?0
2) seems to be some lateral play in rear pivot, adjust this out??
3) chain guard catchs on rear frame when folding unless done very slowly it bounce off it. Bottom bracket alignment? or remove doulbe chain ring guard ?
4) chain comes of when folding at front chain wheel despite double guard.
5) bit of play in front stem that cant seem to get rid of by tightening bolt, ie it does not tighten any more, and tryed putting washers behind it to space out.
Also got a Birdie.
Some issues with this if anyone can advise ?
1) the chain seem too short, as it locks in low gear (due to excess chain tension?0
2) seems to be some lateral play in rear pivot, adjust this out??
3) chain guard catchs on rear frame when folding unless done very slowly it bounce off it. Bottom bracket alignment? or remove doulbe chain ring guard ?
4) chain comes of when folding at front chain wheel despite double guard.
5) bit of play in front stem that cant seem to get rid of by tightening bolt, ie it does not tighten any more, and tryed putting washers behind it to space out.
#1123
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Someone correct me if I'm wrong, because I've never done this adjustment. But I think you should be able to fix the problem #1 listed below by adjusting the B-tension. It tightens a torsion spring that angles the derailleur away from the cassette. It seems like it should be just a quick adjustment to keep the chain from catching in the lower gears.
Most things shorted now. Need to source a birdie ( or simular ) drailler gog chain tensoner. This sets on the drailer. (Keeping up snafu tradition of always spelling disrailer incorrectly)
#1125
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Pacific Reach
I'm still riding a Pacific Reach Racing folder that continues to make me a happy camper - and I put a LOT of miles on this puppy. Here's a shot of me riding it in a pace line for the 200 mile Seattle to Portland (STP) ride. We did the ride in 1 day - there aren't many folders that you can do a ride like that on!