AX2

Hi there
Edit: I can't decide between the Vybe D7 or the Vitesse D8. Which one do you recommend?

ThorUSA

Vybe d7 , alloy frame decent component, nothing outrageous, easy for hills but not all that fast in the top speed, non adjustable height handlepost probably my best selling bike though
Speed D7 , Steel frame nice, but not super great components, non adjustable height handlepostbetter than vybe
Mariner D 7 ..... alloy frame, pretty much accessorized, polished, adjustable height handlepost
Speed P8 special in white/green fork ( better components, steel frame, questionable color )adjustable height handlepost


D ( deluxe ) P is Premium components
its tricky for sure ..... and makes only a little sense ( at times )

AX2

Thanks for the input!
I've been looking around some more and narrowed it down to the Vybe D7 (12.3kg model) and the Vitesse D8 (12.7kg model). Which one do you think is best?

tds101 

The Speed P8, selling on closeout for $499, is a STEAL!!!

Dahon Speed P8

AX2

bump?

invisiblehand

There are a lot of threads like this as well as the sticky.

The best advice I can give you is find a decent dealer and test ride a few bikes. If you're close to a major market, you might be able to find something used to save some bucks and experiment.

downtube

I like the Speed 8.

Thanks
Yan

desastar

I vote Speed P8!

HGR3inOK

AX2 - Where are you located?


-HANK RYAN-
Norman, Oklahoma USA

AX2

I'm from Portugal (near Spain). Unfortunately, this country sucks and is always a few steps behind the rest of the world, so there are no Dahon/Tern/Birdy/Brompton/whatever dealers here. All we have is the Decathlon's b'Twin Hoptown 320, which has an ok looks but the folding mechanism is way too clumsy and it's also too heavy at 14.3kg (nearly 31lbs.)

(Yeah, I'm dying to emigrate...)

My only choice is to blind buy online from international stores. Also, returning the bike in case of dissatisfaction is not really a viable option for me, since I'd have to pay 96$ to send it back...
That's why I'd like some help, in order to make the most informed decision possible.

-------


Unfortunately, the Speed P8 isn't available in any of the European online stores I found. Buying from outside Europe would result in high duty taxes, so no can do :/

downtube

Who ships to Portugal for $96? I assume it is a European retailer.

Thanks
Yan

AX2

Yes, it is an European retailer, but they don't ship for $96 - they ship for 12$.
But if I wanted to return the bike after receiving it, the post office would charge me 96$ to ship such a heavy package. (The store doesn't cover return costs)

downtube

The speed 8 has always been my favorite Dahon for the money. I don't think there is much of a comparison.

Thanks
Yan

AX2

The Speed P8 isn't available to me, I can't buy it.
I'm just trying to chose between the Vybe D7 and the Vitesse D8...

downtube

My recommendation would be the following in order

1. Find a speed 8 to buy
2. Find a different retailer with other options
3. If nothing else is possible get the vitesse.

Thanks
Yan

badmother

How far from a border do you live? Is there a second hand marked? Can you go on some sort of cheap trip to look at bikes? Body sizes can be important when you try to buy without testing first.

My best fitting folder is my first proper folder. Bought it on sale locally at £ 200,- approx. No proper test riding but I know what my bikes look like and after looking at it for weeks I bought it. Other bikes I play with the fit for years.

If it was me I would listen to those who suggest a speed 8. Is there tourists comming to your area? Can you buy second hand from abroad? Do you have friends or family abroad that a bike can be shipped to so you can get the bike you want? Would you be able to sell a bike locally if you are not super happy with it? Combine Airbnb hosting with bikeshopping? I bet you can find a tourist selling a folder before leaving the country if you do your research. Ride that bike for some time, decide what you like and do not like, sell it locally and get something better. Bikes just like cars lose the value fast. Buying a bike that spent some time in somebodys garage could save you moeny and get you a much better bike for the money you spend.

Like somebody said there are lots of threads like this so you may want to read some of them. Also a lot of rewiews on YouTube and then there are the blogs.

A lot of peopel want to emigrate thinking the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. It could be but you find you`re not allowed to step on it.. or it is full of broken glass.. or dog poo.. or it is fake. A lot of peopel are disapointed or heart broken after leaving theyr country. I would like to live in a warmer climate- like Portugal... but I am still here in the snow

invisiblehand

Just for clarity, I understand that traveling is not always an option. But given that these bikes are one-size but highly adjustable, trying one is important if you're particularly short/tall, short/long legged, and so on. That written, if your physical dimensions are somewhat average the bikes are designed to "fit".

If faced with a 7- or 8-speed bike derailer drivetrain, I'd pick the 8-speed since you need a bigger gear range and smaller gear jumps is nice feature.

downtube

I like 8sp because they are normally cassette based drivetrains, while 7sp are freewheel based. The difference in quality is huge. Additionally there are not many choices for freewheels in the market. While cassettes come in all gear ranges.

Thanks,
Yan

invisiblehand

That's an excellent point. I assumed that the 7 speed would still be a cassette on a shorter freehub or with a spacer. But your observation that it's a freewheel makes much more sense.

edelay

Dahon Curve. LOL

badmother

It has always suprised me that the Curve is not more popular. It is like a well kept secret.

tds101 

I absolutely love the Curve. I wish an 8 speed was available, but it's still a sweet little bike with 3 speeds. Wonderful bike.

downtube

I like the Curve, but it is small. Not everyone will fit on it.

Thanks,
Yan

badmother

Been thinking of going to 5 speeds on mine, like I have done on the Brompton. It all depends of the use of the bike- and the user.

tds101 

A Sturmey-Archer 8 speed, IMO, is more my style,...even though I'd prefer a Nexus hub.