SilverW

Hi guys

I'm new to this biking forum and hoping I could receive some nice advice on buying my first folding bike.
I'm checking out this model Vitesse D7HG from Dahon (here is a link to the site page DAHON Bikes USA:*Vitesse D7HG)

The only store I found in Montreal sells this bike for 899$ I'm wondering if there is another place I can find it for a lower price, or even a canadian online bike store.

I haven't checked out many bikes yet but I would actually prefer something comfortable like this bike I linked and maybe larger wheels as I might want to add an electric motor kit to it in the future (I was told BionX is the best ones?) This one is 20 inches, if anyone knows of a model that has 24 to 26 inches and looks like this style let me know.


Another question is what's the price range I would be looking at for a foldable electric bike that can accelerate on it's own?

Thanks !

Ozonation

I assume you've been to Dumoulin Bicyclettes? Others might have different opinions, but I think you're pretty much limited to choices in terms of bikes and costs if you're looking for a specific folding bike, particularly in Canada. That being said, I don't think Dumoulin's prices are drastically different than others you'll find. I live in Ontario, but I've stopped by Dumoulin several times when in Montreal for business and have been impressed by their selection and what seems to be a good service shop.

A folding bike is unique and you'll want service and support from a good local bike shop (LBS). You might save some money going online, but if you do, don't forget to factor in shipping, duty (if you buy from a US site), and then service if something breaks and you need to get it fixed from an LBS that didn't sell you the bike. If you're prepared to save some money now and gamble on not paying later, you can check out Urban Cycle in Toronto (great shop) or JV Bike in Vancouver (I've heard mixed reviews, but YMMV). I got my Brompton from Fairfield Bicycle (really great sales but I don't think they carry Dahon) in Victoria, BC, because there are no folding bike dealers where I live so I'd end up shipping something regardless.

I don't know anything about electric conversion kits, but if you want to go down that route, better talk to some knowledgeable people upfront: you don't want to end up with a bike that proves incompatible or too difficult to work with later on.

As for cheaper... you're probably better off looking on line, like EBay or Craigslist, to see what might be available.

And I'm envious of all the bike paths in Montreal and the great protected bike lanes downtown. Lucky you. (Yes, I did bring my Brompton to downtown Montreal before and ride around. It was a great day of riding before the conference.)

SilverW

Hey thanks for the reply!
Yes it was dumoulin, do you think 899 for the dahon d7hg is a good price? Their other ones were too costly for my budget

Now for folding bikes im just thinking if 20 inch wheels will be good enough
Im planning to use thr bike mainly on bicycle paths in montreal not on the streets with all those potholes


The real thing i want is am electric but i think i will collect more info about them and save for next year
Other store i found online in mtl is a shop named dyad
Does anyone own any of their foldable ebikes?

Ozonation

From the looks of dyad's website, their electric folding bike is essentially a Dahon clone (or similar) with electric all built into it. If you want it, I guess you'll have to decide if it's in your budget.

Given that you'll mostly be on bike paths... why exactly do you want an electric bike? A folding bike can go pretty fast if you have decent gearing.

keyven

Take note that electric folding bikes with 24-26" can end up being prohibitively heavy, OR very expensive. I don't believe there's a good middle ground unless you look at much smaller wheels.

SilverW

I actually wantrd the electric feature for the fun of it and a little help in case i get too tired for long bike journeys
Maybe some help for going uphill because i dont handle hills very well lol

Yeah it seems theyre still too costly now for a good one

Ill settle for a regular folding bike

Are there any other brands that are in the 300 to 500$ range?

SilverW

Just came across vela folding bikes for 359
Anyone have experience with these and which stores in montreal carry them?

SilverW

Just came across vela folding bikes for 359
Anyone have experience with these and which stores in montreal carry them?

Ozonation

No idea - I think I've only heard of Vela once before. The bike profile looks a little bit like Citizen Bikes, but then again, most folders in that price range look similar. Aluminum frame, Canadian support, decent gearing, might be worthwhile. Seems a bit heavy at 27 lbs. though. My Brompton - all steel - and a bit larger is only about a pound heavier.

Without knowing much about the bike brand, it might be worth the gamble. I personally think you're better off spending the $800 or whatever you afford at Dumoulin for a proven Dahon bike - plus you'll get service/support. As with most things in life, you get what you pay for. You can add on accessories later as the money comes in.

I think one thing to consider is... if you're primarily riding on bike paths, do you need a folding bike? Are you commuting with it? Planning to travel? Just like the idea of a folding bike? If not, $800 or so will get you a really decent urban bike.

Ozonation

Just found an older thread about Vela bikes. Take it for what it's worth...

https://www.bikeforums.net/folding-bi...a-folders.html

SilverW

I thought of folding bikes because i can easily put it in the car and go anywhere with it
And easier to store around the house

Ozonation

That is quite true! If multimodal transportation is your goal, a folder is hard to beat.

Cyclosaurus

I have a Dahon Speed D7 which I think is probably the best value for the money (about $450). Buying much cheaper than that and you are compromising on quality. There are also Terns to be had for around the same price, but I think they aren't as speedy. I had to return a poorly-made $300 folder before I got the Dahon. ThorUSA is a regular poster here and he has lots of info on terns, dahons, etc, on his site ThorUSA. The Dahon Vitesse is a nice bike because of the internal hub which is much lower maintenance, but a significant jump in cost. Incidentally, I bought my D7 on Amazon for $450, but when I got it, it was the 2012 model even though the description on Amazon was for the 2013 model. The easiest way to tell is by the name on tires (Roulez = new, Rotorio = old). I contacted Amazon about this discrepancy and they refunded 20% of the price, so I ended up getting it for $360. Not sure if they are still shipping the older model under the new model description, but if so, you could also get it for what is a pretty unbeatable price.

SilverW

Just took a look at the dahon site and the IOS S9 model seems to be what im looking for
24 inch wheels and seat height is adjustable
I prefer that the seat height is lower than the handle bars for the comfort

Problem is it doesnt look like canadian retailers have it
I may check out that speed d7 its within my budget around 500

Ozonation

If you're going to go with a 24" wheel folder, why not consider something a bit bigger that should perform better and still fold? Here's one from JV Bikes in Vancouver. I can't comment on sales/service as I've never bought anything from them, but at least they're in Canada.

Espresso [S-5047, M-5048, L-5049] - $734.00 : JV Bike, Vancouver's Premium Bike Shop

SilverW

That one looks interesting, I'm wondering if the seat can go lower than the product picture or make the handlebars height higher.
I think I'd need to try it before I buy it, dumoulin website seem sto have the Jack model and seems similar, I'll go see how it looks in person

amazon has the espresso for 650 and the jack for 670, nto sure but I think it's free shipping. I'm willing to spend a bit more than my 500 budget if this is the right bike

Thanks for all your advice !

SilverW

if anyone knows of any montreal dealers with the Dahon Briza d8 or the Espresso / Jack, let me know

Ozonation

I think you really, really need to try out the bike before buying. A comfort bike is great, but consider that most comfort and even urban bikes have their handles higher than the seat: the amount/degree to which it is higher varies. Bikes are quite personal obviously, so what you think might be a good comfort bike by its appearance might not be as desirable once you try it out.

A friendly suggestion: if you end up at Dumoulin or some other bike store, and if they give you great advice and service, patronize them and buy it from them. Yes, you might save some money by buying on line, but a good LBS is worth their weight in gold. One of the LBS by my place took the time and effort - for the same amount of money - to fine tune the back brake on one of my bikes: I'm pretty handy, but there's no way I could have done it on my own. Besides, an LBS might be able to raise the handle to exactly where you want, and if you ask nicely, maybe they'll throw that adjustment in with the price.

SilverW

I have finally decided to get a Tern Node D8. It has the frame I'm looking for and it's 24 inch wheels
problem is I don't know where I can buy one.

Dumoulin says they may get them by the end of summer and there is only JVC bikes in vancouver if they still have in stock.

Does anyone know any other sources near Montreal where I can buy this bike? If there's a retailer in Ottawa I would drive up there to buy it.

TheAppleogist

Great choice! I finally got my Tern Node D8 yesterday, via ThorUSA. If you haven't yet, go to Find a Tern dealer near you | Tern Folding Bike and Folding Bicycle Accessories | Worldwide to find the dealer near(est) you. Rode the bike to Target and the gym last night and it didn't feel like a folder at all. Loving Tern's attention to detail and terrific pricing strategy but I wished they would find time to edit their voluminous manuals and pamphlets; it was migraine-inducing.

aidzbelty

The MEC Origami folding bike has a Tern frame, internal hub gear, fenders and racks. It's only 650 CAD on the MEC website.

browngw 

In addition to our other bikes, mrsbrowngw and I own Giant folders purchased at our LBS. The service has been great and hopefully parts will be available in the future if required. Folders have a lot of unique proprietary parts. Hers is an Expressway and after a couple of years of use has stood up well. It lists at $499 but was discounted at purchase. I have a Giant Halfway which is pricier and has been discontinued. Both are used for trips as they pack easily in our RV or Focus Hatchback. Pictured here is the Expressway2.