Dahon Bullhead vs Dahon Silvertip - worth it for a short commute?
 

I've been using the Brompton a lot more lately to get to work since the weather's warmed up, but this past winter has really played havoc with the roads, and there's a lot more construction too. It's a lot bumpier than usual, and I'm wishing I could get just a little more suspension and responsiveness out of the Brompton. I also noticed that with the new building I work in, I don't really need to fold my bike from the entrance to the office, but something that is a little more compact would make it a lot easier to haul into elevators and through doors. I then remembered Dahon had/has their midtown (?) series, and I saw a special on a Dahon Silvertip from a bike shop (not local) as well as a Dahon Bullhead online (private sale).

The Silvertip does not have Big Apple tires but I was told that BA tires should fit. The Bullhead already comes with BAs, so no problem there. I'm obviously think BAs will give me some of that suspension that I want, and the more typical diamond frame will mean a more responsive bike. The ability to fold would be a bonus in this situation, and probably would not get folded often.

On the other hand, the Bullhead has a 7 speed Shimano IGH - which I gather is *okay*. I like IGH for city riding, but I don't know how good the Shimano 7 speed hub is. It looks like the gear inch ranges stated for either bike are fairly comparable.

Lastly, the Silvertip is from an actual bike shop, even if it will be mail order, so I'd like to think I have a bit more purchase security than the Bullhead (internet/eBay/private sale).

Why not just ride my regular bike? The commute is short - about 15 minutes - and there's not a lot of open road. It basically cutting in and out from one side street to another, so I like the nimbleness of a smaller wheel, but wouldn't mind something a bit more like my full size bike.

Other than the fact that I have too many bikes anyways, would getting a Dahon midtown make any sense, and if so, which one?

there's also this one:

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/OTAwWDE2MD...TcP-7/$_57.JPG

and this one:

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTI4MVgxNj...TdInD/$_57.JPG

and this one:

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTA2NlgxNj...Taqrx/$_57.JPG

and this one:

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/OTE1WDEyOT...Td3ag/$_57.JPG

or:

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTAwMFgxMD...TELzd/$_57.JPG

or:

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTAwMFgxMD...TEQ~~/$_57.JPG

"full size" http://itemimgs.naver.net/personacon/5/21/1202105.gif

So... I'm guessing here... but I take it you think I should go full size... ;) and forget the midtown...

no.

just sharing the options i saw that were in the range you mentioned.

also, the tourando and the break-away are brazed reynolds steel ;)

Ah... I see. Well, to be honest, I probably won't go for another "full size" bike... I've got enough of those as it is.... don't we all? :thumb:

Okay... I phoned the shop which is selling the Silvertip. I asked if it can take Big Apple tires (it should be able to) and if the cassette can be swapped out for a Shimano 11 speed IGH in the future. I'm 5'11", so I'm assuming a "large" is the right size.

Any advice would be appreciated.

DefinitelyE=Ozonation;16769295]Okay... I phoned the shop which is selling the Silvertip. I asked if it can take Big Apple tires (it should be able to) and if the cassette can be swapped out for a Shimano 11 speed IGH in the future. I'm 5'11", so I'm assuming a "large" is the right size.

Any advice would be appreciated.[/QUOTE]

Definitely go for the large, I am 5'7" and I have a medium and I don't think you want to be much taller than me on that frame. The silvertip is a great bike and I don't think you will be disappointed, I got mine a few years ago. I am surprised you were able to find one, they have been out of production for a few years now.

If you are into eventually going with the IGH you might want to go for the bullhead which has horizontal dropouts which are ideal for an IGH, the silvertip has vertical dropouts which make tensioning the chain on an IGH setup difficult, other than this difference the two bikes are almost identical.

Thanks... this is good to know. I wasn't sure if the midtown frames are universal, or if the Bullhead differed from the Silvertip. I'm trying to decide if the IGH is worth it. I really like the IGH on my Brompton, especially for city riding, but it's my only bike with such gearing: the rest are cassettes.

IGHs are nice for folders being so compact with very little hanging out to get knocked but the IGH might add a pound or two to the bike. Pretty much all the midtown mini frames are the same, as far as I know, the bullhead is the only one that is different in that is has those horizontal dropouts specifically for its IGH. The gearing can be a little tricky on these smaller wheels but I find the stock gearing on the silver tip just about perfect cant say on the bullhead, I've never rode one.

Good to know you like how your Silvertip is set up. I think this one is an unsold, stock unit that's never been sold.

My original thought was that if I get the Bullhead is to ride and if I like it that much, then I'd upgrade the IGH. I have to admit that I like the colour scheme on the Silvertip more, and I'm more familiar with gears in terms of maintenance (although I know IGHs are supposed to be mostly maintenance free).