prkaye

Looking to get my first folding bike. These two look very similar in stats, but the Tekcoup is considerably less expensive (400CAD vs 620CAD). Any thoughts on the best choice/value between these?

Dahon: dahon.com/bikes/vybe-d7/
Tekcoup: tekcoup.com/collections/frontpage/products/285000-20-01

Thanks!!

kayakindude

I have had the Vybe since January and it was my first folder. It has met or exceeded my expectations. It is a little slow for my taste in Stock form, but for cheap money I added a 56t crank and 11-28 freewheel.
Bike is my commuter and has flown with me 5 times this summer, in Tampa this week. Used it for a 22 mile round trip commute in St. Paul with no issues. Can't say enough good things about it for the money.

Rick Imby

For the extra $100 the previous poster paid for crank and wider range freewheel you could step up to the Speed 8 speed and not need to change anything.

My recommendation would be to start with an 8 speed----Cassette ----bike and not go the 7 speed freewheel route.

Most 7 speeds will have a 13 tooth small gear in the back and like a 46 or 48 tooth front sprocket. If you are dawdling along this is fine but if you want to work out on your bike you will probably want a higher top gear. The specs I require on a 20" wheel bike is at least a 52 sprocket on the front and a 11 tooth high gear in the back.

I would look at the Mariner D8 from Thor----- Dahon Mariner D 8

or

Speed D8 from Thor Dahon Speed P8

Good luck---

Rick Imby

I would also look closely at Craigslist especially if you are near a big city. Lots of deals ----again try to find an 8 or 9 or 10 speed.

kayakindude

Want to avoid the whole freewheel vs cassette thing, but for an entry level bike like the Vybe I have not found a freewheel to be an issue. 7 gears are plenty and the low cost (mine was 300 usd) allows for more customizing. Several other Vybe owners here that can probably attest to the bikes durability.

prkaye

Thanks guys. I got the Vybe D7 on the weekend. It rides nicely, and fits perfectly in the back of my small plane. I do notice, as was suggested, that the top gear is a little low for my liking. I'd be interested in knowing more about this modification I can make to make the top gear higher. What's involved? Layman's terms please, I'm a bike newbie.

Rick Imby

You can buy another freewheel that has a smaller top gear---Yours is probably a 14 tooth.

And or

You can buy another Crankset---yours is probably a 46 or 48 tooth and you could buy Up to a 60 tooth front crank.

The lowest high gear I want is a 52/11 = 4.7 to one. It means the wheel is rotating 4.7 times for every time the crank rotates. With a 14 tooth you need a 66 front or a 57 tooth with a 13 tooth sprocket in the rear.

Good luck

kayakindude

The Vybe has a 46t. The cheapest upgrade is switching to the 11-28 freewheel for about $30. I bought mine on amazon and a search in the forum for "Vybe freewheel" will get you everything that you need. I went to a 56t crank for about $70, but again I would recommend try the freewheel as it might be enough speed for you- I tend to get a little crazy with speed and like to stay at or over 20 mph on the flats. The freewheel was super easy to switch- like handling a large screw, and it was completed in about 5 minutes.