Originally Posted by
rattosecond
I own a Dahon X10 and MuP8 but need something that I can bring to overseas trips to hilly cities.
When I am not travelling I would occasionally ride fast 25-33kph and bike to work everyday (not hilly) though not bi-modal I would like to have an option to fold it up quickly.
Im sure this is a Bike Friday I am looking for but not sure which model. Please help me determine the model and also recommend the specifications (capreo, handlebar etc) that would fit my requirements too.
You can not fold quickly with the Bike Friday, except for the Tikit model.
Anyhow, I have a Dahon Mu SL which is similar to your X10 that is equipped with 2 chain rings. You can only use 1 ring at a time, but on hilly runs, I switch to my 2nd chain ring (a 39T) using my toe and you can climb a tree with that! Determine your crank's BCD and then go to Sheldon's website to find the right second chain ring. This mod is cheaper than a complete Bike Friday. Most Dahon cranks are double, with the first being a chain guard.
On my Arizona trip, I have no problems maintaining speeds around 22-25mph with the Trek roadies riding Madone 5.2 and 6.2s, drafting behind! In fact, they were so impressed with my SL that they called it my Dahon the Mini-Rocket!
My setup are as follows.
In very hilly Vancouver and Vancouver Island (where we have 15 to 18% grades), I use a 46T/39T chain ring setup with a 11-32T cassette at the back.
While I was in Arizona, I had it configured with a 53T/46T cause it's mostly flat except cycling up to Carefree where I am on the 46T. I also have a Capreo rear wheel, but did not use this on the trip.
To switch back and forth, use popsicle sticks. Cheap and light, though the downshift can be done with my toe.
I'm too cheap to buy Thor's front derailleur upgrade kit for the Mu and my constant chain ring and chain swaps depending on abroad terrain and location probably won't work too well with that.