Originally Posted by
chaadster
Oh, I've never ridden a Brompton, so nothing to give up on! I was just commenting on the appearance, and find the risers to look prissy and out-of-date compared to the flat bar on the Dahon. Yes, I know you can get a flatbar Brompton S type, but then I'd point out the dated crown forks with curved legs; the whole model range just looks old and frumpy compared to the Curl.
Why do you suggest the Curl may be gone in a couple of years, as if it's a problem, when the H type was just introduced this year, and so as a model, has yet to earn it's keep? That models come and go is a fact of life, and doesn't weigh much with me, and being "just a bike," I've found there's not a lot to go horribly wrong.
Anyway, if I was handing out bona fides for longevity, remember that Dahon has been producing bikes longer than Brompton. On top of that, Dahon has done more engineering and tried more unique designs, which translates as real, working experience to me, and is more impressive than just general evolution of a single design.
And don't get me wrong, I don't hate a Brompton, but was just answering the question posited earlier, "What benefit would the Curl have over a typical Brompton?" That answer, to me, is better styling. It also looks like a more compact fold, but since no one has seen one yet, I'll refrain from commenting on that aspect.
The Brompton has a classic look. I would certainly have to disagree that the Curl is a better looking bike. However this is not about debate but subjective preference. I challenge the Curl to do as well in the market at that pricing point and a chain folding on the outside. The Brompton is hard to beat as a commute n'go bicycle and I'd like to see people bring the Curl on a packed commuter train!
I'd like to stick my neck out and predict the Curl will launch and stay but it won't sell as many units annually as the Brompton. That's all, let the competition begin soon and consumers worldwide make their choice! ;-)