Originally Posted by
tdonline
Bonzo, Dahon announced an 8 speed Curl. Why is an aluminium Curl just as heavy as the steel Brompton? That's the showstopper for me as I want my next folder to be super light. And yeah, that pricing was surprising--in a bad way.
I didn't know about the 8 speed Curl but personally I don't think a 8 speed hub is as reliable as a 3 speed which is why I suspect Brompton kept to a 3 speed hub for long term reliability and made the 2 cog derailleur. The weight seems to be related to the extra load capacity but such an aluminium frame may not be particularly comfortable if they have made a really rigid strong frame out of aluminium. Unsure why Dahon didn't use steel, they have made many steel bikes in the past and if they are trying to replicate the appeal of a Brompton it would seem a no brainer to also use steel. Also using steel would have allowed the curl part to flex slightly absorbing/damping road bumps at the front wheel. Don't quite get some of the design choices but I guess when its fully reviewed it may make more sense.