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Old 04-05-07 | 11:25 AM
  #21  
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pm124
Car free since 1995
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,050
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From: NYC

Bikes: M5 Carbon High Racer, Trek Emonda SL6

I would love to see a review of the Mini with Capreo. It's a great drivetrain set up, and is about equivalent to the 105-level groupo according to Bike Friday. So, the Capreo Mini is an outstanding deal.

The other consideration is that the non-Capreo equipment on the big Downtube is the worst stuff coming out of China. Some people have had bikes that were missing bearings on one side of the BB, had frozen parts, etc. So, the Capreo stuff will be a huge improvement, and well worth the $100.

For what it's worth, my 24 pound Downtube NS required a new seat, tires, cranks, and bottom bracket to get to it's stated weight. (Yes, without the iron pedals, etc.!) Given that it was stocked with pedals and a seat that weighed close to 2Kg, it's a bit deceptive. I'm not sure how much more conservative Dahon is with weight, but I would bet that the stock Dahon, including pedals, is a bit lighter than the stock mini.

Finally, both Downtube and Dahon have a *history* of terrible quality control problems. So, if you don't like fussing with rebuilding wheels, etc., that's a consideration. That all said, for what you get, the Downtube is a super bargain for builders.
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