Originally Posted by chattrider
Hi -
I am new to the folding bike scene, and I have a little bit of a conundrum. Where I currently live has lots of access to pretty easy trails, through fields and such. I would like a folding bike that can take those trails, so I was considering the Montague DX. I also like the full-sized wheels on that. However, I am moving to the city in three months and will want the bike to commute and for the subway. So I am also considering a Dahon D7 or maybe a Dahon Espresso. I am not sure what the difference is between them besides wheel size (I cannot find a good review of the Espresso). Finally, I am considering a Downtube ISFX. Could I please get some feedback on these bikes, and whether the non-full-sized bikes can take an easy trail? Cheers!
I have ridden my IXFS off road many times. The bike handles well in light trails. There are a few things to watch out for:
#1 trails with many obstacles ( roots, rocks, etc ). Smaller wheels do not hold momentum, hence they will have a hard time with such trails.
#2 Down trees, and deep dips are dangerous. The smaller wheels will rotate around these obstacles....in other words it will throw you off the bike.
#3 Sand, and mud....thinner tires do not handle these well.
Thanks,
Yan