Hi all,

I'm starting a several month-long bike tour around Malaysia and Indonesia in about a week. I don't have a bike.

It's a long story but the bottom line is I'd like to quickly buy a Dahon and outfit it with panniers. I won't be camping or cooking along the way so the weight will be minimal. I think rear panniers should do it. My rides will be more or less on good roads with some inclines but nothing crazy.

My problem is that I am overwhelmed with the choices here in Kuala Lumpur. There aren't the same Dahons as there would be in a western country but there are still many Dahons with many products numbers. I was hoping that someone might tell me which of the following would be ideal for touring around. All have 20 inch wheels. All bikes are between 450 USD and 550 USD I've narrowed it down to these:

Vitesse D8
Curve D7 Akibo
Boardwalk D7
Brizda D8
Speed D8 (I think my favorite)
MU D8
SUV D6

When I do Western review site searches I sometimes see these referred to as P8 and not D8 but that's not what they say around here.

Any help would be great!

-Dave

I started folding bicycle touring last year on a Brompton, and also own a Dahon Speed P8. My $0.02 is:
- In Asia get something with fenders, the ground stays wet for while, even if you may choose sit out the actual rain. Wheels are very efficient of throwing dirty water around, and on you.
- See if you can load all your gear in panniers and fit it on the bike with enough clearance to pedal and lean/turn. Folders with their low rear racks are limited horizontal due to heel strike, and vertically for ground clearance (esp cornering)... you may need to consider a rack-top "trunk". Riding while wearing a backpack get old fast, although there is the option of mounting large backpacks vertically on rear racks with the shoulder straps hooked on a dowel attached to the seat.
- Consider dropping the front chainring size for lower touring gearing. Unless you are a strong rider, these bikes are usually geared for flatter ground/lighter loads/shorter rides.

I wouldn't have a problem touring on my P8 if it had a good fender/rack/pannier set-up - it's perfectly capable. I don't know the other models, but I would assume that they're more or less going to be about the same, and you're really just looking at slight differences in components, trim, and styling.

Curious what you think you can get your luggage down to terms of weight/volume. For reference, max US carry-on size 22x14x9 is ~45 liters.

The US version of the Curve is 16" wheels. You may want to stick with 20" wheels for more comfort. I'd prioritize (1) wheel size, (2) gearing, (3) overall weight.

I would recommend you stay with an 8 or 9 or 10 speed cassette hub. The six and seven speeds have freewheels most likely.

The cassette hub is way stronger and the rear axle in a cassette system is way stronger.

The Mu frame is about 1.6 pounds lighter than the speed frame but if you are going to add another 25 pounds in gear that probably won't make a difference.

All the weight on the back in panniers will make the bike fairly wiggly.

I would get a set of Tern minimalist front pannier racks and front panniers with a small top bag on the rear rack.

Have a great trip.

I would also stick with the 406 20" wheel size. Some of the Dahons come in the 451 20" wheel size which is a little harder to find tires for.

I would get a Speed 8 because of the chromoly frame.

Thanks
Yan

Speed D8.

I would also steer towards a single piece handlepost and change the handlebar to adjust height.
Those 2 piece handleposts feel flimsier when cranking hard.

I second going for fatter 406 tires.
Wider is better going over storm drains.

I live in Singapore (south of Malaysia), this is what I look for in a bike :

1. Fenders (rains often, almost every day), keeps water from splashing on stuff/self/bike
2. If the bike has fenders, a poncho (even a cheap plastic one) or a rain cape is not a bad idea. (or rain jacket)
3. 20" 406 is more common to find tubes and tires.
4. 1.5" or 1.75" tires are a good idea to get a more comfy ride as well as less issues with manhole grills.
5. Heel strike on rear pannier bags will often be an issue, make sure you've got clearance before buying.
6. Accommodation is cheap/safer, so I don't think you'd need to carry as much stuff. (no tents/sleeping pads )
7. Look for a bike with 2 chainrings and 7-8sp (best if there is a nice spread in the rear cassette).
8. Make sure you've got plastic/trash bags to keep things dry (or waterproof bags) (it rains almost everyday)

Thanks so much everyone for the responses....unfortunately I called several stores this morning and the Speed D8 is completely sold out everywhere. No chance.

Stores are pushing this Boardwalk D8 and I'm considering it. Not sure.

Thanks!
Dave

Is the boardwalk a steel frame?

Thanks
Yan

Hi Yan,

Yes, for 450 USD here are the specs on the Boardwalk D7 (the D8 has same specs but is 8-speed and 30 dollars more):

• Frame: SuperLite 4130 Chromoly
• Fork: Integrated, Patented Fusion Technology, Steel
• Handle Post: Radius, Adjustable with New QR Lever
• Drive Train: 7-speed Shimano Tourney
• Wheels: 20″ Aluminum Rims
• Hub: Mini Aluminum Bearing Hub
• Brake: Alloy Powerful V-Brakes
• Weight: 12.3kg
• Folded size: 78×65×34cm

Also comes with a decent helmet and front/back lights. I'm guessing I'm going to need to get a better seat for comfort along with all the rest of the gear like racks, panniers, spare parts, etc, but the main thing is the bike!


-Dave

The devil's in the details, and I think its hard to make too much of an assessment from just model name alone.
Parts on the bikes can vary from country to country.

I'd suggest looking out for these on the bikes :
1. Gear spread over number of speeds
2. Crank/chainring quality (some can be really cheap stamped metal )
3. Flimsiness of the folding areas (not) and safety latches.
4. Reasonable brakes that don't have a tendency to rub

For me, there won't be that much of a bike geometry to fuss over.
They all are 'Dahon' type fold (with the Brizda D8 being the exception).
If there will be things that irritate you over the course of its use, its usually the items mentioned.

I'd also suggest going really easy with the carried stuff.
In fact, maybe no need for more than a 15/20L waterproof bag secured to the rear rack.
1 set of casual clothes;
1 set of cycling clothes;
toiletries
Small towel
Sandals

most stuff are either cheap in the shops in the town you stop for the day or you'd have it in the hotel room.

Fyi, this is what I am carrying on a tour of Bali right now.


A top tube bag with tools, pump & tube, and where I carry small snacks and my face sweat towel.


1.5L bottle for size comparison

Toiletries, clothes (cycling shorts, regular shorts, underpants, swimmining trunks and three synthetic shirts), earphones & phone charger in a 8L dry bag. Everything except underpants is synthetic for wash & wear ease, and quick drying.

Smartphone is mounted on handlebar while on the bike, or in my hand/pocket when off the bike.

I wear Teva-like sandals (no worries about shoes getting wet), and Pearl Izumi gloves. Money, ATM/credit card & passport copy in pocket. That's it. Agoda is your friend for accomodation, and street food is ubiquitous, very tasty, and cheap in Malaysia.

Re. rain gear, I dont carry any. In the hot & humid tropics you will wet yourself from the inside from sweating if wearing a jacket. If it rains, I get soaked, I embrace it.

Just got back from Malaysia, and I've been there a couple of times before so give a holler if you need tips.

Your folding bike options are too limited, I would encourage you to consider a non-folding option.

Thanks,
Yan

The Dahon Boardwalk in Malaysia and Thailand is fitted with a cassette hub..The Dahon SUV 6 speed should be a lot cheaper than the price you quoted..In Thailand it is priced about 8000 Thai Baht and the Boardwalk is 14000 Thai Baht ..The Speed P8 in Thailand is about 18000 Thai Baht but it has the option to change it to 16 speed with a front derailleur braze on..If you have the money the P8 is a great bike.. but if you only want to do short tours in flattish areas the Dahon SUV will do a good job..Comes with a pannier rack and fenders..IAll down to what you want to do..I recently did a weeks tour in Southern Thailand 300 Kms in a week on an old Dahon 6 speed..no problems..and you can carry a decent sized bag on the pannier rack but it must not be wider than the rack otherwise your heels will hit the bag..

After seeing one today (finally) I checked what you mentioned. We played with the rack and panniers and unloaded they weren't going to strike the heel. I don't think they'll expand frontways in a significant manner but if I go that route then I'll bring gear to the shop to see if it works. But you know....they're close to the ground and a hundred dollars a bag. That just seems like wasting money.

I much much much like the idea better of just having a "trunk" as you put it. I can't quite fit all my stuff into my backpack and my rucksack is too big. But if I can a midsize bag then I'd really prefer it.

My goal is minimal without being stupid. Two changes of everything except socks and underwear, jeans, bathing suit, long sleeved shirt and toiletries. Apart from a few spare bike parts that's about it. All electronics in front bag, and that just means phone, kindle, and chargers/cables.

This is exactly what I'm thinking.

Yup this is genius. It seems we think almost alike. I'll go for shoes myself and have you tried UNIQLO underwear? Yeah, it's a weird topic to discuss but they have this Air series that's cheap and wicks away the moisture. Rolls up to nothing.

Also agree about the rain. If it rains, I get wet or I stop. This trip is about slowing down, not looking at my watch. And it's not rainy season.

And I finally found one today! It's just about the same price in KL. I'm going to make a decision soon but apart from not being able to do 8000m mountains (which Malaysia is short of) I'm having trouble thinking of a reason why I shouldn't get it.

No, never heard of UNIQLO underwear, sorry. Underwear is for when i am off the bike. I wear cycling shorts with integrated padded liner. Again, Pearl Izumi. Good stuff.

Ah, regarding the seasons. Look, in the tropics (and this applies to Bali or Malaysia) there's really only two seasons, rainy and rainier. We had some rain when we were in Perak state and in Penang about two/three weeks ago. It will rain regardless.

I purchase my UNIQLO in Japan, though we now have it here in Canada. I use their Heattech in the winter and whatever it is called in the summer. Great stuff. I wouldn't take jeans on your trip, too bulky, takes too long to dry when you wash them. A lighter cotton or traveling pant would be better. The bike you posted looks great, should work just fine. Sounds like a fun trip.

THIS is a great article on folding bike luggage carrying options, and HERE'S a couple I use with my own ~10L EDC messenger bag on the Brompton and Speed P8 (no rack).

The best way to carry gear on a tour is as follows:

1. Buy a grill such as https://www.amazon.com/Quick-Grill-M...grill+portable . I got a cheap one at a supermarket ( $5 ).
2. Take the top part and put it onto your rack to make a super big rack.
3. Put your rackpack on the grill and use the rest of the grill as framing for sleeping bag, tent, and stuff.
4. Keep it all together with bungee cords.

I never liked panniers they act like a sail with a crosswind. You will minimize drag by piling the stuff behind your back .

Thanks,
Yan

My advice would be to buy the Speed D8, with fenders, lights and a rear rack to carry two Ortlieb front pannier bags, these are the ones that would allow you to pedal (Ortlieb rear pannier bags are too big for such a bike). I believe this would give you 2 x 25 litres capacity.