jbennett1987

Hi all,
I'm new here and have a question regarding the Dahon D8 folding bike. I recently ordered a Dahon D8 Speed online which is due for delivery tomorrow.

However, a few days ago I noticed the dealer also has a Dahon D8 Vitesse. I'm new to folding bikes but noticed it was 200 GBP cheaper than the speed. I decided to contact the dealer about this but they seemed clueless suggesting there is no difference in the two other than the speed has a Chromoly frame and the Vitesse is Aluminium and slightly lighter.

This confused me a little as I paid more for a heavier bike that is supposedly no different.Although the pictures of the bike look ever so slightly different. I'm just a little bit upset because it feels like I've spent more for a heavier bike that provides no other benefit, and it's already been shipped now.

Can someone help me understand if there is any other benefits? I'm really struggling to find much info online comparing the twom

I tried posting the links but I cannot seem to as I'm new here and need 10 posts. But I ordered it from Acycles.

Many thanks
Jon

rhenning

Buyer remorse has set in I suspect. That is why I only buy bikes in person. Then I have riden it and know I like it. Roger

tds101 

The Speed D8 is heavier because it has a stronger frame. Cromoly vs aluminum. I'd say that the Speed D8 is a fantastic bike, and should be able to last for years to come.

PS: try posting the links to the bikes by typing them out, not copy & paste. I'd luv to see exactly what you're reffrefer to,... Otherwise, I'd say you made a great choice. I have a Speed P8 and it's wonderful.

jbennett1987

//www.acycles.co.uk/dahon-speed-d8-folding-bike-20-8-speed-white.html

jbennett1987

Speed D8://www.acycles.co.uk/dahon-speed-d8-folding-bike-20-8-speed-white.html

Vitesse D8: //www.acycles.co.uk/dahon-vitesse-d8-folding-bike-8-speed-20.html

Thanks

badmother

The speed is a better bike. I would not hesitate to buy the speed over the Vitesse. Search the forum and read, you`ll find peopel recomend the speed over other bikes again and again.

Bonzo Banana

I'm not keen on either bike for the price but I'm not a Dahon fan. I'd have to agree with your second assessment that you aren't really achieving anything for the extra £200 unfortunately. I find the advert confusing for the Vitesse it says you get a Neos derailleur but the image clearly shows an Altus derailleur. The Speed has on face value a more comfortable, stronger Chromoly frame but it's paired with aluminium forks where as the Vitesse has a aluminium frame and high tensile steel forks. For me the combination of a aluminium frame with less flex delivers better power delivery and steel forks at the front helps provide a better ride. Chromoly frame and forks for me would be a better combination, all round taking the sharpness out of bumps and pot holes plus delivering a smoother ride. I guess my point is for me steel forks is a win whatever even high tensile steel forks although would prefer chromoly. Wheel rims don't look good on either bike quite low end.

The important thing is though both bikes are 8 speed freehub based which offers the best long term reliability so in that regard you can't go wrong with either. It's not hard to pay £400 plus with Dahon and end up with some crappy freewheel based folding bike but both of these have solid drivetrains.

A quick look in halfords show they have a crappy freewheel based Vybe for more than the money acycles are charging for a 8 speed Vitesse.

Dahon Vybe D7 Folding Bike

If your buying over the internet anyway I assume you either do your own maintenance or have someone who can do it for you. May not be cost effective to buy online and then pay full price for services and repairs locally at a local bike shop. So always bear that in mind. Depends on bike dealer of course but they won't charge for warranty work and often throw in a free service or 2 plus repair punctures just for the price of the inner tube etc. Also you have the satisfaction of supporting your community keeping that shop financially viable ensuring children's bikes are safe to ride etc.

Alternative options could be something like this.

ALLOY FOLDING BIKE - Greenwaycycles

I wouldn't recommend it to someone who can't do bike maintenance themselves. They are a box shifter only. It does have some nice components including double wall rims and overall beats both the Dahon bikes except lacks mudguards, rack and the saddle looks like it needs replacement to something more comfortable and less sporty.

The Speed is a little more premium there is normally a £100 difference anyway, some of the components look slightly upgraded over the Vitesse. It's not the end of the world if you end up with that bike but on a value for money basis I think you have to give it to the Vitesse but given a choice between paying the extra for Speed or having a 7 speed Vybe I'd definitely pay the extra for the Speed. Also that Speed frame will be good for many years no question. Chromoly steel frames just go on and on. Chromoly steel frames are more expensive to manufacture than aluminium nowadays overall.