stmalk

I'm finally selling my full size bike and thinking of getting a foldable one with the max budget of $600.
I'm aware that in this price range, no Bromptons/BF/Birdies exist, so my choice is basically between Dahons, Terns or Giant Expressiway 1. I'm going to commute around 22 miles each day + recreational 30 miles on weekends. So it's going to be used a lot in NYC.

I'm mainly considering Giant at this moment for the only reason - I found lots of photos/posts about Dahons/Terns breaking in half while people ride them. Steering also snaps and people kiss the road pavement. I think Tern even recalled the whole series of those for a major structural failuer. Considering that I don't have health insurance, I would want a bike that doesn't snap or break while I ride so my face stays intact. I wonder if this issue is still prevalent in these?

On the other hand Giant Expressway 1 is known for its sturdyness and reliablitiy. It might be heavier and not that neatly foldable, but so far I figured it rides best of all in this range. I'm also long legged 6'1" so I would need something fitting my height.

Do you think Giant Expressway 1 is a good option or I'm wrong about Dahon/Tern failing and breaking?

rhenning

You are not wrong about Terns having in the past problems but I know of no such problems with any of the Dahons out there. Tern and Dahon are different companies. If I want to buy a bike I ride it first and generally ignore the baloney on the Net. The Net is generally someones agenda based. What am saying you got to ride it to see if it fits you and sitting in front of your computer doesn't do that. Roger

GTA

Hi, I think you are just too worried.

Technically, all folding bikes have the risk of breaking at the folding joint. But as long as you check you folding mechanism regularly and keep doing proper maintenance, the possibility will be very low.

Actually, talking about quality and durability, not many bikes are better than DAHON / TERN, from my point of view and 15 years folding bike experience.

linberl

You can find used BF for that price if you look on Craigslist and are patient. Assuming you are US based and that's what you want. Several on the bike friday community facebook page (you'll need to join).

stmalk

Hm, any opinion on Giant Expressway 1 though? Or Dahons in this price range are definitely better?

Khb

How small do you need it to fold? https://www.montaguebikes.com or one of the other full size folders might do you if you don't need a tiny fold.

BruceMetras

Sounds like you are contemplating over 100+ miles per week. With that kind of projected mileage, go find a 20" demo bike (Dahon/Tern/Giant) and take it for a 22 mile spin to see if it meets your needs. There will be a big difference in ride between a large wheel commuter bike and a 20" unsuspended fold-in-half bike. Reliability of available models under $600 won't be that different across those 3 brands. My concern would be with long commutes over rough roads on 20" wheels day in and day out. That's why I would try one out over my projected commute before buying.

1nterceptor

On short(er) rides; any bike will do. On longer rides; fit/ergonomics is very important.

In New York City you'll have a few places to test ride(test fold) a few brands/models.
Some shops even rent.

stmalk

I definitely have to ride those to see what it is. I get either Giant Expressway 1, Dahon D7 or Giant Escape 1. It's upsetting that foldable bikes don't last over 3-4 years. There is no point to get anything for 1200 or more since they all break so soon. I only want to get it to be able to hop on off subway without pissing everyone off in case I need to take a subway.

1nterceptor

I spent more than US$1,200 on my 2013 Brompton S6L-X. Can't remember anything breaking;
only replaced usual wear items. Brake pads, tires, front wheel(brake surface wear). Been on
over a dozen flights; have gone on long(er) rides:

100 Miles(160 Km.) on a Brompton by 1nterceptor, on Flickr

stmalk

Ok, what else do we need, right? A pleasant ride after work until a jaw gets broken haha.
As Giant Expressway is faulty and not really well folded, I set my eyes on Dahon Mariner D8.
Please don't get me wrong. Bromptons are cool, but not cheap and small wheeled which takes away some comfrot.
So Dahon Mariner D8 might be something I go with.

stmalk

What Dahon do you have?

Abu Mahendra

The reports of the Dahon Boardwalk's death are wildly exaggerated. It is not discontinued. These are the 2019 Boardwalks, my recommended choice...

tds101 

The Dahon Boardwalk is discontinued in the USA, and the OP is in NYC. Importing is expensive, and the max budget is $600.

Here's the Dahon Speed D7 Street,...it's $395 on Amazon. Decently kitted for what you get.



https://www.amazon.com/Dahon-Speed-S...dahon+speed+p8

BruceMetras

The only Dahon Boardwalk in current Dahon price list in the USA is the S-1 .. Single speed .. but, with horizontal drops there are a few hub gear options available if one wanted to upgrade.

towndock

That would be upsetting - if it were true. It really isn't - at all. The Tern's you mentioned do have a bad rap on their early models. But Dahon's don't (nor really any other significant manufacturer.)

I have a 15 year old Dahon. Aluminum frame. It is still a sweet ride. I had an over 20 year old steel Dahon. It lived on a sailboat, in a salt air environment. The components finally got too rusty - but the frame was still fine. And it took a couple decades.

Get a decent bike - it will last.

tds101 

Hmmm,...the rear dropout is 120mm OLD. A Sturmey-Archer 8 speed IGH would fit nicely. I like this suggestion. Excellent recommendation!!!

stmalk

Alright, I did some research and found no complaints about Dahon Mariner D8 snapping or breaking. So I've decided to go either with this one or with Dahon MU P8, which is also in the same price range and similar quality.

1nterceptor

Were you able to test ride a D8? And when I say test ride; I also mean try folding/unfolding, lifting/carrying, etc.

Another model you may want to look into is the D7. Also has rack & fenders. $100 less; also 1 gear less.
Dahon Vybe D7 - bfold

stmalk

I'll do it tonight and during this week. It's hard to find a store that has Mariner D8 at this moment. All of them have Mariners D7 only, but D8 has better components. I found a store that has MU P8 though, but I don't think I will get it, as it doesn't have fenders or rack. Same applies to Vybe. So Mariner is really the only option I like so far.
I guess I test Mariner D7 and if it works out good, I will keep looking for Mariner D8 or maybe order it online. I definitely need 20" and 8 speeds to take on Prospect Park hills and other bridges.

tds101 

Good to know,...thank you.

Now, since the Boardwalk S1 is 110mm OLD, all that needs to be done is to replace the non-drive side nuts with slimmer ones. That way it would be usable in the B/S1.

stmalk

I went around bikeshops and none had Dahon Mariner D8. Danny's claimed they had one, but when I got to the store, it turned out to be none. So I just decided to take a ride on Dahon Uno to try what the folding bicycle is like. A salesman told me right away that folding bikes are crap, that I should avoid them and get a proper full sized one. Then I told him that I sold my road and hybrid bikes just to get a foldie haha, so he stopped arguing. I tried Uno and I LOVED it right away. I mean the whole foldie riding experience - really relaxed but controllable, I went uphill easily even on Uno's fixed gear. I came back to the store and told them I'm going to find that Mariner D8 no matter what.

DP Roberts

THOR USA has a Mariner D8 demo model on sale here (scroll down a bit): THOR USA