Thoughts on next folder. Long and rambling.
 

:rolleyes:
Just thinking in public about my next folder. Sometimes it helps to write it down. Nothing terribly new here, but feel free to comment.

Already have a Dahon Speed P8 (spare folder), BF Crusoe (light touring, general road riding, bike to pack on airplanes), BF Pocket Tourist (main commuting bike), Raleigh Twenty with SA 5 speed hub (just wanted one ;) ).

So it's kind of self indulgent to get another, but what the heck. I'd like a truly "take anywhere" folder, the kind that's really simple to take inside any building without hassles, even if it needs to be bagged first. Don't need quite the gearing range I have on other bikes, but need to be able to get up some hills. Want to have some good option for carrying moderate loads, like maybe 15-20 lb. of groceries, on the bike.

So right now, I'm thinking of Downtube mini, Brompton, C, M, or S type. And I'd like to wait to get full particulars on the Dahon Curve SL.

No point in making detailed evaluations on the Curve, since we still only have limited information on it. One advantage of waiting to learn more is that it keeps me from making any decision too soon. ;)

Brompton advantages: Steel frame is a plus for me, although not decisive. Proven smallest and neatest fold. Has been around long enough to have a track record for quality. Good front mounted luggage system. Disadvantages: expensive. At 5' 7", it seems that the M type bars would be high for me, about 3 or 3½ inches above the saddle. Yes, some people like them that high. I am aware that people even shorter than I ride them. S type bars probably about right, but still not adjustable. Gearing options I'd want would be more expensive. C type, not sure about the brakes, and also has those high bars. All Bromptons, some proprietary parts.

Mini advantages. Less expensive. Wider gearing range, although maybe wider than I would actually need for the intended usage. Few proprietary components. Big cheering section on this forum.:) Disadvantages: Less of a track record. Very little chance of getting a test ride, even less than with most Dahons. Aluminum frame. Some components lesser quality perhaps, like BB, headset, and front hub. Fixed height bars, although some people have modified these. Larger folded size than Brompton with chain on outside (am I wrong on this?). Less sure about how I'd carry loads. I've seen that recent picture of one with a rear rack, but how does that affect the fold?

By the way, concerning fixed height bars that are "too high", I do understand that if I'm not hammering on long road rides, this is less important. If I can get the energy and time to visit some NY Brompton dealer for a test ride, I can get a better idea on this . However, the highest I have the bars on any of my bikes is roughly level with the saddle, and I have them about 1½ inches below the saddle on bikes with drop bars.

Not sure if they are shipping them to the US, but worth considering the Mezzo, or its oriental equivalent the FD-1 Ori-bike. Folds close to a Brompton - through also shares some folding characteristics with the Birdy. Mine has been in and out of buses, trains and offices unbagged with no hassle. Jon Whyte frame design lacks central hinge, which means lighter bike, without flex. Overall look of the bike is rather neat http://www.mezzobikes.co.uk/ (though new Oribike looks even tastier...see image halfway down show report at http://www.velovision.co.uk/cgi-bin/...l?storynum=826. Ride is very nice (despite no suspension and 16" wheels) - commuting into work on London's sub-optimal streets has been a pleasure over the last month since I bought it. Cost in UK is around £600, which seems pretty decent value.

I'm in the market for a small folder too, almost the same interests that OP showed. Due to budget, I've excluded Bromptons and now I', considering another Merc, DT Mini (Capreo version maybe) or the Dahon Curve SL once I learn more about it. BTW, any idea when this one is coming out?

DaFriMon, please let us know about your decision. I'm making my decision at the beginning of next month, so maybe I can benefit from your experience.

If I remember correctly, the detailed specs for new model Dahons will usually come out in November or December. Some new model bikes will come out early in the year (in this case 2007), but in some cases, certain models haven't been available until August (I'm serious). So if you want to have your new bike soon, I wouldn't wait for the Curve. I'm just waiting to see the full specs, so I can tell if it's something I might want. Then, if I thought I could get it no later than March 2007, I might order one. Or I might order one at the beginning of the year, and cancel the order if it looked like it would be delayed. If not, at least that would give me more time to decide between a Brompton and a Mini, but I probably wouldn't order either of those any earlier than December. Sorry if my original post led you to expect a more helpful answer. :)

I'd say Brompton with one of those front luggage mounts and maybe upgrade the brakes. Contact BFold in NYC, nice guy, knows Bromptons very well.

DT Mini is still "Rev A," cheap or not I'd pass until the designer has gotten some feedback on issues. I'm sure that the "cheering section" will point out all the issues with the first iteration -- after they're fixed. ;)

Another big plus of a Brompton is that when folded, the chain is on the inside, so there's less chance of getting chain grease on someone or something when folded.

It is quite easy to fit replacement handlebars to a Brompton to get a lower riding position. Flat or riser MTB bars work quite nicely, allow the cables to be shortened slightly and, if carefully chosen, reduce weight.

I've been unable to locate a sus fork for 16" wheels after searching and phone calls. That leaves a sus seatpost or building up a 16" front wheel on a Pantour or Kinetix sus hub as the remaining options for suspension. I rode a Mu SL at the Coventry shop in Portland, OR, yesterday and was pleasantly surprised at how well the sus hub worked.

If you are looking for something to diddle with around town for errands and such, we have had success with the Merc/Brompton. You can change the the chainring (with either the Brompton or Merc) if the gearing is too high. The small bike can carry a lot of stuff with the front bag and rear rack.

No question that you don't get what you don't pay for (you don't necessarily get what you do pay for). I have little doubt that the Brompton would be higher quality than either the DT or Dahon. The question I have to think about is whether, in my case, the extra money is worth it. I might decide that it is, but that's why I'm taking my time about it.

Didn't mention Merc, because I'm not aware of any regular US dealers for them. I prefer not to buy a used one on Ebay, or go through the hassle of trying to import one myself. Doubt if I'd save that much over a comparable Brompton.