Are the D3 and SL frames very different?
Does the BioLogic™ II frame on the SL has any advantages or makes any difference?
I also noticed that the SL fold is more compact. I have a D3, but I am thinking in upgrading to a SL due to the color, weight, speeds, and other small upgrades which will cost me more if I decided to mod the D3. By the way the D3 can go FAST, you just need the legs and this machine can climb the Queensboro bridge at a decent speed without the need to stand up.

How much did you pay? Do you know if I can install any cog, or does it needs to be a specific one? I am planning on installing a 16T cog on one of my D3, will I have to get a new chain? Thanks in advance.

I paid $40 - for a new chain and labour. I think the 16T cog will be a good one, I found the 18T went too far for me - great hill climb gear but I was spinning too much on the flat bits. The guy at the bike shop swapped in a cog he happened to have on hand, so I don't think it was anything special.

Good luck!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3601/...g?v=1241181246

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3366/...dc4100.jpg?v=0

My Curve with new Rixen & Kaul backpack attached.

I have been touring with My Curve D3 fitted with Topeak New World Tourist rack with Dry Bag Panniers attached on each sides.

http://images.mruvi.multiply.com/ima...nmid=246270133

You can see more pictures at http://mruvi.multiply.com

Just ordered my 2nd folder, a Dahon Curve D3. I got a great deal at Performance Bike, $359 + shipping and tax. I'm really looking forward to getting this bike. I've had an Ez-Pack for about a month. It has been an okay ride but I've been wanting something of higher quality.

I'm hoping that by removing the wheels, fenders and rack that I will be able to get the bike into my VERY small airplane. The luggage area is about 24" X 18". . .

--
Michael

It is really nice to see people having a good time with their Curves. I unfortunately wasn't really luck with the short wheelbase for my kind of ride, so I sold mine to a classmate at the beginning of 2008. If it wasn't the short wheelbase, I would say the Curve is one of the best overall folders in the market right now.

curve d3 rear spacing
 

dear curve d3 owners...

would like to ask:

just bought a used curve d3.
removed the rear axle nuts, and realized that the rear end is kind of "forced" inwards.
meaning: the OLD of the sram t3 hub, is narrower than the rear spacing..
is this normal?
I know I can compensate with some rings, but then the threads to tighten will be less.
or is it possible that the previous owner has forced another wider hub into the frame? so that the frame ends now becomes wider than standard?

thanks for answers...

I ride a MEzzo and a Dahon curve. You proberly are aware that the MEzzo has a shorter wheel base but a lengthened strem. It rides better than my Curve so I feel the problem on the curve is the short cockpit position. There are lots of options for altering this. I am considering a satoria QR quill stem (£25), anyone tried one to get more forward reach but keeping the QR option.

I have been riding an unknown brand (at least outside my country) folding bike. wimcycle bazooka.
after riding my recently acquired curve d3, I realized how short the wheelbase of my earlier bike was...

for me, 170cm tall, the curve is just perfect...

Just for the heck of it - some recent photos of my SL.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3418/...954c2416cf.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2483/...7f16360637.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2550/...87687947d6.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2639/...538814a31c.jpg

Regarding the wheelbase, though I'm not 100% certain, it does feel and look(compare these photos to photos of my old SL '07 a few posts above) as though the wheelbase of the '09 edition is a bit longer.

Curve has a 46T chainring, will it be better to change it to a 52T chainring ? i have one lying in my garage and would like to put this thing into good use. but check this guy's tricked curve D3. he's from singapore and he has a 60T chainring installed on his curve D3.... nice one.....

the combination of 46/13 with 16inch wheel, that dahon supplied, (through careful research and development?) is just right for me.

a 60T chainwheel replacement, is just a typical asian singaporean overkill upgrade..
(hey, I am asian too, aren't I?)
let the owner go through stop and go (and many redlights) during weekdays traffic, or let him ride his bike in san fransisco...
and we'll see....

no offense to the singaporean guy....

So, enlighten me. What is this Typical Asian Singaporean Overkill Upgrade phenomenon you speak of?

Is that in the same category as the Typical Asian American Overkill Upgrade phenomenon, or the Typical Asian European Overkill Upgrade phenomenon?

I wouldnt take it personal but I am guessing that the cities in Asia dont have many hills?

Appears to be so if you look at the dimensions on the Dahon site, the 2007 is a smaller fold.

http://www.dahon.com/sites/default/f...ld_curvesl.jpg

Just noticed the 2010 Curve SL is now "Obsidian" Black. Nice!

Also - a good review of the 2009 SL here:

http://singaporebulldogcyclists.blog...han-prams.html

hi guys. is this hub suitable for our curve d3 or curve sl? I'm not proficient in mandarin at all and would like to enquire if anyone here has use this for their curve sl.

cheers!

http://item.taobao.com/auction/item_...jhtml?cm_cat=0

Nice hubs! Though they won't fit the D3's rear(120mm OLN).
I think they will fit the SL which has a wider rear end(130mm OLN).

You can find more information on those Novatec F172SB hubs here:
http://www.novatec.com.tw/novatec/en...c_d_c_data.php

hmmm
 

interesting! thks for the info.

now that i know the length of the rear is 130mm for the curve sl.

Does anyone know the length of the front hub of the curve sl?


Cheers!

Both the Curve D3 and SL share the same 74mm front hub dimension.
Most, if not all, 16" and 20" Dahons use 74mm hubs in front.

I currently use the Kinetix Pro wheelset(stock equipment on the SL) on my D3.

I am traveling through China and am currently in Kunming. I just purchased the "Janet" for "Chinese Domestic Market" which is the D3. I got it with a upgraded seat, a Dahon front shopping bag, a Dahon carrying bag for a 16" bike, a spare tube, and water bottle carrier. It cost me only $325. The only downside is that the frame is only warranted for 3 years and the parts for only 3 months.

I have a couple of questions.

The fork seems to be very stiff when turning to the right or left. Can I assume that the headset can be adjusted?
Like the D3 this version comes with Big Aplle 2.0 but the spare tube they gave me is for 1.5 to 1.75. They said it would be OK. Will it ?
The chain was very tight when it came out of the box. They brought the rear wheel forward a bit but I feel it is still tight. How tight or loose should it be?
Thanks for the answers to my questions.

I have ridden it for about 2 hours and it is a nice ride. Isn't the best fit for me as I am nearly 6' but I wanted a very small folding bike for my current and future travels. I live in Thailand and occasionally backpack around so I want a bike I can easily bag and carry on to buses, trains as well as the occasional flights. I am looking forward to many years of enjoyable riding with this small midget.

I thought the curve was a standard 135mm ? No?

I am happy to join the Curve club. It has been a fun little folder to add to my collection. I bought it in Philly from CL and it survived the trip home in my suitcase.
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/a...3/IMG_6387.jpg



I had a biz trip planned for Philly so I checked their craigslist before travel and found a great deal on a 2008 Curve D3. I brought my bigger suitcase and some tools and scheduled for the seller to meet me at our office. The bike is in great shape except that the front tire developed a flat just after he arrived. I still bought it. Once back at the hotel room I was able to test the seatpost pump and it worked great. I did find a small pinhole in the front tire tube. Just have to get it patched or replaced tomorrow. I am looking forward to getting it to fit in my suitcase before I leave in a couple of days. The bike has the owners manual and touchup paint and the recalled handlepost has already been replaced.

I am looking forward to adding it to my stable of folders and testing how well it travels.
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/a.../IMAGE_182.jpg
http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/a.../IMAGE_186.jpg

The outside dimensions of my suitcase are 27x18x14 inches. I had to remove both wheels, rear fender, rack, pedals, and seat from seatpost. I also pulled the handlebars and upper handlepost out of the lower handlepost. Below are photos of the dry fit. I started with the rear wheels and fender. Then I strategically placed the handlebars between the bottom of the frame and then place the rack above the handlepost hinge and placed the whole rig into the suitcase. Finally I placed the front wheel in. I still have room to place the seatpost, seat, chain, pedals, and tools in later. Now I am going to pull everything out and add some protective cardboard and bubble wrap where needed and repack.

This particular suitcase would not be ideal if I decided to travel with my Curve. I will probably look for one that has more appropriate dimensions. I think this will work well for getting it home safely. It helps that I am a Delta Medallion member, so I won't get charged any baggage fees.

nice and useful info..
it had not crossed my mind, to remove the wheels.
I just fold, plastic wrap at the airport, and just let go in baggage...