Dahon Curve (D3 and or SL) thread
 

Apparently all the respected models have their own thread, and since I just recently joined the Dahon family, I don't think it's a bad idea to create the place to find information about the Curve.

I'm loading a few pictures comparing the folded size with a Merc. More tom come in the future.

R

PS: So far, besides being a little heavy and a little stiff, this bike is awesome. I'm already working on reducing the weight (Fenders, rack, etc) and a nice thudbuster seatpost will do the trick.

The tires on the Curve look smaller than those on the Merc. Are they 305s?

Yup, they're 305s.

I'm surprised at how close the two bikes are in size. Everyone raves about the Brompton folding so small. I thought the folded curve was kinda big and judging from the photos it looks like the Brompton is too.

BTW, 14R, how much does your bromptonstein weigh?

Very nice. I see you're turning yours into a bit of a speedster, whereas I'm going for more of a nerd-mobile shopper image with mine.

I would like to see a photo of the DT Mini next to the Curve. That would be more of an apples-to-apples comparison.

Nice pix of the curve - I see it folds the handles in the between the tires where as the merc has it to the side keeping the wheels closer together.. Who / where do you get the Merc from - nice looking bike too?

Would be nice to see the DT Mini here too..

Nice bike. I noticed you keep a basket up front. Can you have a Brompton like bag attached to bike or one that's closed?

I still feel the Presto Lite was better because it could be carried a football field without leaving you exhaused. However, your bike is still very nice.

I have the Dahon suspension seat post and it works fine. It's less expensive than the Thudbuster and doesn't compromise the fold. A Brooks Champion Flyer is also another alternative.

26 Pounds

I agree having the Curve next to a Mini would be a better comparison, but based on what I have here now, that's the best I can offer. :)

My Merc was purchased aproximately 5 months ago from Wav, a forum user. It's the "super Merc" as some other members address it, the G6 model with 6 speed and all the upgrades Brompton users would love to be able to get without spending thousands of dollars (front derailleur, V brakes, suspension handlebar, telescopic seatpost, S type handlebar with bar extensions, etc). It is a great bike and if I could I would keep it, but I need the money and the bike is right now on E-Bay for sale.

I already have a regular Thudbuster, so for me all I needed was a 20 bucks or so telescopic seatpost from Dahon (ended up getting it from ThorUSA again) and I am all set for a decent amount of money invested.

I think it is telling that the Brompton/Merc is still smaller when folded than the Dahon Curve - even with the latter's 305s. What's more, the wheelbase and saddle to bars distance is longer on the "Mercton"...

The Klickfix type bags don't seem to include any large ones comparable to the Brompton ones, and US dealers don't have a very large selection. I'm also not sure what the maximum weight capacity is supposed to be. There are some closed style bags on the market.

Time for some pictures. I don't have any decent landscape where I am (I don't live in Orlando right next to golf courses anymore) but one must do what he can with what he has, so here we go:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/186/4...0c720d53_b.jpg




http://farm1.static.flickr.com/181/4...58f1aa33_o.jpg



and while bored, waiting for a soup to get ready:



http://farm1.static.flickr.com/152/4...a4d38b7c_b.jpg


It is kinda weird how SMALL LOOKING the bike is. Well...

R

Nice looking bike. Very minimalist.

I love the last photo, b/w with the red pop! How do you do that?

Finally, did you say in another thread you're bidding on another folder? You just got this one!! Can't you make up your mind?:)

nice pics.. i envy your weather .. we have snow and -30 here .. anyhow whats ur height ? Will help to better picture the bike size..

I'm 5'9" (1.74m)

I need one bike for me and I need one bike to my significant other. Every week I have a new significant other, so I need a new bike about every other week (lol).

if you are familiar with Adobe Photoshop (I use CS2), create a new image with the same dimensions of the original.

Drag and drop the original image as a new layer;

make the entire image Grayscale;

Make the image back RGB (the grayscale will be preserved);

Now drag, once again, the original image (in color) to a new layer;

You pretty much created an image with 2 layers: one black and white and another, in color, on top of that;

Get the erase tool and nice and slow (I use a Wacom tablet) delete everything you don't want in color. The back and white layer will still be preserved;

Once you are done, flatten all layers and save as JPG.

With practice it takes about 5 minutes to do a simple image like this one.

Hope this helps.

R.

I like this plan! Wish I had thought of it before I got married :cry:

Hey 14R,

I'll date you for a week if you'll buy me a new Dahon curve. :) Of course I'm straight and married, but what the heck, it's only a week.

Juan

So has anyone tried the SL with the SA 5 speed ultra-light version (Dahon spec's wording, not mine)?

Let me think about that one for a second..uh..no. Something is telling me that this is NOT a good idea (lol)

R

PS:What a diverse group we have here, uh? Never thought I would find a folder enthusiast with pederastic tendencies! Awesome (lol)

By the way, the SL version is supposed to weigh 22 lbs.--with Big Apples on the wheels.

So how are things going with the Dahon Curve?

Do the bar-ends intefere with the compact fold?

Can you roll the bike while folded after extending the seatpost?

Can you fold the bike with the klickfix bag on the front?

Given that it has the front attachment, a 5-speed internal hub, and (hopefully) fully compatible with various Dahon handbar stem modifications, it has crossed my mind to pick one up as a small commuter. R ... I think you brought up a good point about the magnetic lock.

I am a little taller than you R (6') ... and I like to be more spread out horizontally; maybe Thor can suggest a few suitable mods.