So I can't get the idea of getting a folder out of my head now... although it probably should leave my mind. Sorry this is part ramble and part questions. We are moving to expensive Boston so buying a new bike is not good, but the wife would probably let me. I could store both my bikes with the inlaws and use the folder as my comuter/everthing bike. One folder would be much easier to store in the apartment opposed to 1 or 2 full size bikes.
So my questions continue. The two bikes I would concider are the Dahon Vittess or the Downtube non supended model. 1. Would either of these bike be a good choice for my "everything bike" including road trips of up to 30 miles? I'm 5.8, 140 with about 15 year of riding. Since money is a major concern I cant justify spending more on a better bike, eventhough it appears that Dahon and KHS have some much better bikes. Since I like a streched out feel, I'm still concerned that I will feel a little cramped up but the stems that adjust up and down take some of this fear away along with the ability to add a longer stem with reach seems possible. I'm not concerned about one chainring as I only use one anyway.
specific quiestions.
Dahon... Major concerns. 2. The Neos derailer looks perfect, but I wonder if its possible to put any other derailer on a neos equiped bike as there is no derailer hanger on those bikes. 3. Is it possible to add a stem with reach to the Dahon bikes?
Downtube... 4. for some reason I'm a little aprehensive about the DT. It seems that Yan has addressed many issue posted on this website, but are they legitimately quality? Other than that, it appears the DT is a good fit for my budget, but wonder about it fitting me and my riding style.
Thanks all,
Scott

Fear not, O Durhamite, the DT is a bike of might.
Bottom line: If you like Dahons perfectly stock, you'll be happy. The wrath of proprietariness will turn it into a money pit should you start upgrading.
On the DTs, if you don't like something, you upgrade it using a myriad of stock parts. Longer cockpit? Mount a 130mm stem.

I love my Mini and VIIIH. As you have read, there are endless opportunities to upgrade the components on a DT but the frame is excellent. The stock components are are not top drawer to keep the cost down but they are fully functional and you can upgrade to your liking as your budget allows. You can happily ride it as is, I'm sure, for many trouble free miles.

The really great thing is if you order one and don't like it, either in terms of fit or quality, Yan will take it back.

Even though I know much more about folding bikes now than I did when I bought my DT's, I am still quite happy with my choice.

And, contrary to what some will have you believe, I haven't had a bit of trouble getting service at my LBS because they didn't sell the bike. Actually, they were quite interested in it - you know - where did you get it, how do you like it, it's cool, nice bike, etc...

Thanks guys... I'm glad the cheaper one of the two might be better. I realize the laws of supply and demand are finicky but why is it 50 dollars cheaper to get it with suspension???
Since it appears that you guys have one, what is the fit compared to your full sized bikes? The saddle and stem height can be diled in perfectly but what about reach?
Thanks again,
Scott

Don't buy a Dahon if you want to upgrade anything. Like, ever.

Neos derailleurs cannot be swapped out for a standard derailleur.

Putting a normal stem on the Dahon will require some hack work and will almost certainly mess up the fold.

AFAIK the Downtubes have a lot of no-name parts, but should be easy to swap out if required.

Scott, make sure to buy the DT on eBay, you'll get it cheaper! The NS forks are great. Have no idea about the pricing, but all the components are pretty low-end with the exception of the frame, brakes, and freewheel. The rims, and hubs are OK, too. (All the important bits!)

Be prepared to rebuild the bike or at least adjust the hubs, headset, BB, and spokes. Nothing is sealed, and, if you are unlucky, some things may be crunchy, especially the BB. It's very adjustable in terms of reach and height. You'll fit it fine.

Ours is parked next to me in my office now awaiting a 12 mile ride home in the rain.

Yan answered the price question somwhere in the Downtube thread. As I recall, he said that the suspension fork is cheaper than the NS fork, hence the price difference.

I'm confused why he would be selling them on ebay cheaper than on his own website? Laws of suppy and demand confuse me.
Scott

He is only selling black IX NS bikes on Ebay. Guess is most folks want one of the good looking paint jobs in orange and such colors and he has excess of black paint job bikes. I know I would have ordered a bright color instead of black had I not bought the cheaper black model on Ebay.

Ahhh... It doesn't matter anymore. The wife said bad timing with spending money and moving so she officially said "not right now". I love my wife, I love my wife, I love my wife....
Scott

"legitimately quality?"

I do not own a DT but the parts seem ok.

If you are heavy you probably would want more spokes on the wheels. The hubs and BB might require more servicing, especially if you operate in wet/winter weather, than a higher set. There may also be issues with rust when compared to a much more expensive bike.

"Dahon and KHS have some much better bikes. " Over time you can upgrade parts on the DT.

A cheaper bike is better for daily use as theft will hurt much less.