Third folder? (first good one)
07-06-07, 02:52 PM
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Third folder? (first good one)
Well, I'm almost ashamed to admit that I've had two folding bikes in the past and am thinking of a third. (the other two are sold)
The first one I had was an aluminum Kent with rear suspension, an aluminum frame, 20" wheels, and 5 speeds. The seat post wouldn't go high enough for me to get any torque, and I'm only 5'8" with a 32" inseam. I went riding downtown (Chicago) once, but was discouraged to be busting my butt to keep up with the little girls.
The other one was a cheap Chinese one called a Z-bike. This one had knobby tires, a 3 speed external deraileur, and also rear suspension. Believe it or not, I liked this one a lot better, even though it was cheaper in every meaning of the word. It was much easier to carry on the train, it came with a bag and a pump, was more comfortable, and just more fun all around. Shouldn't have sold this one. There's a pic of it about 1/3 of the way down this page:
https://nordicgroup.us/fold/#Zbike
So now I'm looking for my first "proper" folder, and I have a better idea of what I want now:
- Low price, preferably under $300
- No rear suspension: I want my hard-earned energy going into the pavement, not a shock. If it rides rough, I'll do something with the seat and/or seatpost.
- Folds acceptably small for trains & buses, but not so small that the ride is punishing. (I'm thinking 16" wheels)
- I'm leaning towards an internal hub mechanism or nothing, for reliability & cleanliness reasons.
- It doesn't have to be as fast or effortless as my 21 spd, 27" Schwinn cruiser, but should go 10 mph on flat ground without too much effort. (fast jog / slow running speed) Fast enough to make it worth carrying a bike, in other words.
- Intended use - Having a bike to throw in the trunk without having to commit to a bike rack. I have hatchback, and don't want a roof rack that will kill my fuel economy, and there don't seem to be any rear racks for hatchbacks. (maybe if I get a trailer hitch) Also, I'd take it to work via bus & train once in a while, and on the train to the city once in a while.
The bikes I'm considering at the moment are all Dahons: Boardwalk 1, Boardwalk 6 (or whatever they're up to), Curve D3. Even though the D3s go for around $360, I'm thinking of stretching a bit to get that one. I like that it has the hub gears, so I'd still have gears without an external derailleur. I like the aluminum frame, tires, and esp. the 16" package size.
The Boardwalk S1 is neat because of its simplicity. Coaster brake would be nice if I were caught in the rain, but I'm concerned about how the hill-climbing will be. Will I be able to handle hills if I stand up and pump? Or is the one gear more on the low end, so that it would be top speed that would be limited?
Boardwalk S7 - Nice, but probably on the big & heavy side for public transit. My previous 20" folder was pretty damn clunky on the train, and I had to take up two seats.
Curve D3 - On paper, this one looks perfect, but folks here seem to be going for the fancier 5 speed version. I'm not really convinced that I need more than 3 speeds and the extra couple hundred bucks would be quite painful too.
Used Dahon Sturmey-Archer 3-speed, 1980s vintage. I was looking at a couple of these on ebay, they seem to be going for around $160 shipped. But I read somewhere that Dahon's quality back then was not all that great. Can anyone confirm or deny this? How much more would they weigh, with that funky folding handlebar support?
Whichever one I get, I'll probably end up getting an identical one for my wife in a week or two, which is why price is doubly important.
Some of the fancier brands seem to be liked here, such as Brompton, but I don't think they make any in the $300 range with 16" wheels, do they?
I apologize for posting this, but looking through the past responses to similar threads, everyone has different criteria than I do...
The first one I had was an aluminum Kent with rear suspension, an aluminum frame, 20" wheels, and 5 speeds. The seat post wouldn't go high enough for me to get any torque, and I'm only 5'8" with a 32" inseam. I went riding downtown (Chicago) once, but was discouraged to be busting my butt to keep up with the little girls.
The other one was a cheap Chinese one called a Z-bike. This one had knobby tires, a 3 speed external deraileur, and also rear suspension. Believe it or not, I liked this one a lot better, even though it was cheaper in every meaning of the word. It was much easier to carry on the train, it came with a bag and a pump, was more comfortable, and just more fun all around. Shouldn't have sold this one. There's a pic of it about 1/3 of the way down this page:
https://nordicgroup.us/fold/#Zbike
So now I'm looking for my first "proper" folder, and I have a better idea of what I want now:
- Low price, preferably under $300
- No rear suspension: I want my hard-earned energy going into the pavement, not a shock. If it rides rough, I'll do something with the seat and/or seatpost.
- Folds acceptably small for trains & buses, but not so small that the ride is punishing. (I'm thinking 16" wheels)
- I'm leaning towards an internal hub mechanism or nothing, for reliability & cleanliness reasons.
- It doesn't have to be as fast or effortless as my 21 spd, 27" Schwinn cruiser, but should go 10 mph on flat ground without too much effort. (fast jog / slow running speed) Fast enough to make it worth carrying a bike, in other words.
- Intended use - Having a bike to throw in the trunk without having to commit to a bike rack. I have hatchback, and don't want a roof rack that will kill my fuel economy, and there don't seem to be any rear racks for hatchbacks. (maybe if I get a trailer hitch) Also, I'd take it to work via bus & train once in a while, and on the train to the city once in a while.
The bikes I'm considering at the moment are all Dahons: Boardwalk 1, Boardwalk 6 (or whatever they're up to), Curve D3. Even though the D3s go for around $360, I'm thinking of stretching a bit to get that one. I like that it has the hub gears, so I'd still have gears without an external derailleur. I like the aluminum frame, tires, and esp. the 16" package size.
The Boardwalk S1 is neat because of its simplicity. Coaster brake would be nice if I were caught in the rain, but I'm concerned about how the hill-climbing will be. Will I be able to handle hills if I stand up and pump? Or is the one gear more on the low end, so that it would be top speed that would be limited?
Boardwalk S7 - Nice, but probably on the big & heavy side for public transit. My previous 20" folder was pretty damn clunky on the train, and I had to take up two seats.
Curve D3 - On paper, this one looks perfect, but folks here seem to be going for the fancier 5 speed version. I'm not really convinced that I need more than 3 speeds and the extra couple hundred bucks would be quite painful too.
Used Dahon Sturmey-Archer 3-speed, 1980s vintage. I was looking at a couple of these on ebay, they seem to be going for around $160 shipped. But I read somewhere that Dahon's quality back then was not all that great. Can anyone confirm or deny this? How much more would they weigh, with that funky folding handlebar support?
Whichever one I get, I'll probably end up getting an identical one for my wife in a week or two, which is why price is doubly important.
Some of the fancier brands seem to be liked here, such as Brompton, but I don't think they make any in the $300 range with 16" wheels, do they?
I apologize for posting this, but looking through the past responses to similar threads, everyone has different criteria than I do...
07-06-07, 03:38 PM
#2
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Curve D3 sounds like a good bet. It would suit your height well. And that 3-speed hub will work well for general commuting and all but the steepest hills, methinks.
Slightly cheaper is the Speed D7. More gears, but also more bulk.
Hope this helps.
Slightly cheaper is the Speed D7. More gears, but also more bulk.
Hope this helps.
07-06-07, 04:01 PM
#3
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Originally Posted by JeremyZ
. . .
So now I'm looking for my first "proper" folder, and I have a better idea of what I want now:
- Low price, preferably under $300
. . .
- I'm leaning towards an internal hub mechanism or nothing, for reliability & cleanliness reasons.
- It doesn't have to be as fast or effortless as my 21 spd, 27" Schwinn cruiser, but should go 10 mph on flat ground without too much effort. (fast jog / slow running speed) Fast enough to make it worth carrying a bike, in other words.
- Intended use - Having a bike to throw in the trunk without having to commit to a bike rack. I have hatchback, and don't want a roof rack that will kill my fuel economy, and there don't seem to be any rear racks for hatchbacks. (maybe if I get a trailer hitch) Also, I'd take it to work via bus & train once in a while, and on the train to the city once in a while. . . .
Curve D3 - On paper, this one looks perfect, but folks here seem to be going for the fancier 5 speed version. I'm not really convinced that I need more than 3 speeds and the extra couple hundred bucks would be quite painful too.
Used Dahon Sturmey-Archer 3-speed, 1980s vintage. I was looking at a couple of these on ebay, they seem to be going for around $160 shipped. But I read somewhere that Dahon's quality back then was not all that great. Can anyone confirm or deny this? How much more would they weigh, with that funky folding handlebar support?. . .
Some of the fancier brands seem to be liked here, such as Brompton, but I don't think they make any in the $300 range with 16" wheels, do they? . . .
So now I'm looking for my first "proper" folder, and I have a better idea of what I want now:
- Low price, preferably under $300
. . .
- I'm leaning towards an internal hub mechanism or nothing, for reliability & cleanliness reasons.
- It doesn't have to be as fast or effortless as my 21 spd, 27" Schwinn cruiser, but should go 10 mph on flat ground without too much effort. (fast jog / slow running speed) Fast enough to make it worth carrying a bike, in other words.
- Intended use - Having a bike to throw in the trunk without having to commit to a bike rack. I have hatchback, and don't want a roof rack that will kill my fuel economy, and there don't seem to be any rear racks for hatchbacks. (maybe if I get a trailer hitch) Also, I'd take it to work via bus & train once in a while, and on the train to the city once in a while. . . .
Curve D3 - On paper, this one looks perfect, but folks here seem to be going for the fancier 5 speed version. I'm not really convinced that I need more than 3 speeds and the extra couple hundred bucks would be quite painful too.
Used Dahon Sturmey-Archer 3-speed, 1980s vintage. I was looking at a couple of these on ebay, they seem to be going for around $160 shipped. But I read somewhere that Dahon's quality back then was not all that great. Can anyone confirm or deny this? How much more would they weigh, with that funky folding handlebar support?. . .
Some of the fancier brands seem to be liked here, such as Brompton, but I don't think they make any in the $300 range with 16" wheels, do they? . . .
With a used bike, it's less the original quality that's a worry (well, of course, it *is* a consideration), and more what you'd need to do to make it ridable. Hard to evaluate if you're making an "as is" on line purchase.
Bromptons have a great reputation, but I think you'd be lucky to find even a used one for close to $300. Their bottom of the line model goes for around $650-$700 new.
The Curve D3 sounds fine for the riding you've described. I use mine quite a bit, but not for longer rides, or rides where I want to go as fast as I'm capable of. The longest rides I've ever done on it were around 15 miles, and most are shorter.
07-06-07, 04:20 PM
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hey - i just bought a 2007 boardwalk 1 speed off craigslist. it isn't good for hills - i think i will have to walk up the one in prospect park if i ride it around here - but i'm planning on using it manhattan where the land is fairly evenly squashed by all the pavement and buildings and people. it is kind of nice to just have the one gear - somehow it relaxes you into realizing you really don't have to go as fast as possible.
if you have any kind of hills the curve d3 or the speed d7 seem like the best bets unless you find something used (and fairly new) on craigslist.
if you have any kind of hills the curve d3 or the speed d7 seem like the best bets unless you find something used (and fairly new) on craigslist.
07-06-07, 04:25 PM
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Originally Posted by JeremyZ
The Boardwalk S1 is neat because of its simplicity. Coaster brake would be nice if I were caught in the rain, but I'm concerned about how the hill-climbing will be. Will I be able to handle hills if I stand up and pump? Or is the one gear more on the low end, so that it would be top speed that would be limited?
07-06-07, 06:05 PM
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Dahon Speed D7 sells for under $320.00 at Brandscycle.com with free shipping. It's what I got and superbly perform and have passed some roadies on it. Looking to upgrade in the future to a Dahon TR or Speed Pro. The D7 is sleek and fast. You can't go wrong with Dahon at the price range you are targeting.
07-06-07, 07:32 PM
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allo if there anayone can answer me i have to make a choice bethween 2 dahon 3 peed classic 3 cromoly and the other his a stainless frame since to be from the 1980 around this time so it is both 16inches wheels so if you do know as well the peroming long distance let me know thanks alot
07-06-07, 07:43 PM
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You're getting a folder from the 1980's ?? I think that's too old and folders back then may have serious problems today.
The bike you wanted was the Dahon Piccolo but it's been discontinued.
The bike you wanted was the Dahon Piccolo but it's been discontinued.
07-06-07, 10:03 PM
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Hey, the Brompton is a 1980s bike!
Anyway, the Curve D3 sounds like your bike.
Anyway, the Curve D3 sounds like your bike.
07-07-07, 06:46 AM
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Originally Posted by wrafl
Dahon Speed D7 sells for under $320.00 at Brandscycle.com with free shipping. It's what I got and superbly perform and have passed some roadies on it. Looking to upgrade in the future to a Dahon TR or Speed Pro. The D7 is sleek and fast. You can't go wrong with Dahon at the price range you are targeting.
https://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-DAHON-FOLDIN...QQcmdZViewItem
Where in the west 'burbs do you live? I'm in Round Lake Beach, up north. My old man lives in Bartlett.
07-07-07, 07:02 AM
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Dahon.Steve, Dynocoaster - The Curve appears to be the updated version of the Piccolo. Am I missing something?
07-07-07, 08:41 AM
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Originally Posted by JeremyZ
FYI - I don't know if this is a good price, but there's a Speed Pro on ebay for $750 Buy it Now:
https://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-DAHON-FOLDIN...QQcmdZViewItem
Where in the west 'burbs do you live? I'm in Round Lake Beach, up north. My old man lives in Bartlett.
https://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-DAHON-FOLDIN...QQcmdZViewItem
Where in the west 'burbs do you live? I'm in Round Lake Beach, up north. My old man lives in Bartlett.
The $750.00 "Buy It Now" is a good price. The LBS is asking for $899.00 plus tax. You won't find any price for that low on Speed Pro unless the seller get you for shipping cost.
Mt. Prospect here while my children lives in Bartlett. You got some nice trails up your way there. So whatever you decide and for the price range you wish to pay, you may want to consider also the Downtubes.
07-07-07, 12:46 PM
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I went for the Dahon Curve D3, from this place:
https://shop.sunrisecyclery.com/item/14785/
They seemed to have the best price around - $360, including shipping. The forum sponsors don't seem to carry this model.
I should have it Wednesday or Thursday. Wish me luck.
For now, it is 90° and the wife wants to go for a ride at Chain 'O Lakes State Park. I don't think she knows what she's getting into. However, we both need to lose some weight, so off we go. I'm dreading having to put the damn full size bikes into the trunk of our old Civic.
https://shop.sunrisecyclery.com/item/14785/
They seemed to have the best price around - $360, including shipping. The forum sponsors don't seem to carry this model.
I should have it Wednesday or Thursday. Wish me luck.
For now, it is 90° and the wife wants to go for a ride at Chain 'O Lakes State Park. I don't think she knows what she's getting into. However, we both need to lose some weight, so off we go. I'm dreading having to put the damn full size bikes into the trunk of our old Civic.
