A century on a Speed D7?
05-27-08, 10:31 AM
#1
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A century on a Speed D7?
Hi all. Someday, maybe next year, I'd love to ride the New York City century. Do you think my Dahon Speed D7 could withstand that, and if not, why not? Is it crazy to think I could use my cheap commuter bike on a ride this long?
Cheers.
Cheers.
05-27-08, 11:01 AM
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Plenty on the Dahon forum have done 100+miles on D7's :-) Have a look on the Folding Soc's website too, 100 miles is not uncommon.
05-27-08, 03:05 PM
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Could your Dahon Speed D7 withstand that? I think, with folders, the question more typically is could you withstand that? (And I'm not saying you couldn't.)
05-27-08, 03:10 PM
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I'm doing 270 miles in a weekend on my Downtube IXFS. If the Dahon is at all a good fit, then with a bit of prep, 100 should be a doddle!
05-27-08, 04:30 PM
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If the bike fit is good, and the saddle good, then you could do it easily. It's a question of whether you can tolerate that particular posure for long and whether the saddle will make you numb. Go for a several-hour ride to find out - don't find out on the century.
The bike will be fine.
The bike will be fine.
05-27-08, 05:33 PM
#6
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The NY Century is relatively flat, but the roads are pretty bad. Since the stock D7 doesn't have quick releases (iirc) and flats are common, I'd get QR's, robust and comfortable tires, and carry patch kit & spare tubes. Also get a thorough tune-up, including checking the wheels and spokes, in advance.
Bump up your weekly total mileage by around 10%. After a couple of 50+ mile training rides you should have a half-way decent idea if the Speed is comfortable enough while still giving you time to get a different bike, if necessary.
Keep in mind that the Dahon will be a little slower than a typical road bike, maybe an hour slower overall. You'll also feel more road buzz, so make sure you have good gloves, good grips, and an appropriate saddle. You might want to get a Brooks and start breaking it in now....
Bump up your weekly total mileage by around 10%. After a couple of 50+ mile training rides you should have a half-way decent idea if the Speed is comfortable enough while still giving you time to get a different bike, if necessary.
Keep in mind that the Dahon will be a little slower than a typical road bike, maybe an hour slower overall. You'll also feel more road buzz, so make sure you have good gloves, good grips, and an appropriate saddle. You might want to get a Brooks and start breaking it in now....
