i still cant decide what to get. i'm now looking at these 2. whcih one would you recommend? or if you have any other recommendation in the same price range, $300.

i know the downtube has no suspension., does the dahon have one? is it importatnt if i'm just driving in the city. once ot twice a wek for half an hour?

Dahon doesnt have a suspension either but you can get a Thudbuster or Butt Buddy for the seat post. D7 has a 7 speed and 9NS has a 9 speed , the 9NS will be lighter. The 9NS is easier to modify than the D7. I ride without a suspension and it doesnt bother me.

I'm debating between the same two bikes so anyone with any further advice would be appreciated. I'm particularly interested in the actual user friendliness of the two models and if one has the edge over the other, besides the price as I can get both for about the same $$$?

The Downtube takes standard parts from the LBS, Dahon is a little harder to fit standard parts. the D7 is cromoly and the 9NS is aluminum. I have a 8HN and I just received it. I like the fit and finish, nice paint also. I already modified some things and it was very easy and straight forward.

The Dahon has a nicer fold if you are multi-moding.

i thought the dahon is more expensive by at least $50..do you mind telling me where you can get it?
can it be ordered?

what is 'multi-moding'?

multi-moding refers to commuting. Basically, it means that you're changing the vehicle somewhat frequently. For example, if you bike to a train or subway then take the train to the city, then bike the rest of the way to work... that's a multi-modal commute. You've changed the vehicle from bike to train to bike.

There are a gazillion varieties... here's my work commute as an example...

Bike to the L
Take the L downtown
Bike to the Metra
Take the Metra to Lombard
Bike to the Office

--sam

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If you get a chance, try to testdrive both of them. I decided I liked the fold and finish of the dahons over the 9ns, so I ended up with a Vitesse.

DOES THE D7 come with rack and kickstand for free just like the downtube?

yes

The bikes are equal for different reasons. Agree the D7 has a slightly better fold but the Downtube is slightly lighter and offers greater potential to upgrade with parts if you want to improve the bike in the future.

When you take pricing differences into account then the Downtube wins.

I had a 2006 D7, I now have a 2007 9 (IX) FS. D7 smaller fold, steel frame. 9FS alloy frame, suspension makes for a very comfy urban ride. 9 FS seems slightly free-er rolling, but is heavier. Wouldn't want to carry either very far, but the D7 would be easier. They are both fine bikes. I much prefer the Downtube for its suspension and ride quality.

The quality of the hubs and rims is much better on the Downtube. I had issues with the rim joints not being flush on the Dahon, which I thought spoiled the ride - they thunked when braking. Also the wheel hub cones and BB were way too loose on the Dahon when delivered, easily greased and tightened up though.

No rack or kickstand on my 9 FS.. - I miss the kickstand. I fitted a seatpost rack.

The NS models are lighter.

Dahon will have fixed any issues with rims bynow.