upgrading to an internal hub on a Dahon Speed P8
 

Hi again,

So, since the Downtube 8HN's sold out, I think that my next possibility of having an easily packable (and more enjoyable?) bike, would be to upgrade my '06 P8 to an 8spd internal hub... I've been reading a lot about how much people seem to enjoy the internal hubs, plus I believe that the rear wheel would be easier for me to remove/replace with the internal hub (yes?); the thing is, how would I go about doing this... the LBS here doesn't deal much with folders (I don't know if that matters in this situation?), and I'd like to keep my Big Apple tires... do I need to buy a wheel with the hub attached or just the hub?
Sorry for several posts... I enjoy riding, but I'm really an amateur. Thanks!

Terry :)

I would start by buying the KINETIX DUAL DRIVE REAR WHEEL from Dahon.
http://www.dahon.com/us/accessories/.../dualdrive.htm

but that's not an internal hub (?) I don't know how that applies to my situation... thanks, though!

Not sure you would benefit much.... the hub would need a chain tensioner as the frame has dropouts instead of track ends. Dropouts don't allow chain to be tensiuoned unless they are slanted/semi-horizontal. Having a chain tensioner negates some of the advantages of a hub gear.

*darn* :( I don't know exactly what dropouts or track ends are, but I get the gist of what you're saying... I guess I'll just keep it the way it is until something like the DT 8NS deal comes along again. Thanks for the help!

Terry

its a rather daunting task to convert a derrailleur driven bike to an internal hub bike. I hate to be so direct, but some of your comments make me believe that you rather have a dealer do this, or that you rather buy a different bike instead .
( like the sentence, where you say that it is easier to change a hub wheel than a derailleur wheel.... cause its at least 3 times as difficult with a hub wheel )

thor

Hi Thor,

Thanks for your reply... as a non-mechanical person, I'd definitely have the LBS do the upgrade, but I understand (from both you and Dynocoaster) that that's a pretty difficult task. I did, however, think that removing the rear wheel for packing (and replacing it) would have been easier with the hub wheel; could you explain why it's more difficult? Thanks!

Terry

Not sure I would agree that it's 3 times more difficult...like any mechanical job it is pretty easy if you know how :-). But, there is definitely more involved in removing and refitting a hub geared wheel than a dérailleur wheel, here are a few reasons why:
1. Many hub gears require that the cable be removed and refitted when the wheel is removed / refitted, if you need to do this you will need to readjust the gears. With a dérailleur you normally don't need to remove or readjust the cable.
2. If your hub geared bike uses slotted dropouts to adjust chain tension, then you will need to readjust the chain tension each time you remove and refit the wheel. If your bike uses a chain tensioner then you will not have this problem.
3. Hub geared bikes (at least, all that I have ever seen / ridden) use an axle that is held on by nuts instead of the quick release axle that most modern dérailleur bikes have. This means you need to have the appropriate wrench to hand when you need to remove it (i.e. remember to keep it in the toolkit you carry with you, or a flat could turn into an even bigger headache!)

Having said all that, I am starting to like hub gears more and more these days. They have a lot of advantages for commuting and city riding, e.g. low maintenance, ability to use a full length chain guard, easier to keep drivetrain clean, ability to change gears when stopped, and cleaner looks.

Are the dropouts really that vertical on the P8? I haven't seen it in person.

Unless they are nearly or totally vertical, I don't see why oboeterry can't just use something like a Surly tuggnut.

However, oboeterry, you are looking at about $300 to do the conversion. I swapped out my 3 speed internal hub for an 8 speed and that's about what I ended up spending in the end. I really really do love the 8 speed hub though. It was worth it for me, but wouldn't be for everyone.

Unfortunately, I just checked the dropouts (after showing it to a biking friend to figure out what they were :) ) and they are indeed, vertical; so I'm guessing the tuggnut thing you mentioned probably won't work :-/ Thanks for trying, though! :)

Terry (getting an 8HN afterall! *woo-hoo!) :D