Hello. I'm new to the folder world and I had a question on which Dahon I should get. I have NO experience with folders and few with bikes in general. Dahon bikes just happened to catch my eye. My question is, for a first timer, which one should I get? The bike will mainly be used for school but I will also take it on joy rides and what not. I have been looking at local bike shops the past two months and I would like to purchase a bike by the end of August. These were some of the ones I was looking at:

Jack- I like the fact that its simple.

Cadenza Solo- I like that it can be a single gear.

Curve D3- Very portable.

Was also looking at...Expresso, Mariner D7, Speed D7

Any info, comments, or suggestions would be appreciated because I honestly know nothing about folders. Thanks in advance!

Questions...

How far will be riding regularly?

Do you need the bike for commuting by train at all?

When you say joy ride, is this for leisure or speed (one person's joy is another person's pain after all)?

Does size matter? Are you trying to get something that will fit in a small apartment or office?

Based on what you've said so far, I wouldn't necessarily recommend a folder. You might be better off with a typical commuter bike. But yeah... if you're dead set on a folder answering the above questions will help narrow things down a little.

--sam

well if you want a quick, easy and small folder brompton is the best but their expensive

How hilly is your area? What's your budget?

Lalato is correct that you may not need a folder. Except that they're so awesomely cool that everybody needs one.

Folders are better full stop! Once I tried one I gave up a lovely hybrid. They just win out and so many ways except for serious performance bikers doing road racing long distances or off-road mountain biking.

Once we have a little more info we can give you some more precise recommendations.

E.g.

Budget limit
Height/leg length
Road or road + trail use
Would you ever use buses or trains while cycling some routes?
Is storage space in your place and maybe even car trunk important?
Is where you cycle flat or hilly?

Thanks for the responses. Heres a couple answer to the questions that have been asked:

During the week, I'll probably be riding it 2-3 miles a day back and forth. Then on Fridays, I'll be biking to the train station (I believe 2-3 miles away) because I'm going to be taking the train home so that I don't have to drive home (2 hour trip). When I say joy ride, I mean for leisure. Maybe ride it to a couple shops or something. I just want something simple and reliable.

Also...

- Size does not necessarily matter.

- My budget is around $300-$500.

- I'm 5'9.

- Will mostly be used on roads and streets.

- Yes I would use it on trains for sure, buses maybe.

- The terrain is mostly flat with a few hills.

Ah... I see. I bike for pootling. There are several options in the price range.

Dahon makes fine bikes and you'll be able to test ride some of them at one of your local bike shops. Another option is Downtube. Unless you live near one of their stores, you can only order one online.

Both of those brands, Dahon and Downtube have several bikes that fit your needs. There are fans of both on this forum and if you do a search you'll find reviews and criticisms that should lead you to the one you want.

Your best bets in your price range from Dahon are the Curve D3, Speed D7, Boardwalk, Vitesse. The entire Downtube line is in your price range so no worries there.

--sam

Sounds like one of the Dynamic Duo of the Curve D3 or the Downtube Mini would work. There's a whole world out there of awesome folding bikes - Bike Friday and Brompton make excellent folders, for example, but they're not cheap.

The Mini has a suspension and 8 speeds, the Curve no suspensions and 3 speeds. The Mini folds smaller, the Curve holds together when folded better. (The Mini fits on a train luggage rack. I wouldn't even try that with my Curve.)

I love my Curve D3 and you can't go wrong with it. Even though it's not my preference, the DT Mini is extremely well regarded onthis board. I'd seriously try both bikes.