trider

On an earlier post I asked for opinions comparing the Dahon MU P8 vs the Xootr Swift. After reading your replys (thanks) and many many posts on both folders, especially the Swift, I decided on the Swift. And after more reading I came accross the Downtube folders, and like the Swift, there are hundreds of posts.

Now I am comparing the Swift and the Downtube 8FH. At 62 years old, the full suspension of the 8FH is mighty attractive. Both are pretty close in price. Has anyone out there had the pleasure to ride both models? If so, I sure would like to read what you have to say. I am still riding my low cost Miami Citizens bike, but looking to upgrade to a better folder at least by the first of the year. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks
Terry

PS: By the way, for under $200.00 and a tune up at a local bike shop, the Citizens bike has proven to be a worthy bike to use as a "getting back into riding after 40 years" bike. Having lots of fun riding this low cost folder.

timo888 

The Mu and Swift are much more akin than the Swift and the DT full suspension. The latter pair will be very different bikes, Terry. The Swift, a very stiff light frame, and the 8FH with springiness front and rear and about 5 pounds heavier. Go for the DT if either comfort or price happens to be more important to you than efficient pedaling and light weight.

Regards
T

trider

I desire efficient pedaling and comfort. Price is of a concern. The Swift and the 2009 Downtube 8FH are within $140.00 of eachother, which is manageable. I think the DT 8FH is 27 lbs, while the Swift is 22 lbs. My question is does 5 lbs make all that much difference on a bike, especially someone who would not be riding high mileage or commuting? My wife and just want our bikes to tool around our home neighborhood and local parks, and to take with us when we go RVing to ride around the local areas near the campgrounds. We would not be looking to ride as "fast as we can", but we do want easy pedaling and comfort. Folding bikes are our answer for taking bikes with us, as we don't want bikes hanging off the back of our vehicle or small RV.
Any thoughts on this?

timo888 

At a leisurely pace, the inefficiencies of full-suspension and the extra 5 pounds won't matter. The 8FH is a fine bike for "tooling around" (not that it isn't fine for other more demanding kinds of riding too). My advice would be to take Downtube's advice, and bring the bike in its box to a local bike shop and have them inspect the bike and make any necessary adjustments, before you ride it.

However, I am not a fan of the current iteration of the SA8 ... on a folding bike. I'd go for the derailer (9FS).

Regards
T

DVC45

No.
The Downtube will do. I'm a fan of the front suspension model DT's (SA or deraileur). All you might need is add a good set of fenders and it'll serve as a good commuter too.

JosephLMonti

The Downtube 8FH is now on sale for $459 so this puts the price difference at $240. Also, if you just want to "tool around", why not consider the derailleur version of the FS? This makes the price differce $340 ($680 if you are plannig to buy two bikes). Don't get me wrong, plenty of people like the SA-equipped Downtubes but I think my derailleur-equipped DT works just fine as well.

trider

Very interesting advice and I do appreciate it. I have a lot to ponder about. I may be wrong, as I really don't know, but I just figured that the SA equipped Downtubes would just be more effecient than a derailleur. Costs more, so I just figured it must be better. If this is not the case I guess I just as well go with the lower cost derailleur. I've read some good reveiws on the FS.

I've kind of got use to riding my low cost Miami Citizens bike. Can anyone tell me just how much better of a ride can one expect with a bike with such better components, like a DT, Swift or Dahon, in the $400 to $600.00 range? (A really nice guy at Swift told me he could sell me one slightly blimished for $599.00) I mean, how much better can it be? Is it like the difference between night and day? I get excited thinking about it.
Thanks
Terry

jur

I can't say anything about the stock parts of a Swift as I bought a frame only and built the bike up from there; what I can say is the Swift frame is very stiff and makes for a very nice to ride bike on the road. Somehow it just hits the spot.

The Downtube has also garnered much raise for the frame qualities. The components on that frame are so-so. If I could choose, I would go for the hub geared version as it is much better quality than the derailer version. I suspect the wheels for the 2 bikes are quite comparable, aside from the hub. The Downtube especially the hub gear version is excellent value for money.

How much better than a Citizen? I think you'll find the Swift much more responsive and the Downtube more comfortable. For me, the Swift just begs to be ridden and it's hard to resist that call.

To choose between a Swift and a Downtube 8HS, really depends quite a bit on the intended rides. the Swift is superb on the road. The Downtube will be a bit like a SUV, allowing more choice on where to ride but sacrificing some of the higher speed capabilities for that comfort.

There is also a lot of built-up knowledge on how to tweak/upgrade the bikes for just what you want, so ask away.

I think it is hard to go wrong with either bike.

You can order a Swift with internal geared hub as well, Xootr do a lot of customising. Plus you could install a Thudbuster (Xootr web site) to smooth out those bumps very well indeed.

The Swift costs more but IMHO it's worth more.

So hard to say...

trider

Jur,
Thanks for your reply. I really like what you have to say. The Swift sure gets a lot of praise. I might just get me a Swift first and consider my wife the more comfortable DT. This is great.
Thanks
Terry

mulleady

If you have the budget for both bikes and both need one then you cannot lose really by purchasing both. The Swift is a better road bike but the FS more versatile and very very upgradeable. You will enjoy using both when your partner isn't demanding one bike!

trider

Thats a good idea mulleady. I am very much impressed with what I have read about the Swift, meaning what so many riders have written on this forum about the Swift. Not many negative comments, which is unusual for a any kind of forum. I can't budget both bikes right now, waiting to sell a motorcycle first. I'm hoping to purchase a Swift by the first of the year and then another folder for my wife by spring. We also have 26" reg. bikes at home that we ride, but we need these folders for travelling.

Thanks for yours and all others who have replied.
Terry