Folder-newbie, Speed TR?
01-03-10, 05:18 PM
#1
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Folder-newbie, Speed TR?
Hi everybody, my first post here. I switched to recumbents a couple years ago, and love them, but I've always been fascinated with folders, so I'm going to get me one. I'd like to hear some opinions about my particular predicament.
I expect to use the folder for 10-20 mile day rides in very hilly areas, and would like a little luggage capacity. From a purely practical standpoint, something like an Mu P24 with a rear rack would suffice. But I like the Speed TR with the dual racks, fenders, and the dynamo front hub. Why? Um, because it looks awesome! I've always had an affinity for full-zoot touring bikes, even though I don't tour. So whaddya think? Get the lightest one that fits my needs, or suck up the extra weight and grab the one I'll stare at all the time?
I expect to use the folder for 10-20 mile day rides in very hilly areas, and would like a little luggage capacity. From a purely practical standpoint, something like an Mu P24 with a rear rack would suffice. But I like the Speed TR with the dual racks, fenders, and the dynamo front hub. Why? Um, because it looks awesome! I've always had an affinity for full-zoot touring bikes, even though I don't tour. So whaddya think? Get the lightest one that fits my needs, or suck up the extra weight and grab the one I'll stare at all the time?
01-03-10, 05:33 PM
#2
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Hi everybody, my first post here. I switched to recumbents a couple years ago, and love them, but I've always been fascinated with folders, so I'm going to get me one. I'd like to hear some opinions about my particular predicament.
I expect to use the folder for 10-20 mile day rides in very hilly areas, and would like a little luggage capacity. From a purely practical standpoint, something like an Mu P24 with a rear rack would suffice. But I like the Speed TR with the dual racks, fenders, and the dynamo front hub. Why? Um, because it looks awesome! I've always had an affinity for full-zoot touring bikes, even though I don't tour. So whaddya think? Get the lightest one that fits my needs, or suck up the extra weight and grab the one I'll stare at all the time?
I expect to use the folder for 10-20 mile day rides in very hilly areas, and would like a little luggage capacity. From a purely practical standpoint, something like an Mu P24 with a rear rack would suffice. But I like the Speed TR with the dual racks, fenders, and the dynamo front hub. Why? Um, because it looks awesome! I've always had an affinity for full-zoot touring bikes, even though I don't tour. So whaddya think? Get the lightest one that fits my needs, or suck up the extra weight and grab the one I'll stare at all the time?
Aaron
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Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
01-03-10, 06:01 PM
#3
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Just an opinion: suck up the extra weight and grab the one you stare at all the time. You can always take stuff out and make it lighter to fit some specific needs from time to time.
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01-03-10, 07:22 PM
#4
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I'm with 14R on this... Or you could spend some real money on a folding recumbent. HP Velotechnik (sp?) has a couple of nice ones.
01-03-10, 08:11 PM
#5
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And if I had real money I might, but I'm also looking to climb some hills I tend to shy away from on my RANS Rocket. As 'bents go, the Rocket is one of the better climbers, but we have some serious walls around here that are better tackled on an upright. It's also a way to get back into upright riding part-time. I would never go back full-time, especially for 50-100-mile rides, but I miss the different sensations that DF (diamond frame) bikes provide more than I thought I would.
01-03-10, 09:48 PM
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There's a Dahon Speed TR (with dyno hub) going for $550 in Dallas, TX.
https://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/bik/1514754491.html
https://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/bik/1514754491.html
01-03-10, 11:04 PM
#7
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There's a Dahon Speed TR (with dyno hub) going for $550 in Dallas, TX.
https://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/bik/1514754491.html
https://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/bik/1514754491.html
01-03-10, 11:56 PM
#8
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Ack, lose. Sold on Ebay yesterday for $472.00. Unbelievable. The saddle and bag are almost worth that much. Doh!
01-04-10, 01:02 AM
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Oh well, something will pop up again, I'm sure.
01-04-10, 01:33 AM
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Yeah, if weight/ease of carry when folded are not an ultra big deal , then go for the TR, its a lovely bike, I got one with the dynohub, which only powers the front light so is easily dispensed with. I tried commuting with it but it was too big/heavy on the train every day, although fine for the train to the ferry to france. So I got a brommie for the commute.
01-04-10, 06:53 AM
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The dual drive MuP24, with its' wide selection of gear inches, is a good choice. Don't limit yourself to 7 gears. With the 3 speed IGH and 8 speed derailler you know you will always be covered. Fly down hill in the 115 gear inch top gear, or crawl up the steepest hills in the 21 inch lowest gear, or stay in the middle gear of the derailler and just use the 3 speed hub for 85 percent of your riding time.
I am going to fit my '08 with fenders and marathon winter tires so I can get out on New England roads this winter. It will be my first attempt at winter riding, so I have many thoughts about my ability to face the elements, but I know that I will not have to concern myself with questions about the power needed to pedal through all conditions. The P24 does it all.
I am going to fit my '08 with fenders and marathon winter tires so I can get out on New England roads this winter. It will be my first attempt at winter riding, so I have many thoughts about my ability to face the elements, but I know that I will not have to concern myself with questions about the power needed to pedal through all conditions. The P24 does it all.
01-05-10, 05:02 AM
#12
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I just got a look at a picture of the rear rack on the '08 TR. It appears to be suitable for panniers only. Can a top-trunk be attached to it?
01-05-10, 11:06 AM
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Depending on your budget, you may want to look also into Bike Friday (e.g. NWT https://community.bikefriday.com/neww...urist?styleId= ).
Kam
01-05-10, 02:19 PM
#14
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The Speed TR is a wonderful bike. I got one a year or two ago and it's a very upright and very comfortable bike. I can ride the thing all day without significant fatigue. It's a tank as well. The dynamo hub and Big Apple tires are two of the best features of the bike.
It's tough to lug around though. I wouldn't want to carry it all day everyday on the trains and buses but for general fold up and storage it might just well be my favorite foldy and I have 5.
John
It's tough to lug around though. I wouldn't want to carry it all day everyday on the trains and buses but for general fold up and storage it might just well be my favorite foldy and I have 5.
John
01-05-10, 10:13 PM
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01-05-10, 10:50 PM
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Nice!
01-07-10, 02:54 PM
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If you have not done so yet have a look at my thread on the Speed TR:
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...Dahon-Speed-TR
I am packing it into a suitaces today to take on a trip and will add a note when I am done.
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...Dahon-Speed-TR
I am packing it into a suitaces today to take on a trip and will add a note when I am done.
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