I know this is like comparing apples to oranges but I really can't decide which to get.

Assuming a Dahon 16" bike is the same price as the carryme...

I love the look of some of the dahon single speeds like the Mu Uno. I really miss riding a bike. I don't ride because I travel all the time so I can't wait to enjoy riding again. I can see myself getting attached to a Mu Uno for example, modded.

However, a CarryMe is a lot smaller and I can see myself getting that on planes a lot easier and just using it more.

I'm scared of getting a Carryme and regretting missing the riding experience. But I'm also scared of ordering a Dahon style bike and not using it as much as I'd like!

Cool vs uncool too. hmm...

well ....
first of all the presto lite is not sold for years anymore.... its a sweet little bike which had a lot of fans ( and a few not so much) reasoning was that it was a little flexy at times... for folks who rode it with a higher cadence and sitting down no problem ...

The replacement would be a Curve SL .... now the Curve SL comes as a 2010 model with Capreo drivetrain ( derailleur ) OR as a 2009 model with nexus 8 speed internal hub.
for 2011 the CUrve SL has been discontinued !! ( Which is a shame as it was one of my fav bikes in the lineup) The good part is that both models are available as closeout for 699.. a huge discount ( from 999 )

BUT if you sit on the fence too long they will be gone forever ....

I dont go into xxxv versus YYY bikes as I am obviously biased .... But let me say that a big part of Dahon bikes is that they ride well ....

if there is a question about rideability versus compact foldness than Dahon is in favour of a good ride..... basically anyhow.

its the difference between riding 2 miles or 20

thor

Check out the new Speed Uno also.

It has to be about what you need, the big Q is, how much distance are you planning to cover?

Here is what I think about my carryme;

For the price, the carryme is the best bike I have ever bought, having 5 different bikes at home ranging from a De Rosa racing bike to 20" folders I seem to use the carryme for 90% of the time. Why?

- It rolls, you only have to lift it of the ground when going up stairs and on and off trains.
- It folds in under 6seconds
- it weights 8kg, lifting it with a finder is surprisingly satisfying. (its Umbrella shape helps)
- It fits on overhead train lockers (I dont think any other folder does, maybe Strida)
- Stability & ride, I am able to pedal without hands. Geometry is everything. Potholes are more or less just as dangerous as any other bike, 5k city miles and I havent had a problem(snow, ice, mud & London horribly surfaced roads)
- 90% of my rides are under 10km, to work, to the shops (plastic bags hang off the handle bar nicely, thank you small wheels!).
- Cleaning the carryme takes 5mins (so if its wet out there, I always go for the carryme)

I'm surprised Dahon would give up the 16 inch wheel market to Brompton and Bike Friday? The Curve SL with the 8 speed hub was the best 16 inch folder they ever made. It was better then the Presto Lite which I remember riding years ago.

I remember buying my Piccolo for $329 and the Presto was about $100 dollars more. In New York City, the SL was selling for $900.00 dollars plus tax! If they could have get the price below $500.00 dollars, those bikes would have sold very fast.

Does that mean only the Curve D3 will be available for 2011? Is that globally or just the United States?

Nexus ( premium red band ) hub alone is somewhat around 300 dlr impossible to built a whole bike for 500 .... however the closeout price of 699 is even more attractive than.

I dont know global but they are not available in the US

the Curve D 3 will continue in 2011

Thor

It appeared they used 305 wheel rather than the high pressure tire 349 wheel .


305 = more air cushion less rim diameter. think that's the BoB trailer wheel size too

correct 305 size

thor

Yeah, what the other guys said:
The Presto is discontinued, the Carryme is the by far the best value in a folder (closest competitor in size and weight costs over $10,000) especially if you're content with 1 or 2 speeds.

Fun...well that's in the eye of the beholder. Personally I think the Carryme is the most fun bike I've ever ridden (so simple, efficient, and lively), but it's definitely a different experience to most bikes and only you can say whether it aligns with your idea of fun. But even if you don't think it's fun you'll still use it because it's just too useful to gather dust.

Thanks all, you helped me decide - much appreciated!

I went for a carryme in the end off the back off this thread without even trying one out. I'm even getting it on the Cycle2work scheme! This bike is going to join a standup paddle board all the way to Argentina for 30 degree heat! I'll have to post some pics!

Been riding the CarryMe around Buenos Aires yesterday. However, its slow going... what with people stopping me at every block traffic lights to tell me how beautiful it is and ask me questions!!... questions I cant answer because my Spanish is rubbish!
You can definitely get a lot of friends this way. One kid shouted and pointed at the top of his voice "Look! Bici!!" and ran to me, Ive never seen anything like this and nor have they!

What do I notice about it now Ive rode about 10km yesterday.

-You can go a long way
-Theres nothng to hold the seat in place when folded!...
-...or the handlebars!
-the rear pannier doesnt really work when folded so I tend to end up keeping a bag on my back instead...
-its so conspicuous at traffic lights I doubt a pick pocket would try anything?
-you have to align the wheel when folding, bit annoying
-it only kinda takes up less space than a Dahon. In fact, a Dahon actually fits BETTER in a suitcase, its only the matter of fitting it into public transport where its better. Its quite long... so Im having t ouse th cardboard box it arrived in
-its lighter than expected, seems very well made apart from the brakes, a back peddle rear brake only might have been better. I find it tempting to want to do tricks with it like wheelies, endos and static messing about but it doesnt seem like it could take it
- 3rd world streets have bumps and crevices. This hasnt been a major problem yet. The only thing that caused for concern was some 3 inch irrigation channels in the roads and it has taken these ok so far
- its got a kick stand! really handy. They also gave me some spare paint which was a nice touch!
- I worry about spares if it breaks

I would love to tour the world with one of these and just a small backpack! Thats an application that no other bike can come so close to.

Nice! The Carryme really is a great urban exploration vehicle and definitely an attention getter! One of the reasons I decided to use Carryme`s to show tourists around Yokohama, is that the bike itself is a great conversation starter. Curious questions about the bike, give my customers a chance to chat with the locals a bit.

BTW - you shouldn`t have trouble securing the saddle and handlebars - you should check that again.

I agree with all your observations, except I wouldn't worry too much about spares. Really the only nonstandard parts are the wheels, tires, chain, and chainring, but even the chain and chainring are standard industrial parts which are easier to find than "standard"/specialized bike industry parts. Besides Pacific seems to provide good support (I believe they even sell direct to the public now).

As far as holding the folded bike together, there should be a latch to hold the wheel (and thus the bars), but I put a saddle with a gap in the middle where I jam the handlebar riser in to lock it all together:

Thanks chucky,
your carryme looks lieka slightly different design, the clips are different. Also the rear pannier might be different, though its hard to tell as I have the extension fitted.

Where did you get that funny saddle?

Ill have to take a photo

You have the first? generation carryme, below are some pictures of a few of the differences:
Orange= latest
White= 2008 model (I believe its the same as yours?)

-Theres nothng to hold the seat in place when folded!...-...or the handlebars!

Check out top left, the quick release has a clever hole on it that holds it together. Handlebar is fixed with the other QR code.

-you have to align the wheel when folding, bit annoying

Tip: bring the handlebar down first while the latch (shown below, bottom left) is attached, making aligning a lot easier.





-it only kinda takes up less space than a Dahon. In fact, a Dahon actually fits BETTER in a suitcase, its only the matter of fitting it into public transport where its better. Its quite long... so Im having t ouse th cardboard box it arrived in
Its all about finding a place for it. I keep mine under the sofa, and in overhead compartments when i take it on the train.


Hope it helps.

Juan

Awesome, thanks Juan! Dont suppose youre from somewhere Spanish at some point were you... Im planning a move to Spain this year!

Mallorca! but I dont live there any more. CarryMe are getting more popular in Spain! www.carryme.es

https://www.ismseat.com/


I use them on all my bikes. Healthier for your privates without the control/balance issues of most "noseless" saddles.