CompleteStreets

There's been some mention of Brompton's holding their value. The same is true of Dahon. In 2006 I purchased a new Dahon Speed 7 from a bike shop, on sale for $300 ($350 MSRP at the time). I sold it easily for $200 eight years later. I mentioned in my craigslist ad that the front hinge needed to be tightened every now and then and I still got several emails of interest. Folding bikes, in general, retain their value.

One thing I loved about having a Dahon was that I wasn't overly worried about theft. A few times I brought it on boltbus to go from DC to NYC. They stowed the bike under the bus on the drivers side. Meanwhile everyone's luggage was stowed on the passenger side. I was slightly concerned someone could walk off with it, but not nearly as concerned as I would have been if it were an expensive Brompton.

If I ever buy a Brompton I'll make sure I have renters or home owners insurance that covers the bike fully in case of theft.

I continue to be torn over whether to get a Brompton or a Dahon. If Brompton's were about 25% cheaper than they are I'd probably get one.

washuai

Why if one's starting point in the question is Brompton, would the next two be Dahon\Tern?
If one's primary and secondary bike needs don't demand smaller folds, 351 16 inchers, then there becomes fewer reasons to stick with a Brompton's limitations. Made in UK, hand built, lower depreciation, all great reasons to still pick it, but more along the lines of luxury niceties.
Even if one is sticking to smaller wheels\folds, shouldn't it be the Brompton \ Bike Friday \ Frog \ Mezzo or Ori \ Dahon \ strida \ Downtube Mini \ Citizen Tokyo\ etc. question?

I think giving where I live in the world, if I didn't have to worry about money and thieves, I'd go Bike Friday, over Brompton. Although that tikit would be rocking a Brommie front bag, lol. If I didn't have to worry about multi-modal commuting; it'd be a pocket llama.
Can't get a Ori\Mezzo, nor Frog CA stateside.
Brompton's just aren't packing 8/11 and same maybe even worse $/thieves. I really like the raw laquer look, though.
Used Brommies can hit Curl overlap.
I guess Dahon Curl is still a $/thief issue, but benefit for gearing, less proprietary and a year of LBS support?
I guess this leaves me languishing in Downtube mini territory, which won't handle grocery trips and eyeing 25 lbs or lighter 20" if they're below Curl\used Brommie prices and wondering how much I'll regret it or not on the flights of stairs, train\bus.

marxmini

the best all around bike for me is the dahon. it will score 8-9 in most areas and that's good enough for me. i own a dahon vector x10.

john426

I do not think the cost between Brompton and Bike Friday and lower cost folders are worth the differance. I have an older used Dahon and a new Greenzone. Both of these bikes are problem free and a joy to ride. This summer I did the Erie Canal tour with 550 other cyclists. There were 3 folders on the tour; my Greenzone and 2 Bike Fridays. Both Bike Fridays had major problems while on the road. My cheap Greenzone ( $ 200 new) had none!

jimboach

It's a life long debate because like anything else there is no right answer. You like what you like. I wouldn't mind owning a Brompton but they are expensive. I love my Dahon and loved my tern when I had it. It's like those internet fanboys arguing over android and ios smartphones. I've had them both and I love my htc one but people swear by their iPhones so....whatever makes you happy. If you can, test ride many bikes. If you can't, do your research, be honest with yourself and plunk down some hard earned cash and enjoy the ride. Either way, sure beats a 5 year finance on a nicely equipped carolla.

mulleady

Define 'many'. There are also many that like the fold and ride of the Brommy. Enough to produce and sell 30,000 of them a year! Not bad for a small company ;-)

chagzuki

Cockpit space on a Brompton is not an issue. You can add an inch just by rotating the M bars forward and the cockpit using a P stem is large. M bar on P stem will suit those who don't like the P bars but want long reach.

LDier

Great answer Jur.

FietsDontFailMe

I realise that this is an old thread but I want to add a comment because I know there will be newcomers to folding bicycles looking for advice here.

Brompton and Dahon/Tern are not the only choices. But I argue that the Brompton design is a better investment.

The placement of the main hinge in the design of a folding bicycle is *crucial*. Dahons and Terns folding in the middle of the frame. This causes flex when you're riding and the hinge will degrade if the bicycle is used for commuting. Also consider that the weight limit of the Dahon/Tern design is about 100 kg. You'll cause more flex if your weight is near this limit and you carry a backpack when you ride. At the time of writing, Dahon provides a five-year guarantee. Your opinion may differ, but when I spend money on a bicycle I want it to last more than five years.

The Brompton hinge is like that of the Bike Friday and Ori/Mezzo. The rear triangle swings under the bicycle:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNnOdoUn3kg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyiDWxnq5LM

It's a more durable design. Bike Friday has a model of folder that is rated up to 120 kg.

The small wheels of the Brompton make it easier to transport (smaller result after folding) but the 349mm wheel (16 inch) is rare in North America.

1nterceptor

Brompton's warranty on the frame is also 5 years.

FietsDontFailMe

Thanks, I didn't know that.

For my money, it makes a Bike Friday the best value.

smallwheeler

imo, this has been true for a long time.

fietsbob

just have to ask in the right places ..

smallwheeler

imo, this has been wrong for a long time.

chesky

Dahon is the way to go, forget those overpriced Brompton bikes. You can check out these comparison videos for reference
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94zohQsDqIA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvWCbKb3clc

Winfried

Not just in N.A. : I happen to use the Brompton to travel, and finding even inner tubes is impossible outside major cities, where Brompton retailers can be found.

I'd be curious to know how different a 305-based folding bike rides compared to a Brompton. At least, 305 wheels/tires/tubes are much easier to find.

As for the Brompton vs. Dahon/Tern or even BikeFriday: If you need a 1) really compact folder that 2) folds in a few seconds, there's just nothing else at this point.

tds101 

Funny, but when I shop at Walmart or Target, they not only have 16" tires (not the best, but good for an emergency), but they both carry 16" innertubes. These are Schrader valve, so I'm not quite sure they'll fit a Brompton. I believe a Brompton is Presta valve? When I finally do get my Brompton I'm drilling out the rims,... Schrader is so much easier to find in the USA.

blakcloud

My Brompton came with Schrader and I switched them to Presta so I could use my Silca pump without changing the head. So you are in luck, you don't have to drill if you buy the Brompton.

tds101 

Very nice!!! And thanks for the very valuable information.

leoho5

16" inch tires and tubes at Walmart/Target are usually ETRTO 305 for children's bikes while Brompton uses ETRTO 349. I don't know if you can use a 305 tube with 349 tire. Anyone try this before? Schwalbe lists different tube sizes for 305 and 349.

ttakata73

It's not ideal but I wouldn't sweat putting a 305 innertube into a 349 tire.
If you ever inflate a tube alone you will see it can grow really big; the tire is what keeps its shape.
Sure the tube would be a little thinner but I doubt you would notice any less puncture resistance and it should make the tire roll faster.
This is all theory; I could be totally wrong.