antsjack

Hi guys

After all that, I've decided to go for a more compact 16" Dahon curve. For the next 2 days only I can get really decent offers on the D3 and XL, but don't know which one to go for. The XL is about another 150 euros, it is 7 speed (nexus) instead of the 3 speed sturmey archer, but I don't know if it is worth the difference in price. Is there a significant difference in gearing ratios or percentages, differences in components?

Many thanks

Tony

chagzuki

The XL is significantly lighter and the components are a lot better. The frame parts including stem/handlepost are the same except for the fork which is aluminium and 200 grams or so lighter than the D3 steel fork. It has narrower tyres which would make the ride too harsh for my tastes (the D3 has Big Apples). 3 gears isn't really enough for me, whereas 7 is plenty.

chagzuki

Oh, actually, I say the frame is the same, actually it would seem the dimensions are a bit different and the XL has a longer wheelbase, or so it's appeared from certain forum posts.

Dynocoaster 

7 speed has nicer components and extra gears when you need them. The XL is lighter by about 1 pound.

antsjack

So it seems like the XL is a better option. Just one last question. Is the size difference between the Mu p8 or speed p8 really that much bigger. I can get the Curve XL for the same as the MUp8 roughly, and the Speed P8 about 100 less. Any suggestions

HGR3inOK

I assume these models are not available for test rides. I definitely prefer the Curve XL over the Curve D3. And I prefer the Mu P8 and the Speed P8 over the Curve XL. If you can't decide then I offer the advice that was given to me a few years ago, "It's hard to go wrong with a Speed P8." If you decide later that you want some other features, the Speed P8 is usually easy to resale. Hope this helps.

-HANK RYAN-
Norman, Oklahoma USA

owenfinn

I'm not absolutely certain but I think the IGH Curves, the XL and D3, have the same dimensions. The Capreo equipped Curve SL has a longer wheelbase.

jur

Xl.

vmaniqui

+ 1

Diode100

You seem to be switching between 16" models and 20", there is a big difference in size and ride. You really need to see these bikes and try them out before you buy.

antsjack

i'd love to try them out, but unfortunately where I live there is only one bike shop, which is full of really pricey road bikes only.

brakemeister

XL ..... where you from... I let you ride my Curve SL ( similar to the XL anyhow )
and a 20 incher of your choice
to compare....

I like the Curves as they fold really small, and easy, and still ride much nicer than one tends to think they would...
https://www.thorusa.com/dahon/technical/brommy.htm

plus they are not made anymore ( except the 3 speed version ) and surely become hard to find very soon.............


thor

Rick@OCRR

I have one of the Curve SL's with the 8-Speed Shimano Nexus IGH and I like it a lot for two reasons:

1. It folds really small, almost as small as a Brompton (which is important for me since I ride the Metro twice a day).

2. The ride is excellent, I hardly notice that I'm on 16" wheels. I use Schwalbe Marathon Racer tires (or tyres) and pump them to 85 psi. so fairly low rolling resistance.

Regarding the gear ratios, someone at DaHon (and/or Shimano) did their math well. All gears are very useable and I have to be going down something very steep before I spin-out on 8th gear. So I would recommend the 7 spd. as opposed to the 3 spd.

Rick / OCRR

antsjack

Thanks for your offer, it's very kind. Sadly I don't live anywhere near your shop. If they have stopped producing them, does that mean it will be hard to get parts if things go wrong?

brakemeister

no... with the exception of the frame and fork all other parts are very similar to the 20 inch Dahons ....or are run of the mill bike parts anyhow... not to worry

thor

antsjack

Really Thor? I just found this and the price seems a little daunting!
https://fudgescyclestore.com/index.php?p=149747

brakemeister

well .... lets see ....
its a 16 inch rim with so many holes in it ... made by ? for Dahon with the Kinetix sticker on it, but is sold all over the place with different stickers as well. (Dahon doesnt make rims, they buy them )
the spokes are most likely Pillar .... better would be Sapim spokes and nipples but the Pillar one will work... so does WS DT and and and
The Hub is Shimano and run of the mill ...
Labour to put everything together is Dahon in this case I am sure. but every wheelbuilder can do this if they only want to do it...
HAving it in stock .... is Fudges and they certainly need to make a buck or two on spare parts like this ...

Where is the problem ?
thor

pacificcyclist

antsjack,

That's the price of a complete rear wheel, so it is expensive. IGH hubs,especially the Nexus line, are reliable and serviceable. On the off-chance that it is not serviceable in your area, find a shop elsewhere that does. I doubt this needs to be the case as IGH should be popular in the Europe. Any bike shop can rebuild a wheel with new spokes and rim. 16 or 20" rim and spokes are not that too uncommon anyhow.

jur

The only time you would replace an entire rear wheel is when the bike has been run over by a truck. Otherwise, if you keep the spokes properly tensioned, the next thing to wear out is the rim. If you avoid using rear brakes as you should, then the rear rim won't wear out in a long long time. The hub, well you should be able to find a bike shop who can service it, should it need it in the first place. Just follow the manufacturer's instructions and likely it will never require a service.

Bottom line, you can safely assume you will never shell out that amount.

antsjack

Sorry for my ignorance Thor. Does the same apply to a 16" wheel then?

brakemeister

sure thats what I meant ... did I write 20 ?
lol
thor

antsjack

Last question guys.

So, is the Curve XL significantly quicker on flats, and easier for going up hills?

jur

Nope, that's determined by the engine. Gears make it easier for the engine but once you get the hang of it, they make less of a difference. I suppose you mean does the XL have a bigger range, the answer would be yes.

antsjack

Just bought the Curve XL.

Thanks for all your help guys!

kamtsa

We love pictures. ;-)