[Dahon] So many models, so little time...
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[Dahon] So many models, so little time...
Hello
At this point, I'm still not sure whether to get a Dahon or a cheaper knock-off (with gear hub or derailleur) as a folding bike for the occasional week-end getaway on easy terrains.
26" wheels are a bit big to stick on the train, and I guess 16" wheels are probably too slow to ride 40-60km/day.
Between the "Urban Utility Bikes" section and the "Urban Performance Bikes" section, Dahon offers more than twenty models.
How do all those models differ, so that I make an informed choice?
Thank you.
At this point, I'm still not sure whether to get a Dahon or a cheaper knock-off (with gear hub or derailleur) as a folding bike for the occasional week-end getaway on easy terrains.
26" wheels are a bit big to stick on the train, and I guess 16" wheels are probably too slow to ride 40-60km/day.
Between the "Urban Utility Bikes" section and the "Urban Performance Bikes" section, Dahon offers more than twenty models.
How do all those models differ, so that I make an informed choice?
Thank you.
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the curve series folds slightly more compact due to their 16" wheels.
Mu series is the 20" version of the curve.
the number at the end indicates how many speeds.
gear hub will usually be slightly more expensive than derailer models.
otherwise, there are some minor difference in quality of parts
Mu series is the 20" version of the curve.
the number at the end indicates how many speeds.
gear hub will usually be slightly more expensive than derailer models.
otherwise, there are some minor difference in quality of parts
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Food for thought: if you aren't dead by 2050, you and your entire family will be within a few years from starvation. Now that is a cruel gift to leave for your offspring. ;)
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Food for thought: if you aren't dead by 2050, you and your entire family will be within a few years from starvation. Now that is a cruel gift to leave for your offspring. ;)
https://sanfrancisco.ibtimes.com/arti...ger-photos.htm
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Since you will be carrying it on and off a train, weight might be a factor. So, checkout Steel vs. Aluminum frames and Derailleur vs. Internal Geared Hub (aka: IGH).
Also, gear range and "spacing" (hills?) could be important...and, if you are tall, like I am (6'3"), how the bike fits is also a factor.
From our experience, the lower end Dahon's and the cheaper folders did not meet our needs in the latter two categories.
Have fun.
Lou
Also, gear range and "spacing" (hills?) could be important...and, if you are tall, like I am (6'3"), how the bike fits is also a factor.
From our experience, the lower end Dahon's and the cheaper folders did not meet our needs in the latter two categories.
Have fun.
Lou
Last edited by Foldable Two; 01-15-12 at 12:20 PM.
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Thanks for the infos.
BTW, does someone know if it's OK for Dahons to multiple Gear Inches by 0.08 to get metres of development? Wikipedia says that "some bicycles incorporate internally geared hubs, or other components that change the gear ratio, and these other components must be taken into account when calculating gearing".
BTW, does someone know if it's OK for Dahons to multiple Gear Inches by 0.08 to get metres of development? Wikipedia says that "some bicycles incorporate internally geared hubs, or other components that change the gear ratio, and these other components must be taken into account when calculating gearing".
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try this: https://www.gear-calculator.com/#
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Food for thought: if you aren't dead by 2050, you and your entire family will be within a few years from starvation. Now that is a cruel gift to leave for your offspring. ;)
https://sanfrancisco.ibtimes.com/arti...ger-photos.htm
Food for thought: if you aren't dead by 2050, you and your entire family will be within a few years from starvation. Now that is a cruel gift to leave for your offspring. ;)
https://sanfrancisco.ibtimes.com/arti...ger-photos.htm
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I second the warning about weight. I owned a (steel) Speed TR fully kitted with racks, fenders, and a dynohub. I wouldn't have enjoyed lugging it around on trains.
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There are many other non folding bikes that are not 'cheaper Dahon knock off'. Do you consider them as well? Take Brompton for example, very compact fold (16" wheels), good ridablility (40-60km should not be a problem), heavy but rolls nicely when folded, has rear suspension, available with wide gear range (300%) and has a great long term support and part availability.
There are many options, it depends on your budget.
The new Dahon site is here https://dahonbikes.com/index.php/bike..._bicycles.html
There are many options, it depends on your budget.
The new Dahon site is here https://dahonbikes.com/index.php/bike..._bicycles.html
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try this: https://www.gear-calculator.com/#
The new Dahon site is here https://dahonbikes.com/index.php/bike..._bicycles.html
Money is not a problem, but it's just that I don't like spending a lot for stuff I don't use often.
Last edited by Winfried; 01-16-12 at 06:10 AM.
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I guess you meant "There are many other folding bikes". Although I have the money to buy a Brompton, I'm not sure I want to spend so much on a folding bike that I'll only use once in a while on week-ends outside the city. Besides, how fast can 16" wheelers go on flat land?.
As for lower cost folders, there are good alternative such as Downtube and Citizen. Another alternative is craigslist, you can find good deals there, including Dahons.
The bottom page of dahon.com says that it is controlled by "Dahon Taiwan". That's the mother + son.
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Money is not a problem, but it's just that I don't like spending a lot for stuff I don't use often.
Lou
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((794 * 1.08) / 2.54) / 3.14 = 107.51793
https://www.brompton.co.uk/page.asp?p=3069
I am using the -12% option. It gets only to 87 GI but gives extra low range for steep hills.
Last edited by kamtsa; 01-17-12 at 09:15 PM.
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Of course! Do you expect a car with small wheels to be slower than one with big wheels? It is all about gearing and engine (plus a lot of other minor details). Speed records have been set on small wheel bikes. One guy rode the Paris Brest Paris on a Brompton in 2011.