Is there a Dahon/Tern bike that comes with a internal hub and coaster brakes?
 

Hi all.

I am looking for a Dahon or Tern bike with a internal hub(6 or 7 speeds), coaster brakes, with 20 or 24 inch wheels. Is there such a bike or do I have to put together a custom?

If you're in Europe, they offer a coaster version of their 7 and 8 speed hubs on some models.

Tern currently has a couple of two-speed coaster brake models (Verge Duo and Castro Duo) that are available in the USA. I don't recall any multi-speed coaster brake models from Dahon in the past five years. Where are you located?

-HANK RYAN-
Norman, Oklahoma USA

I'm in NYC. It seems that Europe and Asia gets the better version of Dahon/Tern bikes. Oh I forgot to mention, I want to keep it all under $1,000, am I asking for too much? Right now I own a Boardwalk and a Eco 6. Is it possible to put a internal hub into the Boardwalk, and also have coaster brake? I know Dahon has a internal hub ver. Boardwalk(D7), but not available in the US, but does that still have coaster brakes?

Really?

Of course, mfr's web sites and reality are not always the same thing. :)

Over the last 114 years, internal gear hubs have been produced with 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12 and 14 gears.

To clarify, I don't recall any multi-speed coaster brake models from Dahon in the past five years in the USA. :)

-HANK RYAN-
Norman, Oklahoma USA

I started a thread yesterday about something similar (titled Dahon Dream). What I'm coming up against is either availability of the hub I want (the Sturmey 5 with coaster), or the dropout size being a bit small for something like a Shimano Nexus 7 speed with coaster. It's 130 or 132mm depending on which web site I'm looking at. My Dahon Dream is 126mm. I don't know if it's ok to spread the rear triangle 4-6mm (considering how it's smaller than your typical road bike).

The SRAM Spectro P5 with coaster is available and will fit in my 126mm dropout (with a 4mm spacer on the non-drive side). But, I'm not getting a warm feeling. I've read SRAM's dedication to internal hubs isn't as good as Sachs was (before SRAM bought them). And, there's something involving a "clickbox" that installs on the end of the axle which looks like plastic.

Right now I'm debating a Sturmey 3-speed with coaster. A 5-speed without coaster (and maybe replace it someday with the coaster model if it's ever on the market.). Or, the Shimano Nexus 7-speed with coaster and try to widen my dropout. (I'm not considering the SRAM at the moment. I probably need to find the IGH forum and get some knowledge.).

It seems like it's just a matter of measuring your rear dropout and then investigating the over-locknut dimensions of the various hubs that are available.

az2008- I read your thread yesterday too, but I saw that you had that specific frame you were trying to convert to your usage. LOL, I was hoping for a easier option. From your thread the Sturmey 5 with coaster seemed the best, but it doesn't seem to be available. I was looking at the Shimano Nexus 7 also, but I sure if there was a coaster version. Installation would be a problem too,I don't know how to install it. I guess I have to ask my LBS if they could do the work if I find something that works.

Does anyone know of any folding bike that fits my description? a Brompton?

In addition to the Dahon Glide P7 and Tern Link P7i I liked to above, Bernds makes a 20" wheel model with an 8-speed Shimano coaster hub.


Brompton: 16" wheels, three speed hub, no coaster brake (chain tensioner).

its pretty easy to build the wheel of your dreams,
Honestly the nexus 7 is my favorite (also happen to have plenty of them used!)

why not buy the model bike you want with a single/footbrake and buy a nexus and have it laced up?

my opinion with internal hubs and folding bikes

internal hubs and drum brake front hubs are perfect for folders,
if your folder is badly handled,dropped,kicked, the standard deraileurs and hand brakes can and will be knocked out of adjustment.

not all 3 speeds are created equal for folders.
Sturmey archer,Sram have the gear changing bits on the outside of the nut-perfect to get wacked about.
http://www.bikingindallas.com/wp-con...56-400x300.jpg
the sram has this plastic piece that breaks when the bike falls over
http://urbanvelo.org/wordpress/wp-co...2008-08-21.jpg

the nexus 7 and 8 is rotated around the hub inside the stays and protected.
http://photos.jibble.org/Vehicles/Bi...ub%20gears.JPG
the nexus 3 has a metal housing attached outside the nut-its better then the Sturmey.and can take a wack.
http://sheldonbrown.com/images/nexus3-bellcrank.jpg

as for the front on a folder drum brakes make so much sense, I have had an aluminum wheel bent in luggage making the hand brake useless,
my folder has drum, which works regardless.
http://classic-cycle.de/out/pictures/1/1590_p1.jpg

again -this is my opinion with my folders.
mike in finland

Mike,

New IGH (I-motion 3/9) from SRAM don't have the clickboxes on the outside, nor does the Shimano Alfine 8.

I currently have I-Motion 3 with FD making it 6 speed with one overlapping gear and it works well on a folder (130mm OLD). I second the idea for front drum brake as long as one's comfortable with extra 2lbs.

Is that in addition to a coaster brake in the rear? Or, do you ride with just a front brake?

Not to hijack this thread, but I like your point about dropping/banging the bike, damaging fragile components. Regarding my Dahon Dream thread, I was making a trigger shifter an important factor in hub selection. But, now I see the benefit of a twist shifter. (Less protrusion, potential to snag or snap when folded and carried/dropped, etc.).

Thanks tcs I looked up those two bikes you recommended, considering the Tern P7i. I can't find a store that has it in stock locally. The Glide P7 looks nice too, but it don't seem to be available in the US right now. This bike will be for my girlfriend, the Glide would have been perfect.

Ok, another question. Does anyone know if I can install a Shimano Nexus 7 with coaster onto a Boardwalk? Would that be insane?

I'm pretty sure the U.S. model Tern Link P7i has a freewheel rather than a coaster brake. The information at www.thorusa.com doesn't mention a coaster brake. See: http://www.thorusa.com/tern/linkp7i.htm

-HANK RYAN-
Norman, Oklahoma USA

Also on the Shimano Nexus 7, is it two different hubs that are flywheel or coaster or is it a setting?

There is a Tern P7i for sale here, http://austin.craigslist.org/bik/2973320755.html

The Tern p71 has an internal hub, but no coaster brake.

The Sturmey-Archer RS-RF3 three-speed and XRF8(W) eight-speed have their shift linkages inside the dropouts as well.

It's two different hubs.

If the decision is made to not install the steel Protective Bracket.

Thanks Dynocaoster, but I am in NYC. Austin Texas Craigslist is a little too far for me.

I looked up Amazon, is this one of the best options I have? Is that price ok? http://www.amazon.com/Shimano-Nexus-...6429345&sr=8-1

Thanks Brakemeister for letting me know that Tern P7i doesn't have a coaster. :( Any ideas you recommend?

I think the first question is: What is the rear dropout space of the Boardwalk model you're considering?

The next question is whether you're willing to do the work, or pay someone else. This is probably important concerning relacing the wheel with the new hub and shorter spokes. You can order custom-length spokes from the place in Las Vegas I mentioned in my thread about the Dahon Dream. A hub and spokes isn't too expensive. But, paying someone to do the labor could double the price. It's a question of how much you want to get into bike maintenance over the long haul (use this as an opportunity to learn new skills). If you haven't gotten too deep into maintenance, this might be too much.

There will always be people who disagree with what makes you happy. I linked to another thread where a guy in Singapore put an Alfine 8-speed IGH on his Dahon Dream. And a Brooks Saddle. Just a few posts into that thread the expected "that's crazy" contribution was made. :)

Do what makes you happy. Personally, I think if you haven't gotten experience with a particular folder you might not want to invest in an IGH. If you do, maybe build a whole new wheel so you can replace the old wheel and sell the bike if you discover you prefer a different model. I'd choose the bike that has the features/fit you like, and go crazy with it after you're sure it's the right bike. (Dropout space might be a factor in choosing the "right bike.").

For me, I don't think I would buy a folder and sink a lot into it. The only reason I'm doing it is that I got mine (Dream) for free. It's a fixer upper. I can learn a lot. Maybe end up with the right bike. If not, sell it for close to what I put into it. If I spent 300 on a new bike, I'd have trouble spending another $250-$300 for an upgrade like this without really being attached to the bike.

A question comes to mind. Why do you want an IGH? That seems to be the feature dictating which bike you'll get, instead of choosing a bike you like and adding an IGH later. If you bought a Boardwalk D7, why wouldn't the 7speed derailer be good enough until you're really attached to the bike? Why does internal 7 gears matter so much from the onset?

LOL I have a Brooks Saddle on my Eco 6, so I guess I'm half crazy. The Boardwalk I own is a single speed version so it has a coaster, and my girlfriend got used to that. So that's the reason she wants a coaster again, but she wants gears so she doesn't have to kill herself riding. I live in Queens NYC and I like riding around the boroughs, there are a good amount of hills here. Riding the bridges also isn't easy with how steep it can get, she doesn't want to try it with a single speed. I want a IGH because it's a cleaner look, less maintenance (I think), I would also get a freedrive on the chain (I have ruined my last pair of pants), and I just think it's cooler.

super cool that you want something which might be a little out of the box .... nothing wrong with that and I applaud you for it...

Let me see we have Dahon SPeed Uno and The Mu Uno, the Tern Link Uno, The VErge Duo , The Castro Duo .... all have Coaster brakes.
If it would be me thats a whole bunch of Coaster brakes, and I would rather have half of them being freewheelin with a light and high quality flip flop hub ....
But thats me .... even grown up with them coaster brakes.... :-)


But again dont worry ... if you have your heart set for one... than go for it .....
thor