Dahon Curl (brompton clone) released
 

Everybody see that the Dahon Curl has finally been released?

http://www.nycewheels.com/dahon-folding-bike-curl.html

http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/nycewheels_2218_31677371

http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/nycewheels_2218_31715376

At $1450, any thoughts on what this would have to offer over just buying a Brompton?

may as well get a Brompton at that price.

or not

There is something interesting there in the seatpost for the folded bike. Might this be something for pinching in the other direction:)?

its on the web so it has to be true ....

what a tiny chainwhell

they copy the 2 speed planetary crank set too?

18 inch wheels? Is this going to be hard to find tires?

That is exactly the sort of price I thought it would be quite some years ago.

It is nice looking, but I would opt for the Brompton.

Interesting that it's that expensive. I'd like to know specs - weight, gearing, etc. And, yeah, 18" wheels seems an odd choice.

With something costing the exact same price as the brompton and not as good long term support i'm trying to find a benefit the curl would have over any typical brompton. Anyone?

I guess the slightly smaller fold may be more convenient when taken as luggage on flights?
The steering will probably be a bit less twitchy and handlebar height is adjustable.

I don't think the concept works, it looks awkward to carry and the chain being on the outside is not good.

I don't find the Brompton steering twitchy at all, in fact I find it a very agile bike. This is interesting from Dahon but the chain on the outside defeats the purpose of a compact folder. It won't challenge the Brommie too much at that price entry point.

Depends on how you define "hard to find". Your corner LBS won't have them, but then they probably won't have ISO349x35 for your Brompton or ISO406x28 for your Tern Verge X30h either. Birdys use 18" tires.

It looks as though this fold with 20" wheels would be around the same size as a Brompton, perhaps there's an argument for one of those.

Maybe not 406x28, but you can buy 406 tires at Walmart that will fit in a pinch. A larger LBS will have 349 tires since they are used on recumbents. But of course if you plan ahead and order a spare 18" tire this won't be an issue unless you plan to tour with the Curl.

Hopefully they will bring out some tyres to fit.
Like onza trails bikes make a 19 inch wheel which a Maxx tyre fits.

Can it be used with the Dahon "Orlando" stem to get more cock pit space ?

Schwalbe makes a Big Apple, Marathon Racer, and Kojak in 355. Probably some others like a standard Marathon. Birdy also "makes" -- I assume that they contract it out with someone -- at least two tires for their models.

So while the difference between ERTO 349 and 355 is clearly trivial -- 6 mm! -- you do get wider tires with ERTO 355.

I can't see a Dahon Curl wordl championship taking place anytime soon lol!

Huh? I get the potential for mess-making with an exposed chain, but defeating the purpose of the bike seems extremely over-the-top.

I don't know what kind of "long term support" your talking about, but the Curl is, I'd argue, better looking with it's more modern style and technological edge. A Brompton is properly handsome, but those tiny riser bars are awfully prissy, aren't they?

Don't give up on the Brompton riser bars just yet. The new H type's stem makes all the difference in the world. The Curl model might be gone in a couple of years. The basic Brompton lasts and lasts.

Oh, I've never ridden a Brompton, so nothing to give up on! I was just commenting on the appearance, and find the risers to look prissy and out-of-date compared to the flat bar on the Dahon. Yes, I know you can get a flatbar Brompton S type, but then I'd point out the dated crown forks with curved legs; the whole model range just looks old and frumpy compared to the Curl.

Why do you suggest the Curl may be gone in a couple of years, as if it's a problem, when the H type was just introduced this year, and so as a model, has yet to earn it's keep? That models come and go is a fact of life, and doesn't weigh much with me, and being "just a bike," I've found there's not a lot to go horribly wrong.

Anyway, if I was handing out bona fides for longevity, remember that Dahon has been producing bikes longer than Brompton. On top of that, Dahon has done more engineering and tried more unique designs, which translates as real, working experience to me, and is more impressive than just general evolution of a single design.

And don't get me wrong, I don't hate a Brompton, but was just answering the question posited earlier, "What benefit would the Curl have over a typical Brompton?" That answer, to me, is better styling. It also looks like a more compact fold, but since no one has seen one yet, I'll refrain from commenting on that aspect.

Oh ... there are many long discussions on the availability of replacement parts for old/discontinued Dahon models. Not that I can keep track of all Dahon models, but from what I gather while an identical part might no longer be available, usually a workable replacement is still produced. Someone like Thor can discuss with more experience if you're really interested.

+ 1......
that bike is not even released, its vapourware, and still in the design and testing stage, while some folks already claiming its not going to be around for long..... hmmm ? Wonder what the real beef is all about.
Not to mention that old and relentless gripe about spare parts.... What spare parts are not available ? ( brake blocks? get some 2 dlr pair and hold them to the grinder to make them fit on that antique bike, geez )

thor

Chain much better on the inside on a packed commuter train count on it!

I didn't like the handlebars and changed mine so I agree with you there. Can take some pics of you wish!

The Brompton has a classic look. I would certainly have to disagree that the Curl is a better looking bike. However this is not about debate but subjective preference. I challenge the Curl to do as well in the market at that pricing point and a chain folding on the outside. The Brompton is hard to beat as a commute n'go bicycle and I'd like to see people bring the Curl on a packed commuter train!

I'd like to stick my neck out and predict the Curl will launch and stay but it won't sell as many units annually as the Brompton. That's all, let the competition begin soon and consumers worldwide make their choice! ;-)

Thor beats more thunder lol! Isn't it listed for sale by a very genuine New York dealer who specialises in fodlers? They sent me a message to say they promise to make a video soon of the bike. I'll give them a call to confirm its availability and report back.