Rodfolding

Hi there,

This is my first post in this great forum, but as an owner of a Dahon Speed D7 I would like to clarify some facts to potential buyers of this bike.

The old model had Roulez 20x1.5 tires, the new one Rotolo 20x1.75, more comfortable but slower.

The old model had a rear cogs of 11-30, the new one 12-28, harder on hills, slower on flat terrain.

Many web sites advertise the new model with the old specifications, and that's is wrong in my opinion.

Dahon should be clear about it and drop the word Speed in the new Dahon D7.

Buyer beware !

Thanks.

Rod

HGR3inOK

Keep in mind that Dahon bikes are distributed worldwide. Generally the distributor in each market decides which models (and with what standard equipment) they will sell in their market. With people using the Internet for research, it can get pretty confusing at times determining which models with which equipment are available in which markets. I'm not saying it's okay to have incorrect specifications. For USA models, the most reliable (but not infallible ) source for specifications (IMHO) is www.thorusa.com.

"Speed" is a model name for certain Dahons that have a 4130 chromoly frame --- Speed Uno, Speed D7 and Speed P8. "D7" is an equipment level. There are several Dahons that have D7 equipment --- Speed D7, Mariner D7, Vitesse D7, Roo D7, Jack D7. Again, not all models are available in all markets. And the equipment on a specific model may vary from market to market.

Where are you located?

-HANK RYAN-
Norman, Oklahoma USA

Rodfolding

Thanks for your clarification. I'm in NYC, my research was based only in the US market, where I discovered the "wrong" advertisement, but the fact is that the new Dahon Speed D7 in 2012, is a slower bike in comparison with the old model in the United States. Maybe in Europe is a faster bike (based on your explanation), but that would be weird marketing in my opinion.
The new Dahon Speed D7 (in the US market) has a narrower gear range. That puts off a lot of potential buyers.

Rod

brakemeister

hmmmmm ... an 85 big gear ratio ...
it all depends how fast you peddle .... no "advertising" can take away from that fact.
Got a little problem with that advertising statement... I dont really see those tech data as being advertising. Just to give a rough idea what this bike comes equipped with compared to other bikes. Most other sellers dont give that information and just come with flowery descriptions (advertising )
Nothing wrong with that either.

I know a lot of folks who have a higher geared bike, but not the power to even come close to push it ( me included)
but its not the bike ...lol

thor

edwong3

I recently purchased a Greenzone Value Edition which is a similar bike, and I guess targets the same market segment as the Dahon Speed D7. It is a 7 speed, and comes with fenders, and a rack just like the D7. My opinion is that these specific models are more for general purpose riding (recreation, running errands, commuting, etc.), than for high performance riding.

The gear range is even more limited than the D7 since it comes with a 14-28 cluster (52 tooth chain wheel), but I feel that it is more than adequate for me, and what I intend to use it for. It's high gear allows me to easily reach cruising speeds in the mid, and upper teens, and the low gears are sufficient to climb some decent hills.

At times, I think we get hung up on having a "gazillion" gear inches both ways without considering that the "human engine" is highly adaptable. And I agree with Thor, many people may not have the power to really use the high gearing effectively.

Just my 2 cents for what it's worth.

Ed