vczo

This topic is about folding mountain/leisure bikes ONLY!

I was planning on getting the Dahon Espresso, Here in the U.S., they only make it in Baltic color. I want it in stealth color, know any trusted international site that sell them (w/ Free or cheap shipping)?

Stealth.

Baltic.

I also like the Montague Swissbike X50. https://www.montaguebikes.com/swissbi...ing-bikes.html


Please Vote:
1) Dahon Espresso
2) Montague Swissbike X50

fietsbob

Bike Friday Pocket Llama, I voted with my checkbook for mine..

smallwheeler

+ 1 bike friday pocket llama.

vczo

looking for something under $800. Large Frame (I'm 6'1")

smallwheeler

used bike friday pocket llama

fietsbob

To use as a Mountain bike, in other than JRA casual rides? You Know those are Heavy and less than rugged, right?

double fail .. not a good MTB and wont fold all that small because its made around keeping the 26" wheels .

BTW Bike Friday has 8 sizes , all other folding bikes have only one.

brakemeister

Montaque is 600 bucks ....
Dahon Espresso in blue is 699.00

what about a Tern C 21 for 400 ???? Special pricing makes this real interesting its white ..not stealthy
BUT
The Tern D 24 is 650 and its GREY
https://www.thorusa.com/tern/joed24.htm

or for a little bit more the black one with disc brakes and much nicer components
https://www.thorusa.com/tern/joep24.htm

Best Thor

BikeLite

Don't expect to use a folding mountain bike just like a non-folding mountain bike. From the tern manual,

"Built for urban warriors, not stunt men
Tern bicycles are designed for use as a city bicycle on paved roads only. Other use, such as jumps or stunts may cause damage to the frame and risk rider injury."

BassNotBass

+1.

vczo, here are my thoughts...

Frame:
the weak link of a folding bike frame is it's hinge. If you choose a frame that doesn't have a "mid-folding" hinge, unlike the ones you posted, you'll most likely be better off. The Pocket Llama is a hinge-less frame. Even a less expensive Bike Friday like their custom New World Tourist ($1,198 starting) or their lesser expensive Pocket Companion ($995, which they are elusive about advertising, even on their site so you have to really convince them that it's all you want) would be great with beefier tires and suit your needs.

Wheels:
sure 26" wheels are the norm for MTBs... 29" (700) if you keep up with the latest trends but are you really going to ride paths that a 20" wheel can't cope with? Keep in mind what BMX riders with their 20" wheels come up against.

I've ridden my Bike Friday NWT (a touring bike) on natural paths and gravel roads (like the Speyside Way) with no difficulties or want for a large wheeled bike. Considering that you were asking about mountain/leisure bikes only, something like the Bike Friday would easily fit the bill... however the bikes you posted should prove adequate albeit in a larger package.

seadragonpisces

Airnimal White Rhino (or higher spec Black Rhino).

Dahon Jetstream P8 (or EX with full suspension if you can find a 2nd hand one).

phillybill

I've had both....(Recently). They both ride nice and the espresso has a better fold (no shock fork). But I prefer the fit of the Montague better.
I basically sold an almost new mint 2012 espresso and re-built an old Montague frame from ground up.

Bill Fold

Do you have any pics of the Montague you rebuilt?

phillybill

I'm tinkering with it again.... going single speed and knobby tires..... had it as a 2x10 but was overkill for my flat commute. gave it a flat black paint job..
Will post some pic's later.

phillybill

still in progress

Bill Fold

The flat black looks nice.

phillybill

it came out better than I thought is would. used something heat resistant stuff that I use on my fore place insert and pellet stove. highly resistant to scratches

MichaelW

I have been riding a Dahon Cadenza 26" urban bike for about 5 years. It is a similar to the espresso.
I ride it on tracks and trails but I dont do stunts or jumps.
It works well as an urban utility bike, although on the heavy side. The fold up is useful for occasional carry in a car boot. The folded size is quite wide so unsuitable for corridors and to big for some cupboards.
26 wheels are fine for everyday use and especially good on winter.