looking into a older dahon eco (not sure if its a c3 or c7 - it has 7 speeds) on cl. what im wondering if the bike lends itself to upgrades? bars, saddle, gearing, crankset, derailleurs, basically the works.

on another note, is the tern d8 upgradable? theres not much folders available here. this is my first one so not looking to jump in on a $1500 brompton or bike friday just yet

What do you want to upgrade on a D8? Saddles are always upgrade able. Gearing yes but it is more complex than upgrading a normal bike since the derailleur is different. I think but haven't done this, you can get a modified derailleur hangar and use a standard derailleur, so wider cassette range can be used. Don't know about bars. I have thought about doing some upgrades to my D8 but it is better to get the bike with the components that you want than to upgrade.

Where are you located? This is a worldwide forum. Not all options are feasible at every location.

-HANK RYAN-
Norman, Oklahoma USA

What type of derailleur/hanger is it? I haven't had a chance to look at the d8 up close.

I saw some of the bike fridays use road standard parts. I'm guessing that that's a exception to the rule. Only reason I am looking to upgrade is because I'm the type that always, always, always upgrades. Constantly, not just once but a few times over the course of time I have the bike. For instance I upgraded a road bike to 105 but now I'm in the process of going all dura ace. I've seen pics of bikes overseas with crazy build specs, of course they aren't a Eco or d8 but that's all that is in the area. The d8 is the only new folder available and the Eco is well used. Sometimes there's another model popping up on cl but honesty I've never thought about it until I decided I wanted to fly with a bike instead of picking up a rental car.

Current location....Maui Hawaii.

Upgradeitis Happens a lot .. go for it ..

step 1: learn how to measure things .. so you can judge if they may fit.

No help at all....obviously I wanted a input prior to picking up the bike. Don't want a bike I can't upgrade.

Hi, I've got a Tern D8 which I "upgraded". Here's what I did:

- replace bottom bracket (sh*tty one) with a sealed bearing cartridge one, it's 116mm square taper.

- replace hub axles with hollow axles and add quick release to the wheels. On the front wheel it's complicated - you need to shorten the axle and have a QR skewer machined (make longer thread) because the hub is only 74mm O.L.D. (stupid Dahon/Tern)

- later replaced crankset with a road double Shimano Exage 300 40+52 crankset (107mm square taper BB). I shift by hand while stopped. This adds 2 more gears for climbing really steep hills. (52-32 gear = 30gearinches, 40-32 = 23gearinches). The (stupid) Neos derraileur can handle only the top 3 cogs with the 40t chainring. Also the key here is to keep the chainline of the big ring as close to the ideal 43,5mm because from this ring you'll be using all rear cogs.

The worst thing with Tern Link D8 is the lack of standard rear derraileur mount. I don't believe the Neos derraileur is that much better than a standard short road derrailleur. The new Tiagra can officially handle 28t cog, but in reality I'm sure it can handle even 32. (I've successfully used old Shimano 105 RD-1055 with 32t). But with Tern you are stuck with Neos derraileur or you can buy an adapter which adds the standard mount, but costs about 50 USD if you find it.

In this regard I think the best buy from Tern lineup is the new Link D16: it has standard rear derrailleur, double front chainrings, front derrailleur mount.

Thanks! Your post has some useful info! I'll talk to the local tern dealer to see if he is planning on bringing in the d16. I've heard of tern frames breaking, is that a common issue? Is yours showing any signs? How long have you had it?

I just located a local dahon dealer too so I may check out those too

Some people think making a single speed out of a derailleur bike is an upgrade , and removing a low end RD would do that ..

seen older Dahons which had rear opening dropouts to make that possible..

BTW: have you read this ? Hands On Bike: Guide to Upgrading your Dahon / Tern Folding Bike one of the best and most detailed sources about upgrading Dahon / Tern folders.

above are 2 examples of unhelpful posts...keep it to yourself

now this is a example of a helpful post...thanks! i appreciate the link. i gotta ask again, do you have any worries about the frame failure rumors going around? thanks

put out more money in the first place ,and you wont have to upgrade it later ..

Bike Friday has an extensive build menu to have it come exactly equipped as you want in the first place.




Seems like you want a search engine rather than a forum, really .. someone to search the web for you ..

I wasn't worried until you asked but now that you mention it I think I'm getting a little worried...

EDIT: I found the discussion about Tern Link frames breaking: https://www.ternbicycles.com/at/forum...e-shearing-two Now I'm getting seriously worried !

You have barely 50 posts, but you think you know what's best here?

If this is going to be your attitude, maybe you'd be happier somewhere else. (I'm pretty sure we would be.)

i know what is a helpful post and whats not...i also am thankful for the ignore list.

I think I'm going to look into the Dahon Speed p8. Looks like it can fit a standard RD, I think with a long cage I can fit a 11-34t cassette and play with the chainring size to get something that will handle my style of riding. Only thing is that racks and fenders aren't included. Guess it's give and take.

If you mount long cage RD (if it fits) the lower pulley and chain will be extremely close to the ground. I recommend you use either road short or road long (about as long as mountain medium) RD.

BTW Dahon Speed P8 is a great choice. If I had was buying now that I'm aware of the Tern frames issues and all the other things I know now, I'd go for the Dahon. CrMo steel and standard RD mount.

I just saw a pic of what you are talking about. Thanks for the tip.

there is a really good article on upgrading dahons in the "read this first thread" sticky at the top of the forum