Need help for Folding bike recommendation: Dahon D7, Dahon C7A vybe & Tern link C7
 

I'm looking for a folding bike to ride for fun and having some fresh air during lunch time. The Dahon D7, Dahon C7A vybe & Tern C7 seems pretty interesting and within my price range (i think all 3 are around $450)

I believed the C7A and C7 are Aluminum frame and the D7 is a steel frame. What is the difference between Aluminum and Steel since their total weight seems to be close? Which one is better? Any other recommendation for this price range. Also, where is a good place to buy?

Thank you for your comments in advance.

Where are you located?

-HANK RYAN-
Norman, Oklahoma USA

I'm in San Francisco Bay area

Difference between steel and aluminum bike frames;

https://www.missionbicycle.com/about...el-vs-aluminum

I have a Dahon Speed D7 and love it. Have taken it on short trips, multi-modal commutes, and a full 17 mile ride commute to downtown Chicago. From comparing the specs between the Speed D7 and the C7A vibe, I see a few things that you would want to consider:

The C7A is a little bit lighter. If you are planning to carry it a lot it might make a difference to you.
The Speed D7 has a cro-mo frame. I don't know if the ride quality is much better, but I like the idea of the tougher frame personally.
The Speed D7 has more flexibility in riding position, what they call "flex-adjust". Basically you can adjust the height of the handlebars to give you a more aggressive riding position
http://dahon.com/uploads/tx_dahonpro...80x80px_01.png

vs. the C7A, whcih has a single riding position, what they call "neutral"
http://dahon.com/uploads/tx_dahonpro...80x80px_01.png

Particularly if you are in San Francisco itself, head to WARM PLANET BIKES is Here! | Warm Planet Bikes. All kinds of folding bikes in stock.

Thanks, this is interesting to know. Also, how does the D7 goes on uphill? San Francisco bay area have alot of slope here and there.

Most of the terrain is pretty flat around here, though my street is on a tall-ish hill for this area (not saying too much). My older D7 has a 12-28T cassette I think, and IIRC the new D7s have 11-30T, which might help a bit on the hills. Not sure about the C7A or the Tern, but I'm guessing that 7 speeds is either enough for you or not, regardless of which bike has them.

The Dahon D7 just dropped down to $419 from Amazon but it seems to be an older design compare to C7A ($399) and Tern C7 ($450), it is even harder to decide. Any help?

There are several Dahon or Tern authorized dealers in your area. Some of those have both brands. Have you test-ridden any of the models you are contemplating?

-HANK RYAN-
Norman, Oklahoma USA

Yes, i have tested the Dahon D7 but they don't have C7A. The D7 works well on the flat but there are no hill to test on. The one they have onsale is the older model which only has 12-28T and the newer D7 has 11-30T but it is $100 more. This makes me to think i should go for C7A (C7A have an overall smaller gear inches than D7 based on Dahon Website) because i care more for uphill rather than top speed. Unfortunately, i didn't find alot of review for the C7A and a few reviews i saw is about the C7A build quality is not as good :notamused: which make it harder to decide.

Not alot of money difference but i just want to purchase something i like but in a good deal:thumb:

I assume that the Dahon D7 you are considering is the Dahon Speed D7. Note that the Dahon Speed D7 and the Tern Link C7 both have an adjustable telescoping handleposts while the Dahon Vibe C7A has a fixed handlepost.

Keep in mind that the lowest price is often not the best deal. ;)

-HANK RYAN-
Norman, Oklahoma

google is there they have a search engine you may have heard of ..

DAHON Bikes USA:*Home

I have a Speed D7 and a MU P8. Gearing on the D7 seems fine for the hills around here. I can't say I see much difference between the Aluminum and Steel frames. The adjustable stem is a big plus in my mind. It's nice having fenders in the rain/post rain rides.

Take a look at the Origami Crane 7. We are offering a two - week test ride so you can see if out meets your expectations.

well.... does this mean I can post links to the bikes I sell
and have a link to my website in the signature ?

why do I get in trouble for much less ?

thor