Still Pedaling

It's been long overdue, but I'm finally able to purchase a folding bike for my wife. Some might say, "how come it took so long", but it's been one thing after another expense wise. It seems that every time I get a little money put aside the car needs attention. Its like those rotten things are programmed to automatically read your bank account. How I would love to live somewhere that I don't need an automobile.

Unfortunately I can't afford another Brompton, but my wife is eyeing two bikes that she thinks would work well for her - the Dahon Curve D3 and the Citizen Tokyo. I have mentioned to her that there is perhaps a lot of difference in quality between the two, but for her, it doesn't matter as she will only be using it on the occasion for recreational cycling. One of the biggest problems where I live is finding folding bikes to at least have a look at and test ride. The shop where I purchased my Brompton has only high end bikes, and she has tried out what they sell, and only likes the Brompton models. Can't say that I blame her, because that's how I feel as well. The Citizen, if she chooses that, will have to be ordered, and hopefully she will like the bike because I'm not looking forward to having to ship the thing back if she doesn't. Yesterday afternoon I was surprised to find out that a bicycle shop in the middle of town has a few Dahon's for sale, and the D3 is one of them. If she likes it, and I sell my camera gear this afternoon to a potential buyer, I might buy that for her - IF she likes it of course. I'm really selling the gear so she can finally get her bike. If I can't sell the gear, well it might just be the Tokyo or hold off until I do sell the stuff.

One of the things I'm not sure about the Tokyo, is the space between the saddle and the handlebars. Many folding bikes, the D3 included, has the handlebar more in a forward position, the Tokyo is shown in a more normal position similar to most non folding bikes. With a bike this small, I'm concerned that her riding position might be a little cramped even though she is only 5'3" tall. That I know won't be an issue with the D3, especially after seeing Peter from NYCEwheels riding one in his review video of it.

So I ask you, in your expert opinion, would it really matter which one to get considering she will only use the bike on occasional rides? I would like to get her the D3 for obvious quality reasons. If anyone perhaps has had experience with these bikes I would like to hear from you guys as well. Thanks folks.

Cheers
Wayne

smallwheeler

if money is tight, you have to be smart. if i were you, i would exhaust every possible alternative before paying full retail for a brand new bike. period. try this. $45:

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/bik/4561284017.html

Still Pedaling

I noticed that same ad a few days ago. My wife doesn't want to go that route anymore since the last scam we encountered. Like new the guy said. Like new my you know what. It was scratched, dirty and the gears didn't work properly. My wife was really annoyed with that. Regarding this particular bike, the ad states the bike is 6/10 as far as condition goes. I wouldn't mind at least looking at it, but since the bike is for my wife, it's her call, and besides, its a good hours drive. She said that she would prefer a new bike now. I do have the green backs for a bike now set aside, but if I sell the camera gear, which I don't use anymore, she probably would like to get the D3. But, I don't want to leave any stone un-turned, so to speak. One never knows what might come along in the meantime. We are hoping to get out on Saturday to have a look at the D3. At least we finally came across one to look at and test ride.

Thank you for looking that up for me. Very much appreciated.

smallwheeler

most likely the guy wasn't trying to "scam" you on the downtube mini. as another poster said, the rear hub probably just needed adjusting. but, if you don't know much about bikes and maintenance, shopping for used bikes can be daunting; i understand that. i'll keep looking around and see if i notice something interesting.
the dahon curve is a decent bike, but in no way is it worth the $700 retail price. and btw, in my opinion, the citizen tokyo is a piece of junk. i bought one on a whim a few years back. i got rid of it two days later. i read something from another forum member who bought one and donated it to goodwill within a week. but, then again, interceptor seems to enjoy it. it all depends on what your expectations and abilities are.

blakcloud

When it comes to CL, I am always leery.

The photo in the ad was taken at Niagara Falls Canada and the bike is for sale in Phoenix, Arizona. It may mean nothing, it may mean lots. To the OP I hope you sell your camera equipment so that you can get the bike of your choice. Good luck.

Still Pedaling

Thank you swallwheeler. I appreciate your opinion on the Tokyo. I trust your knowledge on bikes to believe that.

I noticed that the Curve was selling for $699 at NYCEWheels. It is a bit much I agree. As far as expectations go, I do have some trepidation's about going with the Tokyo considering past experience with the bikes my wife and I purchased at camper's World just over a year ago. It leaves a sour taste in one's mouth, so to speak. Perhaps interceptor got a rare good one .

Thanks again for looking.

Cheers
Wayne

Still Pedaling

Thanks. I hope so too. My wife deserves a nice folding bike of her own, and I'm glad to sacrifice the gear for her.

tds101 

I'm partial to the Dahon Curve D3 myself. It might be more expensive than some other folding bikes, but the quality is there. I've actually considered a Citizen Tokyo, but after seeing a Citizen Gotham 7 I changed my mind. Looked somewhat solid, but seemed the components were a bit lacking.

Check out the Curve D3, see if the Mrs enjoys it. Me, I wish I could get my wife to ride with me. No deal,... Sigh,...

Dynocoaster 

I don't know if a single speed would work for her but have you seen the Dahon Pop for $229? Tree Fort Bikes - Online Bicycle Parts and Accessories, Bicycle Tools and Maintenance

tds101 

The Dahon Pop looks kinda cool.

Still Pedaling

It looks really nice, and for $299 - not bad. I don't know if she would like a single speed though. Thanks for sharing that.

Dynocoaster 

$229 and that included shipping. I ordered mine Tuesday and I am suppose to receive it next Wednesday. I can then measure to see if a 3 speed or 2 speed hub can be added. Thor has the revolve stem so I can fit a different handlebar.

BruceMetras

Wow, Tree Fort took some liberties with Dahon's spec sheet:

Tree Fort :

16'' Wheels
Color: White
Folded Size: 40x79x59 cm
Weighs only 24.4 Pounds
Steel Frame
Max Rider Weight: 231 lbs
Rider Height Range: 4'8''-6'6''


Dahon:

GEOMETRY
SP-HB 560 mm (22")
Saddle to Pedal Min: 600 mm (23.6") Max: 750 mm (29.5")
Rider Height Range 140 - 175 cm (4'7"-5'9")
Rider Max. Weight 80 kg (176 lbs)

smallwheeler

yes. incidentally, that bike is a piece of junk.

Dynocoaster 

What is your experience with this bike?

tds101 

After seeing a video of the Dahon Pop I've ascertained it's more of a kids bike, and it's SLOOOOWWWW! I'd go with the Curve D3 myself.

jimboach

I've had plenty of experience with Citizen bikes as my girlfriend likes to think that she's a bargain shopper by buying the cheapest crap, then never using it because it's cheap. She's had 2 Citizen Miamis because she bought the cheapest bike locks and they keep getting stolen, then a Barcelona because she liked the cruiser low step design. This, all the while, i've owned dahons and terns. I don't see the point in Citizen bikes. They are SOOOO heavy. Even the tiny Tokyo. It's such a lug. The fold on all the models is so sloppy and hard to manage, it completely defeats the purpose of having a folder. The tires are cheap, the bike is slow, the geometry is just awful. They look cool but after a few miles, you quickly learn that it's just not worth it. If you want a nice fold, a quicker bike, with a nicer feel overall, stick with the curve, or better yet check out Dahon's common speed d7 or 8s. They're super easy to find, very comfortable, the fold is way better, and you can find them used all day on ebay or craigslist. You certainly can find them in bike shops and take em out for a spin.

Still Pedaling

I thank you for your reply. Its that old saying - "you get what you pay for". I'm sure that holds true for the Citizen bikes. I have to ask myself why they are not in stores. If a bike is that good, they would sell far more of them if they were available for people to see and try as well online. Anything can be made to look good on a webpage, and I guess that is the formula for their success. They sell thousands to people who know very little about bikes in general, and would be pleased with it, even though it squeaks, rattles and shakes down the road.

Anyway, I sold my camera gear, and my wife and I are hoping to have a look at the D3 this afternoon. If she likes it, we will buy it. If not, well, I'll have to keep looking on Craigslist and hope something comes along. They are very few and far between here. Lot's of time as the best riding weather for us is just around the corner. Soon the furnaces will be turned off. The summer here is brutal for riding unless you get up nice and early.

Thanks everyone for your assistance.

Cheers
Wayne

shoelace16

Don't know your budget but I recommend the Origami bikes. They are now available at Sports Authority stores. If you're willing to spend $600-700, I would go with the Dragonfly 8. I needed fenders for commuting and didn't have enough budget, I went with Crane 7. So far, I am happy with my first folding bike.

Still Pedaling

Thanks. I checked their website and sure enough they have them. It mentions that they are online exclusive, but I'll phone a local store this morning and check to see if perhaps they might have them.

EDIT: I just got off the phone with someone at my local Sports Authority, and he confirmed that the Origami bikes are online orders only. Shame, because I would like to have been able to see one.

dezzie

My mate had a D3 curve, he loved it but sold it after a couple of months as the frame hinge wore down really badly and he was forever adjusting it, metal just wore away like butter, its what puts me off hinge in the middle aluminium frames now!

Still Pedaling

I'm sure this might be an isolated case. After all, even the odd Rolls-Royce I'm sure has its issues. Nothing made by man is going to be trouble free, and that would apply to the D3 by Dahon. Check out this article written by a happy D3 owner. He couldn't be happier with his.

Kent's Bike Blog: My Dahon Curve D3

Cheers
Wayne

cplager

My understanding was that certain physical stores would have bikes. If you want to see one in person, talk to Paul.

chagzuki

I'm just looking at the Citizen website and the bike doesn't seem to have evolved/improved. I'd say without hesitation go for the Dahon Curve.

bhkyte

Hi Wayne.

I have owned a dahon D3 before and if you can get one at a good price I think you and your wife would be very happy with it. It's very compact, takes a tad more folding knack, although some people find it faster to fold than a brompton(i dont).

It's very comfotable due to big apple tyres. It's quite customisable ie suspension seatpost, klick fit luggage, dahon upgrades and so on.
Seatpost pump is nice feature.
Fit is good for most women, it can be fitted with a brompton type front bag. It's also nice and light.

I got mine for 300 UK pounds on ebay. It's not worth the full retail price.

If you like the brompton you are likely to like the dahon curve d3 as in many ways it rides quite simually.

My thoughts. I don't think you would regret buying a curve d3.