Grolschey

Hi, this will be my first folding bike, I would like a folding bike because I can't keep a full size non folder at work, and my area is pretty bad for thief's. Also I have been looking for cheap road bikes for months now to no avail, and I don't fancy spending all my time shopping for cheap bikes should one I buy be stolen.

I aim to use it to commute 9 mile round trip in a reasonable time (30 mins each way) without working up too much of a sweat, as for terrain its central London so pretty flat and mainly smooth. I have been looking at full size folders such as the Tern Joe C21 (no more in large size and discontinued) and the Joe P24 at a bit higher cost, however after doing more research I'm starting to think a 20" wheel will suffice for my commute. So about the C7 and D8 models, for this price it seems logical to get the D8 as if I were to purchase the C7 I would require some mud guards for the wet months, I am also aware the tyres are better on the D8 and the hinge system. However I'm not sure if there is much difference in the frames from 2012 to 2013, or any other differences between the bikes. Any advice on these bikes at these prices, or recommendations for other folding bikes would be more than welcome.

Edit: The Turn Link D7i (2014) has also come to my attention for £500, I really like the internal geared hub, is the bike worth the extra £125?

Cheers

jimboach

The hinges are the main focus here since you can't upgrade the frame hinge, it's a no brainer to buy the better hinge found on the D8 or D7i if you can afford it. I've used them both and the mechanisms on the upgraded bikes are well worth the price of admission just for those hinges alone. You just slap them closed and you're on your way. Other than that, I've never ridden the D7i but I did own the D8 which came preinstalled with fenders and a rack. The grips and pedals were awful so if you go that route, that might be your first set of upgrades, IMO

Grolschey

Thanks for the reply, I think I will go for the D8 or the D7i based on your comments and the price difference. I have seen a D7i (2013) on Evans with a scratched crank and scuffed saddle for £450, so this is really tempting. Should the added weight of the D7i put me off or not?

dezzie

check out fudges, much cheaper shop for my money I would have this - 2014 Dahon Vigor P9 Silver Folding bike Only £419.99 but look at the full range, plenty for that budget you have!

dezzie

p.s, check to see if your workplace has a cycle to work scheme, that way you can get a 40% discount up to £1000 bike!

Grolschey

Thanks for the suggestion. I have found the Vitesse D7HG for £10 more than the Vigor P9 @ Dahon Vitesse D7HG Folding Bike 2014 | JE James Cycles, is this worth considering? Im quite intent on a internal geared hub now it seems. How does it differ to the Tern D7i other than price?

I have seen many arguments Tern vs Dahon (albiet a few years ago), however the consensus seemed to be stay away as they have problems in higher management, what are the companies like now, ie are they both reliable and fit for long term mods etc? Is the build quality and longevity generally better in one of these companies?

Thanks!!!

dezzie

Terns make some lovely bikes and some have had issues with frames snapping and chaindrops etc, but the very few cases that have have mostly been addressed in the grand scheme of things, terns website shows what bikes were getting recalled, no doubt dahons have probably had some bad eggs but no manufacturer I suppose has ever made a perfect bike so its horses for courses, daghons been around longer than most, my main gripe with them is they bring a model out so many years then seem to stop producing replacement parts after so many years so older models hard to get parts for unless you have anyone stashing bits away, but I would have either make, not keen on the models your after but that's just my taste nothing to do with how the bike goes etc, all pretty much the same at that price point.

Grolschey

Thanks again. I have gone with the D7i as I can pick it up in a local store and make sure im comfortable with it. And I won't need to mess on with deliveries and putting it together. Thanks for all the help guys I'm sure I will enjoy it.