Need folding bike, looking at Dahon but unsure what to get
#26
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 147
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 75 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 22 Times
in
18 Posts
Having used the Change Bike (650B) for a year now, I do think its a very good option if one values road/gravel bike like capability.
The downside will be the fold size, but at least the folding is easy and rather fast.
I'd take a look at the 24" and 26" Tern/Dahon options as well.
What the larger wheeled bikes offer over smaller wheeled ones will be better rolling over poorer terrain, usually some wider tire options and perhaps easier sourcing of wheels/tires (depending on where you live) .
There is ultimately a speed difference between smaller vs larger wheels too.
Max gearing (for larger wheels ) and rotational/frictional losses (for smaller wheels) all add up if riding with folks on road bikes is part of the riding that you do.
#27
Full Member
OP do you intend to fly with it? If not consider the larger folding bikes.
#28
Junior Member
I have a Dahon Vigor D9, which is zippy little bike. And no offense to anyone here, but it also doesn't look as dorky as some folders. Excellent choice if you want a performance ride, but not ideal if you're looking to haul alot of stuff on the bike.
#29
Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2020
Posts: 12
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I am not a tall guy but I used both Dahon and Brompton. I suggest you to check the Brompton options. It is pricey that is true but the feeling is very differnet when its compared to Dahon (and Tern - since their frames are from the same factory most of the times.) If Dahon, I strongly advise to check Vitesse D8 model. IT is an old model but definitely a worker. It will not give you any suprises.
#30
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Baltimore, MD
Posts: 536
Bikes: Vilano Urbana, DownTube FS9, Montaque paratrooper, Nano mini-velo, Motobecane CX, Raleigh 20, MIFA folder, ROG Pony, Iverson Grand Touring folder, Exclusiv German folder
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 168 Post(s)
Liked 192 Times
in
120 Posts
You might consider a Mercier Nano, which doesn't fold but has easily pulled wheels and a short wheelbase, and should fit in a trunk or apartment fairly easily. There is a long lasting post about them right here in Bikeforums folding. Sturdy and not expensive. I have a Brompton and Xootr Swift, and it isn't as nice but not that far away either. It seems most folders fail at the hinge but that's not a concern with this bike..
#31
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 631
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 233 Post(s)
Liked 147 Times
in
97 Posts
Change Bike 650B
Ideally, I'd have given an update with a bike packing tour in Iceland, but seems like its not happening this year...
You can get it as a stock bike which imho is rather capable and very functional but as usual with stock parts, less bling and heavier weight.
A straight handlebar will let the bike have a smaller side folded profile/size.
#32
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: TX
Posts: 522
Bikes: Downtube IX NS&FS, Dahon Speed8Pro/Matrix/Curve, Brom S2L,Montague Para, ICE-XL w/Rollie/Schlumpf, Trident Spike, ebikes, BFSatRDay
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 172 Post(s)
Liked 95 Times
in
81 Posts
For a starter foldie it's hard to beat a used Dahon.
Bulky fold for the trunk but good flexibility as you explore how the bike best serves you,
as foldies have narrower "sweet spots"for use.
My only comments on the great discussions above is that discs and derailleurs add fragility ,a concern in trunks and travel,
and panniers can be hard to fit ,favoring back packs and front bags for the initial phase of use. (Intro, Utility, Refined)
Bulky fold for the trunk but good flexibility as you explore how the bike best serves you,
as foldies have narrower "sweet spots"for use.
My only comments on the great discussions above is that discs and derailleurs add fragility ,a concern in trunks and travel,
and panniers can be hard to fit ,favoring back packs and front bags for the initial phase of use. (Intro, Utility, Refined)