Dahon Speed Experience?
08-01-18, 03:29 PM
#1
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Dahon Speed Experience?
Hi all!
In the search for my first folder, I've come across what looks to be a nice Dahon Speed in decent condition. I'm brand new here so I can't post links, but I hope I could make it easy by plugging this into Bitly (2v7qp5q).
Haven't called the guy yet, so I don't know model year or parts. I was wondering if this is a good price for a used Speed and if it would be apt for commuting within a city (specifically Philadelphia; looking to move in a few months). I'd also like to know if it's difficult to add mudguards and a rear rack after the fact, as well as the general upgrade-ability of this kind of bike.
For context, I'm 6'1 and 180~185lb, so if this is in line with known Dahon Speed models, I should fall within its supported body type.
If any of you have experience with a Speed that you'd like to share, I'd greatly appreciate it! Thank you.
In the search for my first folder, I've come across what looks to be a nice Dahon Speed in decent condition. I'm brand new here so I can't post links, but I hope I could make it easy by plugging this into Bitly (2v7qp5q).
Haven't called the guy yet, so I don't know model year or parts. I was wondering if this is a good price for a used Speed and if it would be apt for commuting within a city (specifically Philadelphia; looking to move in a few months). I'd also like to know if it's difficult to add mudguards and a rear rack after the fact, as well as the general upgrade-ability of this kind of bike.
For context, I'm 6'1 and 180~185lb, so if this is in line with known Dahon Speed models, I should fall within its supported body type.
If any of you have experience with a Speed that you'd like to share, I'd greatly appreciate it! Thank you.
08-01-18, 07:54 PM
#2
Junior Member
Hi, I am glad to share with you my experience of DAHON Speed.
I have a couple of different models of the Speed, from the basic model, to Speed Tr and Speed Pro.
And I always update them with higher performance and lighter parts.
I am not a small guy, 183cm, 85kg. The Speed fits me, so will be OK for your size as well.
Even the basic Speed has already a reatively balanced configuration. No hi-end component but the combination works well.
However, the Speed has a big potential for upgrades. The CrMo steel frame of the Speed is the most valuable component. Strong and comfortable. With this frame, you are able to set up a really high performance folding bike in a very reasonable budget.
The frame is not extremly light, as it is steel, but I was able to control the total weight of my Speed to be 8.2kg. This is no doubt an acceptable weight for any folding bike.
As your first folding bike, the Dahon Speed is a smart choice and it will not make you regret.
I have a couple of different models of the Speed, from the basic model, to Speed Tr and Speed Pro.
And I always update them with higher performance and lighter parts.
I am not a small guy, 183cm, 85kg. The Speed fits me, so will be OK for your size as well.
Even the basic Speed has already a reatively balanced configuration. No hi-end component but the combination works well.
However, the Speed has a big potential for upgrades. The CrMo steel frame of the Speed is the most valuable component. Strong and comfortable. With this frame, you are able to set up a really high performance folding bike in a very reasonable budget.
The frame is not extremly light, as it is steel, but I was able to control the total weight of my Speed to be 8.2kg. This is no doubt an acceptable weight for any folding bike.
As your first folding bike, the Dahon Speed is a smart choice and it will not make you regret.
Last edited by GTA; 08-03-18 at 10:01 AM.
08-01-18, 08:03 PM
#4
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08-01-18, 09:01 PM
#5
Junior Member
From my point of view, to get rid of the first 1 or 2 kilos is not difficult. We take the basic Speed as example, you just need to get proper saddle/ seatpost/ pedals/ tires/ hollow crankset to replace the old ones, and remove the unnecessary accesories, it can be easily 2 kilos lighter.
But you are right, the lighter, the more difficult and costly it becomes. In the end you take account of every gram.
My Archer, as shown, finally has only the frame kept from the original bike. Every single other piece is upgraded, even all the screws.
You may have to use carbon and titanium components, and some special lightweighted parts. For reference, the brake lever here you see weighs only 32g. The front carbon fork only 3xx g. The front wheelset plus tire only 6xx g......
Perhaps I am lucky, because in China these stuff can be found easily, and also because I have a bunch of folding-bike-enthusiast friends to share experiences, just like here.
08-01-18, 09:09 PM
#6
Junior Member
7.5kg was another folder, my Dahon Presto Lite.
Sorry for confusing......
08-01-18, 09:37 PM
#7
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08-01-18, 10:05 PM
#8
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A lighter bike even didn't make me ride faster. During last year, my bike perhaps became 800g lighter, which made me happy and pround. However, my weight increased from 80kg to 85kg, and this makes the lightweighting upgrades totally nonsense......
08-03-18, 09:09 AM
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Still very light. I am trying to get to my Mu down to at least 8KG from its current 8.7, but I dont see how you did it.
Your frame is steel, mine is alloy.
Your seatpost is metal, mine carbon
Your bars are metal, mine carbon.
Your cranks are metal, mine hollow carbon
I am planning to change my seat (light selle italia), derailleur and cassette (dura-ace) which will save about 200 grams, but would still be 300g off your bike. And we have the same rims, but I have far lighter tyres and I bet tubes. Even my levers are carbon, my cables jagwire and all qr ridea. Not seeing my mine is heavier, every single part seems lighter ;(
Last edited by kidshibuya; 08-03-18 at 09:23 AM.
08-03-18, 09:39 AM
#10
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Still very light. I am trying to get to my Mu down to at least 8KG from its current 8.7, but I dont see how you did it.
Your frame is steel, mine is alloy.
Your seatpost is metal, mine carbon
Your bars are metal, mine carbon.
Your cranks are metal, mine hollow carbon
Your fork is metal, mine is carbon.
I am planning to change my seat (light selle italia), derailleur and cassette (dura-ace) which will save about 200 grams, but would still be 500g off your full metal bike. And we have the same rims, but I have far lighter tyres and I bet tubes. Even my levers are carbon, my cables jagwire and all qr ridea. Not seeing my mine is heavier, every single part seems lighter ;(
Your frame is steel, mine is alloy.
Your seatpost is metal, mine carbon
Your bars are metal, mine carbon.
Your cranks are metal, mine hollow carbon
Your fork is metal, mine is carbon.
I am planning to change my seat (light selle italia), derailleur and cassette (dura-ace) which will save about 200 grams, but would still be 500g off your full metal bike. And we have the same rims, but I have far lighter tyres and I bet tubes. Even my levers are carbon, my cables jagwire and all qr ridea. Not seeing my mine is heavier, every single part seems lighter ;(
Of course there are many carbon and titanium parts equipped, and some customized stuff.
I know a guy here could manage to lower the weight of a SPEED to nearly 7kg. He even make cutouts on the frame!
And if you want a superlight bike, MU is not the first choice. Its frame is really heavy, probably heavier than the steel SPEED.
HELIOS is the lightest DAHON frame I have ever had. You should consider it.
BTW, maybe I shouldn't tell you this: I always make my bikes lighter and lighter, but the weight of my body has increased a lot!!!!
08-03-18, 09:51 AM
#11
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Did anyone ever find a link to the bike this thread is about? Nothing that's been said since is particularly helpful to the OP.
08-03-18, 11:53 AM
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I actually did end up buying it! Paid $300 US for it and my first impression is that it is pretty speedy! Once I hit that magic 10 post mark I'll make a thread showing it with pics, unless it would be better to do it in this existing thread.
08-03-18, 11:55 AM
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Hi, I am glad to share with you my experience of DAHON Speed.
I have a couple of different models of the Speed, from the basic model, to Speed Tr and Speed Pro.
And I always update them with higher performance and lighter parts.
I am not a small guy, 183cm, 85kg. The Speed fits me, so will be OK for your size as well.
Even the basic Speed has already a reatively balanced configuration. No hi-end component but the combination works well.
However, the Speed has a big potential for upgrades. The CrMo steel frame of the Speed is the most valuable component. Strong and comfortable. With this frame, you are able to set up a really high performance folding bike in a very reasonable budget.
The frame is not extremly light, as it is steel, but I was able to control the total weight of my Speed to be 8.2kg. This is no doubt an acceptable weight for any folding bike.
As your first folding bike, the Dahon Speed is a smart choice and it will not make you regret.
I have a couple of different models of the Speed, from the basic model, to Speed Tr and Speed Pro.
And I always update them with higher performance and lighter parts.
I am not a small guy, 183cm, 85kg. The Speed fits me, so will be OK for your size as well.
Even the basic Speed has already a reatively balanced configuration. No hi-end component but the combination works well.
However, the Speed has a big potential for upgrades. The CrMo steel frame of the Speed is the most valuable component. Strong and comfortable. With this frame, you are able to set up a really high performance folding bike in a very reasonable budget.
The frame is not extremly light, as it is steel, but I was able to control the total weight of my Speed to be 8.2kg. This is no doubt an acceptable weight for any folding bike.
As your first folding bike, the Dahon Speed is a smart choice and it will not make you regret.
08-03-18, 03:50 PM
#14
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You might as well post pics, and a review, right here in this thread.
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08-03-18, 07:43 PM
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The picture I put are not showing its lightest status.
Of course there are many carbon and titanium parts equipped, and some customized stuff.
I know a guy here could manage to lower the weight of a SPEED to nearly 7kg. He even make cutouts on the frame!
And if you want a superlight bike, MU is not the first choice. Its frame is really heavy, probably heavier than the steel SPEED.
HELIOS is the lightest DAHON frame I have ever had. You should consider it.
BTW, maybe I shouldn't tell you this: I always make my bikes lighter and lighter, but the weight of my body has increased a lot!!!!
Of course there are many carbon and titanium parts equipped, and some customized stuff.
I know a guy here could manage to lower the weight of a SPEED to nearly 7kg. He even make cutouts on the frame!
And if you want a superlight bike, MU is not the first choice. Its frame is really heavy, probably heavier than the steel SPEED.
HELIOS is the lightest DAHON frame I have ever had. You should consider it.
BTW, maybe I shouldn't tell you this: I always make my bikes lighter and lighter, but the weight of my body has increased a lot!!!!
08-05-18, 04:18 AM
#16
Junior Member
08-05-18, 05:31 AM
#17
Senior Member
08-05-18, 06:20 AM
#18
Junior Member
Aha, LITEPRO!
I know LITEPRO vey well.
From frames, forks, wheel sets, cranksets, to gear cables and bar grips, I have tried almost all types of LP components, because they have been really popular and easy to get.
LP parts are normally quite light! relatively very cheap!
For example, the LP Ultimate Lever, which is a brake lever that weighs 32g, is similar to another famous brand's product, but much much cheaper.
However, I DO NOT suggest you to buy LP frame, because sometimes LP quality is unstable. I have seen many defects on LP stuff. I bet that the frame you show could be 500g lighter than a DAHON frame, but I do doubt the durability.
I would not worry if you tell me you are buying a LP seatpost or handlebar.
08-05-18, 04:18 PM
#19
Senior Member
Yes...I live in Asia-Pacific, and Litepro is quite prevalent here. I've used an LP crankset and handlebar now for three years plus, and across three tours. The BB that came with the crankset lasted only for about two years, though, so i threw it out.
interesting about the LP frames. I wondered about that too. An alternative view has been given by a forum member here who said good things about his LP Velocity frame bike...
interesting about the LP frames. I wondered about that too. An alternative view has been given by a forum member here who said good things about his LP Velocity frame bike...
Aha, LITEPRO!
I know LITEPRO vey well.
From frames, forks, wheel sets, cranksets, to gear cables and bar grips, I have tried almost all types of LP components, because they have been really popular and easy to get.
LP parts are normally quite light! relatively very cheap!
For example, the LP Ultimate Lever, which is a brake lever that weighs 32g, is similar to another famous brand's product, but much much cheaper.
However, I DO NOT suggest you to buy LP frame, because sometimes LP quality is unstable. I have seen many defects on LP stuff. I bet that the frame you show could be 500g lighter than a DAHON frame, but I do doubt the durability.
I would not worry if you tell me you are buying a LP seatpost or handlebar.
I know LITEPRO vey well.
From frames, forks, wheel sets, cranksets, to gear cables and bar grips, I have tried almost all types of LP components, because they have been really popular and easy to get.
LP parts are normally quite light! relatively very cheap!
For example, the LP Ultimate Lever, which is a brake lever that weighs 32g, is similar to another famous brand's product, but much much cheaper.
However, I DO NOT suggest you to buy LP frame, because sometimes LP quality is unstable. I have seen many defects on LP stuff. I bet that the frame you show could be 500g lighter than a DAHON frame, but I do doubt the durability.
I would not worry if you tell me you are buying a LP seatpost or handlebar.
08-05-18, 07:42 PM
#20
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Pictures to follow...
Based on the serial number and its appearance, my best guess is that it is a 2003 Dahon Speed. I don't know much of the models from back then, so I don't know if it would be called a Speed, Speed Pro, D8, P8, etc.
I don't have any complaints about the ride, other than it not being able to hold onto 5th gear for some reason, so I'll have to figure that out.
I can't seem to fold it so that the magnets touch... it seems to me that the brake levers are getting in the way. I see on modern Dahons that there is a quick release for the handlebars so you can orient the brake levers down, but this bike doesn't have that feature.
Either way, I'm really excited as this is my first folder and also pretty much the first bike I've owned in a few years!
Based on the serial number and its appearance, my best guess is that it is a 2003 Dahon Speed. I don't know much of the models from back then, so I don't know if it would be called a Speed, Speed Pro, D8, P8, etc.
I don't have any complaints about the ride, other than it not being able to hold onto 5th gear for some reason, so I'll have to figure that out.
I can't seem to fold it so that the magnets touch... it seems to me that the brake levers are getting in the way. I see on modern Dahons that there is a quick release for the handlebars so you can orient the brake levers down, but this bike doesn't have that feature.
Either way, I'm really excited as this is my first folder and also pretty much the first bike I've owned in a few years!
08-05-18, 07:44 PM
#21
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From the info you provided in the other thread that frame would be about the same weight if not more. Can't find exacts for the mu but that frame is about 400g heavier than the muex frame.
Lite pro stuff often isn't light. Their cranks, handleposts etc are all heavy.
Lite pro stuff often isn't light. Their cranks, handleposts etc are all heavy.
Last edited by kidshibuya; 08-05-18 at 07:50 PM.
08-05-18, 08:12 PM
#22
Senior Member
yes...i tour so i cannot take chances with the lightest of the light stuff.
08-06-18, 03:59 PM
#24
Senior Member
