Need folding bike, looking at Dahon but unsure what to get
04-10-20, 10:17 AM
#26
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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.
04-10-20, 01:59 PM
#27
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OP do you intend to fly with it? If not consider the larger folding bikes.
04-10-20, 08:16 PM
#28
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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.
04-11-20, 12:45 PM
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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.
04-11-20, 02:26 PM
#30
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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..
04-12-20, 08:28 PM
#31
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https://www.bikeforums.net/folding-b...bike-650b.html
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.
05-02-20, 09:06 AM
#32
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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)
