Weeshan

My situation:

110 lb tiny adult female, not in the best shape currently, cardio or strength-wise...hence wanting a bike.

I want a folder to fit in my tiny car or at my office

I live in Pacific Northwest of Oregon

I live in a rural town, not a city

Roads around here could be smooth pavement, uneven pavement with small potholes, gravel, or the occasional dirt road or driveway.

There are many small hills in my town due to the entire area being basalt.

I plan to use the bike for recreation or commuting the 1.5 miles to work. Recreation would be just riding around town, trips to the store or park but may also include camping or day trips where there is more gravel or dirt than pavement.

I have narrowed it down to the Dahon Speed D7 or the Mariner D8...but cannot decide!!!

Is the Mariner worth the extra cash or would the Speed D7 pretty much do the job for my situation?

My biggest concerns are the gear range since im not in the best shape and stability/longevity of the bike due to the more rural area that it will be ridden. I was leaning towards the Speed due to lower cost and i prefer the Chromoly steel frame over aluminum as Ive read they tend to be more durable, maybe especially for rural areas? But the Speed does not have the gear range of the Mariner. Just not sure if its worth the extra cost for a folding bike newbie?


Please help!

Thanks,

Shannon

fietsbob

Flip a coin . LBS, here in Astoria has a Dahon style bike, from their distribuitor, to test ride ..

bargainguy

Ideally, take a test ride on each. One may fit you better, and that's the most important criterion.

If you live in a hilly area, preference toward the bike with lower gearing.

Aluminum vs. steel: Today's hydroformed aluminum frames can be quite durable. The difference these days tends more toward weight - alu frames might weigh a little less.

Speed D7 vs Mariner D8: Some Speed D7 models feature the Dahon Neos rear derailleur. I'm not a fan - it's expensive and is the only model for the chainstay mounting point on that frame. If it gives out, your only option is to get another one, or get a dropout adapter to run conventional derailleurs. If the D7 model you're looking at has a Shimano rear derailleur, that means it has the conventional dropout mounting point, I like that better.

fietsbob

additional components can be bought and added , for example gear box cranksets , and substituting rear wheels ..

such as a 3 internal gears + a cassette, hubs from Sturmey Archer , or the Efneo Crank, a 28t with 2 over drive gears ..


Odds are you are in Portland.

Weeshan

30 miles from Portland...

tds101 

You only weigh 110lbs, so having a stronger steel frame is unnecessary, the Mariner D8 is aluminum, so it SHOULD weigh a few lbs less, 8 speeds are ALWAYS better than 7, the Mariner D8 comes STANDARD with a rear rack & fenders, and the Mariner D8 is designed to be more rust resistant (steel rusts,...).

Try them out IF you can,...but I'd personally recommend the Mariner D8.

BikeLite

Get the 8 speed.

dahoneezz

Safe bet is to get a smaller chain ring. You won't go fast but at least you will be able to climb those hills.

p/s - Maybe someone has the gear inch comparison of the two Dahons.

downtube

Mariner

Thanks,
Yan

Joe Remi

The standard axiom with cars, motorcycles and bikes is get the best you can afford, especially if you're relying on it to get to work. Mariner. Don't even think about it.

wernst

If you like the twist/grip shifter, go with the Speed D7. Like the pushbutton/trigger shifter? Mariner D8,

Weeshan

Thanks for the input everyone!

ThorUSA

mariner...... oops i have more speed in stock .....lol
despite that mariner

Pinigis 

The Origami Crane 8 would meet your needs nicely. (Yes, my opinion is biased). It is lightweight, has a wide Gear range, and I highly adjustable.

Revoltingest

My aluminum framed Helios has been quite reliable.
The fenders are great when riding in rain, which I've
heard they have in the Pacific northwest.
The rack is also handy.

Weeshan

Thanks for all of the input guys. Im almost embarrassed to say that after I asked this question, I ended up doing a total flip and went with an Origami Crane 8. I started with that one being my fave a few months back. Then checked into Eurominis, Downtube, Dahon etc. In the end, the Crane 8 appealed to me the most and the little bit wider tires and the gear range should work well for my area. I almost sprung for the Euromini as well but the Crane 8 seems to have alot of favorable reviews. It didnt hurt that the Origami folks are on here.

I will post a pic when i get it...with me...and my cat in her backpack on my back LOL.

Shannon

tds101 

ENJOY!!! The Crane 8 is a nice bike.

L Arnold

Only $100 more than Mariner and much better components.

Sealed Bottom Bracket
Double Wall Rims
QR Skewers
Better Hubs

I should check the derailler diff but the above really change the bike.

If you want internal hubs consider the Vitesse. Same platform as the Mariner otherwise.

Speed D7 is a great value though!

BikeLite

Thanks for the feedback on what you ended up buying. Enjoy your bike!

Rick Imby

There is no question that the Mariner is a much better option for now and the future.---The 8 speed cassette hub is a big improvement over the 7 speed freewheel. I never recommend buying a bike with a freewheel over one with a cassette hub.---Enjoy..

MJBikes99

I would recommend the Mariner D8. It rides very well and it is a beautiful bike for women.( Especially the white color and pink color)

tds101 

The OP already ordered the Crane 8,...she doesn't need any more suggestions.

Joe Remi

Can I use the "for future generations who see this thread" excuse to recommend some other bike she didn't even mention? 🙃

tds101 

Damn,...suggest away then. Maybe I can find something in that price range that will pique my interest.

ThorUSA

Lol u funny 😎
She will probably get a Mariner after she got enough of the other down the road. It just somtimes takes a little longer .
Comes to think of it I probably should read “other” threads more often
Lol