Local Speed D8 for less vs. Speed D9 online for more (+shipping)
12-01-20, 09:56 AM
#1
BF's Resident Dumbass
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Location: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Bikes: 1990 Raleigh Flyer (size 21"); 2014 Trek 7.6 FX (size 15"); 2014 Trek 7.6 FX (size 17.5"); 2019 Dahon Mu D9; 2020 Dahon Hemingway D9
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Local Speed D8 for less vs. Speed D9 online for more (+shipping)
So, I'd really love me a Dahon Speed. I just love the plush, springy ride quality of that steel frame.
I'm in a bit of a quandary, though.
The local sporting goods shop has a brand new Dahon Speed D8 - with eight speeds and "ordinary" 20x1.75 Road Cruisers - on sale for the equivalent of $560.
The one that I really want, however, is the US-market Speed D9, with nine speeds and Big Apples. But the D9, shipping included (but before the local VAT and customs fee) is equal to $1,066 dear.
So, is it really worth it forking out almost twice as much for one extra gear and a pair of tires that would set me back just a fraction of the difference?
I'm in a bit of a quandary, though.
The local sporting goods shop has a brand new Dahon Speed D8 - with eight speeds and "ordinary" 20x1.75 Road Cruisers - on sale for the equivalent of $560.
The one that I really want, however, is the US-market Speed D9, with nine speeds and Big Apples. But the D9, shipping included (but before the local VAT and customs fee) is equal to $1,066 dear.
So, is it really worth it forking out almost twice as much for one extra gear and a pair of tires that would set me back just a fraction of the difference?
Last edited by sjanzeir; 12-16-20 at 08:29 AM.
12-01-20, 11:27 AM
#2
Full Member
Can't you just buy Big Apples for the D8? I'm pretty sure a pair won't set you back $500. As far as the extra gear goes, that's a compromise you can or can't live with.
12-01-20, 11:48 AM
#3
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Bikes: 1990 Raleigh Flyer (size 21"); 2014 Trek 7.6 FX (size 15"); 2014 Trek 7.6 FX (size 17.5"); 2019 Dahon Mu D9; 2020 Dahon Hemingway D9
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Yeah, that's what I said - a pair of Big Apples won't cost me even a fifth of the difference, shipping to Saudi Arabia included. Even so, I could mount a pair of Marathon Supremes - that I've already got - to make an even sportier Speed and be done with it, so there's that.
12-01-20, 01:34 PM
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I have a US-market D9 (which I ordered from Dahon) but would've bought the D8 instead, had any been left (that's what I initially tried to do, since I was already planning to upgrade it beyond what the D9 has). There's probably nothing about the D9 that's better than the D8. The frames are the same, as far as I can determine. Tires or anything else, can be upgraded. Also, the LBS might've set up that D8 better than what Dahon will send you. I still have to re-adjust the brakes on mine. Also, Dahon includes very cheap rims with the bicycles that they send out. Some retailers install smoothed-out ones, so as not to turn customers off from an otherwise decent bicycle.
Last edited by Nyah; 12-01-20 at 01:37 PM.
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12-13-20, 08:34 PM
#5
**thusi*st
Speed D8 (recent US models) were very good bikes and very good values. Sold through and only D9's now. The gearing was quite wide on the D8's. I liked them.
