DRcycloniclonus

I'm in the UK, looking for a fold bike for a multimodal commute.
Maximum distance cycled in one journey would be approx 6mi / 10km (so 12mi / 20km in one day if I cycle to and from work).
I need to carry a medium - large sized backpack on the bike rack, but don't plan to haul any seriously heavy cargo.
I'm very short and weigh about 59kg / 130lbs on a bad day.

Like everyone else I dream of one day owning a Brompton but alas, they are too expensive. I have a very tight budget.
I really like the look of Dahon but theres not much choice of models in Europe. Halfords is the only official distributor in UK.

--After trawling the internet I found a used Dahon boardwalk D7 for sale, apparently 2012 model, Shimano tourney derailleur, lovely brown saddle / handles, and in decent condition (only a few scuffs here and there). Costs £335 including postage. However it doesn't have a pannier rack or any mudguards.

--I've also found a used vitesse d8 for £350, also in decent condition. Its already installed with mud guards and pannier rack. However, the tyres are completely flat.

My questions are:
1. Comparing them both, including the effort and costs required to make the bike ready for use - also considering the availability of compatible dahon parts in the UK - which one would you advise is the better choice, and why?

2. I have the opportunity to haggle the price down of either bike. What is the lowest price I could ask for either bike that is also realistic?


I'd really appreciate anyone's input. Thanks in advance

3speedslow

Hey,

im not familiar with the bike Vitesse but have several Dahons,, the D7 being one of them. It’s a good bike and once you sort things out like adding a rack to the Dahon you will be pleased.

I found a great deal on a 2017 Broomie here in the states and now use it regularly. Still pull the D7 out as well.

Hope this helps at least a little.

wesgreen

The Vitesse. One of the best frame designs. Strong and light, rolls well folded if you set it up right, rides like a big bike, fits into an airline approved regular suitcase for travel. Learn how to patch a tube, it's easy. Or invest in some Schwalbe Marathon / Big Apple tires and tubes.

2_i 

The Boardwalk in an advanced age sounds awfully expensive to me. I bought my 6-speed version of Boardwalk for Chinese market for $120 or so, to give you a reference. Yes, the components were of lower quality and a few needed a faster replacement, but the bike rides perfectly fine.