Dahon mu series?

geocycle

I'm after a folder for business use when I can't take my full sized bike on trains. I know everyone recommends Bromptons but I really don't get on with 16" wheels. Has anyone any experience of commuting on the Dahon mu P8/SL/XP or other 20" wheeled bikes? It wouldn't get heavy use so the better fold of the Brom might not be as major a factor as if I was using it each day. Ride quality and weight are priorities.

RockyHopperShow

I have a Trek F400 folder which is just a re-badged Dahon. It has 20" wheels and to be honest it amazes me how nice it is to ride. I use it for all sorts of little errands and it really has been a great buy. As for folding, it couldn't be simpler but you don't even have to fold it right down in most cases. If, for example, all the bike spaces are taken on my train I simply put the seat down and fold the bike on half so that it rests on the seat post (almost like a tripod) i.e.- no need to do the full fold, and park it on the side of the carriage where the doors aren't going to be opened (if you see what I mean). I bought it in a deal from CH White in Malmesbury via their ( www.carackers.com ) website. Sadly, this model is now discontinued but I can well recommend a Dahon folder judging by my own experience. Yes Bromptons are probably the best on the market - for regular train commuters - but for everything else go Dahon.

geocycle

Cheers RHS, I think 20" wheels are the way to go. It was good to hear the fold is OK for trains. In a way I'm disappointed not to go for a Brom but they do feel very different to larger wheeled bikes. I'm sure I could get used to it through time but I also wanted others in the family to be able to use it. I was also a bit suprised with the quality of peripheral like grips and saddles on the Brom -I'd have to change these.

janecee

On Saturday last I took possession of my new Dahon Jetstream P8 and am so pleased with it. I have recently at the age of nearly 73 returned to cycling in order to exercise both the dog and myself on 'genteel' cycle tracks eg Downs Link. I started cycling again by using my son's Brompton so am able to say that the 20" wheel Dahon with front and rear suspension is definitely better and is a joy. The Brompton was OK but the Dahon is so much better. Whilst it, the Dahon does not fold as completely as the Brompton, I actually find it easier and quicker to fold although it does not 'hang together' in the folded state as well as the Brompton. It is also noticeably lighter, so easier for me to lift in and out of the car boot.

:?: Whilst I am 'here', can anyone give me info on adjusting the rear suspension on the P8? There is no instruction in the handbook at all. I don't feel I need to do anything at the moment but would like to know if it is something you can change with relative ease.

RussAlf

A smiliar post i made a while back

http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=12565241&highlight=fold

geocycle

Thanks Janecee, I like the look of the jetstream as well. The weight's not at all bad for a suspension bike. However, I'll be on roads so I'm less worried about suspension. It's encouraging to know it rides well and folds OK.

Thanks also Russ for pointing to the earlier thread. I must have missed it. It's really interesting how folks divide on the subject of Brompton. There are thousands of fans out there but others hate them with a vengence. For my use I think the Dahon 20" bikes offer what I need. I'm going to have another try of each at the weekend. It's now just a case of sorting out the right model with the biggest decision being whether to go for hub gears or not. Intuitively these make huge sense on a folder with less to dangle near the road, to adjust, or cover you in oil but they do add weight. How do you find your machine?

RussAlf

I love my fold-up, i use it everyday to work and back via the train, if it wasnt for the fold up i would be forced to get the underground, i actually enjoy my commute now.

Having the 20inch wheels definatley makes it more stable at speed, i often pass or ride along with other foldup bikes with 16inch wheels. From comparing them to me they always seem to be putting in more effort or dont look as comfortable as me. My car broke down last week and i rode the longest journey ive done on it of 14 miles non stop and i felt fine at the end of it, i could have easily have kept on going for alot longer.

Folding wise the 20inch dahons certainly dont fold to well when you compare them to a mezzo or brompton. They are a touch awkward to carry and take up a bit more room on a train. I have been caught out once in the 6 months ive been riding the fold up that i wasnt able to get on the train because it was to crowded to fit on with my bike. Normally it tucks in fine against the doorways, under the bin or down a side isle. Ive not had a problem of it getting in the way of people. Mine is pretty heavy but then i have the cheapest speed p8 with a steel frame and heavy tyres. I generally only carry mine on and off the train, i fold/unfold on the platforms so the weight doesnt bother me nor does the awkward carrying.

Ive had no problems with the cassette and mech set-up at all, i do have to be carefull about getting the chain rubbing against my shorts but then i change at work so dont care about that, if you were to be wearing your work clothes you would definately need to be carefull as the mech/chain are exposed on the dahons. On the brompton the front wheel folds over the top of the chain so it is protected from that happening.

If ive missed something or have a question just ask

Russ

geocycle

Thanks again Russ. A very helpful synopsis. I'm leaning toward the mu P8 as it is 1kg lighter (11kg) and £250 cheaper at my LBS than the hub geared and highly specced mu sport XL. It's also £400 cheaper than the SL (9kg) which is a lot even though this is a very light and presumably a spritely machine. I know online prices are much lower but the cyclescheme points us to local shops. I'm pleased the derailleur has functioned smoothly.

RussAlf

You wont go wrong with the higher end models, i would have gone for a more expensive model but unfortunatley my employer doesnt offer the cycle to work scheme. Ive had no reliabity issues with mine and i pretty much use it everyday however i do look after her well with a regular clean and service.