Discussion
(or even bike - can't edit the title)
Right...
So I was riding home last night and my Dahon felt a bit 'wobbly'. Didn't think too much of it, until I rode it again this morning.
Felt like a rear tyre without enough pressure.
Anyway, when I got it off the train, I checked to see tyre pressures and if the wheels were loose and lo and behold, I noticed that the entire seat tube was moving side to side.
The whole thing has cracked at one of the welds.
As this is the second Dahon that I've had that's cracked at one of the welds, I wouldn't buy another one even if they did still exist.
Unfortunately, this leaves me with a bit of a dilemma.
While a Brompton would be the best choice for a commuter bike, I liked the big wheel riding. Is there another brand I should be looking at that offers a similar 26" wheeled folding bike for a reasonable cost? Or do I bite the bullet and get a Brompton?
Most days I do about 12 miles, and always wondered what a Brompton would be like over any sort of distance.
I've discounted Swissbikes on cost and that the folding mechanism actually isn't that handy as the front wheel has to come off to make it small enough to go on a train.
And I like the look of Airnimals but, again, the cost is putting me off.
Right...
So I was riding home last night and my Dahon felt a bit 'wobbly'. Didn't think too much of it, until I rode it again this morning.
Felt like a rear tyre without enough pressure.
Anyway, when I got it off the train, I checked to see tyre pressures and if the wheels were loose and lo and behold, I noticed that the entire seat tube was moving side to side.
The whole thing has cracked at one of the welds.
As this is the second Dahon that I've had that's cracked at one of the welds, I wouldn't buy another one even if they did still exist.
Unfortunately, this leaves me with a bit of a dilemma.
While a Brompton would be the best choice for a commuter bike, I liked the big wheel riding. Is there another brand I should be looking at that offers a similar 26" wheeled folding bike for a reasonable cost? Or do I bite the bullet and get a Brompton?
Most days I do about 12 miles, and always wondered what a Brompton would be like over any sort of distance.
I've discounted Swissbikes on cost and that the folding mechanism actually isn't that handy as the front wheel has to come off to make it small enough to go on a train.
And I like the look of Airnimals but, again, the cost is putting me off.
Edited by Kell on Wednesday 7th January 09:51
I have had Dahon’s, currently have a Jetstream EX and they have been as hard as nails and are my number one choice, pity your luck hasn’t been as good.
If you don’t want to shell out money for an Airnimal or Swissbike then your choices are pretty limited if you want large wheels. I love Dahon’s and other bikes with 20’’ wheels because they are a good compromise between the tiny wheels on a Brompton and the large 26’’ as on a regular bike. I think having a folding bike with 26’’ wheels sort of defeats the object but that’s just my own personal view, not a criticism.
Brompton’s aren’t really cheap either but if you want something for touring then they will more than do the job as I have read in some reviews. As long as you have the right suspension setting, tyres, handlebar style to suit you etc etc then it will do the job for sure. Once you grasp the folding of a Brompton it will come as 2nd nature, nothing comes close to how small the bike folds and how quickly you can do the actions.
If you buy the Brompton and as long as you keep it in good condition then you will be able to sell on for a good price, they hold their value extremely well for a bicycle, amazingly so.
If you don’t want to shell out money for an Airnimal or Swissbike then your choices are pretty limited if you want large wheels. I love Dahon’s and other bikes with 20’’ wheels because they are a good compromise between the tiny wheels on a Brompton and the large 26’’ as on a regular bike. I think having a folding bike with 26’’ wheels sort of defeats the object but that’s just my own personal view, not a criticism.
Brompton’s aren’t really cheap either but if you want something for touring then they will more than do the job as I have read in some reviews. As long as you have the right suspension setting, tyres, handlebar style to suit you etc etc then it will do the job for sure. Once you grasp the folding of a Brompton it will come as 2nd nature, nothing comes close to how small the bike folds and how quickly you can do the actions.
If you buy the Brompton and as long as you keep it in good condition then you will be able to sell on for a good price, they hold their value extremely well for a bicycle, amazingly so.
Edited by seadragon on Wednesday 7th January 13:26
If either the Swissbike or the Airnamil didn't require taking the front wheel off, then I'd probably swallow the added cost.
Having a bike saves me around £200 a month in car parking and tube fees, so even a £2,000 bike would be fully paid off in 10 months.
It's more the added convenience of a bike that folds out to be more like a 'proper' bike that appeals to me. The folding part, for me, is purely to get around the insistence my train company has that non-folding bikes can't go on commuter trains. But I take your point.
My main worry is doing anything over a couple of miles on a Brompton (or any small-wheeled bike, for that matter) is they don't look that stable. I've never ridden a Brompton, but I did test-ride a 16" wheel Dahon and found wa-a-a-y too much flex in the head tube and seat post to make it viable for me.
The Tern looks interesting, but I'm pretty sure I read that that is what Dahon's become.
Having a bike saves me around £200 a month in car parking and tube fees, so even a £2,000 bike would be fully paid off in 10 months.
It's more the added convenience of a bike that folds out to be more like a 'proper' bike that appeals to me. The folding part, for me, is purely to get around the insistence my train company has that non-folding bikes can't go on commuter trains. But I take your point.
My main worry is doing anything over a couple of miles on a Brompton (or any small-wheeled bike, for that matter) is they don't look that stable. I've never ridden a Brompton, but I did test-ride a 16" wheel Dahon and found wa-a-a-y too much flex in the head tube and seat post to make it viable for me.
The Tern looks interesting, but I'm pretty sure I read that that is what Dahon's become.
I used to have the 20" wheel Dahon Mu SL and didn't find it flexy. Maybe you are near the weight limit for these folders.
I'll assume you are a 100kg plus spoke buster for the minute. I think I'd suggest trying the Brompton. I'm a Dahon fan, but I don't expect they are as well engineered as a Brompton.
I'll assume you are a 100kg plus spoke buster for the minute. I think I'd suggest trying the Brompton. I'm a Dahon fan, but I don't expect they are as well engineered as a Brompton.
Kell said:
My main worry is doing anything over a couple of miles on a Brompton (or any small-wheeled bike, for that matter) is they don't look that stable. I've never ridden a Brompton
Test ride one - you can use one at some of the train stations (Piccadilly here in Manchester) for a few quid.I've done about 4500 miles on mine, to be honest it's not an issue on the stability.
Tern and Dahon are both separate companies and came about after the owners of Dahon had a row and one of them formed Tern, the son I think. I had a Brompton and was a bit scared about going downhill on those small wheels but the real Brompton fans will say there isn’t another bike anywhere worth considering. It was a good bike, but you can’t freewheel really and take your hands off the bars like on bigger wheeled bikes, you are more likely to plant your face in some concrete.
Actually Tern still do make the Eclipse bikes, which have the bigger wheels, is that what you were referring to? They sell them at Evans and I have seen one in the flesh in their store near to London Bridge. It looks ok really, better than I was expecting.
They did make a sporty version in the recent past, called a Pirate Ninja, that one looked pretty sweet compared to the other tame models.
Anyway good luck making your choice.
Actually Tern still do make the Eclipse bikes, which have the bigger wheels, is that what you were referring to? They sell them at Evans and I have seen one in the flesh in their store near to London Bridge. It looks ok really, better than I was expecting.
They did make a sporty version in the recent past, called a Pirate Ninja, that one looked pretty sweet compared to the other tame models.
Anyway good luck making your choice.
Edited by seadragon on Wednesday 7th January 17:01
It's quite amusing both how odd a Brompton feels after time on regular bikes, and how after 5 minutes on one it feels absolutely fine again.
Stability isn't a problem, although they do feel more planted with a bag on the front. The only real downside of smaller wheels is they're not quite as good at dealing with potholes and other hazards.
I've happily done 50+ mile days on my Brompton. As long as you're not freakishly tall or short you're likely to find a way to get comfortable on one.
Stability isn't a problem, although they do feel more planted with a bag on the front. The only real downside of smaller wheels is they're not quite as good at dealing with potholes and other hazards.
I've happily done 50+ mile days on my Brompton. As long as you're not freakishly tall or short you're likely to find a way to get comfortable on one.
Kell said:
Most days I do about 12 miles, and always wondered what a Brompton would be like over any sort of distance.]
A friend of a friend has done the Marrakech Atlas Etape on a Brompton two years running - http://www.marrakech-atlas-etape.com/history/A bit extreme admittedly, but you'll be absolutely fine with a 12 mile commute!
Magic919 said:
I used to have the 20" wheel Dahon Mu SL and didn't find it flexy. Maybe you are near the weight limit for these folders.
I'll assume you are a 100kg plus spoke buster for the minute. I think I'd suggest trying the Brompton. I'm a Dahon fan, but I don't expect they are as well engineered as a Brompton.
You assume almost correct...I'll assume you are a 100kg plus spoke buster for the minute. I think I'd suggest trying the Brompton. I'm a Dahon fan, but I don't expect they are as well engineered as a Brompton.
I think my Dahon (Matrix 08) has a sticker that recommends the maximum weight limit of a rider is 95kg. Currently I'm about 100kg.
That said, it's only ever been ridden on roads.
I only bought this one (SH from my partner at work who rode it for around three weeks) as my previous one a 2009 Lockjaw version on the matrix developed a tiny hole by one of the welds. It was picked up by a bike mechanic, and didn't (or hadn't) spread, so I've no idea how long it was there. This one, on the other hand has gone almost all the way around the tube.
I've still got my other bike, and I'm not sure, but I don't think it's on a 'structural' part of the bike. So I may well examine that a bit more thoroughly, swap over any good bits from my current one and then junk it.
It's all the more annoying as I've only ridden it about three times since it had a full service just before Christmas at a cost of £150 (with parts). I did think it's all a bit coincidental that it's cracked just as I've got it back, but there's absolutely no indication that it's their fault way or any way I could prove it if it was.
If you consider Dahon again then take a look at a Jetstream, has front and rear suspension. Currently you can stilll locate the P8, not the EX like mine but CH White do some custom Dahons' and currently have a custom Jetstream XP for sale. The suspension will take the extra weight, no offense, can use off road (to a degree) and has larger wheels than the Brompton £699, not bad really for a Jetstream, albeit an older model that has been customised.
Edited by seadragon on Wednesday 7th January 22:34
Dahon are still available in Halfords..
I previously owned a folding full sized bike but was a bit big for the train to be honest..
I now have a Brompton S6 which is great, a little 'twitchy' but you get used to it. But at nearly 1k for s basic one with mudguards etc they are a bit pricey when you consider it has 1970s gears etc!
I also have an Apollo Tuck which I prefer in some ways, that was only 180 on a regular 10% off day in Halfords
I previously owned a folding full sized bike but was a bit big for the train to be honest..
I now have a Brompton S6 which is great, a little 'twitchy' but you get used to it. But at nearly 1k for s basic one with mudguards etc they are a bit pricey when you consider it has 1970s gears etc!
I also have an Apollo Tuck which I prefer in some ways, that was only 180 on a regular 10% off day in Halfords
You need to consider other tangible factors too:
1. Commute time. I'd guess I'm at least 20% slower on my Brompton than I am on my commuter hybrid over short distances. Over 12 miles the Brompton might be 30% slower as I'd tire more quickly. So this may add as much as 20 minutes to the commute - not an insignificant amount.
2. Terrain/elevation. Brompton gearing on mine (3 speed) means some uphill sections are horrendously slow. And the small wheels, unstable feel and weak brakes, mean I take it easy down hills too.
3. Storage at work. I can take my Brompton and park it under my desk and avoid having to carry padlocks or lock a bike up outside in the rain. Can that be done with a folder with big wheels?
1. Commute time. I'd guess I'm at least 20% slower on my Brompton than I am on my commuter hybrid over short distances. Over 12 miles the Brompton might be 30% slower as I'd tire more quickly. So this may add as much as 20 minutes to the commute - not an insignificant amount.
2. Terrain/elevation. Brompton gearing on mine (3 speed) means some uphill sections are horrendously slow. And the small wheels, unstable feel and weak brakes, mean I take it easy down hills too.
3. Storage at work. I can take my Brompton and park it under my desk and avoid having to carry padlocks or lock a bike up outside in the rain. Can that be done with a folder with big wheels?
Kell said:
I need to go and have an extended test ride on a Brompton I think.
The other option is to go for the current Tern...
It's not a bad looking bike and seems to fold relatively easily.
It looks alright. You seem pretty set on a larger wheeled bike, so if that ticks the boxes then go for it. The other option is to go for the current Tern...
It's not a bad looking bike and seems to fold relatively easily.
oyster said:
You need to consider other tangible factors too:
1. Commute time. I'd guess I'm at least 20% slower on my Brompton than I am on my commuter hybrid over short distances. Over 12 miles the Brompton might be 30% slower as I'd tire more quickly. So this may add as much as 20 minutes to the commute - not an insignificant amount.
2. Terrain/elevation. Brompton gearing on mine (3 speed) means some uphill sections are horrendously slow. And the small wheels, unstable feel and weak brakes, mean I take it easy down hills too.
3. Storage at work. I can take my Brompton and park it under my desk and avoid having to carry padlocks or lock a bike up outside in the rain. Can that be done with a folder with big wheels?
I think it's more of an attitude shift for me. Realistically a Brompton would be better for pretty much every bit of my journey. 1. Commute time. I'd guess I'm at least 20% slower on my Brompton than I am on my commuter hybrid over short distances. Over 12 miles the Brompton might be 30% slower as I'd tire more quickly. So this may add as much as 20 minutes to the commute - not an insignificant amount.
2. Terrain/elevation. Brompton gearing on mine (3 speed) means some uphill sections are horrendously slow. And the small wheels, unstable feel and weak brakes, mean I take it easy down hills too.
3. Storage at work. I can take my Brompton and park it under my desk and avoid having to carry padlocks or lock a bike up outside in the rain. Can that be done with a folder with big wheels?
It folds up smaller for the train (mine normally isn't a problem, but when the trains are packed, or short formation then I do feel guilty for taking up more space, and I know I get some glaring looks too).
I normally have mine in the back of the car for the journey to the train station, but I can only do this with our A6 Avant and not our Mini.
I have secure underground parking (at the minute) but if I change jobs or decide to go freelance, this might no longer be the case, so a bike I could take in to the office would be helpful.
And most days, my commute is car, 1.5 mile journey to station, train, 2.5 mile journey to work, 2.5 mile journey back to station, train, 1.5 mile journey to car, drive home.
BUT when I don't have to drop my daughter off at the child minders, I cycle from home to the station which includes a 45 mph downhill (and subsequent 4mph uphill in the evening) and have multiple options to cycle to work - including recently several 27 mile trips.
It's those bits that I feel would make a Brompton/small wheeler unsuitable.
Kell said:
I think it's more of an attitude shift for me. Realistically a Brompton would be better for pretty much every bit of my journey.
It folds up smaller for the train (mine normally isn't a problem, but when the trains are packed, or short formation then I do feel guilty for taking up more space, and I know I get some glaring looks too).
I normally have mine in the back of the car for the journey to the train station, but I can only do this with our A6 Avant and not our Mini.
I have secure underground parking (at the minute) but if I change jobs or decide to go freelance, this might no longer be the case, so a bike I could take in to the office would be helpful.
And most days, my commute is car, 1.5 mile journey to station, train, 2.5 mile journey to work, 2.5 mile journey back to station, train, 1.5 mile journey to car, drive home.
BUT when I don't have to drop my daughter off at the child minders, I cycle from home to the station which includes a 45 mph downhill (and subsequent 4mph uphill in the evening) and have multiple options to cycle to work - including recently several 27 mile trips.
It's those bits that I feel would make a Brompton/small wheeler unsuitable.
You need two bikes...It folds up smaller for the train (mine normally isn't a problem, but when the trains are packed, or short formation then I do feel guilty for taking up more space, and I know I get some glaring looks too).
I normally have mine in the back of the car for the journey to the train station, but I can only do this with our A6 Avant and not our Mini.
I have secure underground parking (at the minute) but if I change jobs or decide to go freelance, this might no longer be the case, so a bike I could take in to the office would be helpful.
And most days, my commute is car, 1.5 mile journey to station, train, 2.5 mile journey to work, 2.5 mile journey back to station, train, 1.5 mile journey to car, drive home.
BUT when I don't have to drop my daughter off at the child minders, I cycle from home to the station which includes a 45 mph downhill (and subsequent 4mph uphill in the evening) and have multiple options to cycle to work - including recently several 27 mile trips.
It's those bits that I feel would make a Brompton/small wheeler unsuitable.
Kell said:
I think it's more of an attitude shift for me. Realistically a Brompton would be better for pretty much every bit of my journey.
It folds up smaller for the train (mine normally isn't a problem, but when the trains are packed, or short formation then I do feel guilty for taking up more space, and I know I get some glaring looks too).
I normally have mine in the back of the car for the journey to the train station, but I can only do this with our A6 Avant and not our Mini.
I have secure underground parking (at the minute) but if I change jobs or decide to go freelance, this might no longer be the case, so a bike I could take in to the office would be helpful.
And most days, my commute is car, 1.5 mile journey to station, train, 2.5 mile journey to work, 2.5 mile journey back to station, train, 1.5 mile journey to car, drive home.
BUT when I don't have to drop my daughter off at the child minders, I cycle from home to the station which includes a 45 mph downhill (and subsequent 4mph uphill in the evening) and have multiple options to cycle to work - including recently several 27 mile trips.
It's those bits that I feel would make a Brompton/small wheeler unsuitable.
Where are you commuting from? Sounds like a nice challenge - 27 miles with a 4mph section at the end.It folds up smaller for the train (mine normally isn't a problem, but when the trains are packed, or short formation then I do feel guilty for taking up more space, and I know I get some glaring looks too).
I normally have mine in the back of the car for the journey to the train station, but I can only do this with our A6 Avant and not our Mini.
I have secure underground parking (at the minute) but if I change jobs or decide to go freelance, this might no longer be the case, so a bike I could take in to the office would be helpful.
And most days, my commute is car, 1.5 mile journey to station, train, 2.5 mile journey to work, 2.5 mile journey back to station, train, 1.5 mile journey to car, drive home.
BUT when I don't have to drop my daughter off at the child minders, I cycle from home to the station which includes a 45 mph downhill (and subsequent 4mph uphill in the evening) and have multiple options to cycle to work - including recently several 27 mile trips.
It's those bits that I feel would make a Brompton/small wheeler unsuitable.
Tern have just released this aero folder though...
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/tern/verge-x18...
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/tern/verge-x18...
Edited by Kell on Friday 9th January 14:07
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