Folding Bicycle Part II: Dahon MU 24 Speed

[kap]

As a follow-up to my previous post, http://forums.macresource.com/read.php?1...sg-1857792
I have been running short errands with my new "toy". Due to the hot humid weather and not having a trailer to carry stuff the trips have been within the 2 mile round trip distance. Compared to my old Dahon Mariner D7 (7 speed), this bike is lighter and the better higher gear set shifts smoothly and easily hence the ride is much more comfortable and enjoyable. I already tackled 1/2 way up that hill (mentioned in my previous post) without breaking into a heavy sweat. Looking forwards to a steeper hill this weekend weather permits. Haven't taken it on the bus or light rail yet. With its compact folding, there will not be much trouble. That will happen soon. Oh, yeah, the look I get from residents of this town of 38,000 townfolks... I am the only one riding a folder about town. It's been fun thus far.
If any of you are thinking about getting one, do your research then have test rides of various makes/models at your local dealers. It might look like a child's bike but it sure stands out in ride performance and fun factors for adults

[davester]

How did you zero in on the one you bought? I've been looking to buy one for my son and have found the plethora of models a bit confusing. It's virtually impossible to find a shop around here that has more than one model in stock or to have salesmen who know anything about folders. You can pretty much forget about test rides.

[testcase]

Thanks for this update. I am in the market for a folding bike to take along in my RV. If I want to be able to actually test ride different models, it looks like I'll have to schlepp into NYC, a trip I definitely don't look forward to.

[IronMac]

Congrats! I don't know how I missed that thread.

I ride a custom built Bike Friday New World Tourist. It's not really meant for short rides...I just came back from doing 24 kms which is the shortest ride I would consider these days.

[Bixby]

I've owned a Dahon Mu P8 for 6 or 7 years. So long as it's not too cold (30 degrees or below), hot (90 or above), rainy or snowy, I do a 11-mile round trip ride to/from work every day.

[mattkime]

NEW BIKE NEW BIKE NEW BIKE!!!!

[kap]

Sorry for having taken this long to responde. My excuse: side jobs :-)

Davester and testcase,

Since folders are not popular here in the States as other developing nations, i.e. Europe, Japan, Philipines, etc. it is difficult enough to locate a bicycleshop/bicycle dealer who carries a folder let alone one who has all the makes and models for a thorough test ride. I had to go to a different city to have my current one ordered.

I became interested in folding bicycle by accident. I was working and living in a city which was strongly encouraging the use of public transportations, ridesharing and bicycle commuting to ease traffic congestion and to promote a greener urban environment. There were many excellent incentives. One of which was a $250 purchase voucher and an $80 cash rebate with a promise (a honor system) one would either bicycle commute and/or use public transportation at least twice per week. To qualify one must be either working, living or attending school within the city's limit. Meeting all the requirements I jumped at a chance to own a folder. Additionally having a folder was also a space and weight saving in a one bedroom apartment on the 2nd floor. After a few test rides around the block later I walked out the the local bicycle shop with the Dahon Mariner D7. It had been a good short distance commuter bicycle for 2 years. Now older brother has it to go biking with his 8 year old daughter. I moved on to my current Dahon MU 24. I did more research on a few other makes and models of folders before decidedly stuck with Dahon. My research did not lead me to have test rides but conversations/email with owners of a few various folders. Lots of reading on the bicycle forums. I suggest you both do the same.

Bixby,
Do you still own the Mu P8? If you are interested in upgrading it to faster speed, check out this website: http://handsonbike.blogspot.com/2013/03/...-tern.html