And the fenders Amy ordered kept rubbing on the front tire and getting caught on curbs. (The pandemic kept Duncan from replicating Amys group test rides, unfortunately.). Many Dahon and Brompton customers have happily ridden their bikes for decades, and both deserve consideration. That way you can test-ride it, and you can also have a knowledgeable person set it up and make sure its safely street-ready. The rear wheel rotates under, the front wheel tucks into the side, and the handlebars fall sideways and lock into place (the typical fold-in-half frames of our other picks look clunky and huge by comparison). Or they may hope to ride most days and resort to transit only if the weather is awful. Dahon vs. Brompton folding bikes: which is best. Dahon folding bikes have more variety and generally lower prices than Brompton. Amy subsequently tested the D8 as we had the D7 (see below), though without the input of the panel of cyclists. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing to save people time, energy and money when making buying decisions. We independently review everything we recommend. Raising and lowering the stem also adjusted the reach (basically the distance of the handlebar from the rider). All rights reserved. Plus, the Seouls folded footprint was so large the bike wouldnt fit through the subway turnstiles. Second, nearly all Dahons still uses entry-level Shimano and Suntour drivetrain parts. Larger wheels and wider tires generally amount to a better ride over rough terrain, yet they are going to result in a larger folded dimension. Its also the only bike we tested that can accommodate riders as short as 4-foot-5. The other standout feature is the front luggage system, which allows you to clip a number of well-designed bags from Brompton and other makers to the front of the bike; the bags can even hang out there (albeit a bit awkwardly) when the bike is folded. Finally, remember that experimental or quirky bikes often fall out of favor and become hard to sell. But if the extra money isnt a big deal for you, we wouldnt hesitate to get the BYB. A big selling point of the attractive Citizen Bike Seoul, sold direct from the companys website, is that it comes ready to ride straight out of the boxon our test unit, even the tires were inflated. dahon 2022 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company. First, while high-end steel frames (like Brompton uses) are terrific, low-end steel frames on cheap folding bikes tend to be extremely heavy. Our only other issue with the BYB, apart from the price, is that its rack is built only for panniers. Like our top pick, the eight-speed Tern Link D8 offers a great ride, smooth shifting, and a rear rack with a bungee, as well as a front frame-mounting point for an optional front bag. With folding bikes, there are long and circuitous cable routings that get bent around with every fold. On the D8, the rear derailleurthe mechanism that shifts your chain from gear to gearis a Shimano Altus, which is a level up from the previous versions Shimano Tourney. In 2020 and 2021, Duncan tested the updated and new bikes against our previous pickswith an eye especially toward their ability to handle longer ridesin Southern California. Learn more. We prefer the rear racks on our less expensive picks because they have a flat top, so you can strap random things on top if need be. (Dahon did recently introduce the Curl model. Heavier riders should consider their strongest model, the Hit, with a weight limit of 300 lbs (137 kg). Theyre not designed for riding off-road or carrying large, heavy items. Besides, its folding mechanism is the most compact on the market today, making it a default winner for those who combine cycling with transit. Duncan found this stem incredibly useful in getting a good fit. Folding bikes from Dahon are excellent for commuting, errands, and any other recreational use on pavement. The Dahon Qix D8, which we tested in 2017, was a higher-end model than the Mariner D8 that folded in half like a switchblade (end over end); its since been discontinued. She enjoyed the ride just fine, but for the price, youre better off with a Tern and its brand-name components. She also evaluated any luggage-/cargo-carrying options, as well as how compactly and securely each bike foldedto fit under a desk or into a car trunk or closet. So we also wanted to be sure our picks were comfortable for most riders if a longer journey was needed. Whether it's finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we'll help you get it right (the first time). But the ride was somewhat stiff, mostly due to the high-pressure, low-volume tireswe noticed every little bump, including the seams in the sidewalk. The bike also locks into the folded position with a mechanical latch instead of a magnet, so there is no chance of it coming undone while youre pushing it around. Out of the box, the Schwinn Adapt 1 needed a lot of adjustment. So it may take a ride or two for that to come naturally, without your having to think about it. In this photo, you can see why many folding bikes wont work for riders under 4-foot-8when the bike is folded, the seat post serves as a support element, so cutting the post down to suit such a rider would remove this function. Brompton (discussed here) has the most compact fold on the market, so its more or less the default for extremely tight spaces. He lives in Southern California. At the time of writing, the very similar Brompton M6R that we tested in 2021 is priced at $1,690 from Clever Cycles, in Portland, Oregon, and at $1,730 on the Brompton website. Because folding bikes have more moving parts than regular bikes, take the time, every time, to check the clamps before you go rolling off. The pedals on the D8 fold in toward the bikes cranks when you pinch them. dahon tern ridetvc Dahon frames and forks have a 5-year warranty (in most countries), so you can expect them to last at least that long with proper care. If you want to try using larger panniers on the rack, we recommend taking the bike with you while pannier shopping, or at least taking careful measurements. As we would for any type of bicycle, for a folding bike we strongly recommend buying one from a local dealer. So we think most people looking for a 20-inch wheeled folding bike would be better off spending less on either the D8 or the Mariner. But although its made in Oregon of good components, our testers thought it somehow felt less secure on the road. After testing 90 lights over the past six years, we have recommendations for the best headlight and the best taillight for most people who commute by bicycle. The Link D8 is outfitted with puncture-resistant, cushiony 20-inch Schwalbe Big Apple tires, which bike expert Strub pointed out as a highlight, given the bikes price. This article might contain affiliate links. Its also wise to schedule regular tuneups (at least every year, and more often if youre a frequent rider) to have a pro assess what, if anything, needs adjusting or replacing. It has a unique fold (sort of a cross between those of the Brompton and the Birdy, with the rear tire rotating under). And when folded it stands upright on the small, luggage-style wheels attached to the rear rack, so it has a smaller footprint. Originally our budget pick, the Tern Link B7 rides great, and it folds and unfolds quickly (in the same manner as our top pick, the Dahon Mariner D8). One bike expert praised the design of the front brake, which is mounted close to the frame to reduce snagging, as well as the top-shelf puncture-resistant tires. You may also need to consider a different brand if you need ultra-compact storage, like for a train or bus. Because folding bikes have more moving parts and quick releases than regular bikes, you may need to tighten the nuts or the clamps regularly. Today, most Dahon bikes are produced in mainland China, although their European bikes are produced in Bulgaria. If you plan to use panniers (those saddlebag-looking pouches) with the Mariner D8s rear rack, Dahon recommends using ones intended for the front of a bike. Subscribe now for unlimited access. But some people found doing this to be more cumbersome than it was worth. As with any bicycle, with a folding bike you should ideally buy one in person, at a local bike shop. For Amys eight-block ride home, the rack held a 4-pound bag of dog food securely in place. We tested 32 bike locks, and the Kryptonite New-U Evolution Mini-7 is the most affordable lock that will most likely need a power tool to be defeated. Unfortunately, Tern has stopped selling this model in the US. We took them all on a short first ride around Amys neighborhood in Queens or, in Duncans case, along the Los Angeles River and through Griffith Park. After an additional round of testing in late 2020 and early 2021, we stand by our original recommendations. Finally, Dahon bikes are generally sold through shops. For the 2021 update, we also considered the casual rider and, especially, recreational-vehicle owners, since many riders may have room for only one bikeeven folding. In theory, youre supposed to be able to push the bike when its folded, keeping the seat raised so that you can steer with it. Keeping up with maintenance is best way to help your Dahon hold value. We dont definitively know which has more issues per unit sold. All of our picks have a rear rack with a flat top and bungee cords. If you need 20 wheels for rougher streets, or disc brakes for steep descents in foul weather, then Dahon may be the better choice. Consider marking your ideal seat-height level with a permanent marker on the seatpost (oddly, only two of the bikes we tested had preprinted measurement marks), or commit to memory where on your body the seat should come up to while youre unfolding the bike. Otherwise, youll be readjusting the dang thing every time you want to ride. The D8 also has bolt holes for a front-carrier attachment, should you prefer to outfit the bike with a so-designed front bag or basket. Most Dahon bikes weight around 25-28 lbs (11.3-12.8kg), which is about as much as a typical hybrid bike. In fact, its one of the most popular folding bike brands on the planet. Here, you can see the Terns unusual adjustable stem, which attaches the handlebars to the frame of the bike. The Decathlon B Twin Tilt 500 is another budget option we tested, at $400 with free shipping from Decathlon (the French sporting-goods giant thats come to the US). And finally: Wear a helmet. With its exceptionally smart, compact, innovative fold, the Brompton S6L six-speed bike is a great pick for those seeking go-anywhere capability. Hes owned way too many bikes over the years, and he has commuted by bike most of his life in all kinds of locations and on all types of bikes. The eight-speed Tern Link D8, the companys most popular model, provides a few upgrades over the Mariner D8 that may suit taller riders or those willing to pay more for some higher-end components. It also doesnt come with any handlebar-height adjustment. We also wanted to make sure our picks would be comfortable for getting into town to shop or seeing the local sights. (Many cities do allow full-size bikes on their metro systems, or just not at rush hour. This, along with a well-balanced geometry, creates a very stable ride and sure handling, even at higher speeds, despite the small wheel size. The Mariner D8 comes with fenders as well as a rear rack, which has a nicely designed clip-on bungee cord (so you dont have to buy or hunt for something else to use). We found it to be a heavy, sluggish ride, anyway, and couldnt fit through subway turnstiles. brompton tern dahon We think a versatile city bike should always be ready to accept a load, even one you might not have expected to carry. This is because the frame itself doesnt fold in half; instead, you fold the bike by rotating both wheels underneath. For some shoppers, the number-one criterion is how small a folding bike can get. A Brompton is not as light as you might expect, given its smaller size. If folding size trumps all, the notably compact Brompton leaves the competition in the dust. Youre supposed to pack it into the included bag for storage, which is a lot of work, and it is annoying if you need to use your bike regularly, as a commuter would. We hope to update the guide with electric options in the future, especially from the companies that make our top picks. She took note of the shifting, steering, braking, and overall ride quality. In addition, she was formerly a staff writer for the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she was intimately involved with the scientific testing of all manner of products for the magazine and website. The BYB is still nowhere near as compact or as comfortable to carry folded as the Brompton with its 16-inch wheels. Tall riders will especially like the Link D8s adjustable handlebarsand everyone can appreciate its higher-end components, such as the puncture-resistant tires. Most Dahon models are approved for riders up to 230 lbs (105 kg), but there are a couple exceptions. To maximize longevity, check hinge clamp alignment and tighten them appropriately before riding. Even Dahons cheapest models have an aluminum frame and (mostly) a name-brand drivetrain. When you fold the Tern Link D8, its handlebars end up on one side of the bike, not tucked in between its wheels (as is the case with Dahons Mariner). For the 2021 update, Duncan tested the Dahon Mariner D8, Brompton M6R, Tern Link D8, Tern BYB P8, and Decathlon B Twin Tilt 500. Its best to avoid modifications or customizations, since others may not share your preferences. Although the unorthodox gearing arrangement on the Brompton provides a wide range of gears and a compact fold, the shifting itself takes some getting used to. We recommend reading this guide on the Brompton website to understand all the options available. Our top pick and runner-up pick are also back in stockat least for now. These can include having limited room for storage (in, say, an RV, a boat, or an apartment), needing to fit a bike onto a bus or in a suitcase for traveling, or needing to adhere to local public transportation rules. As of writing, the lightest Dahon model is the Visc SL9, with a claimed weight of just 21 lbs. As you might imagine, with a category like folding bikes, selecting a pick thats truly one-size-fits-all is pretty much impossible. Future buyers always appreciate something ready to ride. Both of our test bikes were the six-speed (Bromptons most popular option), configured with a three-speed internally geared hub (gears 1, 2, 3) and a rear derailleur that shifts between two external gears on the rear hub (called + and ). This means you can choose the frame material (steel or a superlight combination of steel and titanium); the handlebar shape and height (three options; the first character in the model number represents the handlebar type); the number of gears (two or six; this is the second character); the suspension type; the tire type; the saddle type and height; accessories such as the fenders, rack, front bags, and lights; and the paint color. And none of them really ride quite as smoothly or comfortably as a good full-size bike. The first Brompton we tested, the S6L, came outfitted with sport-style straight handlebars, six speeds ($220 more), fenders ($80 more), a front carrier block for attaching a bag and a front flap bag ($185 for both, bag not shown), and rechargeable battery-powered lights ($110, not shown), totaling about $1,795 in 2017. So keep an ear out for any rubbing or clicking sounds, and get the bike looked at if needed. Finally, Brompton bikes are customizable. After our 85-plus hours of research and testing, the well-designed Dahon Mariner D8 edged to the front of the pack, combining a comfortable ride and easy folding with good-quality components, all for a reasonable price. Amy also noted the ease of folding the bike and then carrying it down subway stairs, through turnstiles (not all bikes fit), and onto the train (and then did the reverse on the other end). Despite the bikes 16-inch wheels, we didnt feel like we were sitting low to the ground.

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