Because, your life. 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. However, Dahon folding bikes are actually less expensive than many popular, high-end alternatives. Despite the bikes 16-inch wheels, we didnt feel like we were sitting low to the ground. Copyright 2022 Two Wheels Better. For the 2021 update, Duncan tested the Dahon Mariner D8, Brompton M6R, Tern Link D8, Tern BYB P8, and Decathlon B Twin Tilt 500. Duncan Niederlitzwho wrote the 2021 edition of this guideworked for more than a decade as a professional bicycle mechanic, in Florida, Massachusetts, California, and England. The folded Brompton stands 3.4 inches shorter, and measures 2 inches narrower and 8.1 inches shorter front to back, than the Mariner D8. And finally: Wear a helmet. 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. We found it to be a heavy, sluggish ride, anyway, and couldnt fit through subway turnstiles. Its a refined and extremely functional design that should, in theory, outlast aluminum frames as well as lower-grade steel ones. Heavier riders should consider their strongest model, the Hit, with a weight limit of 300 lbs (137 kg). 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. When folded, the bike lands in the middle of the size fieldnarrow enough to fit through subway turnstiles and compact enough to avoid drawing too many annoyed looks on an elevator. We wanted to love the Bike Friday Pakit, which is available for order with a custom-made frame. 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. Its corporate headquarters are in Illinois. The handlebars were loose in the frame, which was a serious safety concern, so Amy paid her bike expert to make sure the bike was set up safely for her. You may also need to consider a different brand if you need ultra-compact storage, like for a train or bus. In our tests it offered a comfortable ride, thanks to its integrated rear suspension. Plus, the Seouls folded footprint was so large the bike wouldnt fit through the subway turnstiles. Brompton frames are hand-built in the companys own factory in England. 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). All in all, Dahon folding bikes are worth buying if youre looking for a good value on mid-range components, and can do without fancy features like dynamo lighting, a belt drive, or large cargo capacity. For those adjustments, Amy brought bikes to Nomad Cycle (then located in Astoria), and Duncan did them himself. After all, not only are people different sizes physically, but they also ride for a variety of reasons. And he found it rode as comfortably as any of the other folding bikes we tested, with enough fit adjustability to accommodate for different longer-riding positions. We independently review everything we recommend. Even as the pandemic seems to be waning, we understand that many people may be trying to avoid public transportation. 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. She enjoyed the ride just fine, but for the price, youre better off with a Tern and its brand-name components. Otherwise, youll be readjusting the dang thing every time you want to ride. But for a 20-inch wheeled bike, it was about as good as one could expect. 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). However, thats all standard maintenance for every brand and style bicycle. In 2020 and 2021, Duncan tested the updated Tern Link D8, along with the Tern BYB P8, the current Dahon Mariner D8, the Brompton M6R, and a new budget candidate, the Decathlon B Twin Tilt 500. This was one of the most comfortable bikes to ride, much like the Tern Link D8, which has a very similar geometry and the same adjustable stem. 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. As you might imagine, with a category like folding bikes, selecting a pick thats truly one-size-fits-all is pretty much impossible. This adds overhead, which the prices reflect. 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. For a more detailed overview, check out this chart of popular folding bike weight limits. A folding bike may be the most convenient mode of transportation on two wheels: It can get you from point A to point B just as readily as a full-size bike, but you can stash it in a car trunk, tuck it under a desk, or store it in a closet, on a boat, or inside an RV or van. Here, you can see the Terns unusual adjustable stem, which attaches the handlebars to the frame of the bike. But although its made in Oregon of good components, our testers thought it somehow felt less secure on the road. 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. And the differences are even more dramatic when you compare the Brompton with the larger Tern models. This bike folds down quickly, in about a five-step process that takes half a minute, and it locks together with a magnet between the 20-inch wheels. And with the front tire and the handlebar mast removed, you can pack it into an oversize backpack and bring it almost anywhere, even on a plane. Its also the only bike wed be comfortable putting in the back seat of a cab with usor even in our lap, if it was absolutely necessary! The Brompton S6L (and all the other six-speed folding bikes that Brompton makes) elegantly transforms into a package that shaves 3 inches off the height, 2 inches off the width, and 8 inches off the length of the folded Mariner D8 (and even more off the dimensions of the Tern D8), making for an easier carry. Brompton has an electric option now, and were looking forward to the updated Tern Vektron, as well as the Dahon K-One. So it may take a ride or two for that to come naturally, without your having to think about it. As wed recommend when youre buying any type of bicycle, we strongly advise that you buy a folding bike from a local dealer. Unfortunately, Tern has stopped selling this model in the US. If you can afford a Brompton, and you dont need 20 wheels or disc brakes, then Brompton is probably the better choice. Consider the Birdy Standard 9 Speed, which has the structural integrity (when the bike is locked into the riding position) to handle riders weighing up to 240 pounds. In both cases, we unboxed, assembled (if needed), adjusted, and assessed each bike to record our initial impressions. Finally, unlike our other picks (and despite all those great accessories), Bromptons have no kickstand option. We also liked the ergonomic handlebar grips, which have a softer feel than the similarly shaped grips on the Mariner D8. But if the extra money isnt a big deal for you, we wouldnt hesitate to get the BYB. Theyre not designed for riding off-road or carrying large, heavy items. Finally, Amy asked bike expert Damon Strub to peruse the spec sheets and highlight any pros or cons of each model. Second, it folds and unfolds quickly, and it latches securely into both modes. 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. Brompton (discussed here) has the most compact fold on the market, so its more or less the default for extremely tight spaces. Also, because the cable runs on a folding bike are generally longerand abused more with all the folding and unfoldingyoull need to get the shifting adjusted more frequently. Whats more, Brompton offers only 16 wheels and rim brakes. This allows exceptionally good weld and braze quality, which is a small detail but contributes to a finer appearance (at least to my eyes). However, many Dahon folding bikes are still in use after multiple decades. 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. Dahon bikes are also well built in general, arent as precise or refined upon close inspection. Amy Roberts wrote the 2017 edition of this guide, and shed been riding bikes around New York City for more than a decade and commuting regularly from Astoria to Manhattan via the Queensboro Bridge. In our tests, when the bike was folded the handlebars kind of dangled, even when we secured them with the rubber strap; wed prefer a more automatic latching system, like on the Mariner or Brompton bikes. After an additional round of testing in late 2020 and early 2021, we stand by our original recommendations. Youll also have someone to go to if you need any warranty-related repairs, as well as someone to help you keep the bike maintained properly. 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. You can drop into the easiest gear in the internal hub while coasting up to a red light, though, something we find really useful while riding in city traffic. Finally, with the established producers (Dahon, Schwinn, and Tern), we looked at both an entry-level model and an upgrade version. Whether it's finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we'll help you get it right (the first time). The company told us that an update on that was coming. 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. And this model is rated for riders up to 230 pounds (slightly more than with most other bikes, which have an upper payload limit of 220 pounds). When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. 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 ). (Note: The Mariner model they tested was the D7, but were confident they would have similar opinions on the upgraded D8.) Like the Dahon Mariner, the Tern Link D8 comes with a detachable bungee cord on its rear rack. 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. Anyone who wants to ride a bike without the bulky hassle of lugging and storing a full-size model may want to consider a folding bike. With its exceptionally smart, compact, innovative fold, the Brompton S6L six-speed bike is a great pick for those seeking go-anywhere capability. Because folding bikes have more moving parts than regular bikes, take the time, every time, to check the clamps before you go rolling off. Again, your life. (The pandemic kept Duncan from replicating Amys group test rides, unfortunately.). Its design also addresses practical concerns: The Mariner D8 has fenders to thwart rainy-road splashes onto clothing, a rear rack to carry stuff, and the option for a frame-mounted front bag. Choosing any bike that needs to perform multiple functions is always an exercise in compromise. Amy Roberts is a certified personal trainer (NASM-CPT), a running coach (USATF Level 1), and a regionally competitive runner. If you do end up ordering online, unless youre very knowledgeable about bicycle repair, please take your bike to a local shop and have a pro set it up (and be sure to take the fee for that service into account when youre weighing any online discount youve found). He lives in Southern California. Anecdotally, Ive found more reports of frame failures with Dahon than with Brompton. After 30-plus hours of research and testing, we think the Delta Cycle Michelangelo Gravity Standis the best bike rack for storing bikes in limited-space homes. As we would for any type of bicycle, for a folding bike we strongly recommend buying one from a local dealer. The Mariner D8 comes with a forged aluminum crank (according to our experts, its longer-lasting than the pressed/riveted steel or aluminum that manufacturers sometimes use to cut costs).
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