Depending on your budget. When you say SRAM XO, off course better than Shimano SLX, hahaha. Also what to get also depends on what your shifters are, unless you want to change shifters as well. But I think your Microshift shifters suits Shimano better.

This post has been edited by etigge: Mar 20 2014, 06:07 PM

The older version of Dash P18 (like the one I just exchanged with my Vigor) uses the Shimano Tiagra RD. I think that should be better than Sora. A new one is less than RM200 and it is compatible with the Sora shifters. If you have budget the Shimano 105 or the Ultegra is also compatible.

Finally my Dahon frame arrived! Anyone interested in a Dahon Speed P27 Some old parts but mainly new parts. At last I can dispose off all the parts in one go!

If you just used the Tiagra RD, although capable of 10 speed, it doesn't matter. The indexing of the gearings are on the shifters and distance of the cassette. The RD spacing is just an opening between 2 points. Nothing to stop you using the 10 speed Tiagra RD with a 9 speed shifters.

Sure, no problem.

Here's a good read about folding bikes.


http://www.nycewheels.com/folding-bike-misconceptions.html

My imageshack account expired already. I think you know my FB page right? You can check it there.

If the shifter mechanism is out, you can actually take out the emergency bike tool (it's better to have one in your pouch) and then loosen the RD allen nut and adjust to an average gear (somewhere in between) and then tighten the cable clamping allen nut. Although it runs on single speed, at least it's not on the highest gear! You are the first person that I encountered with shifter malfunction. Another way is (if your bike tool have a chain breaker function), to break the chain and take the chain out of the RD cage and adjust the chain length to the middle cogs of the cassette and then rejoin the chain back when you change or repaired the shifters.

Someone should start a bike workshop for beginners. Some I know can't even repair a puncture!

This is a good tool to have in your pouch + a spare inner tube.

http://www.bicyclebuysell.com/item/238770/...best-multi-tool

This is the project that I have almost done! The frame came from China ( raw and unpainted, so got to do the undercoating and painting ). The Dahon original fork is black though. Then the handlepost. Bought a 9 speed shifters and the cables and housing. The Accera RD is from the mini velo that I took out and the Sora FD is my stock and so is the FD adapter. The cassette is attached to the Vigor wheelset that I took out new also. Double handlebar grip, grips and handle bar ( I cut off 2 inches to shorten it so it won't be so twitchy ) is from my stock. I sold off my old pedals and now got to buy back another pair. It cost RM38 from Rodalink! The Sora crank and chain rings are actually 3 speed ( 3 chain ring ) but I opted to put in only 2 for easier and more accurate shifting. Now, what's left is a better seat post and a set of V-brakes (waitng for either Kinetix or Avids). Slapped in some 'cap ayam' tires .

Anyone interested, PM me!

Trinx is a China made brand which mask it's inferiority with better components. That's why the price is attractive. Furthermore it is distributed by a giant distributor here in Malaysia who can practically kill the bicycle market if they want to. Same guys as Exitway. Then it's not that it is so bad, just that if you are not going to ride for long (which many new riders can't confirm or have the willingness to will themselves) it's better to try out a cheaper one. You can get a better one (which you definitely will if you get addicted to a group or rides) once you feel you really like riding. I have a lady rider, almost 60 years old and she got herself a Tern C7 and after a few rides and enjoyed it so much, she got herself a 6K plus Tyrell for her next bike.

This post has been edited by etigge: Mar 25 2014, 10:04 PM

Tires and bikes are 2 different things. Other bikes other than Tyrells can use the same tires! You can get a Tyrell and still change to Schwalbe or Kendas. In our group there are 4 Tyrell users and so far there's no punctures among them and in fact we even ride over gravel road in Wetlands Park in Putrajaya. No problems.

You know H2D, my guess is you are somebody I know and things has gone soured! I am here just to answers some queries and also try to help out newbies (if they need advice lah!). I have nothing against anyone but a lot of your arrows are not shooting straight! NO, the Tyrell can't fly either and I won't buy a Tyrell myself because the cost is prohibitive. I am just stressing a point that one can get really addictive in riding once they enjoy a ride and they are willing to spend that amount of money for a ride. That's my point! And if you are confident on your enjoyment while riding, it's better to get a good one in the first place.

Anyway, I am also quite tired of answering this tread and sarcasm is not my good point. I will leave this tread for now but anyone wants to know anything can PM me if they need help.

HAPPY RIDING everyone.

This post has been edited by etigge: Mar 26 2014, 12:12 PM

No I am not a retired cyclist. In fact I am very active and many forummers here have joined me for rides. I just retired from posting here, except for this one to clarify. Those who needs assistance can PM me if they want and I will reply. Happy Riding!

Before you all go jumping into the triple crank, I think I better explain the complexities. The normal triple for foldie is road bike type which is 52.42.30T and not the MTB chainring.

When you buy triple crank , especially from the guy posted up there, don't get the Truvativ ones, he has other 2 types which are square tapered ones. The square tapered ones fits directly into most existing bottom brackets. If you insist on the Truvativ one, buy the bottom bracket as well. I think he has ordered. This guy charges you RM20 for courier but the charges are always less than RM10. So, negotiate before hand. The other 2 brands, Prowell and another chinese branded ones are also OK larr! The Truvativ uses the power spline BB which is now not in production but there are still stocks here and there.

Also it is better to use double crank though. The gear inches for a triple is 94.54 inches ( if you use the 11T at the rear) to 18.75 inches (if you use 32T at the rear). Whilst if you use double chainring the gear inches will range from 94.54 inches to 24.37 inches which is 6 inches less than a triple. The advantage is immense though if you use a double as the shifting is smoother than a triple. If you insist on a triple chainring, you HAVE to get the FD adapter similar to the Lite Pro type. The other type as use by Java bikes (the rectangular type) is unable to shift properly. Also for a triple you need either a longer spindle BB eg. 126mm or at least 122 mm which is hard to come by. This is because the adapter with the FD range is limited. Either that or get the Token spacers and add accordingly.

Also when you fit in the triple, when the granny gear is in use (the smallest chainring), the last four settings on the rear cassette is not usable. Means you can only use the last 4 or 6 (depending on how many speed your RD is). This is because the chain will sag ( londeh!) You cannot shorten anymore as well because the big chainring with the largest cassette setting needs a longer chain. This is because the chain stay of a foldie is not as long as the normal sized bike. Also you will need a long caged RD, I use them and at the last setting the pulley is about 2 inches from the ground but at this setting we are riding slow anyway so no danger there. Also if you use 2.0 tires (like the Big Apple) , the pulley is already touching the tires. I use a 1.75 inch Maxxis , so it is OK.

Anyway, you will improve when you ride a lot. So, just be patient and keep on riding. The granny gear on my bike is redundant anyway and is never engaged at all nowadays as the middle ring is sufficient to even ride up to Fraser's Hill. This is 42T and if the bike was a 39T second ring, it will even be much more easier. So, my suggestion, double is more than enough. If a double is still hard to pedal, you can switch to a compact crank later which is 50/34 T.

The pulley at the lowest settings using long cage. The chain needs to be adjusted in length carefully.



The sagging chain when granny gear is used. The last smallest cogs are not usable but the same ratios are also found using the middle ring.



The pulley at the largest cog, very near the tires and 2.0 inch tires like Big Apple are not usble!

Although the frame has a lifetime warranty, do check your seat post length. Problem with this frame is, it is a KHS copy but KHS uses Reynolds chromoly while this is aluminium and what grade is not sure. Aluminium has larger spot welds and if they are not heat treated (which I don't think this is anyway) , they will weaken the frame. So be careful and make sure your seat post is long so the seat tube is double layered. I have a friend who uses the Buffalo foldie (which incidently is the same frame ) and broke the seat tube! He is a tall rider and hence the seat post is adjusted high and the seat tube broke near the welding area. Also if you notice Dahon and Tern has large diameter seatpost. This is because, for folding bikes, many seat post are adjusted very high and the seat post has to be strong which means heavy metal is preferred. Even the lighter Lite Pro seat post are rated for riders till 75 kg only!

In doubt if folding bikes can do LIGHT off road riding? Yes it can and a group of us did the Cameron Highland's Thompson Graveyard Trail last weekend. I say light off road, ya! Not those technical table top jumps.

An idea of what you can do yourself. A customized 16 inch Dahon or FnHon foldie. Much smaller than a regular 20 inch when folded. This particular unit is only 9 kgs.

Litepro seat post, seatpost clamp and Litepro Spirit handlebar.
Dahon adjustable handle post.
FnHon frame and fork with sealed bearing Litepro headset.
FSA crank with 52/39T Shimano 105 chainrings.
Tiagra 10 speed flat bar roadbike shifters.
Tiagra rear derailleurs, Sora front derailleurs and Tiagra 10 speed chain.
Shimano Deore V-brakes and brake levers.
Novatec sealed bearing hubs.

It's over 3K ! I also just realised myself after tabulating the cost.

Budgee, I heard something about you regarding another foldie forum. Is that true?