Even if you get a frame which has 100mm hub sized fork ( Dahon is 74mm ), it doesn't matter as GW sells the adapter so you can use 74mm hubs on 100mm fork. As for the back , sometimes the difference is 130mm and 135mm so can stretch a bit. Look at Taobao, so many frames. Spend a little more on FnHon, they are really good frames with nice folding clamp and also really good quality paintwork. For a 20 inch frame + fork, the average price is about RM550 to RM600 plus transport.

In actual all 3 are not really suitable for long distance riding. For long distance, like touring, a chromoly frame is more ideal. The are light, strong and absorbs bumps better than the harder aluminium. Most of the better touring bikes are made of chromoly. If you ride long distance more, you should consider Dahon Speed P8 , KHS foldies (there's an entry level one too). I have a Speed P8 and when Dahon came out with Vigor, I took it home the instant I saw it. When it comes to riding, although lighter, the Vigor performs no better than the Speed in terms of feel and comfort. Also, the Speed is easier to upgrade.

If budget is a factor, it's better to even get a used one.

PS/ Forgot ! The Dahon Boardwalk is also chromoly.

This post has been edited by etigge: Nov 12 2014, 10:57 AM

http://www.mudah.my/Dahon+P8+Foldable+Bicycle-29165546.htm

but a new one one with new colours is about RM1750 only.

Like the chinese saying, " Yat cham chin yat cham forr ". Off course there's a difference. Dahons are made after their research on metals, geometry and gearings. Off course other branded makes akso have their respective researches. On the other hand, those brands that you mentioned latter donb't have this. They just copied the design and used cheaper materials.

It's hard to describe it for a beginner rider as only with riding more that you start to appreciate the value that is paid. Most newbies will say, " Why pay 2.5K for a Dahon with 18 speed as compared to a same spec-ed bike from XDS, Trinx or Java?" Yes, why?, on the spur, we cannot prove nor convince any newbies. But the fact remains that a serious rider who started with those will eventually get the better bike! Why? It's the difference, the characteristics of the bike geometry in tandem with the folding strength and materials.

Many here has known me and I stick to my words. Components and wheelsets can be changed or upgraded later. Start with a good frame. Dahon is very basic in it's specs for cost reasons. I have modded to 27 speed since I used the Dahon Eco C7 (kniown as Vybe C7A now). The components is transferred to the Speed that I am still using now. I have ridden a Dahon Speed for almost 2 years now and even after so many harsh rides, it still rides best. The fold hasn't loosen a bit.

A proof is to check the availability of Dahons on the used market. It's hard to come by. Even if someone gave up, their Dahons are usually snapped up by their peer riders. Even the Eco C7 is still selling for RM750 after being used for 2 years.

GW Cycle in Kota Kemuning.

This post has been edited by etigge: Nov 21 2014, 04:48 PM

Dahon frame is always better than Trinx which actually is a cheap China product. Trinx is popular because the importer Guan Chow (which incidently is also now Dahon's franchise importer) specified better drivetrain components to attract buyers. So, question is, what and how are you going to use the bike? If you are just a casual rider, just for riding in the park or housing estate to burn some calories occassionally, then the Trinx would suffice. BUT if you were to join some riders (that's when you have advanced yourself at a later stage) for rides, which they usually do EVERY weekend, also sometimes they do like 80 kilometers at one ride, a better bike really makes a difference. You will be suprised with just material difference, eg. aluminium versus chromoly versus hi-ten steel will impact the ride of the rider. Also, if you come to that stage, frames like Dahon is still good and you only have to upgrade the basic gear setup of the Dahon.

So, to what extent you will use the bike, that's a question nobody else except yourself can answer.

Off course the original carrier fits perfectly and looks nicer but it also more expensive. There are cheaper universal versions but they don't looks that good. Topeak also makes universal carrier and it's cheaper than the original but it is also on the high price, ranging from RM150, give and take 10%.