Jun 15 2017, 08:03 PM
QUOTE(etigge @ Jun 15 2017, 06:22 PM)
Premium brands are more like parlour bikes....status symbols. There are not necessary suitable, good quality, that's off course ! I mean there are expensive but adaptability and suitability, that's another question. These are like Bromptons, Birdys, Alex Moultons, Bike Fridays............ The good brands .....meaning quality and well researched ones for functionalities are Dahons, which actually the pioneer in folding bikes. Then his son Joshua branch out to start Tern because of difference in idealogy and policies. Under this group are KHS, Oribikes, Flamingoes and also Giant, Oyama and a few big manufacturers for normal bikes which saw the growing popularity of folding bikes and joined the fray. Then you have other China made ones which are cheaply manufactured because mostly they are contractors for the above brands. Brands like Trinx, XDS, Oscar, Twitter, Totem , Garion are all cheaper because they just buy off frames, ready made from China and market under their own brand. That's why they are not well researched or some probably check if designs are patented and if not, they also order and market under their own brand. Look at XDS which have a similar model to Java.
The most popular model for folding bikes is the dolphin design where Dahon, Tern, Garion and every brands regardless cheap of branded has a model. Look carefully and you will see Dahon's fold is exclusive to them only as they are patented. I have to admit though, their folding mechanism are the best and their folding design are also the best. I used to carry 3 folding bikes and 3 riders comfortably with Dahons in one car, a Boardwalk and 2 Dahon Speeds. I can only managed to fit in only one in the boot when I changed to Giant. And also I have to be careful with the handle post and folding joint area as the Giant, even a branded manufacturer can't make them as secure as Dahons and Terns.
That said about branding, you must also understand that bicycle components are all standard regardless of brands. It is only the level components that one brand choose over the other or in most cases, which components are factory excess and overuns that they can grab cheaply off component manufacturers. If you find a cheap frame, strong and the geometry suitable to your body anatomy and you fit in the best components there is, it might actually be a better ride than you buy a premium bike with mediocre components. That's why I always emphasize on a good frame to start with. Once you are over that, anything else can be improved, even getting your folding bike sub 10 kilograms.
That's why I always stress to newbies to get Dahons or Terns. That's because of the frame, fork and handle post. Other components can be modified in the near future , be it one month, one year or three years. Most riders goes for the best specs rather than the best frame. Eg. the components on my wife's mini velo, the Shimano Ultegra and the Speedmax wheelset has been through 3 bikes already. Whatever frame or rather bike she changes, the old components are shifted over the new bike. You don't lose anything and also the new components of the new bike is shifted to the old bike frame and easily sold off, as the components are new. It doesn't matter how long for you to complete collecting a groupset or wheelset that you like, eventually you will get it and then they are permanent. To spend 6 to 7 K in one shot is hard to spend on a bicycle but if you spend 2,5K on a good brand and frame initially, it is easier. Although 7 or 8 speed, you can start off and gauge how much you want to attain and how much to spend later on. Even if you spend another 3 or 4 K in a span of 1 or 2 years to upgrade, it doesn't matter, you are still riding. I mean 3K to 4K in two years, even if we don't spend on bikes, we will spend on others like food, tours etc.
Thanks a lot etigge for the superb explaination! Really benefit a lot! I have always wanted a dahon or a tern, last time missed the tern verge n8 offer. Just want to learn something. I remember reading somewhere that adviced to get at least bike that come with 8 speed cassette, so that easier in future upgrading. Is it means that if I get a 7 speed or less speed bike, I need to change the wheelset all together, result in even higher cost?The most popular model for folding bikes is the dolphin design where Dahon, Tern, Garion and every brands regardless cheap of branded has a model. Look carefully and you will see Dahon's fold is exclusive to them only as they are patented. I have to admit though, their folding mechanism are the best and their folding design are also the best. I used to carry 3 folding bikes and 3 riders comfortably with Dahons in one car, a Boardwalk and 2 Dahon Speeds. I can only managed to fit in only one in the boot when I changed to Giant. And also I have to be careful with the handle post and folding joint area as the Giant, even a branded manufacturer can't make them as secure as Dahons and Terns.
That said about branding, you must also understand that bicycle components are all standard regardless of brands. It is only the level components that one brand choose over the other or in most cases, which components are factory excess and overuns that they can grab cheaply off component manufacturers. If you find a cheap frame, strong and the geometry suitable to your body anatomy and you fit in the best components there is, it might actually be a better ride than you buy a premium bike with mediocre components. That's why I always emphasize on a good frame to start with. Once you are over that, anything else can be improved, even getting your folding bike sub 10 kilograms.
That's why I always stress to newbies to get Dahons or Terns. That's because of the frame, fork and handle post. Other components can be modified in the near future , be it one month, one year or three years. Most riders goes for the best specs rather than the best frame. Eg. the components on my wife's mini velo, the Shimano Ultegra and the Speedmax wheelset has been through 3 bikes already. Whatever frame or rather bike she changes, the old components are shifted over the new bike. You don't lose anything and also the new components of the new bike is shifted to the old bike frame and easily sold off, as the components are new. It doesn't matter how long for you to complete collecting a groupset or wheelset that you like, eventually you will get it and then they are permanent. To spend 6 to 7 K in one shot is hard to spend on a bicycle but if you spend 2,5K on a good brand and frame initially, it is easier. Although 7 or 8 speed, you can start off and gauge how much you want to attain and how much to spend later on. Even if you spend another 3 or 4 K in a span of 1 or 2 years to upgrade, it doesn't matter, you are still riding. I mean 3K to 4K in two years, even if we don't spend on bikes, we will spend on others like food, tours etc.
I realized dahon's bike having different grades, indicated by the last digit of the model. Eg kac 082, kac 083. The higher grades means better components for sure, does it means also the better frame? Or only the components? If all the frames are of same quality, I don't mind getting lower components and upgrade later.
Now I am searching at 16 inch foldie, purpose to commute and hope in future, travel with it. (Already owns rb and MTB.) Fall in love with FnHon 16 inch foldie, FGC16 frame. Chromoly with sexy slim tubes. What's your opinion on the bike/frame? Didn't see such design on other brand yet. Thanks again sifu etigge for the time.
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When I wanted to catch up with my wife, I had to increase my cadence and this tires myself because it was not my usual tempo. If I change to higher gear, it was supposed to coincide with my usual cadence or pedal effort, it is too slow. Now I found a bike shop who traded my 50/34T for a new 52/36T semi compact chain rings from another Tiagra set. It's better but still a 53T is would be better. 
Also he hires the cook from next door's restaurant to service the bikes. The restaurant closes from 3 to 6 pm so the cook can help out.
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