QUOTE(yangman @ Jul 9 2012, 06:54 PM)
if folded size & portability is not an issue, the Dash P18 has more gears for steep hills, and the double arced frame makes it stiffer for a faster ride. If speed is what you want then you should consider the P18. The Tern is a sweet bike tho I have not rode it before.
Try to test ride both. But ultimately the speed depends on the riders legs...
yangman, thanks for your input...
well yesterday i was lucky enough to get a test drive for both models at the shop...
the shop sales lady was very good, she cycled with me around the neighborhood so i could make up my mind on which bike to buy
so below are my most honest review:
Dahon Dash P18:
- frame was solid and sturdy
- the andros stem didn't give me much confidence as it could slip when i exerted some force
- gear shifting on the microshifter thumb was a bit of a nuisance esp on the front gear Hi/Lo. my expectation was when i click the button it should automatically shift immediately to the Bigger/smaller gear but i had to click more than 1 time to get it to change
- gear shifting on the rear was ok but nothing great to rave about. my XDS foldie with Acera feels much better and more responsive to each click i pressed. plus the shifters (+) & (-) were both in front for the dash P18. i'm so used with my XDS shifters being one in front and back since it makes you more oriented whereby you don't get mixed up which button is for + and which is for - when seeing 2 buttons in front of you.
- ride wise, you will feel higher as the frame is larger compared to normal foldie design, handling was ok, no wobbles or wiggling
TERN Link P9:
- frame lock hinges were very good and sturdy therefore very solid connection.
- everything was felt as if it was connected in 1 piece. no squeaking. everything was tightly locked
- gear shifting on the SRAM grip shifters was very responsive. i accidently shifted 3 gears in one shot and it executed without any problem like a minigun "clank clank clank"
- folding and unfolding was quite a breeze and very easy since tern has large hinge handles for you to pull it
- ride wise, very steady and you feel bolted/grip to the ground. you would feel your hands>handle>wheel connected to the bike therefore its a very confident ride. saddle was very comfortable too
so now, the big decision, which one to get???
jeng jeng jeng....
why i took the TERN?
first of all, it was the superb ride feel and handling i experienced
second, gear shifting was better on the tern despite Dash P18 having 18speeds. for myself i would not need the Lo gear offered on the Dash P18 since my "engine" quite strong now. most of the time i was on Hi gear when tested the DashP18. even on the inclines i could manage being on Hi gear.
thrid, the ease of folding the bike, TERN is much easier and faster to fold. also is has less joint connections (main frame x1 joint + handle x1 clamp) comparing to DashP18 (main frame x2 joints + handle x2 clamps)
what i learnt?
well, on DashP18 the specs on paper surely standouts and beats the TERN in most areas. however theory always doesn't tie with practicality when hands-on... the DashP18 was more of a Honda Civic Type R and the Tern was more of a BMW 320. it was the ride, comfort and handling which made the difference... so guys, please do not look or judge based on paper and specs... you need to get out there and try the bikes yourself and see which you like most
thanks for reading and happy biking!
This post has been edited by ora-ito: Jul 10 2012, 08:38 AM 
Jul 6 2012, 10:45 PM
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