Dahon Folding Bicycle Forum: Bike Commuting http://forum.dahon.com/index.php Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:17:44 -0600 30 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9203
I'll be starting a job in Sept., training in from CT, and am wondering if commuting by bike (rather than subway) will be faster once I arrive in Grand Central Station.

The job is on the Corner of Broome Street and Bowery. If I used the subway, I'd take the 6 to Spring Street.

If anyone has a similar commute and can shed some light on what's (generally) faster, that would be much appreciated.

Thanks!]]> Fri, 13 Aug 2010 19:28:21 -0600 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9203 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9140
I'd like your input into options I have to swap out Kojaks currently on my Vitesse P18.

I previously had a Speed P8 which had Big Apples. I loved that ride. Some b**t**d stole it about 2 months ago.

I decided to get another Dahon and this time went for a Vitesse P18. Compared to the P8 it's light and has more gears. Super.

Since I got it 3.5 weeks ago I have racked up 100 miles mostly from my daily commute covering 20 miles per day, half of which are on gravel along the Grand Union Canal in London.

I rode my P8 once on that course and can say that the Big Apples provided a more comfortable ride compared to the P18's Kojaks. Also, the path is often split with ashphalt on one side and gravel on the other. Due to their thin-ness I have often found the Kojaks 'jam' in the 'join' where the two surfaces meet. Not safe!

Of course the Kojaks offers speed advantage and in my excitement I picked a clear, flat section and sped along at about 18mph yesterday.
Due to the hardness of the tires I stood up at this speed while going over some bumpy ground. In that moment the rear flipped and I fought to keep control... I crashed and now write this topic with 1st & 2nd degree road-rash plus a badly sprained right hand.

So, I have concluded that the Kojaks must go. They are great for speed, weight and sound but I value safety and comfort more. I just don't think they are suited for my commute.

So what options do I have apart from going back to the Big Apples?
Ideally, I'd like the ride comfort they offer, plus the Kevlar protection and width to avoid 'jamming' but the weight of the Kojaks is highly desirable too.

Can you offer any suggestions and/or arguments?

BTW, I have MKS mudguards.]]> Tue, 03 Aug 2010 13:49:51 -0600 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9140 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9110 Thu, 29 Jul 2010 14:26:42 -0600 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9110 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9035
For anyone in NY Metro, particularly Long Island, I thought I'd post something quick about the rules regarding folding bikes on the Long Island Railroad, particularly with regard to the IOS series... The rules are stated here: http://www.mta.info/lirr/about/Bicycles/#FoldingBikePolicy

Anyone who went ahead and bought a folding bike for this purpose is likely familiar with these rules already, but what should be noted (and what I have had disagreements with conductors over), is that the Ios series, despite the larger wheel, folds down to exactly 32 inches in width, and thus is acceptable as carry-on baggage. It's the whole reason I waited months for it! Conductors have been instructed that any folding bikes with wheels over 20 inches are too large but that isn't what the rule states. Too bad I have to carry a printout and a measuring tape with me everytime I get on the train!!!

Will]]> Fri, 16 Jul 2010 19:49:00 -0600 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9035 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9028
On day 1, I was overtaken twice by cars who then immediately turned into the junction ahead of me, forcing an emergency stop. In another twist, during the driest summer in the UK for 80 odd years, it has pissed down on all three legs thus far.

Other than that - great...]]> Thu, 15 Jul 2010 06:24:16 -0600 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9028 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=8980 I just started to use a bike to commute in downtown Chicago. Is there a safe place to lock up a bike overnight and on the weekends near the Randolph and Michigan Metra train station? Wed, 07 Jul 2010 13:28:35 -0600 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=8980 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=8902




The SP-TT under HG Wells (I think HG Wells may have been slightly misquoted, but its good all the same)

The Rapha Cycle Club London is a temporary (3 months only, May to July) coffee shop/art gallery/museum dedicated to everything Road Cycling, eveyday the major tours will be on big screen. As the TdF starts in just over a weeks time I may find myself slipping away from work early to sip an espresso and watch the action on big screen.

Unfortunately it was too early and it was closed, so a return visit next week some time is planned.

There is also one in New York

Its a shame these places are just temporary and not all year round like this Look Mum No Hands, such cycling specific places are very rare and too few and far between


Iain]]> Sat, 26 Jun 2010 02:44:56 -0600 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=8902 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=8900
And I got barked at a little this morning on the train intercom. I was running ahead of schedule and arrived on the platform just in time to fold up but not bag and board the train ahead of the one I usually take. There was a conductor at that door and I asked him if I could bag it on the train and he said yes. He watched me do it and while I was there was an announcement about it having to be in a bag. And that is about all it said, I am sure the other passengers had no idea what the conductor was talking about. One of the other conductors must have seen me board with an unbagged bike and since the conductor I asked permission of did not leave the train He Who Barked would not have known he was there to give permission. There wasn't any further mention of the matter so they must have compared notes.

Ken]]> Fri, 25 Jun 2010 15:36:03 -0600 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=8900 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=8694 Sun, 30 May 2010 14:39:38 -0600 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=8694 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=8628 Tue, 18 May 2010 07:33:13 -0600 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=8628 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=8626
If so, sorry I didnt realise you were a fellow dahon'er until my brain had switched into gear sometime later.

A very belated "hello" to you


Iain]]> Tue, 18 May 2010 01:48:34 -0600 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=8626 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=8520
After being 'away' from downtown (working in the burbs - commuting on a bike impossible) I start a new job on Monday. I just purchased a Boardwalk S1, and absolutely love it so far..........but starting Monday is the "acid test". I will be taking the train from Orland Park to Union Station and then riding to my new gig on to Michigan Ave. I'm excited but nervous too! I recently discovered this forum and have been devouring the information here.
Just want to say hi, and thank you all (particularly Steve Root) for all the useful information here! I'm hoping the carryon bag I ordered arrives today and I can play with it a bit to get used to it. I like the info about being particularly nice to the train conductors too! I used to work downtown (for almost 20 years) but my previous location was near Union Station....this time it's a good 35-40 minute walk, which may be good for me health wise (soon to be 56) but adds quite a bit of time to my day. Plus, with all the going's on downtown, the bike will let me take advantage of the beauty the City has to offer. I am so enthused about the number of bikes I've been seeing downtown, as well as the City of Chicago's effort to encourage cycling.
Anyway - Hi everyone - wish me luck!

Ron]]> Fri, 30 Apr 2010 06:45:27 -0600 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=8520 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=8478
Please let me know.

George
george@gtnpictures.com]]> Wed, 21 Apr 2010 09:55:43 -0600 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=8478 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=8465
http://cordarounds.com/bike-to-work/]]> Mon, 19 Apr 2010 17:22:45 -0600 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=8465 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=8442 ]]> Tue, 13 Apr 2010 22:43:03 -0600 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=8442 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=8319 I am starting to commute to work and I need a good durable backpack for a laptop and a few files to commute back and forth to work. Any suggestions for one with a reasonable price. Sun, 21 Mar 2010 09:31:42 -0600 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=8319 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=8229
I hope to start my commute in a few weeks - just need to get things sorted..
Its 3 miles to the railway station, 50 minutes on the train and then 2 miles the other side.
So about 10 miles in total per day.
I'll be dressed for work, so don't want to work hard (or get too sweaty) - also need to travel with a laptop and a few papers. Ideally I'd like to try and find a cheap second hand Dahon, but I know they hold their price well.. so, if need be, I'll take the plunge and buy new. I'd rather get something that works well.

I tried a Vitesse D7 about 3 years ago and it was ok, but a bit heavy.

Looking at the Curve...

cheers (based in the UK)]]> Sat, 27 Feb 2010 04:20:50 -0700 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=8229 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=8216 riding sensation.

Bike Lane??]]> Thu, 25 Feb 2010 06:31:26 -0700 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=8216 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=8099
It was more comfortable before I sent the bike to the shop when the rear tube needed a change. Saw the tech flipped the bike on its saddle to do some adjustment. Then after that, I feel the sliding forward on my saddle every few minutes. Does this positioning slow down my learning to hand-signal? When I move my hand away, the handlebar is hard to control straight. OR maybe I'm just not too confident cycling yet. How I wish I could muster the bare basics and gain confidence to do all a cyclist need to ride out on the roads. I play safe by using paths and park connectors.]]> Thu, 28 Jan 2010 07:55:57 -0700 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=8099 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=8064
So, bearing in mind that everyone is likely to have different views, interested to hear what others might have changed to. I'm a Brooks B17 fan, but then this bike is going to be a foul-weather bike, too, so maybe a plastic jobby will be better than leather.

Ham
===
http://londondailyphoto.blogspot.com]]> Fri, 22 Jan 2010 03:03:56 -0700 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=8064 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=8047
New year, new lifestyle! My workplace is joining the ride to work scheme, so I have applied to join and have £1000 to spend on a new bike

Initially I will start at 5 miles each way and the rest by train, but as my fitness improves I plan to build upto the full 12 miles each way, so around 25 miles a day is my target. All urban commuting, so roads all the way...

Im looking at either the
Dahon Cadenza P18 @ £849
or
Dahon Cadenza XL @ £949

Im 6'2" and 90Kg, though I expect that load to lighten somewhat when I start to cycle

The P18 appeals as I will have some cash left over to kit myself out, but the XL has higher quality components and Im thinking that might be the better route to take as I have seen some posts here moaning about the quality of some of the cycles. Also, the alfine gear hub is low maintenance and will last longer and I've read good reviews of the 'big apple tires'?
I can't see me needing the 18 gears that the P18 offers, or is that just my inexperience talking?

Is the XL worth the extra money and what are peoples thoughts on my choices?

Anyone else doing similar mileage on one of these two bikes?

Many Thanks]]> Tue, 19 Jan 2010 10:56:31 -0700 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=8047 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=8035 I use it to come to work everyday and don't really want to leave it outside even though there is a man who watches the bikes for a small fee.

Cheers]]> Sun, 17 Jan 2010 22:53:06 -0700 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=8035 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=7932 Fri, 18 Dec 2009 14:59:34 -0700 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=7932 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=7861
I'm used to high quality, handbuilt bikes (Reynolds 531c or Columbus slx) and so wasn't expecting to enjoy the folder as much - seeing it as a necessity rather than a pleasure.

I'm loving it, however.

I've become really attached to my wee Dahon. It accelerates well and though it's a bit harder work than a road or touring bike that's good for my fitness. With the saddle high enough for me the riding position is good, like riding on the top of drop bars, the twist grip change for gears is excellent and, with a higher rack fitted takes a full pannier (laptop too).

It's a bit too low geared for the flat as I can spin out of top gear reasonably easily, and the weight distribution is a bit further back than on a roadie, so the front is a bit light ( I lift the front wheel accelerating in anything up to 4th gear!)

But it steers and brakes well, doesn't flex and takes all the punishment I can dish out. It also helps me pass loads of London cyclists on road, touring, mtb and hybrid bikes.

Riding position means visibility is good and the 1.5" tyres soak up the bumps. It's definitely a keeper, and much more stable than the Brompton I also tried.]]> Sun, 29 Nov 2009 09:55:08 -0700 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=7861 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=7811
After going to work by train for a year, I was in the market for a new folding bike. My Presto Lite was a little too big and I often got the evil eye during rush hours. So I was looking into a Brompton for its small size. But then it struck me: why don't I just bike all the way?

So I started two and a half months ago, 62km a day. I ride a Rohloff equiped fast mountainbike with Marathon Supremes. 2500km down the road I decided I need (?) a new bike. Issues are:
- I can't fit decent mudguards on the bike because it has no eyelets.
- I can't fit a decent rack on the bike because no eyelets. The Topeak seatpost rack broke.
- I never ever leave my expensive bike out of sight. So I can't stop to do groceries if I want to.
- I like to have two bikes because sh*t happens and I can't always fix it immediately. The girlfriend says I have several bikes already, but she just does not understand
- I live and work less than 1 km from the railway station on each end. I still sometimes take the train (one-way only). Taking a bike on the train sets you back €5
- The employers/government actually pay you to bike to work. You can pay off one of the top-end Dahons with it every year, but you have to at least do 80% of your commutes by bike. Whatever the weather is like.

So after a lot of looking around and reading reviews I bought a 2009 Cadenza 8. I was not only considering Dahon but it was the clear choice because it has all the components I want in a commuter:
- NVO stem (I really like them)
- Alfine hub (no more derailleurs for me)
- disc brakes (I did consider drumbrakes, but discs are low maintenance too)
- eyelets (rack and mudguards)
- It does not have front suspension (low maintenance)
- it folds (was not a prerequisite, but it is a nice-to-have).

Only have done a one-way commute on it (31km), will do a write up later. Something to share already though: to my surprise the bike does not make a noise. Not whilst shifting either. Nothing! Utter silence. Weird.


Wim
warning: commuting by bike is addictive



]]> Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:56:45 -0700 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=7811 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=7750 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 03:04:41 -0600 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=7750 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=7746
I have recently started riding, i need suggestion for how to be a better rider?

Any one help me on this.

Regards
Charlotte]]> Thu, 29 Oct 2009 05:03:45 -0600 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=7746 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=7735
Regards
Charlotte]]> Tue, 27 Oct 2009 04:42:05 -0600 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=7735 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=7720
Regards
Charlotte
]]> Sat, 24 Oct 2009 05:08:52 -0600 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=7720 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=7710 Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:00:50 -0600 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=7710