Swa said:Going to buy a touring bike. Would Dahon Mu be a good choice or should I go with Speed TR?
I like the simplicity of Mu, i.e. 8 gears, no derailer sticking out, so less chances for transportation damage, and that it comes with lights, fenders, and a rear rack for the same price as TR without any accessories.
My concerns are around the frame strength and the gears - not sure if 30"-89" will be enough for a longer New Zealand trip.
Any advice, especially from Dahon Mu users much appreciated.
Swa
Does the Speed TR not include a rear rack anymore? I have a 2004 Speed
TR and it came with a rear rack. The fenders took about nine months to
get from Dahon, but I couldn't complain too much as I got a good deal
from them on the bike.
I don't think a Mu would be a good touring bike due to the gearing,
unless there are no hills.
I'm glad I got the Speed TR when I did, as in 2005 they decontented it
by eliminating the adjustable height steering column (stem).
The Speed TR has become my primary bicycle, with a Brompton being what
I use if I want to take a bike in the car.
The Speed TR has a steel frame which is more suitable for loaded
touring.
I would look at "http://gaerlan.com/bikes/speed/speed.htm" because
their Speed P3x9 model is better than the Speed TR from DaHon as the
adjustable stem is retained. Also look at the racks that Gaerlan is
offering at "http://gaerlan.com/dahon/rack.htm"
