dahon mariner d8 vs brompton

dahon As you might imagine, with a category like folding bikes, selecting a pick thats truly one-size-fits-all is pretty much impossible. Dahon vs. Brompton folding bikes: which is best. And she recruited eight cyclistsranging from recreational to competitive, and including males and females of various heightsto test-ride the original bikes and provide their thoughtful feedback. The D8 also has bolt holes for a front-carrier attachment, should you prefer to outfit the bike with a so-designed front bag or basket. We recommend reading this guide on the Brompton website to understand all the options available. This means you can choose the frame material (steel or a superlight combination of steel and titanium); the handlebar shape and height (three options; the first character in the model number represents the handlebar type); the number of gears (two or six; this is the second character); the suspension type; the tire type; the saddle type and height; accessories such as the fenders, rack, front bags, and lights; and the paint color. Brompton (discussed here) has the most compact fold on the market, so its more or less the default for extremely tight spaces. Tire Pressure: What Bike Commuters Need To Know, Why Commuter Bikes Rarely Have Suspension (Explained For Beginners). Or they may hope to ride most days and resort to transit only if the weather is awful. After creating our first short list for testing, we then set about creating a list of criteria against which wed review the bikes, including: In 2017 Amy tested our initial group of bikes in New York City. If you do end up ordering online, unless youre very knowledgeable about bicycle repair, please take your bike to a local shop and have a pro set it up (and be sure to take the fee for that service into account when youre weighing any online discount youve found). owner of Bfold folding-bike shop in New York City, consultant for several folding-bike companies and owner of Foldie Foodie Brommie Yummie riding food tours, New York City and Taiwan, industry consultant and founder of Biketube, Pelham, New York, Ride quality (pedaling, steering, stability, shifting, braking, and overall ride experience), Comfort (adjustability for various body sizes, plus, to a lesser extent, touch points such as the pedals, handlebar grips, and saddle), Compactness and stability when the bikes folded for storing, stashing, and maneuvering, Weight and the distribution of weight for ease of carrying when the bike is folded or unfolded, Inclusion of fenders (and assessment of quality), Availability and usefulness of cargo options (such as rack, bags). Like most brand-name bikes, Dahon values drop right after purchase, then depreciate slowly over several years. This also requires reaching down and releasing a safety latch, something that wasnt there on older Brompton models. (If you plan to use panniers, wed recommend this for all of our picks. But for a 20-inch wheeled bike, it was about as good as one could expect. As of writing, the lightest Dahon model is the Visc SL9, with a claimed weight of just 21 lbs. In 2020 and 2021, Duncan tested the updated Tern Link D8, along with the Tern BYB P8, the current Dahon Mariner D8, the Brompton M6R, and a new budget candidate, the Decathlon B Twin Tilt 500. In theory, youre supposed to be able to push the bike when its folded, keeping the seat raised so that you can steer with it. This article might contain affiliate links. (If you go with the Pakit, dont get the fenders.). (The wider folds of both Tern bikes are attributed to the handles ending up on the outside when the bikes are folded.) Dahon is a large brand with worldwide distribution, so its relatively easy to replace parts or deal with warranty issues. She asked them to rate the ride quality and the ease of folding and unfolding, as well as to provide commentary and suggest a price (as a way to gauge their perception of value). And none of them really ride quite as smoothly or comfortably as a good full-size bike. Even so, a Brompton manages an Im almost riding a full-size bike experience on the road. For example, a typical used Dahon (good mechanical condition with some cosmetic wear) might keep 50% of its value after 3-4 years, 30% after 6-7 years, and around 20% indefinitely. We found it to be a heavy, sluggish ride, anyway, and couldnt fit through subway turnstiles. Raising and lowering the stem also adjusted the reach (basically the distance of the handlebar from the rider). But the ride was somewhat stiff, mostly due to the high-pressure, low-volume tireswe noticed every little bump, including the seams in the sidewalk. Some of the other folding bikes we tested and rejected had much shorter wheelbases, which made it seem like we were riding a bike for kids and not just a small-wheeled bicycle. Here, you can see the Terns unusual adjustable stem, which attaches the handlebars to the frame of the bike. And unless you really need your bike to fold for any of the aforementioned reasons, such bicycles might be more trouble than theyre wortha bike with additional mechanical hinges and latches may require more maintenance. (Note: The Mariner model they tested was the D7, but were confident they would have similar opinions on the upgraded D8.) First of all, youll be able to test-ride the bike (and test-fold it!) The S6L that Amy testedas well as the M6R that Duncan tested, and, in fact, every Bromptonfolds in this way too, since the different models are variations built around the same frame design. From the leading manufacturer of folding bikes, the eight-speed Dahon Mariner D8 offers the features and performance most commuter cyclists may want in a folding model, all in a practical, affordable package. But most people may prefer the front-bag option.) Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Whats more, Brompton offers only 16 wheels and rim brakes. Dahon frames and forks have a 5-year warranty (in most countries), so you can expect them to last at least that long with proper care. The BYB is still nowhere near as compact or as comfortable to carry folded as the Brompton with its 16-inch wheels. Originally our budget pick, the Tern Link B7 rides great, and it folds and unfolds quickly (in the same manner as our top pick, the Dahon Mariner D8). We also liked the ergonomic handlebar grips, which have a softer feel than the similarly shaped grips on the Mariner D8. People who are starting to commute again may want to skip the most-crowded part of their journey by getting off a few stops early and riding the last few miles to work. Consider marking your ideal seat-height level with a permanent marker on the seatpost (oddly, only two of the bikes we tested had preprinted measurement marks), or commit to memory where on your body the seat should come up to while youre unfolding the bike. Even so, our picks have some limitations. But Brompton representatives said bikes are arriving in the US every two to three weeks and divided among dealers, including REI, Bromptons own store in New York City, and the Brompton online shop.). The trigger shifters on the new version of the Mariner, the D8, replaced the D7s twist shifters. If you want to try using larger panniers on the rack, we recommend taking the bike with you while pannier shopping, or at least taking careful measurements. (Many cities do allow full-size bikes on their metro systems, or just not at rush hour. The handlebars were loose in the frame, which was a serious safety concern, so Amy paid her bike expert to make sure the bike was set up safely for her. Our final list in 2017 was: Soon after we published this guide in 2017, we learned that Dahon would be replacing the Mariner D7 with the new Mariner D8. Amy also noted the ease of folding the bike and then carrying it down subway stairs, through turnstiles (not all bikes fit), and onto the train (and then did the reverse on the other end). Dahon folding bikes are well made, and their entry-level and mid-range models are especially good values. Learn more. If you can afford a Brompton, and you dont need 20 wheels or disc brakes, then Brompton is probably the better choice. This adds overhead, which the prices reflect. However, Brompton bikes have better build quality, a more compact fold, and a longer warranty. As wed recommend when youre buying any type of bicycle, we strongly advise that you buy a folding bike from a local dealer. You may also need to maintain or replace cables and bearings once every several years. First, while high-end steel frames (like Brompton uses) are terrific, low-end steel frames on cheap folding bikes tend to be extremely heavy. If youre a larger rider: The Mariner D8 comes with fenders as well as a rear rack, which has a nicely designed clip-on bungee cord (so you dont have to buy or hunt for something else to use). (This last feature, which allows you to roll the bike when its half-folded and use it as a shopping cart, works better if you have Bromptons basket bag attached, rather than a touring-style bag.). However, thats all standard maintenance for every brand and style bicycle. Consider the Birdy Standard 9 Speed, which has the structural integrity (when the bike is locked into the riding position) to handle riders weighing up to 240 pounds. For a more detailed overview, check out this chart of popular folding bike weight limits. Your best option, they say, is to preorder through a local dealer or sign up for the Brompton newsletter, which includes alerts when the website restocks.). In both cases, we unboxed, assembled (if needed), adjusted, and assessed each bike to record our initial impressions. To maximize longevity, check hinge clamp alignment and tighten them appropriately before riding. And when folded it stands upright on the small, luggage-style wheels attached to the rear rack, so it has a smaller footprint. Copyright 2022 Two Wheels Better. First, the Mariner D8 is comfortable to ride, going smoothly over bumps and shifting fluidly up and down hills. Otherwise, youll be readjusting the dang thing every time you want to ride. So it may take a ride or two for that to come naturally, without your having to think about it. This, along with a well-balanced geometry, creates a very stable ride and sure handling, even at higher speeds, despite the small wheel size. We think a versatile city bike should always be ready to accept a load, even one you might not have expected to carry. So we think most people looking for a 20-inch wheeled folding bike would be better off spending less on either the D8 or the Mariner. If folding size trumps all, the notably compact Brompton leaves the competition in the dust. (The pandemic kept Duncan from replicating Amys group test rides, unfortunately.). On the other end, we considered a few pricier picks for more-serious riders who are willing to shell out for higher quality or extra features. Dahons best seller, the Mariner D8, ranked as our first choice after testing, thanks to its features, which tick all the boxes on the list of what most commuter riders want in a folding bike. We did call in Amazons best seller, a $200 Schwinn, as well as a couple of other mass-market bikes that had good reviews from other editorial outlets. To suss out which folding bike does it all best for most commuter riders and utilitarian users, we pedaled and shifted, folded and unfolded, and carried and maneuvered 13 popular models from nine manufacturers. Its best to avoid modifications or customizations, since others may not share your preferences. Its design also addresses practical concerns: The Mariner D8 has fenders to thwart rainy-road splashes onto clothing, a rear rack to carry stuff, and the option for a frame-mounted front bag. This allows exceptionally good weld and braze quality, which is a small detail but contributes to a finer appearance (at least to my eyes). Finally, Amy asked bike expert Damon Strub to peruse the spec sheets and highlight any pros or cons of each model. Consider the Tern BYB P8, which has a unique folding design that collapses the frame using two hinges (versus the typical one), creating a slightly more-compact unit, as well as a more-manageable configuration to roll around once its folded. For the 2021 update, Duncan tested the Dahon Mariner D8, Brompton M6R, Tern Link D8, Tern BYB P8, and Decathlon B Twin Tilt 500. Unfortunately, this bike has an extremely short wheelbase (3 to 4 inches shorter than our picks). For instance, its common to replace tires, chains, and brake pads every 1-3 years depending on mileage and weather. But the BYB is narrower than the Link D8 (our runner-up pick). Like the Dahon Mariner, the Tern Link D8 comes with a detachable bungee cord on its rear rack. You arent supposed to pedal when changing the internal hub gears, but you do need to pedal when changing the two external ones. Youll also have someone to go to if you need any warranty-related repairs, as well as someone to help you keep the bike maintained properly. It has a unique fold (sort of a cross between those of the Brompton and the Birdy, with the rear tire rotating under). This is especially true if theyre living on a boat or in an RV, and a bike could be their only other form of transportation while at dock or at a campground. We also wanted to make sure our picks would be comfortable for getting into town to shop or seeing the local sights. (While we were writing the most recent update to this guide, Bromptons were out of stock entirely on the companys website. Electric! Finally, unlike our other picks (and despite all those great accessories), Bromptons have no kickstand option. Instead, you have to flip the back tire into a half-fold position if you want to stop the bike and have it still stand up. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'twowheelsbetter_net-box-3','ezslot_2',138,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-twowheelsbetter_net-box-3-0')};If youve ever considered a folding bike, then youve probably encountered Dahon. Cheaper bikes may be perfectly rideable, but tend to fall short in three ways. After 30-plus hours of research and testing, we think the Delta Cycle Michelangelo Gravity Standis the best bike rack for storing bikes in limited-space homes. The 20-inch Schwinn Loop, Amazons best-selling folding bike at around $200 when this guide first appeared in 2017, has since been discontinued. Finally, this bike is a good value. However, Dahon folding bikes are actually less expensive than many popular, high-end alternatives. With folding bikes, there are long and circuitous cable routings that get bent around with every fold. Its also the only bike wed be comfortable putting in the back seat of a cab with usor even in our lap, if it was absolutely necessary! Plus, the Seouls folded footprint was so large the bike wouldnt fit through the subway turnstiles. Those tires alone retail for around twice what the tires on the Mariner D8 would cost. Unfortunately its a rather shameless Brompton imitation, with reportedly inferior build quality, at about the same price. When youre picking a folding bike, you should first consider your personal reasons for getting one. 2022 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company. We think most riders would be much better off spending the extra money for a bike, like the Mariner, that feels more like a full-size bike and has the stability that comes with that. All in all, Dahon folding bikes are worth buying if youre looking for a good value on mid-range components, and can do without fancy features like dynamo lighting, a belt drive, or large cargo capacity. Like most of these bikes, the Mariner D8 was awkward to carry one-handed. We started by zeroing in on the brands and models that had good reputations and good reviews from other outlets, such as BikeRadar, Folding Bike Guy, Momentum Mag, and Bicycling. The Brompton S6L (and all the other six-speed folding bikes that Brompton makes) elegantly transforms into a package that shaves 3 inches off the height, 2 inches off the width, and 8 inches off the length of the folded Mariner D8 (and even more off the dimensions of the Tern D8), making for an easier carry. We took them all on a short first ride around Amys neighborhood in Queens or, in Duncans case, along the Los Angeles River and through Griffith Park. The Brompton that Duncan tested, the M6R, had the same six-speed drivetrain, but with the taller medium-height handlebars and fenders and a rack; its listed at $1,730 on the Brompton site. Doing this gave him a longer and lower riding position when he was on a faster ride with friends on their road bikes, and it gave him a taller and shorter (that is, more upright) one for cruising around to grab coffee.

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