Comments on: DAHON Curl i8 Folding Bike Review – The Brompton Killer?

By: @sal110

@sal110 — Tue, 19 Nov 2019 14:26:35 +0000

Thank you so much for the review – I’m about to purchase the Dahon Curl due to black Friday offer and am now undecided. My first Dahon Vitesse DH7G was fantastic but since upgrading to Hybrid I sincerely missed convenience of a folder. Am surrounded by Bromptons but loyal to Dahon.

By: Vincent

Vincent — Tue, 16 Apr 2019 10:42:11 +0000

In reply to Glen Aldridge.

Weight-wise, the valid comparison is with the six-speed Brompton, since this is what you need to have the same range (~ 308%):

Dahon iCurl 8 : 13.6kg (29.92lbs)
Brompton six-speed : 12kg (26lbs); The titanium version is yet about 1kg lighter… at a price.

Even then, the Brompton is significantly lighter, which partly explains why Brompton sticks to this unusual IGH + derailleur setup (although SRAM offers a similar solution with its DualDrive.)

By: Glen Aldridge

Glen Aldridge — Sun, 07 Apr 2019 23:47:25 +0000

I’m surprised you didn’t mention the real reason the Curl is heavier than the Brompton. It has an 8 speed internal gear hub vs Brompton’s 3 speed. That probably accounted for 3 lbs. difference at least not to mention much better pedaling characteristics.

By: ahmad

ahmad — Sat, 04 Aug 2018 11:14:07 +0000

Thanks for the great review. i think the chain tensioner should be made from very strong plastic or metal. and i have one more issue with the seat post in frame part. it always move up but i solve it with super glue.

By: A.J.M.

A.J.M. — Sat, 23 Jun 2018 06:11:49 +0000

The only useful thing about the Dahon Curl is that it proves Bromptons aren’t overpriced and are actually worth every penny of their expensive price-tag. The industrial might of Dahon has produced a Brompton clone that is significantly more expensive (Full Retail Price is £1250 in the UK!), yet it has the dubious ride quality/ durability of an aluminium frame, is more than 1KG heavier, has limited customisation / gearing options, lacks the excellent after-sales service and high resale value. The Brompton is an iconic model that’s been on the market for more than 30 years. I suspect the Curl will vanish without trace from the Dahon product line-up in less than a year, typical of the hundreds of other models they have produced. So not a wise investment

By: Andy

Andy — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 13:25:24 +0000

Thanks for the great review. It really clears up a lot of questions and concerns that buyers might have pertaining to buying the Dahon Curl i8.
When I first heard about Dahon creating the curl to compete with Brompton, I was puzzled. Dahon makes an exceptional 20 inch folding bike and I don’t think any other manufacturer can compete on that level.
I’ve rode quite a bit of their 20 inche folders and they are completely different than a 16 inch folding bike. They have bigger wheels to provide a much smoother ride and more gears to tackle more terrain. Plus they ride faster due to the combination of bigger wheels and more gears.
Twenty inch bicycles are usually cheaper because they can use more standard parts, offering you more bicycle for the money. The people who buy 20 inch folding bikes understand this and are willing to compromise having the most smallest fold for the benefits I mentioned.
Brompton makes a great 16 inch folding bicycle because that’s all they make. They specialize in it. Dahon can’t compete with them in this category but I don’t think they gave to.
Brompton on the other hand can’t compete with Dahon in the 20 inch category because they’d get crushed.
Dahon should stick to what they’re good at and that’s making 20 inch folding bicycles on up. If they stick with that and keep making improvements I don’t think anybody is going to beat them anytime in the future. Plus I’ve even considered buying a 20 inch Dahon the next time I buy a folding bike because they’re very well made and ride great.

By: GG

GG — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 08:41:36 +0000

Why isn’t it made perfect?
A giant like Dahon should produce a bike that is perfect if it wants to compete with Brompton. We all like more choice in the market 🙂
But a tensioner that breaks and a chain that falls aren’t top, though not dramatic to be honest (they could find a solution to the tensioner during shipping and for the chain).

Still the pedals are to be removed and it is heavy plus not as small.

And why use alluminum if it isn’t as valid? Price I hear – but like this it isn’t going to be a success unless sold without profit to relegate Brompton in the realm of rich-mans-bike.

To the date I also still prefer Brompton: reliable and simple, still the best out there (curious about the Helix though!) and expensive but not if you consider it will last a ton of years and that for some buyers it can replace another vehicle without risking it getting stolen and without road tax and insurance.

And what of an ebike version? Hilly areas for all that can’t reach the destination sweaty, not-so-fit bikers: basically a ton of people would benefit from some assistance.