Dahon for mini/young person?

[andyoxon]

Was thinking about getting a 16" frame Dahon Curve (pink) for use by younger mini (9) though poss mini (12).  But was wondering if people think this would be suitable.  How much does the handlebar design allow for tilt - reducing reach?

[Torslanda]

This is my Space Genie straight out of the box.



The vertical stem and cow horn bars made it dreadful to ride.

A change of saddle bars and stem has improved things somewhat.



Junior's bike is identical. I haven't got a pic ATM but you'll get the idea.

To make it 9 yr old friendly involved a junior saddle and some flatter bars. The original vertical stem has been retained, the saddle has been replaced and its mounting clip has been reversed and inverted which lowers it and mounts it forward. Sadly the bikes are 150 miles away at the moment so it is difficult to show you but I think you'll get the jist . . .

Apologies for reposting the pics but what the hell, any excuse . . .

J

[DrMekon]

My wife is 5'2, I am 6'2. the dahon vitesse felt a bit too small for me, but too big for my wife, reach being the problem.

Not sure how different the curve sizing is so ymmv.

[andyoxon]

Thanks DrM.

torslanda - thanks. Where did you get the Space Genie from?  I've not come across these.

This is my Space Genie straight out of the box.
...
The vertical stem and cow horn bars made it dreadful to ride.

A change of saddle bars and stem has improved things somewhat.

...

Junior's bike is identical. I haven't got a pic ATM but you'll get the idea.

To make it 9 yr old friendly involved a junior saddle and some flatter bars. The original vertical stem has been retained, the saddle has been replaced and its mounting clip has been reversed and inverted which lowers it and mounts it forward. Sadly the bikes are 150 miles away at the moment so it is difficult to show you but I think you'll get the jist . . .

Apologies for reposting the pics but what the hell, any excuse . . .

J

[Torslanda]

Mission Cycles but they don't seem to be made impoprted any more.

Kind of ***mpton clone. Got ours off the bay.

See thread 'OK so I bought one' in Folders

[Pancho]

As per my other thread. I have a Speed TR and would rate it as my favourite bike.

What I hadn't realised was how useful it is as a shared bike. My daughter (13 and v small in comparison to me (or, indeed, other girls her age)) borrowed it at the weekend and fell in love with it. She is now demanding one of her own. I just rammed the seat post way down and lowered the bars a bit. She adored the comfy saddle, step through frame and sit-up-and-beg riding position.