Dahon Vitesse

Sharing the upgrades of a Dahon Vitesse D7, from its humble beginnings as a 7 speed bike to a 20 speed rocket.

The final modification is to change it back to a more conventional 2x10 speed flat handlebar setup.









32 comments:

  1. very nice bike, i like it with the bullhorns. are you able to fold it completely with no problems? also, what components did you change to convert it to 20 speeds. I am considering the Dahon Speed 8, I want bullhorns and maybe put a 10 speed in the back and just use a single ring crank.

    Thanks

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    1. http://handsonbike.blogspot.sg/2011/07/new-way-of-folding-your-dahon-bike.html
      The bike can be folded in a different way as shown above, but it will be rather wide. It will fit in a car, but for MRT travel just fold it halfway without folding down the handlepost.

      I am using a mixture of 10 speed Tiagra and 105 components. Tiagra 4600 2x10 speed road shifters.

      You will also need extra long reach brake calipers such as Tektro R559.

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  2. hi steve.. since this touch on vitesse bike... if there a big diff in term of quality for 2012 vitesse D18 since heard quite a few dahon design like d frame joint clamp, fusion headset not apply to this particular model..

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    1. The frame joint is similar, but the handlepost is totally different. You can refer to this link for some pictures.

      http://www.mobile01.com/topicdetail.php?f=317&t=3602554&p=1

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  3. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. I only used the Lizardskin headset cover for the bottom part of the headset. This is because there is a larger gap at the bottom of the headset, between the headset and the fork.

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    2. Hi Steve, you have a GREAT blog. Is there a place you have a picture of the top of your Litepro headset installed? You show one of the Lizard skin covering the bottom, but not the top, where the "LITEPRO" bezel is. Thanks, Don, San Francisco

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    3. If you check out this post, you can find the picture which shows what you are looking for.
      http://handsonbike.blogspot.sg/2014/04/how-to-build-affordable-high.html

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  4. Hi Steve, I have bought a pre-owned vitesse d18. The headset seems to be loose, any idea how to tightened it? If not, I am intending to change to the litepro hs, what are the specifications?

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    1. You can try tightening the large bolt at the base of the handlepost. Refer to this post for more details!

      http://handsonbike.blogspot.sg/2013/05/how-to-install-litepro-headset-for.html

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  5. Hi Steve, i had brought a Dahon Vitesse D18. I'm thinking of converting the flat handle bar to either bull horn / dropbar.

    What is the accessories setup to convert? What is the damages?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You can see the components that are required from these few blog posts.

      http://handsonbike.blogspot.sg/2011/09/journey-of-boardwalk-part-13-dahon.html
      http://handsonbike.blogspot.sg/2012/02/converting-vitesse-p9-to-vitesse-p18-tt.html
      http://handsonbike.blogspot.sg/2012/08/dahon-vitesse-x20-tt.html

      As for the components, I would recommend using Tiagra road shifters instead of 105 or Ultegra which have internal routed shifter cables. Due to the sharp bends on the bullhorn bar, the externally routed shifter cables on the Tiagra is better for lighter and smoother shifting.

      The price will differ quite a bit depending on where you buy them. The cheapest prices is of course online at maybe Chainreactioncycles.com, but you will have to fix it up yourself or find someone to do it.

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  6. Hello. I am not sure if you can help me but I am experiencing a problem with an older Dahon Speed D7 hinge. I looked up YouTube and it is something like this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yFuWUydduM

    If you have a solution, I would really appreciate. Thank you in advance man. Wonderful bikes and amazing blog!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have faced exactly the same problem on a Dahon Mu Uno. I tried to repair the joint with some spare parts, but was unable to do so as the problem lies with the frame itself. I have already sent it in for warranty replacement and is currently awaiting the new frame.

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  7. Thanks for your response! I have another question if it is okay. I also have an older dahon helios sl 2005 with the square type handlepost. Are there any current compatible parts out there? Do i need to change to headset? Thanks again and happy holidays!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not sure what you mean by square type handlepost? If it is different from the handlepost on the Speed D7 then it is unlikely it can be upgraded.

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  8. Hi Steve, is this possible? Can you actually just get a dahon bike body from europe: http://www.togoparts.com/marketplace/ad_details.php?aid=774600

    ReplyDelete
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    1. This seems to be a very old frame, from looking at the frame joint and the colour. Nowadays the frames are made in Taiwan and China.

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  9. Hi Steve, would like to ask if I'm going to convert my vitesse to 18 speed what are the importance this to take note of?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm assuming you are upgrading from a stock Vitesse D7 to a 18 speed setup. A few critical points to note:

      1) Change wheelset to 8/9/10 speed compatible, so that you can install 9 speed cassette.
      2) Get a LitePro FD adaptor so that you can install a FD.
      3) Get a Dahon RD adaptor so that you can install a RD.
      4) Get road shifting components, such as Shimano Sora which is road 9 speed.
      5) Crankset should be upgraded to a front double road crankset.
      6) Other components to change out include the chain and new inner cables and outer casings.

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    2. how about the spacers under the right-hand BB cup is that important too?

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    3. If you can, add a 2mm spacer under the right side BB cup. This is about the maximum you can push it out, and still be able to tighten the left side crank.

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  10. Hi Steven I wonder if you could help me. I recently bought a Dahon VITESSE D8 bike. I found that the handlebar is too far away from me. What would you recommend could be done? Are there any different models of Dahon handlepost compatible with my model that I could replace it with so that the handlebar is tilted towards me so I don't need to stretch out that much? thanks!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. For a flat handlebar bike, it is not recommended to move the handlebar closer to the saddle, as it will make the steering unstable. If the reach is too far, you can try moving the saddle forward.

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    2. Thanks Steve, I already moved the saddler forward, the handlebar reach is still too far for my short arms!!! Do you happened to know whether there are different models of handleposts with different angles compatible with my model?

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    3. Are you trying to cycle while sitting too upright? The correct posture should be leaning forward, the distance should be sufficient unless you are short (<1.4m tall). As mentioned earlier, moving the handlebars too close to the rider will cause unstable steering.

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  11. Hi Steve, would you happen to know the weight of the vitesse frame only? No fork. Also, have you had any problems mounting 130mm wide wheels on a 135mm frame? You referred me to the JAVA carbon fiber frame (thank YOU) but it is a 135 wide rear axle. I would guess 2mm washers?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. About the same weight as the MuEX frame, which you can refer to the other post.

      To install 130mm wheels in 135mm dropout, you will need to change the end caps for the hub. Problem is that there are so many different hub end caps that it is unlikely you can use the cap from one brand on another hub.
      Washers will not work, unless you are using a threaded hub axle instead of qr axles.

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  12. Hi Steve,
    I learn a lot with your site. Do you know if it´s possible to use 451 wheels on a dahon vitesse?. I´m a tall person and I would like to have more reach and stack. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is possible to use 451 wheels on the Dahon Vitesse. However, it does not give you more reach and stack. To do that, you will need a longer handlepost and maybe a stem to increase the reach.

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  13. Hello Steve, I know I am very late with this and I am not very sure about upgrades and all but dont wish to be put into pressure at LBS. I have a Dahon Vitesse - exact model here (https://www.carousell.sg/p/dahon-vitesse-d8-folding-bike-20-1046155854/?t-id=16428356_1634477015341&t-referrer_request_id=w55xO5OEfEpFqemC) but I was told I am unable to upgrade to a 2xspeed due to the insufficient space with the front derailer. is this true? thank you.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. You need the exact front derailleur adapter as I was using.
      But I recommend just going for a front single drivetrain, with just a wide range rear derailleur.
      What is your intended usage?

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