RSSDual-Drive is Back: The Dahon Vector X27h
Apr 02
Dahon folding bikes Dahon folding bike, dahon vector, folding bike No Comments
We get a lot of calls from people mourning the Dahon Speed Pro TT, which went out of production in 2010. People loved this stylish folding bike, and with good reason. Having the geometry of a serious competition bike and the 9×3 gearing of a long distance touring bike, the Speed Pro TT was truly one-of-a-kind.
The Vector X27h, light as a snowflake on a winter's morning
Well, enter the Dahon Vector X27h, Dahon’s replacement for the old Speed Pro TT, due out Spring 2011. The Vector X27h improves upon its predecessor with a hydro-formed 7005 aluminum frame, yet still retains all the features that gave the old Speed Pro TT such a cult following.
Vector X27, the Wonders of Dual-Drive
Most defining of these features is the SRAM Dual-Drive system. The basic idea is this: in place of a front derailleur and chainring the Vector X27h has a 3-speed internally geared hub which combines with a rear derailleur and 9-speed cassette to give the same number of gear combinations as a typical 9-speed triple (though 9-speed triples may only be “typical” in the world of fully loaded alpine touring).
That means 27 gears – and unlike a straight derailleur bike, where several gear combinations will be lost due to chain line constraints – with the Dual-Drive, all 27 gear combinations are truly usable. That, combined with fewer exposed moving parts, is the great advantage of Dual-Drive. (Oh yeah, and if you’re stuck at a stoplight, it’s pretty nice to be able to downshift at a standstill.)
With Gear Inches like that, what is it – a touring bike?
The comparison has been made of the Vector X27h to a touring bike. I myself made it above. The likeness is clear, given the crazy wide gearing range (28″ – 121″ if you want to get technical, though let it suffice to say the Vector X27h passed my personal gearing litmus test, the Queensboro Bridge, which combines one of the steepest ascents followed by one of the steepest descents to be found anywhere in the New York City cycling terrain).
But this light, fast folding bike is not designed to be a Long Haul Trucker – it’s meant to be a bike you can really push. Maybe you have a full size road bike for the weekends, and this is your commuter, or your travel bike, or your change of pace bike… Whatever it may be, this is a folding bike you can ride fast but not hurt yourself on, and the wide gear range helps with that.
Comparison to the Vector X20
The Vector X27h uses the same Vector-series frame as the Dahon Vector X20 (which I reviewed a few months back), and I think they both appeal to pretty much the same demographic – road-heads. A big difference however is price. The Vector X27h is about a thousand bucks less expensive. For that reason it may not be speced with SRAM RED components, but it’s a folding bike, right? We don’t always need the best (though we might appreciate it).
In this respect the Vector X27h gets a lot of bang for its buck. Its specs are certainly a mixed group: SRAM rear hub and cassette, paired with Shimano Ultegra rear derailleur, Tiagra shifters, FSA crankset and bottom bracket… you get the idea. It’s an inclusive happy family. Dahon did the right thing with the Vector X27h. It speced all the best components for the money, no matter the make.
Vector X27h – Bullhorns, baby
The last reason to love the Vector X27h folding bike? Bullhorns. Most road bikers spend 90% of the time with their hands resting on top of their hoods, which is the position reproduced using the bullhorns. The Vector X27h doesn’t have drops – which saves a little weight and makes the compact fold possible – but you don’t really need drops on the Vector X27h. The option to get into an aero position on these bullhorn handlebars is more than enough accommodation for even the stiffest of headwinds.
Check the product page for the Vector X27 for more details.
