When comparing Dahon Speed Uno vs Firmstrong Urban Man Beach Cruiser Bicycle, the Slant community recommends Dahon Speed Uno for most people. In the question“What are the best bikes under $400?” Dahon Speed Uno is ranked 3rd while Firmstrong Urban Man Beach Cruiser Bicycle is ranked 4th. The most important reason people chose Dahon Speed Uno is:
This bike is as simple as it gets. There are no V-brakes, no levers, cables or a gear cassette fitted on this bike. Instead, it’s a single speed bike with a coaster braking mechanism. Less cables and gear means less maintenance, easier folding and a cleaner look.
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Pros
Pro Extremely simple to maintain and use
This bike is as simple as it gets. There are no V-brakes, no levers, cables or a gear cassette fitted on this bike. Instead, it’s a single speed bike with a coaster braking mechanism. Less cables and gear means less maintenance, easier folding and a cleaner look.
Pro Easy to fold and unfold
Thanks to its magnetic latch folding mechanism, folding and unfolding the bike takes little effort. Once folded, it has an extra “leg” that allows it to stand vertically without falling over. The DoubleLock feature makes sure each latch has a secondary lock for maximum safety, which also serves as a reminder to make sure the latch is properly secured before riding.
Pro Can be used by heavy riders
Because of the sturdy frame and wide tires, this bike can be used by people that weigh up to 300 pounds.
Pro Has a nice retro look
Though relatively simple, there’s a lot of small details that make this bike feel like a classic. The frame has accented curves that are bent outwards to give it a very sturdy but retro feel. The matching chain guard and white walled tires help complete the look. Lastly, the saddle with the large springs and the company logo adds finishing touches to the design.
Pro Highly customizable
There’s a wide variety of color, size and equipment level options to choose from. You can pick among 13 different colors including matte colors and a chrome look. There are two sizes available: a 24 inch and a 26 inch one. The 26 inch ones can be equipped with a single gear, three or seven gears.
Cons
Con Pedals can get damaged easily
Users need to pay attention when folding the bike to make sure that the pedals are properly folded as they are made from plastic and can be damaged easily.
Con Not very customizable
The handlebars can’t be adjusted, so your only option to fit the bike to your body is to change the seat height.
Con Not really suitable for steep or uneven surfaces
Since the bike has only one speed and uses relatively small tires, it’s best used on flat pavements. While you can go slightly uphill, you will have a hard time going up steeper hills. If the road has loose gravel or even sand, it will also be difficult to ride on it.
Con It may take a while to get used to the brakes
For first time users, the brakes will require some time getting used to because you need to push the pedals counter clockwise in order for the bike to stop. This can feel odd at first and you need to learn how much pressure you need to apply to avoid losing control of the bike. But once mastered, these brakes can even be preferable over v-brakes because of their simplicity and because they require less maintenance.
Con The brakes on the single speed version may require practice to get used to
The single speed version uses a coaster braking mechanism that may require some practice if you haven’t used one before (note that the 3 and 7 speed versions use traditional V-brakes).
Con Soft tires may wear off quickly on certain terrains
While the soft tires are perfect for a ride at the beach or through the park, they will wear off quickly on rough terrain or rough tarmac.
