Nomadic's Dahon Visc SL9 - 349/305 with Hedgren Flight L EX suitcase
16" - 349 iso
Visc SL with with upgraded 349 iso Velocity Aeroheat Rear Wheel (Cloud White)
As built, the Visc SL 305/349 weighs a remarkable 22 pounds.
We have modified Dahon's Visc SL to with a rebuilt Velocity Aeroheat (349 ISO size) rear wheel and added a more compact Shimano Capreo Derailleur and Capreo Shifter. These two changes evolve the Visc SL/349 to become, we feel, the ultimate urban rocket and business traveling accessory.
By changing the rear wheel size to 349 ISO size and adding a more compact Shimano Capreo Derailleur we have evolve dthe Visc SL/349 to become an urban rocket in pocket form.
Visc SL is an incredibly cool bike. Very well outfitted, light, compact and fun.
In the Bike's original design, which was outfitted with two "305 iso wheel size" (a smaller 16" size than our new 349 rear wheel), the seat post angle was too great ( towards the flat direction) - and the seat in a tall position, extended to a position where the center of balance was almost over the rear wheel. In a higher seat position, a little pull on the handlebar, especially when climbing a small hill, could cause an unintended wheelie.
I thought about the balance issue. I realized that that increasing the size of the rear wheel to 349 size could address the balance / wheelie subject. When I built the first one to my bike, everything immediately changed and the impact was wonderful.
Most importantly, it simply made the bike ride and feel better. Changing the rear wheel made the bike much more stable, and also made it faster, as the wheel is part of the gearing, and more ground is covered with every revolution of the wheel.
Structurally, the more vertical seat post angle is is also better for the seat post itself. It puts less bending stress on the seat post.
Derailleur:
Our rationale for changing the derailleur was focused upon the very compact nature of the Visc SL. The Shimano Capreo is a made to purpose high performance derailleur specially made for small wheeled bikes. It's design is very compact and, specifically, it does not hang low to the ground as larger/longer derailleurs will do, especially on 16 inch wheel sizes.
The original Rear Brakes could be used with brake adapters that are also used on BMX bikes to increase 20" wheel sizes from 406 to 451 sizes. These adapters allowed us to fit the larger wheel/rim position. Everything fit and the bike remains packable in the right (and legal) sized suitcase without removing rear or front wheels.
Fitting means no over-size charges and no hassle setups. With the SL/349 you can visit the world's great places and get around with comfort and style when you arrive. It also means you can pack and unpack your bike with extreme speed and use it without hesitation, and pack at the last minute if you need.
These details compliment the other great features of the Visc SL. Rear Shimano Capreo Hub and Cassette 9- High quality Kore Seatpost and Seat, FSA Gossamer Crankset, High Pressure Comet tires (both 349 iso rear, and 305 iso front), Ergon Grips, MKS EZY quick release pedals.
Wheels are outfitted with fast matching Primo Comet tires on the 16" 305 /349 platform, plus the wonderful Capreo Derailleur gear set and rear hub. The Visc SL9 349 rides well and is remarkably easy to travel and explore the world with.
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Hedgren Flight L EX
This Hedgren L EX suitcase we have procured as the perfect check in case for our Dahon Visc SL 305/349 Folding bike.
By simply removing the seatpost and seat the built bike can be put into the case, seatpost with seat laid in and along, then the case can then be closed and checked as standard luggage, not oversize.
Upon order, the bike will be unpacked, then fit into the suitcase. The suitcase with bike will then be packed together into the original bike box and they will be shipped together in one package.