Recently I came across the Fnhon range of handleposts, which has a wide variety of lengths and designs to cater to most handlebar requirements. Besides taking the chance to upgrade the handlepost on the Vitesse, I also found a new handlepost for my Boardwalk. Let us take a closer look at the new Fnhon handlepost for my Boardwalk.
New Fnhon handlepost, in black. Can you see what is the difference?
Different clamp design for the handlebar. This uses a 2 bolt design to secure the handlebar, very similar to normal road/MTB stems.
This new handlebar clamp design is why I decided to try the new Fnhon handlebar. I find that I don't adjust the QR clamp on the handlepost at all, since I don't need to rotate the handlebar when folding the bike. With a QR clamp, the clamp lever is actually quite long and restricts the position of my handlebar extension mount. Thus it is better for me to use this 2 bolt design as it looks less bulky and allows me to clamp the handlebar properly with an Allen key, without it slipping.
Same designs as described on the other Fnhon handlepost blog post.
Applying some grease on the sliding surfaces of the clamp will make it easier to achieve a proper clamping force and also avoid creaking sounds.
After I removed the Mu Uno handlepost, I decided to compare the two handleposts side by side before installing the new Fnhon handlepost.
The new Fnhon handlepost is shorter than the Mu Uno handlepost
The Fnhon handlepost (31.5cm) that I chose is 5 cm shorter than the Dahon Mu Uno handlepost. Also note the different handlebar clamp designs.
The Mu Uno handlepost is rather long, and weighs 635 grams. Still lighter than the weight of the stock adjustable handlepost (752 grams).
The new Fnhon handlepost weighs 524 grams, more than 100 grams lighter than the Mu Uno handlepost. An added bonus!
Before: Mu Uno handlepost. Note that the handlepost is quite a bit higher than the saddle. Good for comfort but hard to get low for speed.
After: Fnhon 31.5cm handlepost. The handlepost is now at the same level as the saddle.
With the elimination of the QR clamp on the previous handlepost, the stem area is now much cleaner and neater.
Without the QR lever in the way, the Di2 display can now be placed lower for a neater cockpit.
Side view. I like the clean look of the new 2 bolt clamp design on the Fnhon handlepost. In fact they have just come up with a 4 bolt clamp design that is stiffer, but the length is too short for me.
By changing from the Mu Uno handlepost to the Fnhon handlepost, there are a few differences:
1) Weight reduction of 100+ grams.
2) Cleaner stem area from the elimination of the QR clamp.
3) Shorter handlepost (5 cm shorter) for a more sporty riding position.
4) Stiffer handlepost due to the shorter length of the handlepost.
After 100km of test riding with the new Fnhon handlepost and the new, lower riding position, I am quite happy with the upgrade. Initially I was not used to the lower riding position, since I have been using the Mu Uno handlepost for more than 2 years. A 5 cm reduction in height is actually quite a lot and the different riding position is very obvious. On the plus side, I like the new sportier position, and an added benefit is that the handlepost is stiffer since it is shorter, and I can now pull on the handlepost for added power.
I also find myself holding the top of the handlebar more often, when I want to ride in a more relaxed position. With the secondary brake levers and Di2 satellite shifters, I can stay in the more relaxed position for as long as I want, without sacrificing any brake or shifting functions. It is like riding both a drop bar and a flat handlebar road bike at the same time.
A minor problem which I detected during riding is that the brake cable overlaps the secondary brake lever. This is because when I changed to the lower handlepost height, I did not trim and shorten the cables. I will need to find time to shorten the brake cables.
Brake cables are now too long since the handlepost height has been reduced.
More sporty riding position!
Another view of the bike
Looks all ready to chiong!
One word of caution is that if you do get a Fnhon handlepost, you will likely have to change the handlepost yourself, as the bike shop would probably not service and install the Fnhon handlepost for you. That said, it is not very difficult, and you can refer to this installation guide. Also, changing to alternative components is always at your own risk, as this is not an official Dahon part which may be covered under warranty.
Hi steve, can a fnhon handlepost fit a tern link p9? Thinking to switch to dropbar config but not keen to get the tern T handlepost cos its too tall; adding a stem to lower the drop seems clunky and I prefer not to. Thx!
ReplyDeleteYou will need a headset top cap and cut the steerer tube. I wouldn't change the handlepost, as the Tern handlepost is much stiffer. I think the X10 or X20 handlepost is shorter.
DeleteHi, really interested in all your handlebar mods. I am about to make some changes to my daughter's Ridgeback, Dahon clone, but am wondering how tall you are since 31.5cm is much shorter post than on her bike. Thanks Gerry
ReplyDeleteI am about 170cm tall. Not sure if the Ridgeback can use the Dahon handlepost.
DeleteHi Steve
ReplyDeleteI am thinking of replacing my Dahon handlepost with a Tern Physis. In your view, would that be an easy swap? Thanks.
It is not possible as the handlepost and headset design are different. The Physis handlepost requires a longer steerer tube which the Daon fork does not have. Headset construction is different too.
DeleteHi Steve,
ReplyDeleteI have been lurking on your site for a while and recently I finally purchased a folding bike for myself. It is a 2015 Dahon Boardwalk D8. I find that I have a problem with the fit on longer rides as the handlebar is too low (I am also 170cm).
I am looking for options and wondering whether I should get a longer handlepost or a riser bar. Unfortunately I will need a quick release clamp as the bike doesn't (seem to?) fold nicely if I don't point the brake levers at a certain angle. I happen to fold up my bike everyday when I reach the office so foldabillity is quite a big factor for me.
Do you have any suggestions? Many thanks in advance!
There are a few longer Fnhon handleposts with a qr. You can search for them on taobao.com.
DeleteThank you for the direction. I shall check it out!
DeleteI also tried your method of folding and my bike still manages to fit into the Doppelganger carrier I got quite nicely.I guess it should work too if I get a riser bar?
Also, my current handlepost is not adjustable (different from your stock?) and I have no idea how much it weighs. The Dahon website isn't helpful either. I don't have a reference weight I should be looking at for a new handlepost. Do you suggest I take it apart and try to weigh it or is there a better solution?
The stock handlepost on the 2015 Boardwalk D8 looks very much like a Mu Uno handlepost, which weighs 660 grams. You can search for Mu Uno handlepost on my blog for more info and pictures.
DeleteThis is already a long handlepost and i don't suggest getting an even longer one. A tall handlebar will be less stable, and you will look like you are riding a Harley motor bike.
Actually I rode 15km today and had raised my saddle higher (after getting more confident with the bike). The handlepost height did not feel as bad anymore. Maybe I was just not used to riding a folding bike sort of geometry previously.
DeleteI guess I will wait a while first before upgrading anything. I am swapping out the tubes and tires for Kojaks and light weight Schwalbe though.
Hi Steve,
ReplyDeleteIs it normal for Fnhon handlepost to be very tight when you install into the front fork? I can't insert the handlepost into the front fork. Seems like need to sand a little on the fork tube.
It is normally OK. You can try inserting a flat blade screwdriver into the gap between the clamping faces of the handlepost base, and twisting it to open up the clamp slightly before placing onto the steerer tube.
DeleteHi Steve, will this FNhon handlepost work with the Tern Link C7? Apparently the seller in Sg told me it can't be done on any Tern.
ReplyDeleteIt really depends on the headset design and the fork on the Tern. The C7 is a special case because it uses some design from Dahon and some from Tern.
DeleteThanks! Will you be able to tell from photos of the headset near the fold on the stem?
ReplyDeleteAlso, they are selling the Litepro variant of it at the same price... http://wheelonfire.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=72_63&product_id=146 Looks similar, but the locking seems different.
I will also need to see the steerer tube after the handlepost is removed.
DeleteHi Steve,
ReplyDeleteAfter reading about the Dahon MU EX, I've decided to bite the bullet and get the frame from TB!
For a Bullhorn/ TT bar setup, would it be better to go for an outward fold or inward fold? I ordered the Dahon MU EX frame from the same source as you and it came with a 31cm FNHon Quickrelease that folds inward.
Thinking of changing it to a 29cm, outward fold with quick release with the litepro or Ridea stem extender. Would that be better for the folding with the bullhorn setup or should I just stick to what came in the package (The other thing is the stem that came had 4 deep scratches on it, which is why I'm tempted to pick up a new one from wheelsonfire.sg)
I'm 1.74m tall btw. Thanks!
No matter inward or outward fold, it does not really matter, since the folded package will not be very compact anyway. If using inward folding handlepost, you can try folding the handlepost this way.
Deletehttp://handsonbike.blogspot.sg/2011/07/new-way-of-folding-your-dahon-bike.html
As for the height of the handlepost, I personally prefer an even shorter handlepost. http://handsonbike.blogspot.sg/2014/01/journey-of-boardwalk-part-36-fsa-drop.html
One thing to take note is that for QR type of clamp, it will not be tight enough to hold the bullhorn bar. You may find that the bullhorn bar will sometimes rotate downwards after going over a hump.
I suggest clamping the handlebar directly using the 2 or 4 bolt type of handlepost clamp, or use a separate stem. http://handsonbike.blogspot.sg/2015/02/controltech-stem-for-dahon-254mm-to.html
ok, looks like and outward fold is an easier option with the bullhorn or drop bar.
ReplyDeleteand probably getting the 4 bolt clamp type as well. my current bullhorn is the Fyxation 40cm which is 25.4cm. Guess I won't be needing the stem extender unless I want more reach?
If the center clamp diameter on the handlebar is 25.4mm, then just clamp it directly on the handlepost, no need stem.
DeleteIt seems like Litepro also carry the similar product http://wheelonfire.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=72_63&product_id=146
ReplyDeleteNot sure if the brand is more reliable than FNHon, or probably they are from the same OEM?
I think they are the same, no difference.
Deleteok, thanks.. think I'll go for the 29mm Litepro T bar with the Litepro S95 for the stem extender. Outward fold. Looks like Dahon Vector TT :D
ReplyDeleteYupz that would work well.
DeleteHi Steve. I've been looking on your blog as well as all over the internet but I can't seem to find any carbon folding handleposts or even titanium ones. This seems to be 1 part that we are not really able to lighten. Do you happen to have any idea of any really Lightweight handleposts?
ReplyDeleteI have not seen any Dahon type of titanium or carbon handleposts. I think the short one with 2 clamp bolts are already quite lightweight. If you want to go even lighter, change the fork to one with a very long steerer tube, then use a carbon spacer and a regular stem. Similar to what you can see on the Wheelsport Fantasy mini velo.
DeleteWill this same handlepost work for a one speed boardwalk?
ReplyDeleteAs long as it attaches to the headset and steerer tube in the same way, it will work.
DeleteThanks. I own a Mini 20" folding bike which is essentially a Dahon. Will this handlepost fit? If yes, can you please provide a link or advise where to order? I'm from Honolulu
DeleteNot too sure whether it is the same or not. You could check with Thorusa regarding this. I bought mine from Taobao.
DeleteI'll check with Thor. My Mini folding bike is like a rebadged 2013 Dahon Vitesse D8 with a Jetstream fork. It even has the Neos 2.0 derailleur. Will the Fnhon or Litepro T bar work as discussed in your blog?
DeleteIf it is a rebadged Dahon Vitesse, most likely the Fnhon handlepost will fit.
DeleteOh shucks, while the bike appears to be a rebadged vitesse, it uses the q-lock handlepost for tern. Per the serial # it's a 2015 model by Mini. Do you still think that it could work?
DeleteHard to tell without any pictures or specifications.
DeleteI'd like to share my pictures how can I?
ReplyDeleteYou can upload it somewhere and share a link.
DeleteAloha, these are the specs of the bike. does it help? Rather than focusing on the handle post I feel upgrading the transmission first will be optimal. This bike is lighter, faster, and has better components than my Giant Expressway 1. I'd prefer a flat bar vs drop bar with a front single setup of 10 speed. What do you recommend pls.
DeleteYou can check out the other posts on this blog, specifically the Dahon MuEX, Crius AEV20, and the technical info page for more suggestions on what to upgrade.
Deletehttps://www.bikefolded.com/mini-cooper-folding-bike-review/
DeleteThat's the link to my bikes specs. Can u please provide guidance for a crankset I dont want to get the order wrong as I can return it. Appreciate the help
The Bike looks like a Tern C7. What do you want to achieve for your bike upgrade? Such as number of speeds, types of gearing, etc. There are different crankset to choose from.
DeleteC7 makes sense due to the q link handlepost. My goal is to make the transmission more efficient. I already feel the difference after upgrading from the Giant Expressway to this bike. The 5th speed for the Mini feels like a 3rd gear with the Giant. My goal is to change the crank and handlepost I dont see the need to go 11 speed since my work commutes are short. What are your thoughts?
DeleteChanging to smoother and better tires such as the Kojak will help. Not sure if the handlepost can be upgraded as it looks different. For crankset, it is not so straightforward as a front single crankset will need narrow wide chainring or a chaingusrd to prevent chain drop. I would use a Shimano road crankset with Wolftooth narrow wide chainring, but that setup might cost more than your bike. And you will need Hollowtech II bottom bracket (68mm road threaded).
DeleteI'm fortunate that the bike came stock with Kojaks. Your work with the Boardwalk has fascinated me and perhaps a 1x11 setup, despite cost,would be my goal. I don't intend to use a drop bar and I'm going for the 2019 Tern P10 setup. My stock transmission is a Kinetix forged aluminum 170mm with SRAM twist shifter and neos 2.0 RD for 8 speeds. Will the new road Shimano 105s or 105-5800 work with a mountain bike shifter for flat bars? Please assist.
DeleteYou can follow the component spec used on the Crius AEV20. that is a 1x11 speed setup. You cannot mix mtb shifters with road rear derailleur, you need to use SL-RS700.
ReplyDeleteI have now a better understanding of what components to use, thanks to your crius build reference. Makes me wonder if buying the frame from the Philippines would be ideal. Anyway, is the Wolftooth a chainring a personal preference or will the 5800 crankset be good enough?
ReplyDeleteAs mentioned earlier, if you don't use a front derailleur, you will need a chainguard or a narrow wide chainring to prevent chain drop at the front. If you just use the stock 5800 crankset (whether double or single chainring), you will get chain drop. That is why I used Wolftooth chainrings.
Delete