Fnhon DB11: Handlepost and Handlebar

As I am building a new folding bike from scratch, it is a good chance to try out some new components. The Fnhon DB11 folding bike will require a new handlepost, as it is not included with the Fnhon frameset.

I have previously used a few different handleposts for Dahon bikes, such as the Fnhon 2 bolt type, Fnhon 4 bolt type and even the Tern Physis handlepost. The Tern Physis handlepost is the stiffest, but it is also the heaviest, and requires a longer steerer tube to work.

While deciding between the 2 bolt or the 4 bolt type from Fnhon, I came across a new Fnhon handlepost, which is modeled after the Tern Physis handlepost. It has a smooth joint between the top shaft and the base, instead of being welded together. This is the one which I decided to get, as it is new and different. More details to be shown below.

However, while ordering the new Fnhon handlepost, I found that it is actually quite difficult to obtain (as of October 2019). There are a few specifications which you can choose from, such as having a matte or gloss finish, quick release or bolt type, etc. I wanted to get the gloss finish type as it looks really nice.

Although the sellers on Taobao show that they have those handleposts in stock, they will inform you that it is not available, only after you place your order. It was troublesome as I had to keep cancelling or changing my orders. It would be better if they didn't list that option on the website, if they did not have it in stock.

Finally, after much hassle of communicating with 6 different sellers, I manage to find one in stock. Even so, it was not the spec that I wanted, as it was only available in matte finishing. At the same time, I also bought the more commonly found, older Fnhon 2 bolt type for comparison, and as a backup in case the new Fnhon type is not ideal.

New Fnhon handlepost on the left, old Fnhon 2 bolt type on the right.

Safety catch design for the new handlepost is more integrated, using the red button to release the lever.

New handlepost uses a pair of smaller bolts, instead of a single large bolt to clamp it to the steerer tube. The smaller bolts are black in colour to improve the appearance.

The position of the slot is also different as you can see. Not sure if there is actually any tangible difference or not.

No welds seen on the new handlepost! This is the main difference that makes it look like the Tern Physis handlepost. The Clamp Plate and bolt are also black to complete the black appearance.

The top part of the handlepost is still welded on.

New Fnhon handlepost with 4 bolt clamp on the left, old Fnhon 2 bolt type on the right. The old Fnhon handlepost (31.5 cm) is also slightly taller than the new one by about 1 cm.

Old Fnhon 2 bolt type handlepost weighs 565 grams.

Compression bolt and brass washer used by the old Fnhon handlepost (and also Dahon handlepost) weighs 45 grams.

New Fnhon handlepost weighs a bit less at 552 grams.

New Fnhon handlepost comes with a new compression bolt that is longer. This is necessary due to the slightly taller base of the new Fnhon handlepost.

Longer bolt for the new Fnhon handlepost also means that it weighs more at 68 grams.

For comparison, the old compression bolt on top, the new longer type at the bottom.

Weight comparison of handlepost + compression bolt:
Old 2 bolt type + compression bolt = 565 + 45 = 610 grams
New 4 bolt type + longer compression bolt = 552 + 68 = 620 grams.

In short, the new Fnhon handlepost + compression bolt weighs just 10 grams more than the old type, which is negligible. I will use the new type of handlepost so that I can learn more about it.

More pictures of the new Fnhon handlepost below!

Red button safety catch disengages the hook that prevents accidental opening of the lever.

Another view of the safety catch.

Mechanism to pull in the external Clamp Plate when the lever is operated. Similar to previous Fnhon handleposts. Adjustment is done externally, and locked by the nut seen here.

Top part of the handlepost is hollow all the way to the top. You can probably hide something inside here if you want.

Close up look at the 2 bolt clamping system. Looks pretty robust.

The absence of welds really makes the appearance look much better.

4 bolt type top clamp is strong and secure.

Height of the new 4 bolt handlepost is about 33 cm from the base to the centre of the clamp.

Other than the new Fnhon handlepost, I also got a new carbon handlebar for this new Fnhon DB11 folding bike. One of my primary objective is to minimise the weight increase of the new bike over the previous Dahon MuEX. Changing from V-brakes to hydraulic disc brakes will add weight to the bike, probably around 500 grams or more. Therefore, I will try to reduce weight elsewhere from the bike, and the carbon handlebar is one of it.

New carbon flat handlebar, at 580 mm wide. It has a 25.4 mm diameter center clamp area to match the Fnhon handlepost.

Toseek is a brand which is recommended to me, as they make good quality carbon parts at a reasonable price.

Some printed lines on the handlebar to help with alignment.

Wall thickness is quite even, with 2 thicker areas which I think are deliberate for better strength in certain directions.

Weighs just 109 grams! The claimed weight is 102 grams for 600 mm width.

This carbon handlebar seems to be of good quality, and it also feels quite stiff in my hands. Also, it is lightweight which fulfills my requirement.

With this, the handlepost and handlebar has also been decided. The structure of this bike is now more or less fixed, with the rest of the build to mainly consist of assembling stuff onto the Fnhon frameset.