Dahon Mariner D8 (KMA081) review

Full review

The Mariner D8 is the Dahon to choose when your commute has hills. It keeps the aluminium frame and 20 inch wheels of the Vybe, but swaps the seven-speed cassette for an eight-speed Shimano set with an 11-32 tooth cassette behind a 52 tooth chainring. That larger sprocket gives a much easier bottom gear for climbing with a bag on the rack.

Dahon lists Schwalbe 20 x 1.5 inch tyres, a step up in quality from entry-level rubber, and Tektro V-brakes with matching levers. A standard fender and rear rack are specified, with integrated mounts for both, so the bike is practical on day one.

The weight is 12.64 kg, which is about 650 g more than the Vybe D7 but still lighter than the Tern BYB P8. Folded, it measures 82.8 x 35.5 x 67 cm on Dahon's German page, so it is the longest fold in this comparison, although it is also slim. That makes it better suited to car boots and cupboards than to the smallest luggage racks.

If your route is flat, the Vybe D7 saves money and weight. If you face hills or carry loads, the Mariner's wider gear range is the reason to pay a little more, and it still sits comfortably below the Tern and Brompton bikes on price.