What do you actually need a folding bike for? To transport it compactly to your holiday destination and go on tour there? Or rather to bridge the "last mile" between the train or bus and the office in city traffic? The 20-inch format has proven to be particularly suitable for the second option. It is large enough to roll reasonably smoothly and comfortably on firm roads, but small enough to contribute to a very compact package size. In some transport networks, for example in Munich, a 20-inch bike even travels unfolded free of charge on underground and suburban trains. A high-volume category in which market giant Dahon also places most of its series.
The "Vigor 9" is positioned by the Taiwanese as an entry-level model in the "Hi-Performance" class, which is characterised by a particularly rigid frame and a slightly more stretched seating position in favour of aerodynamics. And this is a constant issue with this type of bike: most of them (like the Vigor) are only available in one frame size. The manufacturer recommends the Vigor for people up to 105 kilos and between 142 and 195 centimetres tall. The only way to adjust the seat length is to slide the saddle forwards and backwards, which is why the Vigor is rather short for tall people. Half a metre difference in height is difficult to cover with a single size.
Once you have come to terms with this and adjusted the Vigor to your height as best as possible, the new frame can prove its qualities. The thick, angularly shaped main tube and the equally wide rear triangle deliver what the manufacturer promises: compared to the Mµ series, which at first glance appears to have a similar design, the frame is noticeably stiffer and therefore more confidence-inspiring. Slight pedalling is no problem, the steering column and seat area are solid for a bike of this design in terms of riding dynamics. Due to the small wheels, the riding experience remains manoeuvrable to nervous. The gear range is on a par with an Alfine eight-speed hub, and at 90 crank revolutions per minute it reaches around 40 kilometres per hour - a folding bike rarely needs more speed.
The fact that the flat derailleur gears and the V-brakes are a little more difficult to operate than on a rigid bike is due to the long, continuous Bowden cable housings. A folding bike needs these to be able to be folded. On the Vigor, they are also housed quite discreetly thanks to their internal routing, leaving the striking line of the main frame undisturbed.
The folding process is somewhat criticised: the frame only snaps together into a compact package at certain handlebar heights. Adjustment to personal preferences is therefore limited or requires readjustment after each folding. In addition, all four quick-release fasteners (on the steering column, "stem", seatpost and main frame) could run a little smoother and more smoothly when stowed away - perhaps lubrication and prolonged use will improve handling.
All in all, the Vigor presents itself as a puristically equipped bike with quick folding, safe riding characteristics and a good price-performance ratio. With mudguards and battery-powered lights, it is fit for commuter use.
