Folding bikes, particularly Dahon

johnmurray

hello very unhappy trying to start a new thread. does anybody know anything about folding bikes particularly Dahon brand

Lumen

Moved to new thread.

coolbeans

johnmurray wrote: »

hello very unhappy trying to start a new thread. does anybody know anything about folding bikes particularly Dahon brand

I had one. They're a bit cheaper than Brompton so they're not quite as neat design wise. Lovely little bike though. Very high quality and the joint where it folds is very strong. Dahon is the world's biggest maker of folding bikes so they know what they're at. I'd recommend one.

Morgan

johnmurray wrote: »

hello very unhappy trying to start a new thread. does anybody know anything about folding bikes particularly Dahon brand

I have a Dahon Mu P8 at home - anything in particular you want to know?

As said above - it doesn't fold as neatly as the Brompton but it's reasonably compact and grand to ride once you get used to the small wheels (and quick steering). Wouldn't want to do huge distances on it.

brianthebard

They have folding bikes with full size wheels too, anyone own/riden one of those before?

penexpers

I have had two Dahon bikes.

First one was the Speed D7. The clamp at the bottom of the steerer tube fell apart after 3 months of moderate usage so not recommended. It's currently in my shed, untouched in nearly 2 years.

The second one was the Smooth Hound. This wasn't really a fold up per se but more a breakaway frame. Much better quality than the Speed D7. I would recommend it but not for daily folding/unfolding.

rflynnr

I have a Mu Sl and can't really fault it. Light enough to carry one-handed through a shop (especially if carried over the shoulder in Dahon's "El Bolo" bag), I regularly used it for a Malahide to Glasnevin commute of about 14km and it fairly hummed along. I also fitted a rear carrier so I could put panniers (Ortlieb Front Rollers) on it. Came with nine-speed SRAM derailleur/cassette which was sufficient range for anything North Dublin could throw at it. (Mind you, last year in Kerry I encountered a couple, both on 16-inch wheel Dahons, fully-loaded with touring gear. I later realised that they must have gone over the Conor Pass so apparently anything is possible on them.)

johnmurray

Thank you for your views
I am considering a Dahon Cadenza or Dahon Espresso with 26 inch wheels I live in Shankill in a hilly area. I cycle for fun.
Espresso has more speeds
Anybody got any advice on Cadenza v Espresso

Morgan

The Espresso is a good 2 kilos heavier than the Cadenza for a start. You'd feel that on the hills.

Will you be folding it much (e.g. for train travel)?

rflynnr

johnmurray wrote: »

Thank you for your views
I am considering a Dahon Cadenza or Dahon Espresso with 26 inch wheels I live in Shankill in a hilly area. I cycle for fun.
Espresso has more speeds
Anybody got any advice on Cadenza v Espresso

Shameless shilling I know but if you buy either and you're looking for a bike box, I have a Dahon specific one I've been looking to sell. Bought it 18 months ago with dreams of European city breaks but recession has dampened my enthusiasm. E70 (new E200 I think) and it's yours.

JimWalsh

I would be interested in puchasing your bike.

tomasrojo

Never used Dahon, but I'm an owner and occasional user of a Brompton. For the odd trip where I need to get a train or bus, it's fantastic. The fold is very quick and the resulting package very small. It also rides well and is quite fast. I get from town to Kilmainham in a slightly longer time than on my touring bike anyway. Handy if you need to hire a car as well, as you can get to the car-hire place and then put the Brompton in the trunk.

Dahon have a good reputation, for sure, but the Brompton by reputation has the best and easiest fold.

BostonB

There's animal folding bikes which are closer to a full sized bike but obviously don't fold as small.

maninasia

coolbeans wrote: »

I had one. They're a bit cheaper than Brompton so they're not quite as neat design wise. Lovely little bike though. Very high quality and the joint where it folds is very strong. Dahon is the world's biggest maker of folding bikes so they know what they're at. I'd recommend one.

They're a bit cheaper than Brompton so they're not quite as neat design wise. - real Celtic Tiger statement that....

madrabui

There are a few full size bikes in Cycle Super Store in Tallaght.

After a quick uninformed glance, they look fine.