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Topic: Dahon folding bicycles (Read 1354 times) previous topic - next topic

Dahon folding bicycles

 >:(  We purchased 2 folding Dahon Bicycles from Camping World a few years ago. Recently the spokes have been spontaneously breaking, obviously skewing the shape of the rim. We talked to a bike shop who has been in business for years and he said that this problem (as well as the seat breaking) is quite frequent in the Dahon-made bicycles....... so just a "heads up" to those considering a purchase of these. Dahon only offers a one year guarantee.

David (98 U270/Wrangler toad)
David Cherney
1998 U270 36'

Re: Dahon folding bicycles

Reply #1 –
David,

I recall reading a recent discussion that the quality of Dahon had slipped in recent years.  The poster also stated that the bikes sold by CW now are no longer Dahon brand, either, but a lesser-quality knock-off.

OTOH, the same discussion mentioned Bike Friday as an excellent brand of folding bike, albeit expensive.

Did the bike shop offer any opinions of Bike Friday or any other compact folding bike?  We bought our neighbor's old Dahon for $50 back in the spring, but if we were to get a second bike for Steve I think we'd be looking at a different brand as well.

Michelle
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Dahon folding bicycles

Reply #2 –
I used to do a lot of riding on bicycles for about 15 years. I have ridden more than 150 miles in a single day on a few occasions. I haven't ridden much in the last 10 years. I rode high end bicycles. The Bike Friday brand was well respected as a high quality, foldable or packable bicycle. We knew people who were accustomed to singles in the $1500+ class, and tandems in the $3000+ class, who were pleased with Bike Friday. I would expect their quality has remained stable.

If your choke point for bicycles is below $1200, you probably won't be interested in Bike Friday. If you expect to spend over $1200 to get a bike that satisfies your requirements, it is worth a look.
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: Dahon folding bicycles

Reply #3 –
It's a shame your spokes are breaking.  They are replaceable and don't cost a lot, but one shouldn't have to do that.  Having a bike shop do it will add to the cost.  I ride a recumbent bike most of the time that I bought used, because of the comfort factor.  I'm sitting in a chair like seat instead of on a saddle.  I'm leaning back instead of leaning forward with a kink in my neck.  It's a shame we can't buy a good upright bike at a decent price.  Go in any bike shop and most everthing is a racing bike or mountain bike.  Yes, you can get a comfort bike which is mountain bike with a different handle bar, or maybe an old fashioned single speed fat tire bike.  Go to any country where they have a lot of bicyclists like Holland, Denmark, France, Germany and China and most of the bikes are regular bikes with handlebars that allow you to be upright.  I carry my bikes down below and remove the front wheel so it takes up less space and allow the handlebar to be parallel to the frame.  Sometimes I have to remove the recumbent seat if I need more room.  Thanks for listening to the rant.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recumbent_bicycle
Jerry Whiteaker former owner 96 U270  36' #4831 Austin,TX-Owner Mods LCD TV w/front cabinet rebuild - LCD TV bedroom - Dual Central AC, either can cool coach w 30 amp - Skylights at roof AC openings - Drop ceiling for ducting of AC - Shower skylight white gelcoat/wood/epoxy frame - Air Springs/Shocks replaced - 2014 CRV - 8K Home Solar - Chevy Volt

Re: Dahon folding bicycles

Reply #4 –
I've used a trike for the past several years.  Bought the Greenspeed GT-3 (made in Australia) used at a dealer.  The price has gone down substantially.  They are very comfortable to ride, but a bit hard to get in and out as it rides very low.  This unit folds and fits in Forrest's little pull out storage tray.
 
http://www.pbwbikes.com/specs/gt3/GT3R800.jpg
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH

Re: Dahon folding bicycles

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Jerry Whiteaker –
It's a shame we can't buy a good upright bike at a decent price.  Go in any bike shop and most everthing is a racing bike or mountain bike.
Jerry,
Take a look at the Electra Townie.  With Up Right Sitting and Forward Pedaling! Quite happy with mine.  Trek makes  similiar bikes called a Cruiser and also a Hybrid.

http://www.electrabike.com/

http://trekbikestore.com/
1994 U225
build #4514

Re: Dahon folding bicycles

Reply #6 –
Thanks for all the comments and suggestions. We found it less expensive to just buy new wheels w/spokes(stainless steel) than to get the original wheels "respoked" as they probably were made in China as well. Reminds me of all the wrenches I broke which were manufactured in China.
Again.... one get what he/she pays for  :o
David Cherney
98 U270
David Cherney
1998 U270 36'
 

Re: Dahon folding bicycles

Reply #7 –
Our Dahon bikes work just fine.  Well made and fold up nicely.  We have used
Dahon 26" & 20".  We like them.