Dahon Folding Bicycle Forum: General Discusssion http://forum.dahon.com/index.php Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:11:18 -0600 10 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9295
LL]]> Wed, 01 Sep 2010 07:08:18 -0600 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9295 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9288
http://www.theeastsiderla.com/2010/01/bike...-fixie-fixation/

The title suggests that this is mainly about the fixie craze and how some young poorer youths turn to petty crime to get theirs’. But if you read closer, you will identify the same underlying current found anywhere that is plaguing the blossoming bike community:

“....Echo Park resident and rider Stephen Roullier said that it would make sense that bike theft would be focused in places like Echo Park, Silver Lake and downtown Los Angeles. “These areas were the ‘ground zero’ for the urban cycling boom that we’re seeing now, so maybe there’s some logic to these areas becoming the hotbed of bike thefts,” said Roullier via email. “Just in the Echo Park area alone, I know cyclists that have been victims of theft at the Library, Masa, Two Boots and Barragan’s. Even if the entire bike isn’t stolen, wheels often are, but in addition pedals, saddles and lights are vulnerable, too.”
Some bike enthusiasts fear that the spike in bike crime could dampen the growing enthusiasm for urban biking across Los Angeles. Forrest, who does not own a car, said he’s taken a cab instead of his bike to nightspots for fear that his bike will be stolen. He also worries what will happen to sales at Echo Park Cycles and other bike shops if customers keep losing bikes to thieves. “They will be less inclined to buy another bike,” Forrest said.....”

The main point here is the have-nots (in this case, the poor youths which always populate these parts of the city), know how easy it is to steal a bike and nothing is done if in the very unlikely event of being caught-even in the act!

While there are very good grassroots programs offered that might slow down or even stop some of these people (see: Bicycle Kitchen http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/video?id=7378634 and the other part of this article:

“....In an effort to combat bike thefts, Echo Park Cycles started offering young riders the opportunity to help out at the store in exchange for parts. Late last year, the shop also hosted a meeting to explore ideas to fight bike theft. About 20 riders, in addition to police, showed up. One idea that was floated was the creation of a website where bike owners could post photos and information about stolen property. A subsequent meeting was held a few weeks later but nothing has come of it.

While there are a lot of complaints about bike theft, few owners apparently take the time or trouble to record bike serial numbers or take photos of their property – two items that can help police...”

The grassroots organizations cannot solve the upswing in waving nice things these youths cannot afford constantly in their faces. This leads itself into more problems resulting in crime, even murder: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2010...ing-nearby.html

Paste your own city/town and you will see that the present “bike boom” might dry up again when the economic downturns swing back up due to these and other thefts. Perhaps I will finally get some peace from the harsh spotlight on my bikes. That simply means that I can go back to ride in relative safety again when those idiot trendies, hipsters, bimbos, and the urban pioneers go back home to Suburbia.]]> Sun, 29 Aug 2010 20:55:55 -0600 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9288 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9285






http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hr2KePC_1jI]]> Sat, 28 Aug 2010 20:09:13 -0600 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9285 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9283
As you all know there is different brands of folding bike around the world and i will like to know what makes you all choose dahon folding bike and not others like ventura, mini cooper, raleigh, giant etc.. By the way, i came across this site http://www.raleigh.co.uk/b_range.aspx?brand=8&range=7 , you can have a look. What surprise me is that raleigh folding bike spec is pretty similar to dahon.

Oh yes, i choose dahon because it has long history in building folding bike... ]]> Sat, 28 Aug 2010 08:07:05 -0600 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9283 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9281
It is a late 50s DNB Porta Fold

You can see a minty one of these at this link:
http://www.foldingcyclist.com/DNB-Porta-Fold-Cycle.html

Mine looks like this:
]]> Fri, 27 Aug 2010 18:45:59 -0600 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9281 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9279 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=an1m7t6p548

Rated: Family (& Wife) Friendly

Bonus Dutch Music Video:
http://vimeo.com/10965438]]> Fri, 27 Aug 2010 12:34:23 -0600 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9279 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9278 I´m planning to bring 2 Dahon Curves to the a Royal Caribbean ship and use them at the places we will visit.
Is there anybody with some experience in this kind of trip that could help me?
Thanks, Carlos]]> Fri, 27 Aug 2010 11:42:14 -0600 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9278 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9276
Steal this bike, please]]> Fri, 27 Aug 2010 04:12:24 -0600 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9276 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9272
After a few weeks the bike started to twang and creak, so I took it in for advice where they found loose spokes and a damaged hub bearing at the front. The bike shop replaced the wheel and all was fine for a while. Now exactly the same problem has happened again: noise from the bike frame coming from loose spokes and damaged front hub bearings.

Is this normal with Dahon folders or am I just unlucky?]]> Thu, 26 Aug 2010 11:09:59 -0600 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9272 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9269 Wed, 25 Aug 2010 21:02:45 -0600 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9269 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9268
But all the regulars remember quite well a couple years back that parts never seem to be available. No matter where on this earth you couldnt find the simplest things ...
Partly blame is with their dealers who never seemed to order anything, but Dahon was to blame as well as a lot of stuff was vapourware.
Not everything is perfect yet .. but boy oh boy have things approved.
I think its the same over in the UK were parts are much more available as well ...
at least very few squabbles anymore ... this was the BIG topic here every day just a short time back....

Thanks to Dahon to make all our lives much easier !
Again nothing is ever perfect, but you gettin there.
A big part of this is directly resulting from this forum. Its great that the Dahon crew spends the extra time to hang here and listens.

Thor

and now Jeff and nbrus can lynch me ]]> Wed, 25 Aug 2010 19:15:19 -0600 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9268 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9264
Sorry for all the questions...

Ergon GR2 Magnesium Handlebar Grips
Q. How easy to install these, what tools would I need for the job?

Q. Are these a 'standard' fit for the Jetstream P8?

I am faced with the following options:
Q. Gripshift or Standard - What's the difference, which do I go for?

Q. In terms of sizes, what is the size referring to?

Q. Is it the depth of the grip, I imagined the diameter and length would be the same?

Pedals Upgrade
Q. I fancied upgrading the pedals. Any recommendations?

Q. I spotted some Dahon MKS EZY REMOVEABLE PEDALS, any good?

Q. Again, How easy to install these, what tools would I need for the job?

Q. Are these a 'standard' fit for the Jetstream P8 and what involved in the install?

Saddle Upgrade
Q. How does everyone rate the Kore saddle? Worth upgrading or give it a go? (I suspect I should at least do the latter).

Seatpost Upgrade
Q. If I did upgrade, would it be worth investing in the Cane Creek Thudbuster, again what should I consider if I go for the Thudbuster?

Q. ]What do the sizes refer to?

Q. Is it a simple case of removing the Kore seatpost and replacing with the Cane Creek, or is it not that simple?

Thanks in advance, if anyone can help it would be greatly appreciated.

K

]]> Wed, 25 Aug 2010 07:26:54 -0600 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9264 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9262 can someone tell me why the Speed TR is better than the Ios XL for cross country trips?
i like the enclosed gears on the Ios XL and also the light and the charging feature.
would the Ios XL be ok for cross country 1000 miles? ]]> Tue, 24 Aug 2010 09:07:15 -0600 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9262 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9261 It seems like an age since I last posted on the forum, mostly because I've been away again preparing for my mammoth 4000 mile tour of the Uk coast next year. This trip saw me riding 728 miles from where I live in Devon (UK) up through the whole Welsh mountain range and back again. It was one cool, hard ride and has given me a lot of confidence for 'the big one' which won't spend that much time in terrain as savage as this. 90% of the ride was on minor roads with some sections traffic/tarmac free. I used my Carryfreedom City trailer for the gear, and it performed faultlessly. I also used an Arapahoe Outdoor Teepee, which is amazing, look them up online.

I did the ride on my Cadenza XL and the bike performed well. For a while it creaked a lot, but this was sorted with a quality grease on the hinges. The chain is now shot away completely, despite adjustment on the road ( but it has done around 1500 miles). The Alphine hub was smooth as silk, but a few very loud 'Cracks' in 4th gear had me wondering whether it will last!! Before I went, I put Trekking/butterfly bars on it, and these were a bonus.

So, why am I writing this? I'm yearning for my Vitesse. it's more fun and, I think, more comfy. It feels playful where the Cadenza feels utilitarian, and I miss it!! Am I being a pillock here, or does anybody know of 20" rims durable enough to tour long distances in wet conditions, without massive wear from the rim brakes?

This is the reason I bought the Cadenza, and I don't regret it at all. It's a really robust bike, well made and specced. On the ride I have just completed, I experienced the sort of lower back hassle I used to suffer on mountain bikes. Not badly, but sciatica ,for even a couple of days is not a good thing, especially when camping. I've got the ride position as good as i can, but it's not as flexible as the Vitesse, which I bought for reasons of comfort as much as anything. Of course, riding these distances will test the body anyway, but I've never experienced the slightest twinge on the Vitesse despite several thousand miles of hard riding/touring.

Following this tour, I can see why people stick to deraillieurs/ Shimano stuff. You can pick it up anywhere and keep going. This isnt true of hub's, although they should be reliable if properly maintained. I just had a nagging doubt about whether my decision making was sound, and would like to hear what you think on the subject before I commit to ride one or the other.

Finally, I've had no more hassle with the headset since putting a standard Aheadset stem on the bike to fit the bars. I adjusted it once, and bingo, all is well.

Have fun out there
Graeme ]]> Tue, 24 Aug 2010 04:35:35 -0600 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9261 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9255 Oooh!
Arrgh!

Went out. Got wet. Picked up a virus and now I've got Sciatica!
Any fellow sufferers got tips!

I reckon a new bike would do the trick!

Paul.]]> Mon, 23 Aug 2010 03:56:47 -0600 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9255 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9253
I just came across this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yFuWUydduM&feature=search taken from the youtube and i will like to share with you guys.

I would like to know will this happen to the dahon folding hinge after a long year of cycling under normal condition? I hope not..

Thanks!]]> Sun, 22 Aug 2010 21:08:03 -0600 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9253 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9252
]]> Sun, 22 Aug 2010 17:59:21 -0600 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9252 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9251 1) is it a good idea to have a bike helmet with rear view mirror? I am trying to avoid having to turn my head backwards to view traffic before cutting lane to my left.
2) Do I buy a helmet with that rear view mirror? Or is it an attachment I can but and stick to my existing helmet?]]> Sun, 22 Aug 2010 10:22:51 -0600 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9251 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9249
http://www.kansi.co.uk

Scroll down left side of page to access all of the options.

Clicking onto 'Watch' will open up their promotional video!
Impressive website, though couldn't find any spec information.
Lots of product promotion but not enough detail about bike materials or components.
Build quality looks good.
Three models available.

Kansi are a new U.K. based folding bike company owned by 'Fisher Outdoor Leisure', one of the largest and oldest established distributors to the UK cycle industry.

Fisher were, up until last year the distributors for 'Dahon', and will have the 'kansi' for sale August 2010 across the U.K. thru some major retailers including 'Fudges' and 'Evans Cycles'.

Paul.]]> Sat, 21 Aug 2010 17:14:13 -0600 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9249 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9248
http://www.onlinebikeconnect.com/index.html

¿Somebody knows if it's a real and good shop or do you think it's wasting money? Sorry about my english it's probably very rude!! Greetings. Thanks.]]> Sat, 21 Aug 2010 07:51:52 -0600 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9248 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9241 And what's more we resent not having much of a choice in the matter. Not unlike the overpopulation of bikes with front suspension forks!

Like many on the forum I have a number of bikes, and it's often with some relief that I climb onto my 7spd folder!

I'm presently on the lookout for a frame/bike which I can convert into a single speed.

Is the emergence of so many gears really consumer driven?

I wonder?

Paul.]]> Fri, 20 Aug 2010 05:07:24 -0600 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9241 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9237 Anyone know when the Jetstream will be available in the US? Thanks. Thu, 19 Aug 2010 14:20:05 -0600 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9237 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9232

My first post here, i am about to buy the actual Matrix 2010 but i have to do this from an online store, so i cant see the bike in real before i buy it :-(

Now i am confused about the availibility of the Axis Stem on the Matrix 2010 because:

In the Description at the Dahon Product Page:
http://www.dahon.com/bikes/2010/matrix
is the Axis Stem listed, but at the photos i can just see another Stem (maybe the "old" F.I.T. from the 2009er-Version?)

But for example here at this product photo:
http://www.fudgescyclestore.com/index.php?...32&o=104432
i can see the Matrix with the decriped Axis Stem...

So my question is:
Does any Matrix 2010 (with the Big Apple Tires) also has the Axis Stem?
So can i be shure that i get the Axis Stem when i buy a 2010 Matrix in Europe?


Thanks in advance,
Gue]]> Thu, 19 Aug 2010 08:03:55 -0600 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9232 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9231
So here is some feed back regarding 2008 Speed Pro TT, which I got in July 2008, and only have managed 2000 miles on it. At first it was clocking up stupid miles, but then the breaking didn't work and then the tyres showed its real face.

Well since I got my Surly LHT I have not used my Dahon much.

I have tried to modify the brakes to get them to work better, with some results but that made folding bad, can be done but the cables bends too much. Read more here

I have worn out the thread on the left hand (leg) crank arm. It didn't like the change of pedals, even though I made sure that they were fitted right every time. I only had three pairs for my four ride able bicycles, so needed to swap.

There is a crack in the frame, even with the right amount of seat post in the frame, I have always been at the upper limit of the recommend weight. So the frame is gone.

Tyres, well do let me go there, though I have found a great use for these. Before you even go riding on this get some Conti sport contact tyres I have done around 500 miles on them and no sign of cuts, wear or a visit.

Full report here http://www.woollypigs.com/2009/08/dahon-speed-pro-tt-2008/ and more here and more here

The other day I talked to a fella who had the 2010 model. The v-brakes made for better breaking but because of the fold, the cables has to run further which causes the breaks not to work as good as they could. The frame has been strengthen around the seat post down type area, which clearly tells me that they had a problem with the older models.

And even the new tyres are still crap.

But that said with some changes, e.g. shorter cable run for the brakes and some better tyres, this Speed Pro TT is a great ride and fast as any other road bike.

So mine is up for sale, in the UK only, mostly for spare parts as, any offers over £250 welcome. £250 is what I hear the SRAM Dual Drive II is going for second hand.


In happier days up thread on top of Tourmallet
]]> Thu, 19 Aug 2010 04:08:13 -0600 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9231 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9230 "....Quoted in the Scotsman, Kevin remarks: "I chose to address the area of security, and the design itself developed to use existing objects in the city, like lampposts and sign posts, instead of needing specialist installations by the council to lock onto." He goes to explain how the bike functions: "It's an existing frame for the front and back section and the bendable section is made out of a series of glass-filled nylon section."

Built into the seat post of the bike frame is a ratchet system that tensions the glass nylon tubes into a rigid frame for riding, or releases them for lamp post wrapping.

A possible added benefit of the design is that the bike appears like it can be 'folded' or bent for stowage in the home, office or on public transport....."

Original Article:
http://heritage.scotsman.com/news/Inventio...-for.6412740.jp

Tree Hugger Article:
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2010/07/ke...ure-locking.php

It seems that the folding bicycle revolution has spawned a off shoot variety: namely the Bendy Bicycle. This bicycle does fold-in a more realistic way of actually bending rather than using a more conventional means of latches and levers only.

It really does look like a bus hit it!!!
And it even makes it more ugly-and theft resistant!

Dahon take note of this development & hire this young talent before someone else does!]]> Wed, 18 Aug 2010 18:59:21 -0600 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9230 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9228 http://cgi.ebay.com/Giatex-Sport-760-Stret...DefaultDomain_0
]]> Wed, 18 Aug 2010 12:02:00 -0600 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9228 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9223
I was certain I needed to ride before buying, especially since I've never ridden anything with less than 26 inch tires, but at my location (Albuquerque), and wanting only internal gear hub, about all I could test-ride was Vitesse D7HG and Mu XL Sport. I chose the Sport for 2 main reasons: it seemed to ride more stable and the higher-quality components seemed worth the roughly $120 extra, although some I would have opted out of (e.g. I-Beam seat post and MKS EZY quick-release instead of folding pedals. And it just felt more solid.

So far, so good I think; although I will post a rear hub question in the tech forum.

I do have some curiosity about model years. I suspect this isn't unique to Dahon. In my case, I bought this in August 2010 as "showroom new". But when I go to Dahon's U.S. location support for manuals, this model doesn't show up until I back the date to 2008 (on the global site, Mu XL, not sport, shows up in 2010; in 2009 both Mu XL and Mu XL Sport are shown). Then again, on the U.S. Dahon site, the list for Urban Performance Bikes does currently have the Mu XL Sport.

My sales receipt has s/n as D712701. On the actual bottom bracket is this number only with 3 more figures: 553. Although those MAY be slightly smaller, I suspect the complete s/n is D712701553.

Can anyone tell me the actual "model year"? I haven't checked everything, but so far all the components are what's given under the bike's specifications. And the top handle-post bracket does have the "R" for the recall fix. Since so much of any bike is the various components, many of which may be several design-years old but still being sold new, does a bike's "model year" apply to anything beyond the frame? And what relevance or importance is that, especially if a frame is produced over several years?

I don't think I'm really concerned; the bike certainly is new, even if manufactured over a year ago. I guess it's more of a curiosity thing.]]> Tue, 17 Aug 2010 14:35:12 -0600 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9223 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9222

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...T#ht_527wt_1133


it's a stainless steel version!]]> Tue, 17 Aug 2010 14:28:39 -0600 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9222 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9221
bob]]> Tue, 17 Aug 2010 13:13:56 -0600 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9221 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9217 Tue, 17 Aug 2010 02:33:34 -0600 http://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=9217