Folding Bike Skeptic...Out on a Limb with Dahon

I consider myself a purist when it comes to cycling.

Something about a simple steel frame road bike makes me feel warm and safe inside. I have strayed away from that pure and simple concept of a bike on two occasions, my xtracycle, which to my surprise and delight was one of the best bikes I have ever owned, and the other is currently "unfolding" as I write this.

My current living situation (I'm on a boat!) does not allow me to own a full size bicycle. Its a lifestyle choice I have struggled with. I always knew that a folding bike might be a good option but for some reason I have resisted the idea.

Dahon D7 Folding Bike

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recently, with the encouragment of a friend and longtime folding bike enthusist I decided let the folding bike world try me on for size. My latest ride has been a Dahon D7 Speed. It has a single grip shifter to a seven speed cassette, V breaks and 20 in wheels. The mid line componentry is suitable and the custom folding hardware from Dahon appears robust despite a few plastic pieces. The folding proccess is a breeze, taking anyone with half a brain mear moments to pack this thing down. Even though it will get small enough to toss in the trunk of almost anything its no feather, weighing in at around 27lbs.

The Ride

The ride is impressive, prominently on the quick and nimble side of things the sensitive steering takes a few moments to adapt to, the 20in wheels provide a surprising amount of cruisieness for their size but lack the momentum of a larger wheel. My fears of top heavy instability soon disappeared and I found myself riding this little bike as aggressively as my usual traffic dodging single speeds. Im flying down poorly paved roads picking my line through the cracks and potholes with ease, climbing steep roads and tucking down hills. The only moments I know I'm not on a road bike are when I instinctively hop out of the saddle to push over the final hump of a hill, a bad habit anyway, but its like all the bolts have come loose beneath me and the extra long seat post is a pendulum throwing me off balance. I quickly reseat myself and get back in the groove.

Lots of Pros, few Cons

The only thing I found unacceptable on the bike was the stock folding pedals. Even under modest pressure the pedals bend and flex unervingly. Its the one thing I would change straight away. Other things to watch out for include making sure the stearer tube hinge is fully tightend to avoid what feels like a loose headset and being sure to leave enough seat tube in the frame for obvious safty reasons. Possibly the most appealing part of the D7 is that its entire drive train and breaking system consists of strandard easily replaceable parts. From a mechanics standpoint this is a pleasure.

After a bit of research I beleive that the D7 along with other Dahon models represent a good value in the folder market with the D7 weighing in at 430 big ones (US$) it singnificatly under bids Brompton and other high class folders that breeze past the $1000 dollar mark without looking. (BTW Bromptons are kick ass) Overall the D7 proved its legitamacy as a bike, wether its for commuting or a daily dose of heartpounding. I can happily recommend it as a great alternative to a full size bike if your situation could use a few folds. If your a single speed type check out the Mu Uno. The 3 or 8 hub gear modles may appeal as well.

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