Ok, I'm the OP so I am going to have to jump in! I mentioned earlier in the thread that a forum member who is an "insider" to the bicycle manufacturing industry in Asia, explained that things work differently in regards to product design and production, than say here in the West.
There are firms over there called "design bureaus" that employ countless numbers of industrial specialists. Their aim is to introduce new products through established production companies, and make their designs available through either partnerships, joint ventures, and outright sales or licensing agreements.
The fact of the matter is, what may seem like some relatively obscure factories building, and selling cheap "knockoffs" of "premium" brand folding bikes, or any other product category for that matter, is more than likely, a legal and ethical arrangement made through one of these design bureaus.
Dahon might actually be a customer/client themselves of these firms, though they (Dahon) are product designers themselves, and hold countless patents on many of the peripheral components such as the mainframe hinges and locking mechanisms, and such.
So with that said, yes, the purpose of me starting this thread was to share my experience with the forum members. I never intended to "disturb" some people who seem to be less tolerant of those who chose to buy outside of the accepted circle of "premium" grade products. To me, that behavior is contrary to the spirit of what cycling is all about.
My report about the 16 inch SR Swift was positive, and continues to be so with no regrets. I don't need to apologize for the fact that this bike is not the lightest, nor the fastest, or the fact that the components are not "top shelf". Who in their right mind would expect that for less than $140 bucks?
In closing, let's keep the discussion civil, not only on my thread, but elsewhere in the forum. That is the real service to anyone coming here to get good, unbiased information.
Edward
Originally Posted by
smallwheeler
i disagree with what you are saying. yes, the counterfeit/ knock-off issue is certainly it's own very broad topic. however, it does relate directly and specifically to the two bicycles in question and it would seem to be doing a disservice to prospective buyers who may not be aware and potentially do care about what they buy, to remain silent about the issue and say nothing within the thread about the bike in question.
that being said, i'll drop it.
Originally Posted by
smallwheeler
i disagree with what you are saying. yes, the counterfeit/ knock-off issue is certainly it's own very broad topic. however, it does relate directly and specifically to the two bicycles in question and it would seem to be doing a disservice to prospective buyers who may not be aware and potentially do care about what they buy, to remain silent about the issue and say nothing within the thread about the bike in question.
that being said, i'll drop it.