Folding Bikes - Dahon Boardwalk S1 and ???

The S1 is available at amazon for below $200. What I like about the S1 are its size (low standover), weight (a little over 25lb now but I'm going to take out the mud guard etc.), coaster brake (laugh not), single speed (simple), and price.

My questions are:

1.Any other folders comparable to the S1 (price, features) from a reputable make?
2. Are the crankset, seat tube, fork, handlepost on S1 upgradable to lighter components?

Actually doesn't matter if it folds or not, as long as it's light. I'll mainly use it for casual riding.

Suggestions/comments/advice are appreciated.

Will you never ride in the rain? I would say leave the fenders on ,unless you live in So Cal it doesn't rain there it pours.

The S1 is available at amazon for below $200. What I like about the S1 are its size (low standover), weight (a little over 25lb now but I'm going to take out the mud guard etc.), coaster brake (laugh not), single speed (simple), and price.

My questions are:

1.Any other folders comparable to the S1 (price, features) from a reputable make?
2. Are the crankset, seat tube, fork, handlepost on S1 upgradable to lighter components?

Actually doesn't matter if it folds or not, as long as it's light. I'll mainly use it for casual riding.

Suggestions/comments/advice are appreciated.

This folder was the one I selected to be my first folder instead of locating, purchasing and cleaning up a Raliegh Twenty. As to answer your questions:

1. I never located another reputalbe bike maker that had bikes similar in features and price to the S1. Most were way over what I could afford at the time.
2. I don't know about it's ability to be upgradable to lighter components you listed, but I did upgrade the drivetrain to a Sturmey-Archer AW 3 speed hub and added a Teckro side-pull brake to the rear and removed the coaster brake arm.

After that, I left the fenders/mudguards on, the rear rack intact, and any other stock part on to be replaced as the individual component wears out or I find the need to upgrade to a better one. I use my bike for all the types of riding that I do-long distance (more than 10 miles), emergency transport, casual neighborhood riding, "credit card" touring (light daypack only) and other numerous usages. The point is when you purchase even the most basic folder, you will find that having one opens up a whole new workd of cycling possibilites that go beyond the most elaborate non-collapsing bike: the ability to "shrink" into a more compact package and become a more personal mode a transport not offered by any other means except for feet!

Please let this forum know if you decide to join us.

No I probably won't be riding it in the rain. I need it just for casual riding around the neighborhood, park, etc.

Worst case senario, I'll be doing some laundry. :)

Thanks for the info, folder fanatic. I'm almost ready to pull the trigger. Any other comments? I'll wait for about 2 hours...

According to my tracking number I should be getting my S1 tomorrow. If you'd like I'll give you my initial impressions of it. My intent is to either lace up a 3 speed hub that I've got at home or turn it into a fixed gear.

According to my tracking number I should be getting my S1 tomorrow. If you'd like I'll give you my initial impressions of it. My intent is to either lace up a 3 speed hub that I've got at home or turn it into a fixed gear.

It turned out I wasn't that patient - I placed the order already :). I still like to read your initial impression though. Now the wait started...

I know what you mean. These past two weeks have been hellish. ;)

I am glad you selected the S1, Skyfish. It will prove to be a excellent introduction into the world of folders. I am sure it will be the first of many when and if you decide to spring into the more elaborate upscale folding bicycles on the market. The handling characteristics of my folder to me feels like a combination of all my favorite bikes both past and present. You will have to see and feel it yourself to really appreciate it.

It has arrived! So far I am very pleased. My only disappointment is that it doesn't come with the magnetix system to keep it together when folded. It's a tiny bit more upright than my Fuji MTB but it's not an uncomfortable ride. the right front brake pad was rubbing so I had to adjust that. Rode around the neighborhood and have now ridden to work as well. Thought at first that the gearing might not be tall enough for the flatlands here but having ridden it a little farther I've changed my mind. I'd say the gearing is just about right.

Going to ride it around a bit before I decide whether to go 3 speed, fixed or maybe even SS without the coaster brake. I've got several upgrades in mind but not to fix any perceived faults, just to make it a better fit for my purposes.

My only disappointment is that it doesn't come with the magnetix system to keep it together when folded.

AverageCommuter, according to this page http://www.bikepartsusa.com/product_info.phtml?p=17-BoardwalkS1BLACK S1 has the Magnetix.


# FRAME CATCH: Patented Magnetix™

Or is it just misprint?

Meh. I don't have fenders on my folder either. Rain shmain. Yer either gonna get wet or you aren't. Maybe if I were going through mud or something. (my rear rack does a reasonable job as a fender anyway)

Good on ya' for making the order. I'm a big fan of CrMo over Aluminum and you're getting an awesome frame you can do what you want with, if you even WANT to upgrade it. (you might find it does the trick right out of the box)

For free upgrades: drive around the evening before garbage day. I found a Shimano S3 internal hub this week and a funky chrome chain/spoke disc.

You might be able to get the "Magnetix" widgets direct from Dahon. Don't they just screw into the eyelets near the rear axle?

AverageCommuter, according to this page http://www.bikepartsusa.com/product_info.phtml?p=17-BoardwalkS1BLACK S1 has the Magnetix.
Or is it just misprint?

I never could find a spec. sheet for the S1 on the Dahon website so I can't say for sure what it is supposed to have from the factory. I just know mine didn't have them. Did a quick comparison between the one they have there at bikepartsusa.com and the ones for the D6 and the D7. That sheet looks more like the specs for an '04.


Yer either gonna get wet or you aren't.

Not true. Skyfish may not need them, that'd be his call. I'll be commuting on mine, and I dress for work. I can't show up with a dirty water stripe down my back. Somehow I always seem to leave for work right AFTER it has finished raining. I found out that those ABS clip on half fenders that they have for MTB's aren't worth a crap. I snagged a set of full steel fenders from an old girls huffy that had been set out in somone's trash and they work like a charm. So I know what you mean about finding useful stuff sitting at the curb. That same bike also had a perfectly good shimano three speed hub on it.



You might be able to get the "Magnetix" widgets direct from Dahon. Don't they just screw into the eyelets near the rear axle?

I think you may be right. I'll see if I can get a set the next time I'm making an order at the bike store. Of course I just ordered my hub generator and lights yesterday. Wish I'd thought of that while I was there.

Got the bike today. Mixed feeling. Will do a review over the weekend.

29lb as pictured.

The bike was shipped directly from Dahon California. It came with fender, rack, stand, and reflectors. After all those being trimmed off, the bike now weighs 25lb (see picture below).

Now look at the details:

1. Single speed 44T crankset to 14T freewheel. 175 mm cranks. Rasin chain guard (bolted on the chainring).
2. Tiny front hub.
3. Front V brake looks flimsy. Plastic lever.
4. Comfy saddle.
5. Nice paint job on the frame.
6. Not so nice welding job. Not as neat as can be found on good quality bikes, even worse than a 24" Rhino mountain bike I bought from Toys R Us.
7. Handlebar width: 20"
8. Effective top tube: 24-25"
9. Standover: 20"
10. Seat tube: 10"
11. Heavy steel seat post: ~550 mm
12. Folding/unfolding under 15 seconds is achievable.
13. Handlepost and seat tube QR collars are welded on the tubes. (why?)
14. Both pedals are foldable.
15. Schraeder valve tubes.
16. Alu rims seem alright.

Overall impression: the bike does not exceed my expectations. Some are disappointing (No. 13 above and some cosmetic defect on the handlepost), some are replaceable (No.2 and No. 11), some will be left as-is for a while then I'll decide to keep or not. The short distance riding I had today was fun. For under $200, I guess the bike is alright.

Modifications to be done:

1. Alu seatpost (more rigid but lighter).
2. Quality front V-brake.
3. Quality crankset/BB
4. LED rear light
5. Lighter pedals (non-foldable OK)
6. Handlebar, stem - feasible? May involve changing the fork as well. Or completely remove the foldable handlepost.

That's a great breakdown skyfish - thanks for sharing.

If you decide to swap out components, I'm looking for a set of folding pedals - maybe I can help you recover the cost of upgrades. :)

See this link for pics of the ones on the KHS: http://www.halffg.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/foldsoc/canada.html

BTW: 25lbs considering it has a steel seatpost isn't bad at all for a steel frame! It's a sharp looking bike and you know steel is going to last 50 years.

Cheers!
Chris

Check gaerlan Custom bicycles for parts,Be sure whether the headset is 1" inch or 1 1/8" before you order.They have many Dahon parts available .You may be able to get reflectors which attach to your spokes with velcro through Rivendell they do not affect spoke tension and are light.Gaerlan carries aluminium seatposts for dahon and two different types of suspension seatposts. If you change out the handlepost and use a longer bar you might want to wrap it with bar tape so that you can rest your hands in different places. A flip flop hub( fixed on one side freewheel on the other) and front and rear brakes are another possibility as long as you plan on changing brakes anyway .Try better brake pads on the front first though they should make a great deal of difference. You also could make it a coaster brake 3 speed rather easily .Bike nashbar was selling a 3 speed shimano hub with coaster brake for sixty nine dollars?Of course neither a flip flop hub or a 3 speed conversion will be dirt cheap.

... some are replaceable (No.2 ...
What do you mean by "replaceable"? Isn't the front hub a non-standard size like Brompton's?

That's a great breakdown skyfish - thanks for sharing.

If you decide to swap out components, I'm looking for a set of folding pedals - maybe I can help you recover the cost of upgrades. :)

See this link for pics of the ones on the KHS: http://www.halffg.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/foldsoc/canada.html

BTW: 25lbs considering it has a steel seatpost isn't bad at all for a steel frame! It's a sharp looking bike and you know steel is going to last 50 years.

Cheers!
Chris

That's a sharp bike. I like the color (red/black). As for the pedals, I'll wait till I find a pair of good light ones. WIll keep you in mind, though.

Check gaerlan Custom bicycles for parts,Be sure whether the headset is 1" inch or 1 1/8" before you order.They have many Dahon parts available .You may be able to get reflectors which attach to your spokes with velcro through Rivendell they do not affect spoke tension and are light.Gaerlan carries aluminium seatposts for dahon and two different types of suspension seatposts. If you change out the handlepost and use a longer bar you might want to wrap it with bar tape so that you can rest your hands in different places. A flip flop hub( fixed on one side freewheel on the other) and front and rear brakes are another possibility as long as you plan on changing brakes anyway .Try better brake pads on the front first though they should make a great deal of difference. You also could make it a coaster brake 3 speed rather easily .Bike nashbar was selling a 3 speed shimano hub with coaster brake for sixty nine dollars?Of corse niether a flip flop hub or a 3 speed conversion will be dirt cheap.

Thanks for the info. That's a lot for me to digest. I need to research a bit.

What do you mean by "replaceable"? Isn't the front hub a non-standard size like Brompton's?

Yes, you are right. I thought I could replace it easily but most likely not. I might end up leaving it alone.

I have more S1 photos here at http://sfbike.blogspot.com/ (http://sfbike.blogspot.com/) if anyone interested.

My first Dahon, and I'm impressed! Nice solid ride and great price to boot. I'll keep most of it stock. The only upgrades planned are the cranks and chainring when the stock ones wear out; I'll probably put clipless pedals on soon. And before Schwalbe Big Apples, there were Maxxis Hookworms.

The biggest con: there's nothing to hold the bike together when folded.
The pros: auto-click frame lock (what a cool feature) and robust stem; single-speed; coaster brake

I was wondering why I always had trouble toting the S1 around folded. All those fenders/mudguards, rear rack, S-A AW three speed hub, etc. adds up an additional 4-maybe even more- pounds. It may seem like not much-but if you are female, and not blessed with alot of upper arm strength, well I am sure you all are getting the point. I am now thinking about putting the bike on a diet (stripping off the fenders and rack-don't really use them) and swap the Kenda tires for those Big Apple tires in the near future. I could deal with the weight if the said component/accessory adds greatly to the bike's perfomance.

skyfish... given the spec, its steel and 25lbs... $200 is a steal.

You're right: fenders, rear rack, brake lever and cable were all about 3-4lbs. If I were looking to get this thing lighter, the cheapest immediate solution for me would be to get a lighter seatpost and handlebar. If I really wanted to get spendy, I'd change the wheelset as well. But I already have a 20lb Bike Friday. ;)

After these last few years commuting, I've now just begun to narrow down my likes and dislikes. I've gone from mtb to folding to recumbent to 700c and back to folding. By far, my fastest commutes were with a fixed 700c, and my most comfortable on a recumbent. Yet I'm still drawn to mountain biking and was looking for a solid machine which could fold – a BF Llama is way out of my budget at this time. But I've always been intrigued by the S1 because so many of its parts are steel and it is affordable. I don't like the custom-sized front hub, but after taking a good look at it this past Sunday (we all knew Pittsburg was going to win anyway), it's not as bad as I thought, though it is very "tiny" as skyfish noted above. After some commute time this week, I'll take it on some trails over the weekend and see how it does.

My first Dahon, and I'm impressed! Nice solid ride and great price to boot. I'll keep most of it stock. The only upgrades planned are the cranks and chainring when the stock ones wear out; I'll probably put clipless pedals on soon. And before Schwalbe Big Apples, there were Maxxis Hookworms.

The biggest con: there's nothing to hold the bike together when folded.
The pros: auto-click frame lock (what a cool feature) and robust stem; single-speed; coaster brake
Hi spambait,
nice looking bike...I was just wondering if that was a Carradice seat bag. Where did you get it from. It looks perfect for me.

Skyfish, you can only expect so much from a sub $200 dollar folder. The S1's are solid bikes, but if you wanted something with higher end parts, you may have been better off getting a Swift frame and building it up yourself...I apologize for giving 'hindsight' advice in advance. On the positive side, my bro' rides an S1 and he loves it. The only change he is looking for is a 3 or 8 speed internal hub since there are a couple decent hills between him and work. The other plus is that it sounds like you are the kind of guy who likes to 'personalize' your bike with some select parts. If you find that you like the basic frame, and you feel like putting in more $, you can always swap out the fork and you can put on any front hub you want. Here's to some happy mod-ing,

juan162

You're right: fenders, rear rack, brake lever and cable were all about 3-4lbs. If I were looking to get this thing lighter, the cheapest immediate solution for me would be to get a lighter seatpost and handlebar. If I really wanted to get spendy, I'd change the wheelset as well. But I already have a 20lb Bike Friday. ;)

After these last few years commuting, I've now just begun to narrow down my likes and dislikes. I've gone from mtb to folding to recumbent to 700c and back to folding. By far, my fastest commutes were with a fixed 700c, and my most comfortable on a recumbent. Yet I'm still drawn to mountain biking and was looking for a solid machine which could fold – a BF Llama is way out of my budget at this time. But I've always been intrigued by the S1 because so many of its parts are steel and it is affordable. I don't like the custom-sized front hub, but after taking a good look at it this past Sunday (we all knew Pittsburg was going to win anyway), it's not as bad as I thought, though it is very "tiny" as skyfish noted above. After some commute time this week, I'll take it on some trails over the weekend and see how it does.
Hi again Spambait,
I have never ridden one, but have you considered the DOWNTUBE FS for your mountain biking? It is much less expensive than a bike friday and though aluminum, it at least has full suspension already built in. I am not much into mountainbiking, but been curious myself.
juan162

Hi spambait,
nice looking bike...I was just wondering if that was a Carradice seat bag. Where did you get it from. It looks perfect for me.
It is a Carradice Nelson Longflap from Wallingford (http://www.wallbike.com/carradice/carradicesaddlebags.html), one of the first few batches they obtained in forest green. Others have said you can get them cheaper overseas from St. John's St. Cyclery. Wallbike has always treated me right so I stick with them.



I have never ridden one, but have you considered the DOWNTUBE FS for your mountain biking? It is much less expensive than a bike friday and though aluminum, it at least has full suspension already built in. I am not much into mountainbiking, but been curious myself.
While aluminum does put me off, I am not in favor of regularly spending close to $300 for a bike just to upgrade it with another $300. Now I did this with my Bike Friday, but only inadvertently; I wasn't planning on changing anything, but I like to tinker and have learned my lesson with that bike financially. Anyway, I've been contemplating the S1 for about 1.5 years, so it wasn't that much of a rash decision. Plus when I found out a cromo Swift frameset would set me back $575, that made my decision much easier.

What would you need to upgrade on the Downtube? It's pretty decent out of the box and does pretty well as a small-wheeled moutain bike.

Upgrading a Downtube? More like a costly downgrade for me. I know I'd change it to single speed so that would entail getting a wheel (or wheelset) built. Also, the saddle would go. Maybe a Setback seatpost (depending on fit). Like I said, I had two perfectly good geared bikes in a Bike Friday and a Brompton, and I spent a lot of money "downgrading" them to what I liked - wheels being the most costly downgrade. And like you mentioned in your Swift thread, I now have a pile of good bike parts I don't plan to use: shifters, derailleurs, wheelsets, handlebars, pedals, cranks, chainrings; I want to avoid having more spare parts.

So now I'm starting with a ss to begin with (duh - I know).

Stock DT seat wasn't too bad. I was suprised. I thought I'd toss it but I've kept them. You might be able to swap someone for their wheels. I didn't want a pile of parts left over so that is why I tried to piece together what I wanted up front.

I understand where you are coming from spambait. No point collecting junk you don't need but my choice between the 2 frames cheap Dahon and DT would be the DT though.

+1 to that, i think that the OP got quite a good deal but i agree the DT wins out over the cheapest Dahons pretty much everytime. I won't repeat the many reasons for that here.

As for the excess junk that may result after customizing, it need not be a bad thing, sometimes you can sell it, trade it, give it to some kids on the block or conceivably with a DT or BF even mail it back to Yan so he can replace parts that people have trouble with! Just a thought.

Carradice Rock! Cheapest place is SJSCYCLES.

While aluminum does put me off, I am not in favor of regularly spending close to $300 for a bike just to upgrade it with another $300. Now I did this with my Bike Friday, but only inadvertently; I wasn't planning on changing anything, but I like to tinker and have learned my lesson with that bike financially. Anyway, I've been contemplating the S1 for about 1.5 years, so it wasn't that much of a rash decision. Plus when I found out a cromo Swift frameset would set me back $575, that made my decision much easier.
Hi spambait,
I didn't think you were making a rash decision, just thought I'd ask. BTW, I've never seen breezer folding bikes mentioned here(and don't know of their quality good or bad), but they also sell a frameset of their i7 20" wheel folding bike off of their webstore for $235...I know, still not that cheap and it's also aluminum, but I thought I'd mention it. If you are interested, here is the link:

http://www.breezerbikes.com/CatDetails.cfm?ProdID=45&category=6

Looking forward to updates and how whichever bike you use for MTB'ing performs,

juan162

Thx for that link, pretty Frame, very similair to the DT.

Like I said, I had two perfectly good geared bikes in a Bike Friday and a Brompton, and I spent a lot of money "downgrading" them to what I liked - wheels being the most costly downgrade. And like you mentioned in your Swift thread, I now have a pile of good bike parts I don't plan to use: shifters, derailleurs, wheelsets, handlebars, pedals, cranks, chainrings; I want to avoid having more spare parts.

So now I'm starting with a ss to begin with (duh - I know).

Just for clarification, are all your bikes single speed now?

juan162

BTW, I also 2nd what Vince said about the extra parts. You can sell them on EBAY, or even ask here if anyone would want to take them off of your hands if you're not into that whole ebay thing. I for one am into 'upgrading' older folders so I end up spending money on all the stuff you "don't plan to use." Just a thought:).

Just for clarification, are all your bikes single speed now?
Yes; I've come to find I prefer ss in general. The only exceptions are a tandem (my wife prefers multiple gears) and a recumbent (necessary because of the riding position).



BTW, I also 2nd what Vince said about the extra parts. You can sell them on EBAY, or even ask here if anyone would want to take them off of your hands if you're not into that whole ebay thing. I for one am into 'upgrading' older folders so I end up spending money on all the stuff you "don't plan to use." Just a thought:).
Sure thing. In a couple months, I plan to inventory all the spare parts I've accumulated. I can't do it now because we're in the middle of remodelling a bathroom, and its very tight in our garage at the moment with all the building supplies and tools.

Hundred mile report:
I'm pleased with this bike to the point that I've put my Bike Friday and Brompton into storage. It's a very solid ride and fits my body well; the folding is a bonus.

There are, however, some quirks:
- the front hub cones and locknut are prone to getting loose. Tightened them at around 25 miles; when they got loose again, I used blue loctite; but yesterday, I applied red loctite. If there's anything I'd say is actually bad about this bike, it is the front hub.

- stem and seatpost were prone to slipping for me. To alleviate this, I wrapped one layer of packing tape over the seatpost and stem, an old trick I learned from the Brompton newsgroup. Worked like a charm and also allows me a quick gauge as to how high to set the stem and seatpost. It's not the most elegant solution but it beats over torquing the quick-release bolts which is most likely to cause premature fatigue to something.

-the seat is attached similiarly to how a Brompton seat is attached and needs to have the bolts loctited as well (my preference). But I was expecting that.

-changed the pedals out to clipless; big difference

This was my best new bike deal so far until I found out Camping World is selling them for $150. If I could Xtracycle one of these things, I'd have probably gotten another. Dope! Damn consumerism...

The front hub cones axel, and locknut was also prone to getting loose on my Boardwalk. The Bike Shop that I purchased the Boardwalk S1 from replaced the axel, cones, and locknut completely with parts lying around the shop without cost to me. No more problems for the time that I had this bike.

Hundred mile report:
I'm pleased with this bike to the point that I've put my Bike Friday and Brompton into storage. It's a very solid ride and fits my body well; the folding is a bonus.

Spambait, the us government just released a report saying that Bromptons and Bike Fridays become violent when left alone together in storage. I would be happy to help out by recieving shipment of either one of the bikes here in NJ:):):)!!! Happy you like your bike,
juan162

Some drop bar mods to an S1:
S1 (http://www.bikeforums.net/showpost.php?p=3348675&postcount=287)

Because there's no biologic geometry for this bike, many people have added a stem extension to create a good fit; fairly cheap to do and works well, too. Plus with all the extra money saved from not buying a new bike (always a temptation), I found a good deal on an Xtracycle and fitted my MB-6 to boot! Zoom! Zoom!

I am happy you find this bike so in tune with you fit needs and lifestyle. The Boardwalk S1 is the best buy for the tinkerer and the person who is not too sure about folding bikes fitting in physically and mentally for the user(s). My own bike went to similar metamorphis-see below's Photo section.

This was my best new bike deal so far until I found out Camping World is selling them for $150. If I could Xtracycle one of these things, I'd have probably gotten another. Dope! Damn consumerism...

That's a great deal! Camping World's site shows a photo of an older version of the Boardwalk. If I'm not mistaken, they used to be made of hi-tensile steel, but are now chromoly. The forks also are now curved, the latch is different, and the headset is integrated, among other things. Has anyone ordered one from Camping World recently? Which version is it?

-Paul

That's a great deal! Camping World's site shows a photo of an older version of the Boardwalk. If I'm not mistaken, they used to be made of hi-tensile steel, but are now chromoly. The forks also are now curved, the latch is different, and the headset is integrated, among other things. Has anyone ordered one from Camping World recently? Which version is it?

-Paul

I think they are still hi-tensile; even stripped, it weighs more than my geared Bike Friday. But I like the toughness! Anyway, as of 01/06, this pic from the Dahon forums shows what a Camping World S1 looks like. Looks the same, only red:

Thanks, Spambait. I checked that thread at the Dahon forums, and it seems Camping World is selling the newer version as the photo shows. I was confused by the old version shown on Camping World's site:

Hey, that's my bike!!!! (The pic in spambait11's 11/15 post)

We were just at the local CampingWorld store last week - we own an aframe trailer (folding of course) - and stopped in to get some needed items. They had a number of the new S1's and one Boardwalk D7.

The current is very different than mine - glad I bought it on sale last year. The handle bars do NOT vertically adjust, the fork is apparently straight the seat post is cheap chromed steel.

The latch has also been changed - the joint is old-style but the latch handle is the same as our D7's. I like how my older latch clicks shut automatically. I see they are also advertising what they call the new YEAH Bike (by Dahon, too). It appears to be a cross between the new S1 and a D6. Obviously they purchase enough bikes that they can get Dahon to build all these older/non-std. models for them.

I really like my S1. All I have done to it is to change to foam handgrips and add a mounting bracket for my Garmin Fortrex 101 GPS.

Review of the Dahon Boardwalk S1: Got it yesterday. My first folder! Thanks for the reviews above. I paid $180 for it at performance. I saw that Camping world has them for $150, but since this is my first folder wanted to be sure I could take it back to someone if I had any problems/issues. I am 5’7” and weigh 170 lbs. Took it out for a short 2-3 mile ride around the neighborhood. I am very impressed with the build quality of this Dahon. Feel of the bike is very solid. Fit is very good considering that the stem is not adjustable, while the saddle is. When pedaling, I feel very connected to the road. I could describe it as walking up stairs with the stairs being flat or on a slight incline. If all folders are like this, I’m sold on folders. I got this folder because I wanted to try parking my car about 1-2 miles from my work and biking to it. Now, I’m thinking of possibilities like festivals, rallys and any other mass events where cars are not that welcome.

As for the hub brakes, I may not switch them out to side pulls. They are really strong. Reminds me of my old schwinn chopper bike when I was a kid. If you hit the brakes as you are turning, you can peel out. Girls check me out! With the hub brakes, I’m getting adjusted to not coasting/reverse pedaling like I do with my other bikes. Doing this stops you or slows you down.

The single gear is perfect for me. On my commuter, I basically use 2 maybe 3 gears. And, that’s only when I get a hill. I can’t wait to try these small wheels on hills since I hear the pedaling is easier. As for folding ability, I can see how one can do it in 15 seconds. I take about a minute because I want to be careful and want to do it in the steps outlined by Dahon. I’m sure I’ll get better with time. The magnetic locks are not there, but I expected this from the above reviews. I will hold it together with ankle bands as someone indicated.

I may leave everything stock. Gotta try out the fenders in the rain to see how good they are. If they do a good job, I’ll leave them on. I’d like to take them off because of the weight. I’ll leave the rack because I will put a water bottle back there fastened with some elastic bands.

I’m nervous about upgrading the gears or brakes because I’m afraid the folding ability may compromise these components. I can always upgrade components by taking it to a folding bike shop, but after parts and labor, it makes better sense to get a higher end Dahon. I'll try to post a long term update in a few months.

Pros:
Solid build.
Fantastic fit.
Paint job is first rate. Enamel is shiny.
Hub brakes: Brakes stop on a dime! May be useful in wet weather (hydroplane anyone?)
Comfy saddle


Cons:
Hub brakes: used to coasting and reverse-pedaling with my other 2 bikes.
Magnetic locks are not there (as the website indicates)

large pix of this dahon in all its glory:

http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/766/dscn2608gs3.th.jpg (http://img528.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn2608gs3.jpg)

I am happy to see that Dahon did not give up on the Boardwalk S1 entirely-even after all these years (only 3 in my case). You will continue to be suprised and overwhelmed in a positive way over your new bike. I have never regretted my decision to buy one. It is built like a tank in some ways. I did some modifications to it (see my Flickr photos and Geocities text web site below) and really improved it for the great many hill surrounding my part of Southern California. I did not strip off the fenders or the rack that came with it since I have found them to be very useful at times. Best of luck with your bike!

I just ordered a boardwalk s1 in the hopes of converting it into a fixed gear. I'm planning to just buy a bmx wheel and use it as a suicide hub like I've done on full sized bikes in the past. Is the wheel size on the boardwalk a 406 or 451? Also, does anyone have a line on an inexpensive bmx or recumbent rear wheel in the right size? Thanks!

1. 406
2. Nashbar used to sell cheap BMX rear wheels; maybe you can call them. 110mm rear hub.
3. Disclaimer: I'm not endorsing suicide hubs.

thanks! Exactly the info I needed. Now I can go shopping for the right equipment. Nashbar does sell a rear 20" wheel, but it's a 451 wheel.