Folding Bikes - Need help on folding bike

I am an international student who wants to buy used folding bike. I have limited budget. I found Dahon folding bike with reasonable price but I don't know what model it is. Also, I would like to know about weak points or anything I need to be caution if you could share me here.


many thanks

Sue

It is a dahon classic 3.I have one. I removed the rear wheel and replaced it with a bmx wheel and added a 13t fixed cog . The rear brake is difficult to adjust.The bolt securing the right crank arm tends to get loose it folds small but it is heavy to carry around.It has a rear rack but it is missing the fenders it should have.The red welton folding bike looks to be in much better condition and is the same model as far as I can tell.

I am an international student who wants to buy used folding bike. I have limited budget. I found Dahon folding bike with reasonable price but I don't know what model it is. Also, I would like to know about weak points or anything I need to be caution if you could share me here.
many thanks
Sue


Howdy Sue! Welcome to the forum.

I can't speak on it's strengths or weaknesses of that Dahon as I don't own one but I have some general comments.

I bought a "new old stock" 2003 bike this year but I don't think I'd be comfortable going too far back in the model years due to the advances in folding bike technology during the past decade. (that Dahon may be more than 10 years old)

Old conventional bikes haven't seen as much recent evolution and a 1970's road bike may bear striking resemblance to a modern one. The exception for me would be a Raleigh 20 which many folks have successfully "modernized (http://home.comcast.net/~cheg01/r20.html)" - those date back 20+ years.

I'm sure the forum members would be happy to suggest options for a given price-point, if you'd like. (I have a few favorites myself)

FWIW, a new Dahon Boardwalk D1 can be had for under $200 new. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0009R26LK/qid=1135037994/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-7884522-9363110?v=glance&s=sporting-goods&n=507846

There are a bunch of other options for excellent folders on a budget too.

Regards,
Chris

Once again i have to go with everything that AF says, i'd stay away from any Dahon folder that is more than 2 or 3 years old, unless you can have it dirt cheap.

Where are you located Sue? Some localities offer great bargains for used folders, particularly the UK & the NL.

I concur The boardwalk S1 is a versatile bike and 20 inch wheels will give a better ride than 16 inch.

One thing which would drive me crazy with the cheaper Dahon models is the fixed height of the handlebars. They'd be far too high for me to tolerate for long. This may or may not be a concern for you, however.