CRM
04-18-06, 11:24 AM
Hey Guys, I bought a 2006 Boardwalk S1 (black instead of green for some reason) and added a few mods, including: fixed/free flip flop hub, and drop bars. Check it out!
View Full Version : Boardwalk S1: Fixed and Fabulous
spambait11
04-18-06, 01:02 PM
Cool! And the drops look sweet too!
Did you have to widen the chainstays to fit the hub?
I noticed on the Dahon forum that your original handlebar post does not include a telescoping option like on the 2005s. Pity. I may just have to get another 2005 to experiment with. Thanks for the pics.
Did you have to widen the chainstays to fit the hub?
I noticed on the Dahon forum that your original handlebar post does not include a telescoping option like on the 2005s. Pity. I may just have to get another 2005 to experiment with. Thanks for the pics.
CRM
04-18-06, 01:37 PM
Thanks!
I was going to space them out because track hubs are usually pre-spaced to 120mm. But Norm at Harris Cyclery told me he could space the hub down to the 110mm that I needed (I had him build the wheel as well).
I was also going to buy the radius telescoping post, but it was on backorder, so I used my jig saw with a metal cutting blade and chopped it...careful to start high enough so that I could cut little by little in order to get the right inner diameter to fit the stem quill. There's no quick release this way, but it still folds small enough to fit where I need it. And if I need it to fold smaller all I need to do is turn one hex bolt and pull the quill.
I was going to space them out because track hubs are usually pre-spaced to 120mm. But Norm at Harris Cyclery told me he could space the hub down to the 110mm that I needed (I had him build the wheel as well).
I was also going to buy the radius telescoping post, but it was on backorder, so I used my jig saw with a metal cutting blade and chopped it...careful to start high enough so that I could cut little by little in order to get the right inner diameter to fit the stem quill. There's no quick release this way, but it still folds small enough to fit where I need it. And if I need it to fold smaller all I need to do is turn one hex bolt and pull the quill.
james_swift
04-18-06, 01:58 PM
That's an awesome Boardwalk. Did you have any problems getting the chainline right? Is that the stock crank/chainring?
CRM
04-18-06, 02:36 PM
Thanks James!
It is the stock crank/chainring... I plan to change them in order to increase my gear inches. I Lucked out on the chainline. It's almost perfect! I think it really helped that it started as a single speed, and that I didn't need to bend the frame to fit the hub. Coldsetting the frame probably would have changed the chainline.
It is the stock crank/chainring... I plan to change them in order to increase my gear inches. I Lucked out on the chainline. It's almost perfect! I think it really helped that it started as a single speed, and that I didn't need to bend the frame to fit the hub. Coldsetting the frame probably would have changed the chainline.
Fear&Trembling
04-19-06, 01:55 AM
Excellent - another fixed folder.
Nice looking bike. What chainring/cog are you currently running? I am planning on swopping the 14t for a 13t this w/e (keeping the 53t chainring). This should give me around 77 gear inches – fine for my commute, but not ideal if I want to tackle anything steep…
The drops look good too. It is a shame I cannot afford the extra width to the folded package, otherwise I would get some nice 25.4 randonneur bars …
Nice looking bike. What chainring/cog are you currently running? I am planning on swopping the 14t for a 13t this w/e (keeping the 53t chainring). This should give me around 77 gear inches – fine for my commute, but not ideal if I want to tackle anything steep…
The drops look good too. It is a shame I cannot afford the extra width to the folded package, otherwise I would get some nice 25.4 randonneur bars …
CRM
04-19-06, 07:27 AM
The stock chainring is 44T and the stock freewheel cog was 14T, so I decided to get a 14T cog so that I wouldn't have to do anything with the chain...It's a pretty low gear, but it's good for me right now because of my poor fitness level. Once that starts to go up I'll get a new chainring in the mid 50's. (and a new chain too)
spambait11
04-19-06, 09:56 AM
The drops look good too. It is a shame I cannot afford the extra width to the folded package, otherwise I would get some nice 25.4 randonneur bars …
When folded, he has the bars sitting on top of the frame next to the seat. It does look wider when folded, but much better than if he were to try to fold the bike with the handlebars all the way down.
CRM - you should upload the pic of your rig folded. Any dimensions you could provide would be great as well. (I'm thinking I could use 38mm wide drops) ;)
When folded, he has the bars sitting on top of the frame next to the seat. It does look wider when folded, but much better than if he were to try to fold the bike with the handlebars all the way down.
CRM - you should upload the pic of your rig folded. Any dimensions you could provide would be great as well. (I'm thinking I could use 38mm wide drops) ;)
CRM
04-19-06, 11:06 AM
Here it is folded next to my speed 8. Two bikes stored where not even one full sized bike could fit. :D
CrimsonEclipse
04-19-06, 12:09 PM
What was your total investment?
CE
CE
CRM
04-19-06, 02:12 PM
Just under US$500 so far. I still want to get new cranks, chainring, chain, and pedals with toe clips... also, eventually, a new front wheel with matching suzue hub- this will require a new fork. Whoa... my head is starting to spin... this is starting to look pretty expensive... Not too bad considering everything is new. I should start looking for some used parts.
Wavshrdr
04-19-06, 03:24 PM
A little bit more and "buy" the time you get done you could have had a Bike Friday... I am sure Walter could have built you something unique for not much more. Don't take this the wrong way as I appreciate the effort you put in it but it will still always be a Dahon Boardwalk. Sort of like no matter what you do to a Camaro it isn't a Corvette even though it may be faster and it still won't be a Ferrari. If you are happy that is all that ultimately matters and it looks pretty cool. Its not flat where I live so no single speeds need apply. Definitely pick up some used parts to keep the cost reasonable. At the rate you are going you will have a grand in it by the time you are done. It seriously might have been better to have a custom built BF so you didn't pay for parts you end up throwing away.
spambait11
04-19-06, 03:29 PM
...Sort of like no matter what you do to a Camaro it isn't a Corvette even though it may be faster and it still won't be a Ferrari...
Ah, but the engine is still the same! :D
Ah, but the engine is still the same! :D
james_swift
04-19-06, 05:37 PM
Sort of like no matter what you do to a Camaro it isn't a Corvette even though it may be faster and it still won't be a Ferrari.
You can also ask the guys who dump thousands of bucks into hot-rodding Honda Civics, when for the same amount invested, they could've bought 1...maybe even 2 Acura Integras.
I'm already at the thousand-dollar mark with my Swift, and granted that I'm damn near close to the price of a Friday, there's a lot more satisfaction to be had in my own customized Swift, as opposed to a showroom or even pre-customized machine. I love to tinker and tear things apart, find out how they work and make them work better and/or tailor to my needs. It's one thing to have a showroom Friday or Swift...but it's an entirely different experience to have a bike that is totally unique; the product of your own imagination and enginuity, adorned with your own personal selection of bike bling, and sporting the unmistakeable personalized look of your own handy-work. It's an experience you simply can't custom-order.
You can also ask the guys who dump thousands of bucks into hot-rodding Honda Civics, when for the same amount invested, they could've bought 1...maybe even 2 Acura Integras.
I'm already at the thousand-dollar mark with my Swift, and granted that I'm damn near close to the price of a Friday, there's a lot more satisfaction to be had in my own customized Swift, as opposed to a showroom or even pre-customized machine. I love to tinker and tear things apart, find out how they work and make them work better and/or tailor to my needs. It's one thing to have a showroom Friday or Swift...but it's an entirely different experience to have a bike that is totally unique; the product of your own imagination and enginuity, adorned with your own personal selection of bike bling, and sporting the unmistakeable personalized look of your own handy-work. It's an experience you simply can't custom-order.
Wavshrdr
04-19-06, 06:42 PM
I am not knocking the concept of customizing your "ride". I heard the arugment many times about the 5.7l Chevy motor but for that example I'd be more concerned with the chasis. No matter what bike YOU are on the engine's going to be the same. :D
Obviously everyone has a platform of choice. I don't mind wrenching on things either. I would start with a better platform that was much lighter if I was going to the trouble of making a minimalist machine that was a fixie. Again it is CRM's choice but the Boardwalk is definitely the cheapest model in Dahon's lineup. Hopefully CRM replaced all the crappy stuff that comes on them. I have one so I know how crappy they are. Thankfully I didn't buy it new.
As long as CRM likes it that is all that matters. Pretty soon the only thing that will be left is the frame. :D
Obviously everyone has a platform of choice. I don't mind wrenching on things either. I would start with a better platform that was much lighter if I was going to the trouble of making a minimalist machine that was a fixie. Again it is CRM's choice but the Boardwalk is definitely the cheapest model in Dahon's lineup. Hopefully CRM replaced all the crappy stuff that comes on them. I have one so I know how crappy they are. Thankfully I didn't buy it new.
As long as CRM likes it that is all that matters. Pretty soon the only thing that will be left is the frame. :D
DaFriMon
04-19-06, 07:14 PM
I enjoy these posts showing how people have customized their bikes, sometimes in unlikely ways.
While I'd support BF quality over Dahon in general, I'd think that the Boardwalk frame is perfectly sound. The OP also posted pics on the Dahon forum, and I hope this will give them the hint that there is a market for drop-barred folders. :)
Can't criticize the choice, myself. For what I've spent so far on my 5 speed Raleigh Twenty, I could have bought a Dahon Vitesse D5, upgraded a couple of things on it I don't care for, and still had a little money left over. Fixing up the Twenty was a lot more fun, but I can't quantify it.:o
While I'd support BF quality over Dahon in general, I'd think that the Boardwalk frame is perfectly sound. The OP also posted pics on the Dahon forum, and I hope this will give them the hint that there is a market for drop-barred folders. :)
Can't criticize the choice, myself. For what I've spent so far on my 5 speed Raleigh Twenty, I could have bought a Dahon Vitesse D5, upgraded a couple of things on it I don't care for, and still had a little money left over. Fixing up the Twenty was a lot more fun, but I can't quantify it.:o
CRM
04-19-06, 09:55 PM
You all have great points. Bike Fridays are very nice, but the tinkering was a big part of my decision...it's just so fun! Plus I'm partial to Dahons being an owner of a 2003 speed 8- I think they're a great company with a lot of great ideas.
LittlePixel
04-20-06, 05:07 AM
I like it a lot. Looks very slinky all pared down to the minimum and with those drops. Would look even meaner with aero bars! Have you posted it to the FGG? It's probably their first Dahon if you do.
For the 'for that price you could have had' argument. I daren't think how much I've spent on my twenty but I could prolly have got a Swift, Moulton or base BF for the money. I don't think that's the point though. I have something unique that I built to my own specs based on available resources. That's the buzz, the fun of it. A factory fresh bike is nice but there's a more remote feeling of ownership. If I started with a showroom BF it'd be nice for sure but I'd still want to customise it and then that would be starting modifications from a far higher price benchmark.
For the 'for that price you could have had' argument. I daren't think how much I've spent on my twenty but I could prolly have got a Swift, Moulton or base BF for the money. I don't think that's the point though. I have something unique that I built to my own specs based on available resources. That's the buzz, the fun of it. A factory fresh bike is nice but there's a more remote feeling of ownership. If I started with a showroom BF it'd be nice for sure but I'd still want to customise it and then that would be starting modifications from a far higher price benchmark.
james_swift
04-20-06, 06:15 AM
You all have great points. Bike Fridays are very nice, but the tinkering was a big part of my decision...it's just so fun! Plus I'm partial to Dahons being an owner of a 2003 speed 8- I think they're a great company with a lot of great ideas.
Exactly. It's not about, "I could've had a Friday," but rather, "I bet they've never seen a fixie Boardwalk like this before!"
If I started with a showroom BF it'd be nice for sure but I'd still want to customise it and then that would be starting modifications from a far higher price benchmark.
Exactly.
Exactly. It's not about, "I could've had a Friday," but rather, "I bet they've never seen a fixie Boardwalk like this before!"
If I started with a showroom BF it'd be nice for sure but I'd still want to customise it and then that would be starting modifications from a far higher price benchmark.
Exactly.
Fear&Trembling
04-20-06, 06:21 AM
CRM - If you spin that current gear at 100+ RPM you will get fitter in no time. What's more, you will probably surprise yourself with the hills you can climb...
The folded package looks a bit cumbersome, but not unmanageable.
As LP suggested, you should post it on FGG – there are not too many folders on the site.
The folded package looks a bit cumbersome, but not unmanageable.
As LP suggested, you should post it on FGG – there are not too many folders on the site.
james_swift
04-20-06, 07:09 AM
CRM - If you spin that current gear at 100+ RPM you will get fitter in no time. What's more, you will probably surprise yourself with the hills you can climb...
The folded package looks a bit cumbersome, but not unmanageable.
As LP suggested, you should post it on FGG – there are not too many folders on the site.
Totally agree on both counts. Fixed/single means that if you want to go faster, then you need to make your legs go faster...which makes your heart go faster. I think the popular consensus against fixed/ss is the "inability to climb hills"...which is true for hugely steep grades...but for average stuff, I've succeeded in amazing myself at how I've been able to do hills that I wouldn't before dare pushing in such a high gear. I live in San Francisco...which isn't exactly known for it's lack of hills...and I know I speak for the thousand fixie bike riders/messengers here in SF when I say that I've managed just fine having only 1 gear.
Definitely get on FGG. It seems the fixies are perplexed by the strange emergence of fixed Fridays, Swifts, and Birdies. It'd be nice to have a Boardwalk thrown-in for good measure.
The folded package looks a bit cumbersome, but not unmanageable.
As LP suggested, you should post it on FGG – there are not too many folders on the site.
Totally agree on both counts. Fixed/single means that if you want to go faster, then you need to make your legs go faster...which makes your heart go faster. I think the popular consensus against fixed/ss is the "inability to climb hills"...which is true for hugely steep grades...but for average stuff, I've succeeded in amazing myself at how I've been able to do hills that I wouldn't before dare pushing in such a high gear. I live in San Francisco...which isn't exactly known for it's lack of hills...and I know I speak for the thousand fixie bike riders/messengers here in SF when I say that I've managed just fine having only 1 gear.
Definitely get on FGG. It seems the fixies are perplexed by the strange emergence of fixed Fridays, Swifts, and Birdies. It'd be nice to have a Boardwalk thrown-in for good measure.
CrimsonEclipse
04-20-06, 08:10 AM
This Super-Boardwalk cannot be compared to a BF
The Dahon folds Right Now and the BF folds...well...eventually.
Dahon- Fold 1 or more times a day
BF- Fold once or twice per international trip.
CE
The Dahon folds Right Now and the BF folds...well...eventually.
Dahon- Fold 1 or more times a day
BF- Fold once or twice per international trip.
CE
gbcb
04-20-06, 09:28 AM
Very nice! I'm in a wishy-washy state right now where I'm trying to figure out if I'm going to do the same to my Boardwalk, or to do a fixed conversion on a Chinese utility bike. Maybe both, but can I really justify two fixies? Only time will tell...
Is that an IRO flip-flop hub? And what sort of rim did you go for?
Is that an IRO flip-flop hub? And what sort of rim did you go for?
CRM
04-20-06, 10:01 AM
Thanks for all the support guys! I've been riding a lot the past few days and I'm loving it more and more!
gbcb, It's a suzue basic fixed/free flip flop... I haven't gotten around to getting a free wheel for the other side, but I plan to. The rim is a Sun CR18. It's strong and has a nice shine to it.
gbcb, It's a suzue basic fixed/free flip flop... I haven't gotten around to getting a free wheel for the other side, but I plan to. The rim is a Sun CR18. It's strong and has a nice shine to it.
spambait11
04-20-06, 11:00 AM
CRM - looking at your folded pic above, have you tried folding your stem down first and then pushing the seatpost down so that the seat is over the stem? Seems like this will sort of "lock" the stem in place so that it doesn't flop all over the place when transporting.
Wavshrdr
04-20-06, 11:42 AM
This Super-Boardwalk cannot be compared to a BF
The Dahon folds Right Now and the BF folds...well...eventually.
Dahon- Fold 1 or more times a day
BF- Fold once or twice per international trip.
CE
This is not entirely accurate. Some models of BF are not so “folder friendly” while others fold better than you might think and can be folded in about 15 seconds. I’d much rather have the BF frame in general than Dahon. Also to note you can buy a NEW BF for the upper $600’s. So you could have a pretty sweet BF fixie for not much more than a “Super Boardwalk”.
I totally appreciate the effort that goes into any project of customization. At the end of the day though a customized “Yugo” is still a Yugo and a Porsche will still be a Porsche. Of course the Yugo needs all the help it can get and for must people the Porsche will need just a few touches to display the “individuality” of its owner. I am not saying the Boardwalk is a Yugo but from the outset it sure wasn’t designed to be a Porsche either.
If it were my bike I’d remove the Dahon decals and rename it as my “own” brand. Since there isn’t too much (thankfully) left of the original Boardwalk anyway why not? Maybe you have started something. The Boardwalk will become the “import tuner bike” of 2006! I can see it now. It will be on the cover of “Import Tuner” right next to a turbo Honda Civic Si in a matching paint scheme. Inside the Si will be a “custom” folding bike holder…
The Dahon folds Right Now and the BF folds...well...eventually.
Dahon- Fold 1 or more times a day
BF- Fold once or twice per international trip.
CE
This is not entirely accurate. Some models of BF are not so “folder friendly” while others fold better than you might think and can be folded in about 15 seconds. I’d much rather have the BF frame in general than Dahon. Also to note you can buy a NEW BF for the upper $600’s. So you could have a pretty sweet BF fixie for not much more than a “Super Boardwalk”.
I totally appreciate the effort that goes into any project of customization. At the end of the day though a customized “Yugo” is still a Yugo and a Porsche will still be a Porsche. Of course the Yugo needs all the help it can get and for must people the Porsche will need just a few touches to display the “individuality” of its owner. I am not saying the Boardwalk is a Yugo but from the outset it sure wasn’t designed to be a Porsche either.
If it were my bike I’d remove the Dahon decals and rename it as my “own” brand. Since there isn’t too much (thankfully) left of the original Boardwalk anyway why not? Maybe you have started something. The Boardwalk will become the “import tuner bike” of 2006! I can see it now. It will be on the cover of “Import Tuner” right next to a turbo Honda Civic Si in a matching paint scheme. Inside the Si will be a “custom” folding bike holder…
CRM
04-20-06, 12:21 PM
CRM - looking at your folded pic above, have you tried folding your stem down first and then pushing the seatpost down so that the seat is over the stem? Seems like this will sort of "lock" the stem in place so that it doesn't flop all over the place when transporting.
You're right... the bars can be folded down in front of the seat tube, behind the seat tube (with a bit of twisting), or on top of the seat like I have it. I find that the latter is the quickest to get in and out of.
...oh yeah, it can also be folded by turning the wheel 180 degrees and folding the bars down to the outside of the bike, but this creates a huge protrusion to the side.
You're right... the bars can be folded down in front of the seat tube, behind the seat tube (with a bit of twisting), or on top of the seat like I have it. I find that the latter is the quickest to get in and out of.
...oh yeah, it can also be folded by turning the wheel 180 degrees and folding the bars down to the outside of the bike, but this creates a huge protrusion to the side.
CrimsonEclipse
04-20-06, 08:39 PM
Hey Wavshrdr. Which BF is a fast folder?
(didn't know there was one)
So, to make a fab folder, why not just buy a Boardwalk frame, and skip a step.
CE
(didn't know there was one)
So, to make a fab folder, why not just buy a Boardwalk frame, and skip a step.
CE
Wavshrdr
04-20-06, 10:59 PM
Honestly I've answered this question before but here goes again. It is not a super fast fold but it doesn't take several minutes. Typically about 30 seconds or so. If you hustled you could do it quicker. You can even do their tandem in about 90 seconds if you buy the "folding" version. People quite often only think of BF as a "travel" bike which all of them are but their fold isn't bad either for a lot of their models. Rear wheel tucks under sort of like a Brompton. Only thing that could be improved substantially would potentially be the handlebar stem. It comes off rather than folds down.
If your idea of a "fab folder" is starting with a Boardwalk then we have different ideas of what "fab" is.
For a movie go here:
http://www.bikefriday.com/images/news/WEBS%20Hanz%20folding%20BF.mov
For step by step instruction go here:
http://www.bikefriday.com/folding.cfm
If you want one of the best "folder"; buy a Brompton or a Merc. If you want one of the best "folding" bikes then buy a Swift or a BF. As an actual bike the BF and Swift are better "bicycles" and nobody trumps the fold of the Brompton (or Merc). In between these extremes lie most of the other folders/travel bikes. Dahon tries to be many things to many people without really being great at anything. Not a bad bike but not a great one either in the 16"-20" wheel segment.
If your idea of a "fab folder" is starting with a Boardwalk then we have different ideas of what "fab" is.
For a movie go here:
http://www.bikefriday.com/images/news/WEBS%20Hanz%20folding%20BF.mov
For step by step instruction go here:
http://www.bikefriday.com/folding.cfm
If you want one of the best "folder"; buy a Brompton or a Merc. If you want one of the best "folding" bikes then buy a Swift or a BF. As an actual bike the BF and Swift are better "bicycles" and nobody trumps the fold of the Brompton (or Merc). In between these extremes lie most of the other folders/travel bikes. Dahon tries to be many things to many people without really being great at anything. Not a bad bike but not a great one either in the 16"-20" wheel segment.
james_swift
04-21-06, 07:37 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBIwu-q5lX0&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcommutebybike%2Ecom%2F2006%2F03%2F07%2Fxootr%2Dswift%2Dreview%2F
CrimsonEclipse
04-21-06, 10:10 AM
Interesting.
I'll stick with a Dahon. BF probably has a quality advantage, but that quick fold looks too clunky on the BF.
CE
I'll stick with a Dahon. BF probably has a quality advantage, but that quick fold looks too clunky on the BF.
CE
Wavshrdr
04-21-06, 11:40 AM
Well there is not only a quality advantage but from an engineering perspective to split your main backbone introduces all kinds of structural issues. You can compensate for them to some extent but you almost always end up in adding weight. BFs are generally pretty light and strong. If you are a big rider you can have one built stronger to compensate.
In reality the fold is pretty easy. Just takes a little getting used to just like the Bromptons. The Swift is still the fastest folder I know of. The BF could match the Dahons fold quite easliy by make the handlebar stem fold instead of remove. It is stronger and lighter the way it is and this is what Swift has as well.
If you want to see something really cool, check out the BF Two's Day tandem that folds up. It weighs mid 30's and is a high performance tandem that actually folds to not much bigger than a Dahon. Obviously not as fast to fold since it is bigger but it is pretty cool.
Dahon is a good bang for the buck folder but it isn't every remotely the highest quality or "best" folder out there. They are like the Chevrolets of the bike market (if you exclude the Corvette). A wide range of mundane to semi-exciting offerings and sometimes a few forays off into unchartered territories. Sometimes I think they change just for change's sake and no realy benefit.
For all you Chevy and Dahon owners I am not insulting your marques. They are a good place to start but nobody dreams about owning one as their ultimate bike or car usually.
In reality the fold is pretty easy. Just takes a little getting used to just like the Bromptons. The Swift is still the fastest folder I know of. The BF could match the Dahons fold quite easliy by make the handlebar stem fold instead of remove. It is stronger and lighter the way it is and this is what Swift has as well.
If you want to see something really cool, check out the BF Two's Day tandem that folds up. It weighs mid 30's and is a high performance tandem that actually folds to not much bigger than a Dahon. Obviously not as fast to fold since it is bigger but it is pretty cool.
Dahon is a good bang for the buck folder but it isn't every remotely the highest quality or "best" folder out there. They are like the Chevrolets of the bike market (if you exclude the Corvette). A wide range of mundane to semi-exciting offerings and sometimes a few forays off into unchartered territories. Sometimes I think they change just for change's sake and no realy benefit.
For all you Chevy and Dahon owners I am not insulting your marques. They are a good place to start but nobody dreams about owning one as their ultimate bike or car usually.
knight9413
04-21-06, 12:11 PM
I like it... those pics give me motivation...
spambait11
04-21-06, 12:35 PM
Folding tandems rule, especially because there are so few of them! ;P But BF's newer Two'sDay looks far easier to manage and fold than the older ones; the folding seatposts as opposed to the telescopic ones make the difference.
I see that the 2006 has new curves and an improved hinge; hard to get better pics than CRM's since nobody who sells these seems to update their pics. The stock handlbars are a downgrade IMO, but the drops handle that situation nicely. Plus he has a nice coaster brake emergency wheel as back up.
Not trying to encourage further consumerism or anything, but as far as the Boardwalk goes, it's the perfect bike to experiment with. I wish I had gone this route first.
I see that the 2006 has new curves and an improved hinge; hard to get better pics than CRM's since nobody who sells these seems to update their pics. The stock handlbars are a downgrade IMO, but the drops handle that situation nicely. Plus he has a nice coaster brake emergency wheel as back up.
Not trying to encourage further consumerism or anything, but as far as the Boardwalk goes, it's the perfect bike to experiment with. I wish I had gone this route first.
CRM
04-21-06, 12:36 PM
I got some new pedals! I've been wanting these for a while for my speed, but I got them for the boardwalk instead... I wonder if I can get just a set of couplers? hmmm...
Wavshrdr
04-21-06, 01:27 PM
On some levels I understand the logic of buying a cheap bike to start with. I would think though that most people would go with a multi-speed bike rather than a single speed Boardwalk. If you do that then you end up even throwing away more dollars. The flip side is the average cycle enthusiast isn’t going to find much to love about a basic Boardwalk as they are just cheaply made.
I think the single speed Boardwalk appeals to someone who lives in a pretty flat area is either on a very tight budget or wants a project bike. I’d be interested in knowing what are the ratios of single speed Boardwalk vs. their derailleur brothers. Although I can’t really see buying a multi-speed Boardwalk new when there are better bikes in the Dahon lineup for not much more $$$.
I love to tinker too. It is all comes down to what platform you want to start with and your budget. Don’t start with too cheap of a platform because in the long run it could cost you more than you expected. For example I can’t say the BB on my Boardwalk is great. I get a lot of play and wobble in it. My kids don’t notice it but I do. Things like this add up if I start replacing them. If you want to go this route better to just find a used one and start with the frame if it’s in good shape or see if you can just buy a frame.
It still reminds me of the saying “making a silk purse out of a sow’s ear”. I understand the tuner market quite well. I built a few turbo Hondas. However at the end of the day I still had a Honda even if it was surprisingly expensive Honda. Or did I? Only thing left one time was the frame and few odds and ends. No originally body panels except maybe the roof. I could have probably bought a nice Porsche for the money I spent on it before I got it out of my system. Fortunately I pretty much learned from that mistake and at least if you mod a few things on a bicycle it won’t cost you way too much unless you go very esoteric parts and I am not going to do that. Looking at some of the other forums here there are some seriously gung-ho people out there spending a lot of cash on their bikes. If that’s what you are into then enjoy it.
I do still like how the bike turned out even if not my style. I can ALWAYS appreciate the planning and effort that goes into it. I too will be interested when it is all done or will it ever be?
I think the single speed Boardwalk appeals to someone who lives in a pretty flat area is either on a very tight budget or wants a project bike. I’d be interested in knowing what are the ratios of single speed Boardwalk vs. their derailleur brothers. Although I can’t really see buying a multi-speed Boardwalk new when there are better bikes in the Dahon lineup for not much more $$$.
I love to tinker too. It is all comes down to what platform you want to start with and your budget. Don’t start with too cheap of a platform because in the long run it could cost you more than you expected. For example I can’t say the BB on my Boardwalk is great. I get a lot of play and wobble in it. My kids don’t notice it but I do. Things like this add up if I start replacing them. If you want to go this route better to just find a used one and start with the frame if it’s in good shape or see if you can just buy a frame.
It still reminds me of the saying “making a silk purse out of a sow’s ear”. I understand the tuner market quite well. I built a few turbo Hondas. However at the end of the day I still had a Honda even if it was surprisingly expensive Honda. Or did I? Only thing left one time was the frame and few odds and ends. No originally body panels except maybe the roof. I could have probably bought a nice Porsche for the money I spent on it before I got it out of my system. Fortunately I pretty much learned from that mistake and at least if you mod a few things on a bicycle it won’t cost you way too much unless you go very esoteric parts and I am not going to do that. Looking at some of the other forums here there are some seriously gung-ho people out there spending a lot of cash on their bikes. If that’s what you are into then enjoy it.
I do still like how the bike turned out even if not my style. I can ALWAYS appreciate the planning and effort that goes into it. I too will be interested when it is all done or will it ever be?
rdh
04-21-06, 08:42 PM
To see another take on how to get a really snazzy Boardwalk, look at the new (but limited) Hon Solo (http://www.dahon.com/us/honsolo.htm). It is a nice combination of retro and classiness. In my opinion, with this model, Dahon shows what you can do with a decent, but inexpensive frame to get something really unique. The steel frame makes it a very good platform for modification. Although I like the performance of the higher-end Speed frame found on the P8, TR and Pro models, it doesn't have the classic look of the Boardwalk.
Dahon started making some of their frames (but not the Boardwalk) available this year. My guess is that Boardwalk frames would sell like hotcakes to many of the customizers out there.
Dahon started making some of their frames (but not the Boardwalk) available this year. My guess is that Boardwalk frames would sell like hotcakes to many of the customizers out there.
spambait11
04-21-06, 09:12 PM
Don't know about the Solo. For some reason, that model screams to me "silk purse...sow's ear" as Wav would say: old frame with unnecessary bling trying to be passed off as a one of a kind folding Rivendell - only to the fist 800+ people.
CRM's is not as pretentious and looks like it will get used. That is real appeal.
CRM's is not as pretentious and looks like it will get used. That is real appeal.
gbcb
04-22-06, 03:17 AM
@Wavshrdr: I understand what you're saying, but since I've been thinking of doing something similar to CRM, I must respectfully disagree with your conclusions. I think the Dahon Boardwalk is a good platform for this sort of thing -- it's an inexpensive base of reasonable quality that you can tinker with as the money becomes available. You might spend more money in the long run, but you don't have to plunk down that big wad of cash up front. And in the end, if CRM is happy with his bike, isn't that all that counts?
The rim is a Sun CR18. It's strong and has a nice shine to it.
Shiny is good :)
The rim is a Sun CR18. It's strong and has a nice shine to it.
Shiny is good :)
acavengo
05-12-06, 11:50 PM
I converted a Boardwalk S1 to a fixed gear back in November/December of 05. I had never ridden a fixed gear before and I wanted to test it out, so I started with a cheap bike. I now am thinking of getting a better frame for my parts, just missed out on a good price for a Dahon Vitesse D5 frame, so the plan is still that, just a plan.
Still planning one final upgrade to the Boardwalk, but here it is in its current state.
The "manage attachments" page is giving me trouble b/c of file size, so here is a link to the picture I posted on the Dahon forum: My fixed Boardwalk (http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?act=Attach&type=post&id=421)
Still planning one final upgrade to the Boardwalk, but here it is in its current state.
The "manage attachments" page is giving me trouble b/c of file size, so here is a link to the picture I posted on the Dahon forum: My fixed Boardwalk (http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?act=Attach&type=post&id=421)
progre-ss
05-13-06, 09:56 AM
Maybe you have started something. The Boardwalk will become the “import tuner bike” of 2006! I can see it now. It will be on the cover of “Import Tuner” right next to a turbo Honda Civic Si in a matching paint scheme. Inside the Si will be a “custom” folding bike holder…
Hmmm...since I'm in the market for a folding bike I can convert to a fixie (see the thread I started), and since I am in the process of fixing up my 1990 Honda CRX...lol!
Hmmm...since I'm in the market for a folding bike I can convert to a fixie (see the thread I started), and since I am in the process of fixing up my 1990 Honda CRX...lol!
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