***EDIT***
I found my next fixed gear project bike. See my post somewhere below
***EDIT***

Hello all,

You can usually find me in the singlespeed/fixed gear forum although I haven't been there much lately either. Been spending way to much time on my Honda CRX (yes, I mentioned a car on a bike forum). Anyhoo... I'm looking at finding me a Dahon Boardwalk 1 or Swift Folder in order to convert it to a fixed gear commuter. My company is most likely moving to NYC from NJ and I'd like a folder that I'll be able to take on the PATH at all times rather than waiting until after peak hours to board with my full-sized fixie. I've seen the fixed gear folders here and am quite impressed with what I saw. Anyways, if someone can point me in the right direction as to what folders I should be looking for that would be great. I'm not looking to spend a lot of cash. I really like the Swift Folder but can't justify forking over that much cash to then strip it down to it's bare minimum. And yes, an email was sent out to both Xootr and Peter in regards to buying a frame/fork only but I have yet to hear back from Peter. Xootr did reply and told me they only sold complete bikes and didn't even forward me to Peter. Weird eh? Or if anyone has an old folder they are looking to get rid of... send me a PM! If it comes down to it, I may order a Dahon Boardwalk 1 from an online retailer as they seem to be selling for fairly cheap. Thanks in advance!

progress

In terms of the Boardwalk S1:
- CRM did a fix/free mod; got the wheel made from Harris Cyclery and they didn't have to spread the chainstays as they were able to space it at 110mm. He has pics as well.

- the front hub may be problematic (on at least two that have been reported). My hub gets loose going over rough terrain. Yesterday was the second time I had to retighten the cones using red loctite. Plus they are an unusual 74mm size. I bet the forks could be spread to fit a "standard" 100mm hub, but your fold won't be as compact.

- the S1 is a heavy bike: all steel :) . To make it lighter will cost you - seatpost, seatpost shim, handlebar, revolve stem, saddle, pedals, wheelset(?) etc. Make sure you won't be spending more on a Swift.

- Dahons have a lot of innovations, but sometimes the innovations are suspect (read jackcoke's thread as an example. And I agree with him - what a poor design). However, the S1 still uses the older (and reliable) latch system which does not have the delrin problem.

- my 2005 came with an adjustable handlepost. The new 2006s come with a solid handlepost. CRM cut his down and fit a stem. I just bought a Revolve stem and replaced my top part.

- Dahons fold smaller, if it matters. I don't care what all the Swift enthusiasts say, their fold has only one advantage: it's quick. But it is a bulky package when folded.

Lots of other info on both bikes here.

Well, got an email back from Peter over the weekend and he is currently out of Swift framesets although he is looking to have more made in 2 to 3 months. Might even be able to offer the new steel frame with 120mm rear spacing as well as the current aluminium ones spaced at 130mm before fall.

I did find a Dahon Boardwalk S1 used online and in my relative area for sale. Trying to talk the price down ;) This would be ideal as a starter bike whilst I save for a Swift frameset eh?

...a Dahon Boardwalk singlespeed. It was featured on ebay as well as Craigslist in the NJ area so I was able to pick it up earlier this afernoon. Looks almost brand new, doesn't look like it's been used at all. I brought it up to my office and my coworkers were taking turns riding it around the office. The seller mentioned in the ebay ad that this bike was retailing for close to $300 (they gave a link to the multi-geared Boardwalks on Dahon's site, hence the $300 retail value). I obiously paid less than that. I'll take pics when I get a chance. Cant wait to tear this sucker apart and "fix" it!

Let the "fixing" begin! ;)

But where will you post the pics? Here, SS/FG or the Commuter forum? ;) Congrats and have fun w/ it.

@progre-ss

Good luck with the fixed conversion. My only tip would be to make sure the main-frame latch is kept tight (I check mine before every ride). I found that after 600 miles or so, the hinge-mechanism was becoming increasingly “sloppy” on my fixed. I ascribed the increased play in the hinge to the gear that I push (78”), my weight/power, and all of the attendant stopping and starting.

I would like to add my voice to the Chorus. The Boardwalk S1 is probably best . I converted some yeah 6 speeds to fixies but an S1 is a much superior cannidate.