Bicycle Mechanics - Steering wonky on folder

Dahon SpeedPro if you're wondering. Turning the steering column with the bike aloft in my other hand, it feels like there's molasses in there somewhere. Riding it, yikes! It feels very unstable. Any idea what's up? I realize that not many here are familiar with the innards of my folder's steering column (FYI, integrated headset).

your headset is probably too tight. while i'm not certain of how to adjust such a beast, that is probably the case. either that or it's new, and simply has to break in.

as far as feeling unstable while riding...with 20" wheels and the headtube angle common on most dahon folders, "unstable" is par of the course.

So how does an integrated headset get too tight and how does one adjust? I have no clue. Anyhow, by "unstable" I mean really unstable, not just squirrelly.

Folders make performance trade offs. High speed steering is one. At high speeds youy bicycle is dangerous, avoid high speeds. You did not buy a road rocket. You stear mostly by shifting your weight. the handle bars are most important at very low speeds. The headset might be tight to keep it from fluttering at high speeds.

My Strida is very 'squirrelly', needless to say I do not ride at high speeds and it's design makes high speeds very difficult to attain.

Heh, I can be pretty good on the SpeedPro until about 35mph. The problem is even riding up and down the block, the sticky steering makes things unstable.

Dahon has there own forums, which are likely monitored by Dahon personel. You might post there and post the answer here just incase some hits your post on a search. You might also email them directly if you think the issue is saftey related or even a defect.

I stick with my opinion that folders are not meant for high speeds. That is not to say they cannot reach those speeds, but an unexpected road defect might be the end.

Discretion is the better part of valor, and collecting a military pension.

The infamous Dahon/Forester web page that probably applies to most folding bikes.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=dahon+forester&btnG=Search

Already posted on Dahon's board. :D

A 1989 report on folders? Please! You really should try the SpeedPro. It's really a great ride, even better on the '06 model (slightly stiffer).