Bought a Folder Today

[oilfreeandhappy]

I won the bid on this Dahon Piccolo:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=ADME:B:EOIBSAA:US:11&Item=230089962168

I can't wait to start riding it. I'm actually going to St. Louis on business for 3 weeks, and having it shipped there, so I can commute on it. I plan on using the mass transit, in conjunction with my folder, for all my travel, weather permitting. If it's snowy or icy, I'll walk and take the transit.

[Dahon.Steve]

I had that same bike and rode the heck out of it. I must have put 5-7K miles before selling it. Buy a Brooks Champion Flyer or the Dahon suspension seat post and you'll ride for hours pain free.

[folder fanatic]

I recently bought a new Piccolo that was one of the last ever made-it's production run has ended. I have been very pleased with it. I only had to add a slightly blemished sprung saddle/seat to it and this addition made it the perfect bike for uses similar to yours (i.e. use on public transit, traveling, and all in out fun).

[oilfreeandhappy]

Any idea why they quit making them?

[DaFriMon]

Any idea why they quit making them?

Educated guess, they figure they have the 16 inch category covered with the two versions of the Curve, and it wouldn't help their sales to have them competing with the Piccolo.

[Wavshrdr]

No offense but it wasn't one of Dahon's best sellers. It could have used a wider gear range with smaller gaps between the gears. It doesn't have a very tiny fold either but should be good for what you want to do.

It will be a good bike to explore the folding bike scene. Dahon builds a good value bike in general. You bought at a price that has little risk if you decide to sell it later and buy what might suit you better if the Piccolo doesn't turn out to be what you want. You will appreciate the fenders if you ride in the rain and having a rack has always been useful for me.

Congrats on your new bike. Welcomd to the folding section of the forum.

[oilfreeandhappy]

Thanks for the welcome. I feel like a kid waiting for Santa to bring my Christmas present!

[Wavshrdr]

I know the feeling. Worst for me was when I ordered my Swift. From the time I actually placed the order until the bike was in my hands was 6 weeks. It was terrible to wait that long as I had ordered it before Christmas hoping it would arrive. It wasn't to be as it came almost a month later. I have to say it was worth the wait!

Take the time to check everything over before you ride. If you don't know what to do, take it to a bike shop for a quick tune-up/inspection. Have them check the wheels, shifter and brakes at a minimum before you go for a ride. Shipping can sometimes be rough on bikes.

[Dahon.Steve]

Educated guess, they figure they have the 16 inch category covered with the two versions of the Curve, and it wouldn't help their sales to have them competing with the Piccolo.

I still think they should have kept the Presto Lite. It was an upgrade to the Piccolo and even the Presto. In fact, the Presto Lite is really Dahon's only folder that one could carry 100 yards without having to swich arms due to the weight.