Folding Bikes - Any reason not to buy a low-end Dahon ?

I know zip about folders, but a local shop, well-established, has recently become a Dahon dealer. I've been thinking about getting one so I don't have to put on the Yakima rack and load the bike for day trips and weekenders, when I don't plan a major ride but would sort of like to have the option. It would primarily be used for short, casual rides (10 miles or less, I imagine), mostly on pavement, and I already have two good bikes, so I don't need (or want) to spend a lot on it.
Any reason why I shouldn't buy a low-end Dahon, something like a D7 or Mariner? Anybody got another recommendation?
--Thanks

We do similar rides - max to date is 14 miles. We are in our early 60's and find our Boardwalk D7s to be very adequate. We have a small camping trailer (it also folds!), and the fact the bikes fold has made transporting and storing them very easy. That also fit in our Toyota Yaris Liftback, along with out luggage, for non-camping trips. We have been folding, unfolding and riding them for two years with zero problems.

FYI, my 2005 Boardwalk S1 (single-speed) is also very good on the relatively level Portland & Vancouver bike trails. However, if you're only going to have one folder, something with gears would be your best choice.

Another possible choice would likely be a Downtube, which seems to also get very good ratings on this Forum.

FYI: Having a nearby dealer who sells and understands folders (Coventry Cycle Works in Portland is ours) is a big plus.

I agree with Foldable Two -- I have a Boardwalk D7 (now SS), and I think it's a great little bike. I ride it everywhere -- even on a 95km ride last Friday -- and have travelled with it several times. Go for it!

It would primarily be used for short, casual rides (10 miles or less, I imagine), mostly on pavement, and I already have two good bikes, so I don't need (or want) to spend a lot on it.
Any reason why I shouldn't buy a low-end Dahon, something like a D7 or Mariner? Anybody got another recommendation?
--Thanks
I think it'd be fine for those uses. I don't use my Mariner for rides over 30 miles anymore but it makes a good "beater" bike.

One hitch on the lowest-end models: the handlebars are not adjustable, so unless you're really tall you're going to sit very upright. (I'm 5' 8" and the bars are 1-2" higher than the saddle...). So if it works for you on a test ride you should be fine.

. . .
One hitch on the lowest-end models: the handlebars are not adjustable, so unless you're really tall you're going to sit very upright. (I'm 5' 8" and the bars are 1-2" higher than the saddle...). So if it works for you on a test ride you should be fine.

I'm 5' 7", and don't like fixed height bars either. The 2007 Speed D7 and Mariner D7, though, both have adjustable height bars according to the specs. An upgrade this year. If you buy a 2006 model, you'll get the fixed height bars.

The lower end Dahons are good value for money IMHO. In this price range, I think their closest competition is Downtube and themselves. They make re-branded Dahons for other companies such as Breezer.

i saw that post also..
and i think i'll try that ..
since it's a non- ajust-STEEL stem..anyway
i'll cut it ..
and use a alum stem and stuff it in the hole and tighten it..

problably woild'nt do it on my other dahon with an alum stem ..
just not sure it would hold up..

I thought about a Dahon for months. I tried one out at Camping World and when folding it, a part broke off. I felt I was being careful. I approached the manager and they didn't seem to care. I didn't seem to care much for the quality of my short ride either. I looked online at ones such as the Speed 8, D7, Mariner and noticed most the lower models do not have an adjustable handle post.

I have several other bikes and am not used to a "Mary Poppins" type seating style. I wanted an adjustable stem height.

My efforts to contact Dahon were sometimes successful and usually took a second inquiry waiting days for a response. It was never clear if the Camping World bikes were representive of the quality of the other bikes. The side of the bike stated Dahon and it also said boardwalk and was a single speed just like the boardwalk listed online. But the rep that contacted me said the Camping World bikes were made by Yeah bike and were heavier? Why would you put your name and same model name on something that was of lower quality?

I did some searching for reviews on roadbike review.com and came across a review for a Downtube, it looked promising. Found one on ebay. They sell between $200-220 about 100 less than my D7 option and I have been happy from there on out. Downtubes website even refered me to this site. Finally when I emailed Downtube, I always got a response, usually the same day. I am looking at getting a Mini Downtube now.

One more time. The 2007 Dahons, even the low end ones. *do* have adjustable stem heights. :)

I'd suggest buying either from an LBS that knows bicycles, or from an Internet dealer that knows bicycles. A camping goods store is probably not the best choice for buying any bicycle unless they just happen to have an employee who's a good bike mechanic.

Somewhere in this forum I saw someone cut the handlebar post and attach a conventional stem.
I'm not sure that would work, since mine is aluminum and the handlepost is tapered. Maybe I'll check with the LBS....

"...so I don't have to put on the Yakima rack and load the bike for day trips and weekenders, when I don't plan a major ride but would sort of like to have the option. It would primarily be used for short, casual rides (10 miles or less, I imagine), mostly on pavement, and I already have two good bikes, so I don't need (or want) to spend a lot on it.
Any reason why I shouldn't buy a low-end Dahon, something like a D7 or Mariner? Anybody got another recommendation?" -Velo Dog

Hello Velo Dog and Welcome to this Forum,

I own 2 Dahon bikes one 20 inch 2003 Boardwalk similar to the Speed D7 and Mariner that you expessed interest in, and a 16 inch 2006 Piccolo purchased just a few months ago. Both bikes are considered at the lower end of the model spectrum at Dahon. But for the things and situations that I have and will continue to use these bikes in, I never had a second pang of regret for not purchasing a higher end model. I use mine for similar purposes that you expressed above plus addtional unexpected and unforseen experiences like collecting flying money back in May 2005 or whereabouts. And for much sadder emergency situations like when my father suffered his last late night heart attack and my mother needed taxi fare and personal I.D. right away and the family car was not available. It is not the price so much as the flexibility these bikes offer it's owners. The only thing that I recommend is to buy new for the warranty protection and the tune up service that a good shop offers. For more information, see below: