Folding Bikes - New Dahon Speed D7

I just bought a new D7 from an eBay dealer. It arrived today, and I am very happy with this bike! I had to fiddle with the rear derailleur barrel adjuster due to an auto-shift problem, but that was easy enough to do. My DF bike had the exact same problem when I bought it last summer, so I know that's a common problem that's easily fixed. This is my first folder: you folks talked me into it. And thank you.

I am also thinking about getting a Dahon Speed D7. Would you recommend it. Are the new handbar posts a big improvement on 2006 model. Would you say the bike is ridgid? Sorry to ask so many questions
Thanks

Hermitt- I was in your exact position a few months back when I ended up purchasing my first folder, the Speed D7. I was considering both the '06 and '07 models, but I chose the '06..here's why:

1. Esthetically, I preferred the look of the '06 model (Morrocan Blue vs. Pea Soup green)
2. The primary difference between the two models is the adjustable handlebar tube on the '07 model. While this is a nice feature, if you're between 5'4" and 6'2", the fixed handlebar should be OK (I'm 5'10").
3. There was a big difference in price between the two models . The web dealer I dealt with (www.brandscycle.com) had both models, but the '06 model was much cheaper (I bought a brand new '06 Speed D7 for the all in price of $300, including tax and shipping).

The bike handles very well, is extremely sturdy and relatively lightweight. Although there was a small problem of a missing screw for the seat lock, Brandscycle and Dahon were extremely professional and they sent me the part out immediately, free of charge. I couldn't be happier with this purchase. By the way, re: point 3) on pricing..... This pertains to US pricing..see two posts I excerpted below re: UK pricing that might be helpful to you ....)
Hope this info helps

To answer Hermitt: The D7 I bought is the '06 model. The handlebars are NOT height adjustable, and that presents me with no trouble at all. FWIW I am 5' 10 1/2". I've only ridden 5 miles or so, and the bike certainly seems rigid enough. My wife wants to take it for a test spin, and I'll report back with her impression(s); she's about 5' 2", and the handlebar height may be an issue for her. We'll see. I spent the morning fine tuning the brakes, oiling the latch hinges, checking yesterday's deraiulleur adjustment (fine!), checking the cone bearings for grease (yes), and generally checking things out. I, too, prefer the '06 Morrocon Blue color. I paid a total of $290 for the bike and shipping. Oh-I was very impressed with the bike when riding uphill. I gladly accept a reduced top speed in exchange for lower gearing.

:eek: good job, biketony. You even beat my deal! ;) It's a great bike, isn't it? Enjoy!:o

:eek: good job, biketony. You even beat my deal! ;) It's a great bike, isn't it? Enjoy!:o

Why thank you! In between my last post and this one, I rode downtown to get a cup of coffee. OK, I rode downtown to RIDE MY NEW BIKE, with the coffee being merely an excuse. Not only is this bike fun, but to be able to scrunch it together and carry it indoors is really great. I remain very impressed with the gearing; coming home is uphill, and this 7 speed performs very well. This IS a great bike!

Update-my wife, Mrs Biketony, took the D7 for a quick spin and...loved it. She had no problem at all with the non-adjusting handlebar stem. As a matter of fact, she didn't even notice that that might be a concern; the fit looked good and she liked the bike. As I mentioned previously, she's about 5' 2". Her main bike is a step-through frame Trek 7100 (the proverbial 'girl's bike') that has 700 tires. Her comment was that she really liked the handling of the Dahon-it felt sporty to her.

Took advantage of the continued warm, dry weather in Portland, OR area today. Completed our 2nd 20+ mile ride of the week. Me on my Boardwalk S1 and the wife on her Boardwalk D7. Did the Springwater Corridor from just east of I205 to OMSI, on the edge of downtown Portland (21 miles round-trip). It's on an old railroad bed, so the inclines, except for one city-street detour, are very gentle.

Wife's only bike for last two yrs has been the D7. She is 5'8" and finds the geometry to be good, although she admits she doesn't know the difference since she has never had a custom fitted bike. The S1 with it's variable height handle bar post and the added Titec short bar ends aren't bad for me either, better than my D7 (I'm 6'3" barefoot with very long arms).

There were LOTS of folks out biking - it's sort of like a bike freeway - some were pushing pretty high gears as they passed us, but hey, we are 64 & 62 and not daily riders. Not sure how much better we'd do om a quality product as we have never had anything much better. Our previous bikes over the last 40 yrs have been Schwinn Collegiates, Varsitys and Miradas (5, 10, & 15 Spds). Better bearings and components might make it a little easier.

Thanks everyone. Great advise. So it seems there is no real different between the D7 2006 and 2007 models (Except colour/handlebar post adjustement on 2007,price etc)
Im 5'5" so the 2006 should be ok for me. I did worry incase the 2007 adjustable post was of some importance.
There is not much different money wise for 2006 and 2007..a difference of £30.

I did worry incase the 2007 adjustable post was of some importance.
There is not much different money wise for 2006 and 2007..a difference of £30.

This is only important if you are looking for a more aero position, as the fixed post will have you sitting basically upright. If that's good for you, then save yourself the extra money over the newer model,

Juan

Hewitt-
You should also register your bike on the Dahon website http://www.dahon.com AND check out the discussion board. it's really very active and the Dahon technicians are quite good at answering questions and providing assistance.

Hi all--I had a *very* bad experience with Brands. They sold me a bike that had been damaged in shipping. After repeated phone calls, they told me a manager would call, but s/he never did. Fortunately, I was able to claim insurance from my credit card, and was refunded the cost of a new frame.

My two bits about telescoping stems: if you don't need to fit it in a 29" suitcase and fit the bike, the fixed stem is much more rigid. The telescoping stem seems like it will break off, and in fact (if you check the Dahon forums) has on occasion.

I'm glad you had a good experience with Brands. If something big goes wrong, though, don't count on them!

Congrats on your new folder. I enjoying my recent acquisition.

mokaimo-
I think you got the better half of the deal. In addition to the anti-theft ; ) sage color, there are a few other subtle positve differences in the '07 model. As already discussed, the '07 model has the adjustable (and pricier) Radius handlepost (aluminum) rather than the steel Integrus handlepost. Also (per the Dahon site), the $379 list price '07 Dahon also has:

• Linear springs in the brake instead of coil (stays in adjustment longer and easier to adjust)
• Nicer SKS fenders
• Updated folding pedals - improved durability
• A lighter, nicer, radial lacing pattern for the front wheel
• and last but not least - Dahon's new logo and graphics

It has a different latching mechansim (the click lock instead of the magnet) to keep the bike secured when folded.

Dahon has a corporate mission to improve each year's new model by15%, so like I said, I think you got a great deal. brandscycle gave me an '06 model for $300 all in, so anything costing less than that (especially if it's the better designed new '07 "sage" model) is a great deal. Enjoy and congratulations!

I just bought a new D7 from an eBay dealer. It arrived today, and I am very happy with this bike! I had to fiddle with the rear derailleur barrel adjuster due to an auto-shift problem, but that was easy enough to do. My DF bike had the exact same problem when I bought it last summer, so I know that's a common problem that's easily fixed. This is my first folder: you folks talked me into it. And thank you.

Tony, what exactly was the problem and how did you fix it? Mine seems OK, but I'm just curious. I want to know what I should be looking for if this happens to me. Thanks

The problem was so-called "auto shifting". If I recall, the chain would skip from the 3rd to the 4th cog on it's own initiative. I just put the bike in my workstand and pedaled the bike by hand, while turning the barrel adjuster (the one at the rear derailleur. Wait...on this bike there is ONLY a rear derailleur!) until the auto shifting didn't occur. I kept shifting up and down to be sure that each shift was clean, and that the chain would stay on the cog in qustion. This process took less time than it's taking me to write about. Since then, I did a 20 mile round trip with no trouble at all.

FWIW, this is my quick-errand bike, or my there-and-back-whilst-unladen bike. My KHS Urban-X is my mule (especially when pulling a trailer!).