Dahon's '06 Speed D7 vs. the '07 model....

[keithnyc]

OK, ok...I've been going on and on about how much nicer (style and color-wise) the cobalt-blue '06 model is compared to the pea-soup green '07 model. But I must admit, I finally saw the '07 model in action at my local bike shop and it's not too bad. Not the sportiest color around, but not bad at all.... :rolleyes: I still prefer my cobalt blue, but if they had accidently sent me the '07 model instead of the older one, I wouldn't be screaming for a return.

[folder fanatic]

OK, ok...I've been going on and on about how much nicer (style and color-wise) the cobalt-blue '06 model is compared to the pea-soup green '07 model. But I must admit, I finally saw the '07 model in action at my local bike shop and it's not too bad. Not the sportiest color around, but not bad at all.... :rolleyes: I still prefer my cobalt blue, but if they had accidently sent me the '07 model instead of the older one, I wouldn't be screaming for a return.

Sometimes, I think that bike makers like Dahon appear to check their brains in at the door and give their bikes the most horrid color(s) imaginable. Especially when there is only one choice involved with any given model. I think the designers might consider a course in Art or something like that. Keith is an excellent example of a customer that is very attractive to a color that is used and is honest about how it is important in his choice of a bike. If you want the potential/actual customer to be attracted to and acutally use the bike, take into account these little things.

[Bacciagalupe]

Sometimes, I think that bike makers like Dahon appear to check their brains in at the door and give their bikes the most horrid color(s) imaginable....
I dunno, I am particularly fond of "Mariner Blue."

For all the things Dahon screws up, I think they actually do pretty well in the aesthetics department. I couldn't possibly say why, but I like the looks of their bikes better than the others, except maybe the Bridgestone Moultons.

[keithnyc]

Folder, I guess you're right on this. Considering that there was only one color choice, why someone would select pea-soup is beyond me (by the way, the color really isn't called pea-soup, it's something like moss green something or other, but it really does remind me of pale green pea soup).

But maybe they looked at their target audience for that kind of bike (i.e., it's definitely not the sporty, rugged high-octane mountain bike, but more a budget-conscience, knock around kind of low intensity bike) and figured a more muted, sedate color would be more appealing (and would also get someone like me to consider spending a little bit more money for a sportier model, albeit with a nicer color)......

Either way, I'm glad I was able to pick up the '06 model with the color I wanted at a great price.

[keithnyc]

Yup, the color is sage. Sounds much nicer than pea-soup! ;) :D
By the way Mokaimo, GREAT design!

[folder fanatic]

Folder, I guess you're right on this. Considering that there was only one color choice, why someone would select pea-soup is beyond me (by the way, the color really isn't called pea-soup, it's something like moss green something or other, but it really does remind me of pale green pea soup).

But maybe they looked at their target audience for that kind of bike (i.e., it's definitely not the sporty, rugged high-octane mountain bike, but more a budget-conscience, knock around kind of low intensity bike) and figured a more muted, sedate color would be more appealing (and would also get someone like me to consider spending a little bit more money for a sportier model, albeit with a nicer color)......

Either way, I'm glad I was able to pick up the '06 model with the color I wanted at a great price.

In the end, IMO I think that it is the purchaser of the bike feels and what the bike offers him/her is the most important part of the equation. The color is an added bonus since it really does not change the way the individual bike or the model/make performs-that is where selection of the components or accessories can make or break a bike.