Folding Bikes - $15 Dahon -- Garbage? Keeper?

Ok, let me first say I this is my first post here in the folding bike forum, but I have lurked a few times. I always thought it would be neat to have a folding bike, but I had never owned one till today. I bought this Dahon today at a thrift store for $15. It had fenders and a chain guard both in very poor repair so I pulled ‘em off. I’d like to at least get a replacement chain guard as I can see it may keep me clean as I fold the bike.

I am guessing this is the lowest offering by Dahon at the time. It’s a “Getaway V” Any thoughts? Junk, or worth keeping? I gotta say, this thing is pretty squirrelly at speed. The wheels are tiny at 16”, is that normal? I thought modern folders has 20” wheels. Anyway, any opinions or feedback would be appreciated.

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w254/psu15540/DahonBefore5Medium.jpg
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w254/psu15540/DahonBefore7Medium.jpg
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w254/psu15540/DahonBefore17Medium.jpg

Why wouldn't you keep it? It's an older model, but for $15 it was a bargain if it's functional. And there are 16" wheel Dahons even today (Curve D3 and SL). Give it some lube, clean it up a bit and get out riding

16" wheels are actually quite common in folders. As for this bike in particular, I would say you got an OK deal for $15. It's an older model, and who knows maybe one day it will be considered a classic. :)

--sam

Keep it! I have one that I commute to work on daily. Looks like it was converted to a derailer from the 3 speed internal hub. How many gears? I really like mine, and I paid a fair amount more for it. Try it for a while and you may not want anything else.

Good luck.

Rob

I'de keep it. Will you let it go for $20 + reasonable shipping? Let me know.

If you were in Melbourne, I'd say to you throw it in the trash, and I happen to have a trash can handy. :D

great deal !!
i got one just like it for $25
also with a rear derail..
guess not all of those early dahon were SA hubs..

they are about 29 lb.
but still better than walking..

can't believe some of them go for alot of $$$ on ebay..
for a 20+ yr old bike ?
oh well..

I bought two a couple of weeks ago for $15 each and took one apart for my 20 to see if the wheels would fit and they do although they are 16 inch. Mine have the SA three speed.

If you know how to do your own repairs, it's probably worth keeping. If you don't, and something breaks, it could easily turn into a money pit or just not be worth fixing.

I've heard some pretty bad things about the older Dahons, though. So I wouldn't consider that bike to be, how should I say, terribly representative of modern folding bikes....

I would keep it.

$15 is a great deal... unless your have space problems for storage, I don't see why you'd want to get rid of it...if nothing else keep it as a city commute bike... if it gets stolen, your out $15 whoopeee...

If you know how to do your own repairs, it's probably worth keeping. If you don't, and something breaks, it could easily turn into a money pit or just not be worth fixing.

I've heard some pretty bad things about the older Dahons, though. So I wouldn't consider that bike to be, how should I say, terribly representative of modern folding bikes....

Not that i want to put of the OP (i think he got a Great deal and should ride the hell out of it) what is it you have heard?

I have one just like that but with the SA. I bought it for a vacation but it didn't make it on the plane (long story). I unfolded it once, went up and down the street on it, folded it back up and stuck it up on a shelf. I have no use for it and it seemed pretty crappy from my little test ride. Still, I paid more than $15 for mine and never ride it and I haven't felt the need to get rid of it so I'd hang on to it if I were you.

Not that i want to put of the OP (i think he got a Great deal and should ride the hell out of it) what is it you have heard?
I've heard that the older Dahons had poor reliability and poor ride quality. The modern Dahons are apparently much better made in many respects. Someone who used one of the older Dahons could give you a more accurate assesement though.

I'm also guessing that some parts, like the handlepost, would probably be very difficult to replace if they break.

If the OP rides his for a month or two and has fun, then it was worth it. I just don't want him to think that a $15 yard sale Dahon is truly representative of what you'd get with a modern folding bike. ;)

Call a LBS and ask what the cost to replace all cables and overhaul the hubs and Bottom Bracket of a bicycle is. Add that sum to $15. Then decide. Tires look to be in good condition.

I have one just like that but with the SA. I bought it for a vacation but it didn't make it on the plane (long story). I unfolded it once, went up and down the street on it, folded it back up and stuck it up on a shelf. I have no use for it and it seemed pretty crappy from my little test ride. Still, I paid more than $15 for mine and never ride it and I haven't felt the need to get rid of it so I'd hang on to it if I were you.

They don't have to be crappy, really. With a little effort, they are pretty good little bikes. Would I do a century on mine? I just might, but have not yet decided. Mine has been updgraded a bit, but they are good bikes. Waiting to get an old Moulton my father has and doesn't want anymore. Go retro!

I've heard that the older Dahons had poor reliability and poor ride quality. The modern Dahons are apparently much better made in many respects. Someone who used one of the older Dahons could give you a more accurate assesement though.

I'm also guessing that some parts, like the handlepost, would probably be very difficult to replace if they break.

If the OP rides his for a month or two and has fun, then it was worth it. I just don't want him to think that a $15 yard sale Dahon is truly representative of what you'd get with a modern folding bike. ;)

I mostly agree with the above. I would like to add that buying used bikes are one of the best ways of introducing youself to 1. folding bikes in general 2. Dahons (even older ones) in particular and 3. If the smaller wheeled ones work well with you-with very little investment of time and money. My old Phillips (which I stil have even today) was bought used and needed some work. I still have it and have modeled my newer folding bikes after it's drivetrain (an Sturmey-Archer 3 speed AW hub) and the overall feel of European bikes in general. I have never regretted my purchase. Give yourself a chance and be careful with an older bike before you tune it up and get used to it's rather unique handling characteristics.