My daughter, who is a teacher, and I took time to practice unfolding and folding the new Dahon D7 bikes, and it was a little more complicated than I thought. We both thought they were a bit heavier than we expected-----but they do fold in a compact, neat package. We rode the bikes to the shopping center, which is about 5 miles from the house, and since most of it is going down hill---what a nice ride----coming back it was a bit more difficult, and then the last half mile was about a 25* incline. The bikes did great, and we were happy with our performance. It's easy to see how these little bikes can save a lot on gas and other expenses as well as provide a means to better health. I've spent the last 10 years riding Specialized mountain bikes, on some pretty rough terrain, but I'm enjoying this new ride and the mobility of packing it around. The new Dahon El Bolso bag is great.

Great Leroy. Yeah it's nice how Dahons fold up. You carried your bikes around the mall? You mentioned they were heavier than expected.

My daughter, who is a teacher, and I took time to practice unfolding and folding the new Dahon D7 bikes, and it was a little more complicated than I thought. We both thought they were a bit heavier than we expected-----but they do fold in a compact, neat package. We rode the bikes to the shopping center, which is about 5 miles from the house, and since most of it is going down hill---what a nice ride----coming back it was a bit more difficult, and then the last half mile was about a 25* incline. The bikes did great, and we were happy with our performance. It's easy to see how these little bikes can save a lot on gas and other expenses as well as provide a means to better health. I've spent the last 10 years riding Specialized mountain bikes, on some pretty rough terrain, but I'm enjoying this new ride and the mobility of packing it around. The new Dahon El Bolso bag is great.

Great Leroy. Yeah it's nice how Dahons fold up. You carried your bikes around the mall? You mentioned they were heavier than expected.

Weight is not a big issue if you use the right tools to lug the bikes around. I either plop the bike(s) into shopping carts/trolleys, or I bring along a luggage cart which I use to tow many things around besides the bikes. Either way, both of you have caught on the real miracle of these little wonders present.

.... It's easy to see how these little bikes can save a lot on gas and other expenses as well as provide a means to better health. I've spent the last 10 years riding Specialized mountain bikes, on some pretty rough terrain, but I'm enjoying this new ride and the mobility of packing it around. ...

Having recently returned from a faraway (from here) holiday tour, it's quite clear to us that many people could benefit from folders, as you & your daughter are finding, but they don't realise that such bicycles exist! We've been asked numerous questions about them everywhere we've cycled (& folded) so it'd be interesting to see how manufacturers manage their advertising.

As Folder Fanatic mentions, there are various ways to "carry" a folder. We simply roll our Strida folders, but I have another folder at the moment, which is a very poor fold in comparison, but sometimes stroll it by strapping it on a fold up luggage carrier.

I suppose one has to consider all the bits & pieces that are carried on a typical ride to decide what's worth carrying, especially considering the weight! For example, I have MKS removable pedals on one of my folders. They're very good, but where are they stored when leaving the bike? I have Zefal toe clips attached to them, & they're quite bulky when removed, so unless a backpack is carried, they can be a pain! I'd imagine they're rare in southern California on a trip to the beach ;-)

It's nice to see you're both enjoying your new bikes.

I try to roll my foldies around with either the saddle/seatpost up or the handlepost unfolded. 11 to 12kg gets heavy real fast.

And you'll be surprised how many places would keep an eye on your bikes for you if you ask. I drop off my foldie at the cinema counter when I watch movies with the wife. Saves me carrying/rolling it into the dark hall.

Glad to hear you are enjoying your bikes!