Dahon Candenza 2008

[mulleady]

I was thinking of getting the new Dahon Cadenza 2008 for commuting in London. Train into Paddington then using bike. Sometimes, weather permitting, cycling the 19 miles in from West London along the canal towpath too. I like the spec, especially the Shimano Alvine 8 speed hub and front/rear disc brakes with Scwalbe Big Apple tyres. The fact it also folds means I can get away with bringing it on peak hour trains, except when the carriages are totally packed out.

Anyone got any opinions on this bike or actually using one at present?

[Ya Tu Sabes]

I have the Dahon Jack, which has a derailer rather than the internally geared hub, but I totally covet the Cadenza. I can say that my bike has been a joy for the five months I've had it, and relatively low maintenance, and the spec on the Cadenza makes it seem much better than the Jack (like, they put a cartridge bb; why oh why did they not do that on the Jack?).

I use the Jack to do a bike-train-bike commute and also for all-bike commutes (some days I work 60 miles from home, some days three), and it is really versatile and fun to ride. The Schwalbe Big Apple tires (or tyres, as you no doubt call them) are delightfully quick on pavement.

The Cadenza has a newer folding mechanism than the Jack, which looks much nicer, aesthetically, although I can't vouch for its functionality. I can say that I have read some complaints about the Jack's folding mechanism not working, creaking, or otherwise being lousy, but I've found it to be great. It makes the slightest noise when I really torque the frame up a hill, but that's all.

[Galls]

I was thinking of getting the new Dahon Cadenza 2008 for commuting in London. Train into Paddington then using bike. Sometimes, weather permitting, cycling the 19 miles in from West London along the canal towpath too. I like the spec, especially the Shimano Alvine 8 speed hub and front/rear disc brakes with Scwalbe Big Apple tyres. The fact it also folds means I can get away with bringing it on peak hour trains, except when the carriages are totally packed out.

Anyone got any opinions on this bike or actually using one at present?

I have the 07 and I doubt you will be bringing it on a train, it does not become a small(er) and manageable package.

The folding mechanism is not the most practical, I would think the other dahon full size mechanism would be better.

I should note that I made mine into a commuter, just needed the folding for locking up, kryptonite through both wheels and frame, and for storage in my apartment. I will post pictures.

[mulleady]

Thanks Galls

[jaxgtr]

I moved this thread to Folding, but I believe the commuting portion is valid for that forum as well so I left a link to it in Commuting.

[Galls]

Well here are the pictures, couple of notes:

1. Handlebar occasionally squeaks.
2. Top folding mechanism was pinching cables, so I had to wrap the three with electrical tape.
3. Disk brakes mounts, made for a lot of Macgyver(ing).

[recumbenteer]

The latest issue of Velovision has an in depth review of the Dahon Cadenza and gives it s thumbs-up.