My quest for a smaller (or folding) bike with drop bars is over at last. After much online research I placed an order for a Dahon Hammerhead 7.0 (2006 model). The 7.0 is in my opinion a great bike with good specifications, and the 2006 model has the front suspension, which was removed in later versions of the bike, and I prefer a bit of suspension on an aluminium frame bike that is lacking the flex of the steel frame.
The price? £245 - down from £799, which I think is a great deal. :) They are also selling the Hammerhead 5.0 (2006 model), this is the one with flat bars, for £199 - reduced from £479.
Here is a link (http://www.dahon.com/archive/2006/intl/hammerhead7.htm) to the 2006 Hammerhead page on Dahon's website
I just felt like I should pass this on, as we in the United Kingdom often seem to be starved of good deals, paying far more for things that are cheaper in continental Europe and the US. I bought the bike from Winstanleys Bikes (http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk). These bikes are currently in the clearance section under "Folders". I hope it is OK under forum rules to pass this info on.
I think the Hammerhead 7.0 is a great bike, and a worthy compromise to the bike I initially had considered, namely the Pashley Moulton TSR30. But at over £1350 I simply could not justify spending so much many on a bicycle. The only thing I would have wished for is that Dahon would produce their really neat smaller bikes (the Hammerhead and the Smooth Hound) in steel. I was reassured however to learn that Dahon offer a 5 year warranty on such things as the frame, which is upgradable to lifetime warranty when you register online at their website.
I will post some pictures of the bike once it has been delivered. I cannot wait to take it for a spin around the cycletrack of Hyde Park!
LittlePixel
04-20-08, 03:40 PM
Very tempting - all my bikes are fixies and this is a great deal on a well specced compact roadie... Hmm...
(they appear to have Mezzo's and all manner of other good (but not quite so good!) deals on other Dahons too.
Great tip-off - thanks!
nigelme
04-21-08, 03:46 AM
I think the Hammerhead 7.0 is a great bike, and a worthy compromise to the bike I initially had considered, namely the Pashley Moulton TSR30.
I will post some pictures of the bike once it has been delivered. I cannot wait to take it for a spin around the cycletrack of Hyde Park!
I bought a Hammerhead 7.0 a month ago from Winstanley - It's great fun and really encourages speed. Being an internet purchase it did require being set up, including grease in all parts. Unfortunately a small grommet that the front forks sit on was missing - Winstanley were a bit disinterested so I e-mailed Fisher (Dahon importer for England) and Mat Clark sent me the bit post haste - Full marks to him for customer service (I don't say that often)
For me, the highlights of the bike are the shifters and the I-beam saddle which I'd always thought was more of a gimmick but works well. The Schwalbe Stelvio 28-406 are super fast but of course give no cushioning - They are great on good tarmac. The brakes aren't great.
I also have a Pashley Moulton, which is a different beast entirely - Slightly heavier but more solid. I tour with a Moulton but wouldn't on the Hammerhead (it has no braze-ons for a rack). Then again that's not what this machines for. If like me you're totally sold on 20" wheels and want a racer then this is an absolute bargain - The seatpost, wheels and the haddlebar/riser can be removed in no time to reduce the Hammerhead down to more compact than my Downtube IX.
Let's all get one, meet up in Hyde Park and take on the Lycra-Lads!
Fear&Trembling
04-21-08, 08:38 AM
Cheers for the heads up PT- just ordered one.
I am a little concerned about the sizing (I'm 6" 1' and a half) and hope the large frame has sufficient cock-pit reach. Any views Nigelme?
Have not decided whether I am going to keep the gears or not...
PDR
04-21-08, 09:03 AM
I have ordered a 2008 version Dahon MU SL from them this morning and it should be in stock at the end of this month.
I have never been to Winstanley’s before but it is highly likely that I will be going to a firearms dealer in Standish on Saturday which is just 2 miles away… at least then I will know where to collect my bike from when it arrives.
msincredible
04-21-08, 10:01 AM
Let's all get one, meet up in Hyde Park and take on the Lycra-Lads!
If you do so the rest of us want pictures! :)
PerpetualT
04-21-08, 02:23 PM
Being an internet purchase it did require being set up, including grease in all parts.
Well it arrived today, and I had completely forgotten about having to put it together :rolleyes: but it all seems pretty forward. I still have the front break to do.
Nigelme: Is the fork suspension locked out when delivered, my suspension seems pretty stiff for the moment
and I haven't really figured this one out yet. Any suggestions?
Fear&Trembling: I am 5.11 and almost think I could have gotten away with the medium sized frame. The larger sized frame should hopefully be fine.
LittlePixel
04-21-08, 04:32 PM
When you're putting it together - you wouldn't mind measuring the distance between the rear dropouts would you? I'm guessing it's 130mm but it might be 135 or 125... Might help with a decision is all.
nigelme
04-21-08, 04:53 PM
The suspension on mine is stiff but gives enough when crossing a 'traffic calming ramp' (calming?).
I haven't found any info on adjustment on the web and have been too busy whizzing about to fiddle with it.
There is a nipple-inlet on the top but I don't know if this is for lube.
I'm 5'8 and got the Medium frame which works for me - there's over an inch to min-insert on the seat-post. The Winstanley spec sheet reckons up to 6'2 for the larger frame so it should be OK for Fear&Trembling.
It doesn't say whether the wheel-base is longer with the large frame; I imagine that would be better for a taller person. The wheel base on mine is 102cm (40inch) - a few inches less than my Moulton and Downtube. Also the handlebar width is 4inches less on the Hammerhead so the ride is different - definitely a workout!
nigelme
04-21-08, 05:05 PM
Here are some pointless pictures of the Hammerhead just out of the box.:p
The rear dropout distance is 130mm
4cmd3
04-21-08, 06:10 PM
Yay unboxing photos! :)
Fear&Trembling
04-22-08, 03:51 AM
Well it arrived today, and I had completely forgotten about having to put it together :rolleyes: but it all seems pretty forward. I still have the front break to do.
Fear&Trembling: I am 5.11 and almost think I could have gotten away with the medium sized frame. The larger sized frame should hopefully be fine.
Glad to hear that the postage was prompt. I am looking forward to my bike arriving now. I was holding out for the new steel Swift, but with no sign of it yet, I will wait 'till next year.
If the top-tube is a bit short, I'll get a carbon post with 35mm of layback. This also means I can use one of my preferred saddles.
I will also swop out the rear Stelvio for a wider Kojak.
The 55/44 chainset and 11/24 cassette should be fine for most conditions, and I am not too fussed about upgrading to 9 or 10 speed.
James H Haury
04-22-08, 04:15 AM
Here are some pointless pictures of the Hammerhead just out of the box.:p
The rear dropout distance is 130mmAhhh yes compretery pointress imperialist running dog.But still verry nice.I wish I could get that bike here aras it is not sord in the USA.Do you think a smarr one wourd fit Kim Jong IR?
nigelme
04-22-08, 05:09 AM
..compretery pointress imperialist running dog
Seery iriot! - I'm a capatarist pig:p
PerpetualT
04-22-08, 11:27 AM
I've been on my first ride... it is a fast one. I like it! :D
Nice pic, but so cruel... show the other direction so we can imagine riding it! :)
LittlePixel
04-22-08, 04:21 PM
I'm wondering if one could sneak some skinny 451 rims in the space of those 406's...
jur
04-22-08, 04:27 PM
I'm wondering if one could sneak some skinny 451 rims in the space of those 406's...Why would you - you'd cop a lot of disadvantages and no advantages...? Or do you mean for looks only?
LittlePixel
04-22-08, 04:48 PM
Why would you - you'd cop a lot of disadvantages and no advantages...? Or do you mean for looks only?
I'm all about the looks lol...:)
Bigger rims= slightly faster with same gearing.
And skinny 451's just look that bit more serious and roadie with an aero profile and amber sidewalls...
jur
04-22-08, 04:50 PM
Amber sidewalls? Which tyres - Comets?
mulleady
04-22-08, 04:57 PM
Littlepixel has become our first honorary folding POSER lol
Fear&Trembling
04-23-08, 01:42 AM
I'm wondering if one could sneak some skinny 451 rims in the space of those 406's...
Yes, you can. I've checked.
If I fix it further down the line, I may go for the 451 option
LittlePixel
04-23-08, 05:57 AM
Sweet - I thought they might just fit...
Amber sidewalls? Primo Champs in 451 (19mm wide!)
Poser? Hell yeah. It's all function following form in the LP Bike shed.. :)
Fear&Trembling
04-25-08, 02:39 AM
Well, my Hammerhead arrived this morning, but summat's up with the Kinetics front hub... Very, very sticky when the QR is tightened. Not sure if the bearings are greased or if there is something else awry.
Looks nice, shame I can't ride it.
nigelme
04-25-08, 05:13 AM
summat's up with the Kinetics front hub... Very, very sticky when the QR is tightened. Not sure if the bearings are greased or if there is something else awry.
Have you two of these grommet/washer things in the hub? The front hub seems to be sealed and these are for the front fork to sit on - I went to Dahon local dealers and they had never seen these before.
Fear&Trembling
04-25-08, 07:39 AM
Have you two of these grommet/washer things in the hub? The front hub seems to be sealed and these are for the front fork to sit on - I went to Dahon local dealers and they had never seen these before.
Cheers, mate. I only had one of the suckers in (pre-installed). I thought it looked odd, but have now found the other grommet hidden at the bottom of the box! All fine now. Typically, no mention of the proprietary bit in the instructions!
Just been out for a few miles and it rides nicely. I have just ordered a carbon seatpost with layback - this should enable me to replicate the position I have on my fixed wheel 700c commuter (with bullhorns).
The NVO system is straightforward and with a good degree of adjustability. I currently have it at the bottom of the steerer and could raise it another 35mm or so.
The I-Beam saddle/post isn't for me (or my backside), but I knew that anyway. A Truvativ carbon post and Specialized Toupe saddle will be going in next week.
The brakes are a bit mushy (long drops) but adequate. The forks are compliant and not too soft. The rear end was not as harsh as I had imagined with Stelvios at 110psi. I may not need the Kojak for sub-10mile rides, but for longer jaunts, I think it will be the better choice.
The 16speed (Sora and 105) works well, but I can't see myself having too much need for the 44t ring in London.
Clearance for 451s with Stelvios looks paper-thin, according to my ruler.
Will post a pic next week...
nigelme
04-25-08, 11:55 AM
Glad you got out on it.:D
grommet hidden at the bottom of the box.....no mention of the proprietary bit in the instructions!...
It seems that the grommet is a unique bit that will be hard to replace if damaged. I don't know if Kinetix parts are interchangeable with any other manufacturer.
With mine there was an in depth guide on the Shimano parts but just a general Roadbike booklet for the rest - Has anyone got a Hammerhead specific manual?
Clearance for 451s with Stelvios looks paper-thin, according to my ruler...
It is indeed a fine fit. The brakes will probably need to be replaced as well.
gringo_gus
05-10-08, 08:10 AM
they're still selling these and they look a bargain. But for someone not to advanced in their technical skills bikewise, are they too tricky to set up and/or is the grommet a real issue medium to long term?
nigelme
05-10-08, 10:42 AM
they're still selling these and they look a bargain. But for someone not to advanced in their technical skills bikewise, are they too tricky to set up and/or is the grommet a real issue medium to long term?
The Hammerhead isn't tricky to set up, if you have the right tools and a rudimentary knowledge of bicycles. Being an internet purchase does leave you to your own devices and it really depends how much grease you want to get under your fingernails.
The front drop-out distance is 74mm, which i am informed is getting to be fairly common so the hub can be replaced if it gives up - but that shouldn't be for many moons; should it?
PerpetualT
05-12-08, 02:39 AM
they're still selling these and they look a bargain. But for someone not to advanced in their technical skills bikewise, are they too tricky to set up and/or is the grommet a real issue medium to long term?
I had no previous skill of putting bikes together, yet managed without too much stress. I did however decide to have a bike shop taking a look at my "handywork" once done, as this was the first time I assembled a bike. For a beginner I personally think the trickiest bit is to attach the front brake and cutting/adjusting the wire correctly.
Also - I am still struggling with getting the suspension going on the front fork. The front screws of the fork are spinning around ok, but the marked screws in the attached image are completely stuck and won't move. I figured if I can loosen the screws the suspension should be unlocked. Is this correct?
The front drop-out distance is 74mm, which i am informed is getting to be fairly common so the hub can be replaced if it gives up - but that shouldn't be for many moons; should it?
I'm not sure that I would agree with that...
Also - I am still struggling with getting the suspension going on the front fork. The front screws of the fork are spinning around ok, but the marked screws in the attached image are completely stuck and won't move. I figured if I can loosen the screws the suspension should be unlocked. Is this correct?
I'm not familiar with this model or suspension, but to be honest I would be surprised if those screws had to be loose in order for the suspension to work. I would have expected some sort of bushing or something to allow it to move.
nigelme
05-12-08, 02:26 PM
My Brompton has 74mm Front drop-out - they're quite common.
gringo_gus
05-15-08, 08:02 AM
Yup, my 7.0 has arrived, and yup, the local bike store putting it together has just called me to say there is a grommet missing, not in the box at all.... damn damn damn
mroli
05-15-08, 04:32 PM
The grommet is in the box - it is attached to another piece of plastic that you have to pull out (with a flat headed screwdriver). If someone could help me though - the two grommets are a difference length, so how do you put the skewer together? Component parts - quick release, springs, grommet (l), grommet (s) and black plastic lock. If someone could give me the order, that would be great - I'm being a bit of a duffer!
4cmd3
05-15-08, 10:30 PM
My Brompton has 74mm Front drop-out - they're quite common.
While there may be lots of Dahons and Brompton's rolling around, a quick tour of any bicycle catalog or online retailer will quickly tell you that there are not a lot of 74mm hubs. Options that I can think of:
- Pantour
- Dahon ~ if they will sell you one? (American Classic won't help you - they'll tell you to talk to Dahon)
- Brompton/others ~ if they will sell you one?
- "Rolf" hub ~ Calhoun Cycles had some, but it has long been unavailable
- there was some info a long time ago about someone throwing enough cash at Phil Woods for him to justify setting "the machine" to make a custom one or two-off (don't think it happened...)
- that's it?
There certainly is nowhere near the selection and availability of 100mm front hubs.
Please point me at this shangri-la where they hide the 74mm hubs.
I'll take a DT Swiss in 74mm with ceramic bearings... :)
Actually it's pretty easy to get a 74mm hub, you just typically get a bicycle attached to it. ;)
gringo_gus
05-16-08, 03:04 AM
mroli, no I have been through everything associated with the box and it aint there.
Nigelme, did you email Fishers through their online e-enquiry form?
cheers.
jur
05-16-08, 04:37 AM
Also - I am still struggling with getting the suspension going on the front fork. The front screws of the fork are spinning around ok, but the marked screws in the attached image are completely stuck and won't move. I figured if I can loosen the screws the suspension should be unlocked. Is this correct?
http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=71302&stc=1&d=1210581485Don't try to undo those screws - I know someone mentioned stuffing them when trying to remove them to replace with titanium ones.
The suspension should be functional as is, but I also know it is very stiff. Are you absolutely sure it is stuck? Try pulling the front brake and leaning/bobbing heavily on the bars to see movement.
MilesH
05-16-08, 04:58 AM
I've just received my Hammerhead.
I have to agree with jur - it's set to be a hard suspension and it seems unlikely that tampering with it will make any difference....
nigelme
05-16-08, 05:07 AM
mroli, no I have been through everything associated with the box and it aint there.
Nigelme, did you email Fishers through their online e-enquiry form?
cheers.
I was dealt swiftly with by a nice man called Mat.
email - mat.clark@fisheroutdoor.co.uk
He must be getting used to this particular enquiry.
nigelme
05-16-08, 06:20 AM
While there may be lots of Dahons and Brompton's rolling around, a quick tour of any bicycle catalog or online retailer will quickly tell you that there are not a lot of 74mm hubs.
Please point me at this shangri-la where they hide the 74mm hubs.
it's pretty easy to get a 74mm hub, you just typically get a bicycle attached to it. ;)
So there are 74mm hubs but the manufacturers refuse to sell them to the public.
That's just mean, and strange business sense.
PEDANTIC MOMENT - The word 'common' does not infer 'variety'.:D
I have four bikes and two of them have a 74mm front-hub; that's 50% without even trying.
I've even got some magic hubs which come from the 'Shangri-la of Hidden Hubs', which incidentally is the title of the next Harry Potter film.:thumb:
mroli
05-16-08, 08:33 AM
Looks as though you should be able to get hubs at 74mm from here (though a bit pricey) http://www.world-wheels.co.uk/upgrades.htm - oh and if anyone can tell me how to put the front wheel skewer together (as above) - would be much appreciated. Ta.
mroli
05-16-08, 08:42 AM
Oh and there has been quite a lot of discussion about the Hammerhead suspension on the dahon website - I believe it is intended for the suspension to be pretty "stiff"...
nigelme
05-16-08, 10:19 AM
how to put the front wheel skewer together would be much appreciated.
If a picture is better than words. Easier to show than describe.
http://www.world-wheels.co.uk/neutron.htm
£100 for a measly 54grams; maybe it is a magic hub!
mroli
05-17-08, 02:08 PM
Nigel - thanks very much - now have the wheel on, the brakes working and just having a look at the gears - can't wait for a ride, but the weather has been rubbish today....
4cmd3
05-17-08, 02:29 PM
Looks as though you should be able to get hubs at 74mm from here (though a bit pricey) http://www.world-wheels.co.uk/upgrades.htm - oh and if anyone can tell me how to put the front wheel skewer together (as above) - would be much appreciated. Ta.
Yeah that place..they seem to list all kinds of things that probably not not available.
Good luck with those HED or Rolf wheels... they had that stuff listed like two years ago too.
They probably would be a good start for someone in the UK to contact, but I'm just saying...
:)
snafu21
05-18-08, 01:43 AM
Hello Peeps,
I'm new here. Please don't shout at me.
First up, could I ask you NOT to post pix of desirable bicycles in these threads? After seeing the Hammerhead I was FORCED !! to order one immediately. Should be here next week. I ride a Dahon Speed D7 which I love, but wanted drop/longer bars , and an upgrade on the speed front.
I like fast road bikes -but I live in a small house, so the Hammerhead looks to be perfect.
Yay. Anyway - thanks for the Hammerhead spooge- I couldn't have afforded one at full price.
Where is the Secret Grommet hidden in the box? I'm going to be so desolate if I can't ride it when it arrives.
Sue
markbrown
05-18-08, 10:37 AM
I was dealt swiftly with by a nice man called Mat.
email - mat.clark@fisheroutdoor.co.uk
He must be getting used to this particular enquiry.
Hi everyone on this thread
Just got my Hammerhead yesterday and I took it to the local bikeshop to get setup. They've promised me it for wednesday but after reading this thread and the elusive grommet thing I'm starting to get a bit worried. Did everyone have this problem or was it just a few of you? And where was the grommet in the packaging... in the main bike box or in the small box inside with the manuals,etc? If it was in the big box then I'm buggered cos there's nothing left in the box!
Should I be expecting a phone call from the bikeshop or not?!
Cheers
Mark in Barcelona
cyclistjohn
05-18-08, 11:05 AM
Yeah that place..they seem to list all kinds of things that probably not not available.
I actually contacted the man who runs that, to help find out which Dahon Mu I rode recently in Germany (forgot that there are several variants of Dahon named bicycles) & he was helpful. I haven't ordered anything from him yet though.
EvilV
05-18-08, 12:21 PM
That's a hell of a nice bike for that kind of money.
Hope they perform as well as they look.
nigelme
05-18-08, 05:20 PM
After seeing the Hammerhead I was FORCED !! to order one immediately.
Where is the Secret Grommet hidden in the box?
The packaging has strange shaped black plastic bits that seem to hold the separated parts in the box. On one of these is stuck one grommet ( this seems to readily fall off in transit and if there is a hole in the box, ooops ). The other one should already be stuck in the hub, possibly, maybe!
I was forced to to get mine too, by curiosity, intrigue and a few pints.