Dahon Smooth Hound 2008 splitting frame

[CameraMan]

Hi, does anyone have a 2008 model Smooth Hound yet ?

I would like a smaller folder than my Ritchey Breakaway for use on short trips.
The Smooth Hound looks the part, but I cannot find any mention of the new 2008 version ( with the frame that splits and rigid fork) with any UK or EU dealer.

http://mos.bikeradar.com/images/news/2007/Eurobike/Dahon/dahon03-480-70.jpg

The transit case ( shown behind the bike here ) looks a lot more practical than the one I need for the full size bike.

[snafu21]

Does the 08 SH really go into that transit case? :-0

[CameraMan]

I think I've found the answer myself : there's a post on dahon's own forum :-(

"mark Bickerton
Mar 5 2008, 06:47 PM
Post #4

Advanced Member

Group: Members
Posts: 173
Joined: 30-June 03
From: UK
Member No.: 17
Country: United Kingdom

Yes, the mini bikes were not popular enough to keep in the range for 2008....a shame because there is definately a demand, but not enough to make economical as a specific model.

As I have said before anything that is not a UK model, I will see if I can locate from another distributor as a one off, but only after having exhausting the Uk range. It will always be better interms of after sales etc for a customer to buy from the range selected by their national distributor.

We have just put the 2008 range up on the www.world-wheels.co.uk/bikes webpage...Note we added in the Curve SL as it is not in the UK range but we will obtain limited numbers to order from another distributor.....but sadly no Smooth Hounds are available in EU as far as I know.

Mark Bickerton
mb@dahon.co.uk"

It looks like Dahon still cannot successfully market the high end bikes like the flo, smooth hound etc.

Anyone with experience of ordering from Japan - where they seem to have stock ?

[CameraMan]

It does look small - guess the forks need to be removed first.

But 146000 Yen = US$ 1400 = GB£ 700 + shipping + UK VAT 17.5% + 14% duty ... it's starting to look uneconomic :cry:

http://www.cycle-yoshida.com/akibo/dahon/option/8air_poter_mini.jpg

[snafu21]

That's expensive. I have a Hammerhead (same frame) and it's a sweet bike. It doesn't fold at all although the h.bars come off with an allen wrench in about 20 secs. I haven't tried a fork-ectomy.


If it's for export outside the EU you wouldn't pay the vat. Um. Still expensive.

[Ericx25]

2008 Dahon Smooth Hound 6.0

Hong Kong
6680 HK$ = 550 EURO http://hkbicycle.com.hk/index.php?lang=eng&pg=product&method=brand&brandcat=Dahon&id=2534#product

Japan
125,000.00 JPY = 767 EURO http://www.cycle-yoshida.com/akibo/dahon/mini/8smoothhound_page.htm




Eric
http://www.dramaix.com (Eric)

[CameraMan]

Thanks Eric - the Hong Kong prices look a lot more palatable.

Last night, before you sent that, I e-mailed Dahon.com and their very quick reply was to ask Mark Bickerton at Dahon UK if he would import one. It will be interesting to see what he can offer.

If anyone else in the EU wants one themselves, now would be a good time to ask- the e-mail is mb@dahon.co.uk

[mroli]

There is a link to a guy in Germany on the Dahon Forum on the dahon website who is selling them - he won't ship to the UK though...

[mroli]

http://www.zeg.de/de/bikes/details.aspx?pr...2228&sub=88 (http://www.zeg.de/de/bikes/details.aspx?pr...2228&sub=88)

Here is the link....

[mroli]

Hmm - I contacted this guy as I have bought from him before and he is a good seller and ships to the UK - but...

thanks for your interest.
There is only the Smooth Hound Mod. 2007 in stock.
For 2008 our suppliers have not ordered the new Hammerhead and Smooth Hound.
If you are interested I can offer you the Smooth Hound ´07 for EUR 650,00 !
www.derfaltradshop.de
Phone +49 4342 88 96 99

He does however have a "deal" on the 2007 Smooth Hound, which is obviously not a breakaway....