Folding Bikes - Dahon Ciao or Glide - does anyone own one?

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Petoskey
07-30-08, 08:03 AM
Looking to buy my first bike in 20 years, and I need a folder. I love the look of the Dahon Ciao (20") and the Dahon Glide (24"). They both have U-shaped frames and lots of cool features that I'd appreciate for riding both on the beach (hard packed- Hilton Head Island) and on local, mostly level, bike paths. No need for speed, just an easy to ride and maintain folder that can travel with me in the back compartment of my T&C mini-van (no bike racks, please!).

Try as I might, I can't seem to get any "owner feedback" on these models. If you have one, or have even done a "test ride" on either of these beautiful bikes, please let me know what you think. I live in northern Michigan, and there isn't anywhere even remotely near here that I can go to see one.

Please help!

brakemeister
07-30-08, 08:35 AM
well, what you need to know ? you can come down and visit us on the way to SC ..I assume
Both great bikes ,, the Ciao folds a little smaller as it has 20 inch wheels.... but only by a little bit....
ot5her than that they are pretty much the same style.... sitting more upright relaxed riding that allows you to smell the roses and see the stuff you riding by .... its like Gliding along ... there I said it

lol
what bike?
07-30-08, 09:43 AM
i love the look of the bikes also, their quite pricey but are probably great bikes because their made by dahon which are great folding bike makes.

Lalato
07-30-08, 09:53 AM
Another option for feedback on the bikes is to check out the Dahon forums.

http://www.dahon.com
Click on Community
Click on Dahon Forums

There might be an owner there that has provided feedback already.

My only concern with the bikes is weight, but that's because I use my folder to commute and the weight would get tiresome going up and down the stairs to the train platform. However, in your circumstance weight is not an issue so nothing to worry about there.

One reason you haven't seen reviews of the bikes here is that this forum seems to attract commuters, tourers and small wheel fanatics. The Ciao and Glide don't fit these folks well so you don't see them recommended much here. That's not because they're bad bikes. I would guess that they are actually very good quality (and you can't beat the looks either).

Good luck with it all. If you do decide on one of them, please do write up a review for us. Also, when you write your review include as many pictures of the bike as possible. We all love bike pics here. :)

--sam