Folding Bikes - Dahon Jack Questions

Thinking about picking up a Dahon Jack for future multi-mode commuting. Already have a FlyBy,but like the idea of a full-size folder and better tire choice. I've done my forum searches and still have a couple questions. None of the local dealers have one in stock,unfortunately.

1) I'm 6' w/33" inseam and normally ride about a 56cm road bike or 19-21" hybrid. The Med Jack ends at 6',the Lrg starts at 6'. I'm guessing I should go with the Lrg. Anyone my size who can confirm that?

2) How small does it fold? I wouldn't be taking it on the Metro(subway) all the time,but when I do I wouldn't want it to be a huge hassle. Is it decent sized for taking on a train?

3) Will it take full fenders? Can't find a good enough pic to see if there's eyelets. Also is there clearance with the 2" wide tires?

4) Will it take a standard threadless fork? My 1x1 project bike is in pieces right now,and I may consider using the front wheel and brake to convert the Jack to a front disc.

TIA for any help.

From what I know from visiting shops and from the Dahon forum:
2/ It is big. Too big for taking on busy trains often, but definitely OK for the occasional commute.
3/ it takes fenders I think. They come with 2" Big Apples.
4/ the Jack has a suspension corrected 26" MTB fork.

Wim

I have a Matrix with the same frame. The bike folds up into a package which may not be considered small, portable or wieldy. 'Cumbersome' and 'unlight' are more apt adjectives. So we must conclude that Mr Jack and Auntie Matrix are desigend to be tossed into the back of your economy sedan for a weekend's fun in the mud, and then stored in your bijou apartment.

You will not want to run after a train or bus, carrying one. Although people do.

In my year or so on here, three or more people have bought Jacks and Matrixes, and been delighted with them including, myself. They are both fast freewheeling bikes, designed for urban scooting, but with added gnobbly tyres, they take on the gnarly stuff.

My Matrix lives in cowpats, most of the week, as I use it on old trails and railway tracks. Componentry and wheels are very good for the price, especially if you search for a 2007/2008 model.

I have Shimano disk brakes on the Matrix, and they are feeble. I'd trade for V Brakes any day.

Previous comments about the Jack have said it's slighty undergeared. But some people are downhill maniacs.

I think you'll need a Large size. The bike frames are quite compact, and you'll need the legroom.

Fenders are for wusses. :-)

The 2009 Jack comes with Big Apple tyres, which I alone loath. Almost everyone else here loves them. You may find the 2007/8 Jack with Conti Sports or some such on them, mine has a set and they are perfect for the urban run, with little rolling resistance.

The only other info I have is that front wheels are often out of true when the bikes are delivered, and that both the Jack and the Matrix are nimble handlers. I'm still in love with mine. It fits easily in the back of my VW Golf (Rabbit) .

The only upgrade is a suspension seatpost, and a piece cut out of a coke bottle to keep slurry out of the front derailleuer. The 2007 Matrix, you'll note, has a suspension fork, and disc brakes, the Jack doesn't.


http://i26.tinypic.com/2s7w42d.jpg


http://www.wiggle.co.uk/images/dahon-09-d9daa67-zoom.jpg

I have Shimano disk brakes on the Matrix, and they are feeble. I'd trade for V Brakes any day.


Really? I've never had probs with any of my discs once they were adjusted properly.

That large pic was helpful,you can plainly see the eyelets for fenders and a rear rack. I would prolly mount the 1.6" Conti Sports I have laying around,possibly even the 1.3" S-licks I pulled off my Surly. About how big is your Matrix folded? I wouldn't be hauling it everywhere,but between the schedule I work and the restrictions on Metro,it would be nice to have the Jack as a full size bike I could plan B on Metro if the weather turned bad or I was just bonking.

Really? I've never had probs with any of my discs once they were adjusted properly. .

But I have.


That large pic was helpful,you can plainly see the eyelets for fenders and a rear rack.

You're welcome.

About how big is your Matrix folded?

It's the same size as the Jack in the pic. I try not to carry it anywhere .


I could plan B on Metro if the weather turned bad or I was just bonking.


On this side of the pond, 'bonking' is a venal vernacular verb which is not often associated with bicycles.

regards

It's the same size as the Jack in the pic. I try not to carry it anywhere .

Actually I meant measurements. How many inches/cm long/wide?



On this side of the pond, 'bonking' is a venal vernacular verb which is not often associated with bicycles.


:thumb:
http://www.bonktown.com/

dolded size is somewhat close to this
38 x 69 x 91 cm (14" x 27" x 36")
I have 07 Jacks for 450 but only in the small size
also 08 Jacks but also only in the small size
09 JAcks are available in all three sizes for 579 a piece

check out the 08 Matrix for 674
http://www.thorusa.com/dahon/2008/matrix.htm

its a vastly nicer bike than the Jack ..takes a little longer to fold, but whats 20 sec more ....
I like the disc brakes for all kinds of reasons

dont take me wrong the Jacks are nice too ..just that the Matrix is much nicer ..

in the rear a fender should be easy to fix on both bikes, on the front it will take a clamp ( hardware store ) to mount the lover legs and some ingeniuty doer the top mounting ( on the staright leg JAck fork)

orfor the Suspension fork for the MAtrix...I would put some raceblades from SKS

...just a little more work, but when done right the results are great .....


comes to think about it I do have some of the very rare almost not availble SKS Raceblades in silver for 26 inch bikes
cost 55 buckaroos for the set



thor

Oh, you done got the measurements now.

Bonktown? <splutter>

Thor likes the Matrix, and so do I. But, and it's a bit of a but, that front suspension on the Matrix needs servicing, collects fecal matter off-road, and is a weight not everyone may wish to lug around when multi-modal.

The discs on the 2007 Mudtrix (mine) are cable, and not hydraulic. They seem to be Shimano's first attempt at disk brakes, and are actuated by tugging on bitz of wire.

They are, once coated in cow-poo and equine ordure, hardly worthy of the term 'brake'.

Others may not be so demanding of their anchors, but when one is hurtling down a steep muddy bank, the locking up of a wheel; often a mere teenage novelty on tarmac, is a quick route to a lifetime of taking one's lunch through a straw, when practised off-road.

Both are great bikes. I'd quite like one of each.

Only one more to collect. I accept sponsorship.

whats one good thing about them disc brakes on the matrix..... its really easy to upgrade some hydraulics and make the brakes awesome
I agree that the base shimano brakes are not that great compared to the higher end hydraulics or even cable avid brakes which i like much better ..... still some cool hydraulics are the way to go ..lol

what is that problem with cow manure and dog p... and stuff ?
where are you riding ? lol
makes me crinch and wantiong to put my fenders back on ...lol

I'd prefer the Matrix without the suspension,but I was looking at the Jack's Performance has on sale. As I said,I already have bits to go halfway to a front disc upgrade,so this would come in quite a bit cheaper than a Matrix(or the other one w/discs and Alfine hub,can't remember the model name). I was more concerned about just how big it would be. Still got months before my commute changes,and I have a FlyBy folder,so just planning out multiple options. And I might just get one anyway as a screw around on bike that I could stuff in a rolling gear bag and take with on trips,or just wouldn't take up as much room as the rest of the rides in my fleet.

I've got Shimano mech discs on my Safari(daily commuter) and Dew Deluxe,and like them alot. Only neg is you need a 3mm to adjust the pads. Maybe switch to aftermarket pads? Or go BB7's,they're decently priced and pretty much the standard for cable units.

About the size, I'm 5'9" with a 33.5" inseam and I ride a L (19") Matrix. Fits me just fine.

There's a thread i think in the dahon forums where they discuss exact distance from bottom bracket to seat top for medium and large size

(http://www.bikeforums.net/payments.php?)

I'd prefer the Matrix without the suspension


Yerz. Well, that would be the Jack, then. That frame and wheelset is a great freewheeling ride. My Mudtrix gets used in town with the suspension locked. I follow the fellow lunatics around, I seem to need to pedal about half as much as they do.

Shove your disky-brakey on the front, and youre away.

(Point taken about the Avid BB's, the bike is due for a strip and a de-pooing soon, so I'll check out the pads. They could well be contaminated. My workout ride is ten miles of disused railway track (http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1786). They took up the lines and the sleepers. It's a sun-dappled haven of muddy, rutted brick-strewn tranquility. )

about the size, i'm 5'9" with a 33.5" inseam and i ride a l (19") matrix. Fits me just fine.

+1