Folding Bikes - Dahon Broadway 6 shifting issues!

I picked up a Dahon cheap ($100) - then found out why. The grip shifters won't shift down from 6th gear! [I didn't pre-flight check before buying, duh] Disconnecting the derailleur I could get the cable to move with the shifters but once connected to the derailleur it won't budge. I've tried a replacement derailleur and removing the cable from it's routing to stretch it out perfectly straight.

Has anyone seen this behavior? I'm tempted to try a single speed solution.

Another problem is the front wheel went out of true - and broke a spoke immediately.

Thanks!

Replace spoke, true wheel to right spoke tension.

Not sure about the gearing. Search for any sign of damage to cable housing (like has it been pinced or disformed in the fold). If so change cabel/housing. Try to pull the cabel out of the housing, lube innsid and reconnect.

If no sucsess replace shifter.

Still problems? Throw bike out the window from 5th floor. Remember to open window first.

MAybe the limit set screws need a twirl ?

Do you have a picture of the problem?

Doesn't spring tension take it from 6th down to 1st?

And, conversely, cable tension takes it from 1st up to 6th, right?

So, if you can't shift down from 6th to 1st, the derailleur mechanics are either "frozen" or being inhibited from moving in a normal manner.

Just my two cents - hope it helps.

Lou

yes. we need pics. but it seems the problem is with the RD. since cable and shifter work if not connected to RD. you said you tried another RD and did it work ? remove the cable and try to move the RD up and down to check if there is play. if no play then problem is with the RD. maybe you just need to oil it. too much rust probably.

No matter what the solution, I still think you got a DEAL on that bike!

No matter what the solution, I still think you got a DEAL on that bike!

+ 1. if the RD is the problem, then you can buy a new one for less than $20.

No matter what the solution, I still think you got a DEAL on that bike!

That's what I thought - and it is now that I got the shifter working. A single speed is only $200 new.
I lubricated the cable housing and installed a new cable. The old cable probably had a strand come loose. It seems good now. I also re-routed the cabling to straighten it out better.

I ordered a new front wheel because I've read they had a spoke quality issue. Since then I examined the wheel a second time. It seems I only need a spoke nipple. I did save a few once so I'm hoping to find one among the bike stuff. I hope to be able to reuse the spoke and true the wheel.

If I can interest my wife in riding the Dahon it'll be a keeper. If not, I'll try the Dahon out for a while or keep her at work for a errand runner.

Thanks for everyone's advice!

EDIT - A new spoke nipple fixed the front wheel. I guess I was too quick to order a replacement wheel.