Folding Bikes - '07 Dahon Cadenza P16 on eBay...

I've never had a folding bike before, but I'm looking at the Dahon Cadenza P16 (P18 now, I think). I'm curious what experienced buyers make of this eBay listing.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=390108201614#ht_1910wt_777

The seller says, on the Q and A page, that all of his P16's are 2007 models. Nevertheless he has one listed for $60 less than his others. No explanation.

He also has some very worrying feedback.

But what I'd really like advice on: is the '07 much inferior to subsequent models? I'm completely ignorant about bike components, so I can't make any judgment myself. (I know that the '10 model has disk brakes, which I've been eager to try for a long time. But I don't see it being sold at all in the US yet.)

This listing is tempting as I don't live near any bike shop that sells folding bikes. I've thought of buying one of Dahon's cheaper models now, and possibly getting a Tournado later this year, as I'd like to take one with me on a trip to Europe and North Africa.

Any advice would be appreciated.

I have the Cadenza 08. The main difference is the change from cromoly steel forks to aluminium and a bit of hydroforming on the downtube to put a curve in. I dont think the 07 is inferior and its better than many bikes in that price range.

I use mine for 2x6mile commuting in all weathers. Its very good in that role, as a nippy urban commuter. The furthest Ive ridden is 30 miles. People have toured on Cadenza with no problems. I upgraded the bars to On One Mary to avoid wrist ache with flats, and changed the front wheel to dynohub. The factory wheels seem OK. I added an Axiom Odyssey rack.

The folded package is not exactly small, its useful for fitting into a car and for storage in a cupboard but not small enough for use on urban metro rail services during rush hour.

He also has some very worrying feedback.



Don't.

Looks like a dealer who sells thousands on thousands of items weekly, and does not bother to fix things when he makes a mistake.

Do yourself a favour - buy a Dahon from thorusa.com. You won't regret it. That dealer has distinguished himself on this and other forums as going the extra mile and then some.

Do yourself a favour - buy a Dahon from thorusa.com.

Thank you all for your advice, and thanks for this suggestion. I see that his prices are actually better than those of any eBay sellers I've noticed.

He doesn't have the Cadenza P16 or the new P18 (yet), but he has got quite a good price on the P8. It has several things that attract me (disc brakes and hub gearing are both things I've been eager to try for some time).

I have got the exact same model but mine is 18" frame. My experience with such purchase was I received my bike okay in the box except the grip had a ding on it. The catch I see from the ad mentioned above is the frame large is 20". This size is for 6' or above rider only.

I am 6 feet, most of my height in my legs, so I think the large would be the safest bet for me. I've had two bikes in a row which I decided were too small for me. I think I'd rather ere the other end of the scale this time.

I'm just undecided about whether or not a folder with 26" wheels can really be made small enough. I'd only want to be able to fit it into the luggage compartments of intercity buses and trains. If its stated dimensions when folded are accurate, it would be too large, but maybe not if a person didn't literally take out a tape measure and measure it... Also, I'd have no problem disassembling it further, if that would help. And perhaps I could find a snug bag that would minimize its apparent size.

It turns out thorusa.com's physical store is not too far from where I live, and he has quite a lot of Dahons in stock. I may put this off until I can go and take some test rides.

I'm just undecided about whether or not a folder with 26" wheels can really be made small enough. I'd only want to be able to fit it into the luggage compartments of intercity buses and trains. If its stated dimensions when folded are accurate, it would be too large, but maybe not if a person didn't literally take out a tape measure and measure it... Also, I'd have no problem disassembling it further, if that would help. And perhaps I could find a snug bag that would minimize its apparent size.

As a general rule, 26" folders aren't particularly good at handling public transport. In my experience, 20" wheels do this MUCH better, and by in large have minimal (if any) disadvantages for riding on the road.

As always, YMMV.

As a general rule, 26" folders aren't particularly good at handling public transport. In my experience, 20" wheels do this MUCH better, and by in large have minimal (if any) disadvantages for riding on the road.

As always, YMMV.

Yes, but one sees some awfully huge suitcases tossed beneath intercity buses, dragged through airports, etc. I think I could surely get the Cadenza into something smaller, though I'd want a bag rather than a case.

The fact that I wouldn't be folding a bike very often is one reason why I'm eyeing the Tournado, too, though the price is steep for now (though I see someone is selling one with less than 50 miles on it, for under $1400, in the official Dahon forum). I need to learn more about frames that split apart rather than fold.

I've never ridden 20" wheels and would have to try a thing like that out before purchasing, for sure. I may do so before this month is up.

I am 6 feet, most of my height in my legs, so I think the large would be the safest bet for me. I've had two bikes in a row which I decided were too small for me. I think I'd rather ere the other end of the scale this time.

I'm just undecided about whether or not a folder with 26" wheels can really be made small enough. I'd only want to be able to fit it into the luggage compartments of intercity buses and trains. If its stated dimensions when folded are accurate, it would be too large, but maybe not if a person didn't literally take out a tape measure and measure it... Also, I'd have no problem disassembling it further, if that would help. And perhaps I could find a snug bag that would minimize its apparent size.

It turns out thorusa.com's physical store is not too far from where I live, and he has quite a lot of Dahons in stock. I may put this off until I can go and take some test rides.

The Cadenza is obviously not a bike that you want to fold everyday. The main reason is because you have to remove the stem+handlebar by losing two bolts, then there are two bolts to fold the frame. It is quite harsh to do it daily with the potential to weaken the folding mechanism. I have actually try to avoid folding it unless I have to put it inside the trunk of my car. There is a lot of discussion about the folding area issue at Dahon's forum for the 2007 model.

I personally own three other Dahons besides the Cadenza. My favorite is the Speed Pro with 20" wheels. This bike is actually a little faster with less rolling resistance than the Cadenza believe it or not. The only catch is harsh ride due to thin tires. But this is definitely a fun bike and fast to fold/unfold. It also has super low & high gears to attack steep hills & on pace speed with Lance Armstrong. :)

All in all, 20" is a more realistic solution for using with public transportation.

... I've never ridden 20" wheels and would have to try a thing like that out before purchasing, for sure. I may do so before this month is up. ...
Dahon has some new 24" models that should be available soon. Check with Thor. You might want to wait until he has those in stock to test.

Feedback doesn't look so bad given the volume of business he does. OTOH what are you losing by buying over eBay? do you get a Dahon warranty? That's worth at least $60 IMHO.

Feedback doesn't look so bad given the volume of business he does.Yes, BUT this seller obviously does not bother to fix mistakes he makes, and that's bad. So if all goes OK, fine; but if there is some sort of screw-up, or the frame is dinged or something serious, well you're screwed.

I've completely ruled out buying from that seller. I'm going to make a point of visiting ThorUSA's store in Illinois later this month. I'm not so far from there.

I've completely ruled out buying from that seller. I'm going to make a point of visiting ThorUSA's store in Illinois later this month. I'm not so far from there.

way cool ... looking forward to meet ya ...
give me a buzz a day before so I can built a bike up for ya to test ride ...
Thor