Folding Bikes - Maybe buying old Boardwalk to mod - worth it?

Hi,
I have only just discovered folding bikes and am very excited to get one. Here's a used one I'm considering. Any thoughts? I think it's a 2006 Dahon Boardwalk. Since it's a single speed, I would like to convert it to 3 speed or more (depending on $ and gumption, since I've never worked on a bike, but I'm handy). I've read some reviews that the spokes break easily and that the frame isn't as sturdy as others, but not sure if that is for all boardwalks or for a certain model year. Any insight/advice would be appreciated.

152919

You can get here 'almost like new' Boardwalk for 150$ shipped

http://www.thorusa.com/dahon/accessories/oneoff.htm

Thor is a regular in this forum.

This is a topic that comes up frequently. Do a search and there is a guy that bought a rear wheel with a 3spd IGH for $50 for his single speed. Very recent thread.

You can get here 'almost like new' Boardwalk for 150$ shipped

http://www.thorusa.com/dahon/accessories/oneoff.htm

Thor is a regular in this forum.

I second this idea. If you are planning to upgrade your bike to a three speed, then buy one new rather than used. My own 2003 Boardwalk S1 (purchased new and I am still it's sole owner) was another single speed bike upgraded to a three speed. You can see the results here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/world-of-folding-bicycles/289511360/in/set-72157594461421431/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/world-of-folding-bicycles/289511360/in/set-72157594461421431/)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/world-of-folding-bicycles/289511363/in/set-72157594461421431/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/world-of-folding-bicycles/289511363/in/set-72157594461421431/)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/world-of-folding-bicycles/3588032352/in/set-72157594325178229/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/world-of-folding-bicycles/3588032352/in/set-72157594325178229/)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/world-of-folding-bicycles/3587223017/in/set-72157594325178229/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/world-of-folding-bicycles/3587223017/in/set-72157594325178229/)

Close-Up Of The Sturmey-Archer AW Three Speed Hub:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/world-of-folding-bicycles/265102674/in/set-72157594461421431/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/world-of-folding-bicycles/265102674/in/set-72157594461421431/)

Thanks for the suggestions. I never saw this section on the thorusa site - thanks for that. Is there a concern with buying the used one for modding? Like we don't know how it's been handled, etc?

I've seen your pics Folder Fanatic - they're great. I was wondering how long folders can last and it's nice to know you've had yours for 7 years.

Thanks for the suggestions. I never saw this section on the thorusa site - thanks for that. Is there a concern with buying the used one for modding? Like we don't know how it's been handled, etc?

I've seen your pics Folder Fanatic - they're great. I was wondering how long folders can last and it's nice to know you've had yours for 7 years.

If you can save even $1 then I would buy used rather than new. After all, if you're just going to be throwing out parts then what difference does it make if they have been used? The frame should last forever and IMO it's better to get the frame used because there's no better test for manufacturing defects than actual use.

The only thing that tends to be less sturdy on folders is that they have more flex in their long seat posts and stem risers, but this only seems to be a problem with aluminum frames and tall heavy riders (who need to use even longer seat posts and risers). So provided you're happy with the way it rides I doubt the steel boardwalk will give you any problems. Also some years ago dahon had a bad batch of spokes which seems to have evolved into a myth that spokes break easily on folders, but I don't think it's true and even if it were it's not really a problem because smaller wheels really don't need that many spokes because they are much stronger (Dahon's lightest bikes have 12, yes 12, spokes per wheel).

Personally I think an upgraded boardwalk is an excellent choice. In fact, if my downtube ever dies I'm planning on replacing it with a boardwalk upgraded to 3 speed (w/ rear coaster brake and front fork pried open to fit a sturmey drum brake :) ).

This is a topic that comes up frequently. Do a search and there is a guy that bought a rear wheel with a 3spd IGH for $50 for his single speed. Very recent thread.

Meep~! :)

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?640835
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?642059
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?558268

Here is a Boardwalk that has several upgrades, front wheel, new Dahon tires, newer handle bar post. alloy seat post. upgraded cranks. Light weight fenders. get the SA 3 speed wheel and hub from Utah bikes and you are set.

http://bellingham.craigslist.org/bik/1733745974.html

I like my 2005 Boardwalk S1, but it is not as sturdy or big as my BF Pocket 8 (large frame). The Friday is a more solid bike by far and also way more adjustable.