wroomwroomoops

I like the Dahon Jack because:

- 26" tires
- good tire clearance, so I can put on some phat babies there

But I don't know how sturdy that frame is. To illustrate my point, I have to admit that I like the Montague bikes, because the frame does inspire confidence, especially the fact that the structural strenght of the frame is not compromised by the folding mechanism.

Could you guys clue me in, do you think the Dahon Jack is sturdy enough to survive a bit of abuse here and there, for the foreseable future?

Edit: the reason I don't actually buy a Montague is, I can't afford them. Not here in Europe, and with the budget I can allocate for a folding bike.

brakemeister

its a cool bike..... no problem about flexiness or breaking
( I havent seen one problem with any of those frames )

of course I am biased.... on the other hand I could care less, as you will buy the bike over there and I cant get a shot ... lol

Thor

michaelalanjone

I haven't had a chance to ride it yet; been at work all day or sick. But I will be riding it tomorrow or the next day. I did a lot of research on it, before I [ahem, asked Santa Claus to buy it], and I like it a lot. It is a lot better than I thought. I originally got it for travelling, but I think this is also my new commuter bike.

I am considering putting these hybrid tires on it:

https://www.nashbar.com/profile_morei...ku=9151&brand=

...so that I can occasionally ride trails on it. I have an aggressive mountain bike that is better for that type of thing, but I thought if I was traveling in a strange town, I might have a go on some easier trails, just for fun, on the Jack. I would not do any serious downhill or highly technical trails on the Jack, but that is not what I bought it for.

I really wanted a folder with a 26" tire, instead of the 20" tire, and I think this will be a great bike for me.

wroomwroomoops

Please, do report once you've tried it! I plan on buying (or not) in the following few days, and I have nothing much to go on, except feedbacks from people who've ridden the Jack.

If I could have my way, I'd get a Montague, it's clearly a sturdier design - just look at the hinge placement.


Not sure if I can put 2.3" fatties on the Montagues, though (I luv fatties, wish someone made studded fatties, that would rock, for my weather conditions). Like you, I really wonted a folding bike that could take 26" tires, because of the greater choice, in addition to the obviously superior riding characteristics.

Could you check tire clearance on your Jack, please? In fact, a pic or two, of the front (so the fork is visible frontally) and the back?

Well, now if only I had access to such a nice Santa, that would be the perfection.

BigMacFU

If you're going to be commuting, you may want a flat-resistant tire like the schwalbe big apple.

Sebastiaan

I was also considering a Dahon Jack for commuting until I saw the Dahon Cadenza 2007 Folding bike comming available in March 2007!


a more datailed picture: https://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php...pe=post&id=726

believe it or not, this is a foding bike which can fold in 15 seconds! This bike is made for speed and customisation. The default tires is a Continental Sport contact (85 PSI) but I plan to put some Specilised All Condition Pro tires (120 PSI) under it for even better speed.

here are some specs: https://www.speedmatrixdepot.com/cata...ations&pID=147

wroomwroomoops

On my MTB I use Schwalbe Marathon Plus during the summer (indestructible, truly), and Schwalbe Snow Studs during the winter (kevlar puncture protection, similar to the Big Apple). Never ever had a flat.



Sebastiaan, that cadenza looks like a winner to me! Too bad the dahon site asks for a username/password to see the picture.

I just realized what I actually need is only the frame! I have plenty of components at home to build up a MTB: wheels, brakes, the whole freaking drivetrain including derailers, levers, shifters... so all I really need is the blasted frame. Anyone know if someone sells just frames for folding bikes? Like, for example, that Cadenza.

Sebastiaan

Good Question, in fact, many people (including myself) have that very same question and Hope Dahon will make it available commercialy.

rdh

Dahon has frames for the Fuego, Zero-G and Cadenza listed on their web site. I don't know for sure, but I am guessing that more will be available in the near future.

michaelalanjone

It looks to me like the Cadenza is simply a Jack with: 2 chainrings (vs the Jack's 1 + a bash guard), a front deraileur, fenders and thinner tires.

So the Cadenza is a 16-speed, vs Jack's 7-speed, has some $20 (retail) plastic fenders, and cheaper tires, and it costs $150 more? Well, if you want more than 7 speeds, I guess that is the way to go. I find that when I am commuting or riding trails, I rarely use the middle ring, so I figured a single chainring would be fine for me.

michaelalanjone

I also considered the Montague, but I thought they looked funky. And isn't the hinge lock just a seat post hasp? Could that be strong? I guess it is. I see them on eBay all the time, so I wonder how good they are. Who knows?

johnmci

I've had my Jack for about a year and a half - 2 summers in New York City over lots of broken pavement and then here at home as my commuter. I have had a very positive experience with it so take what I say as coming from the Dahon camp!

- very sturdy - no squeaks or loose joints even after some hard runs
- LOVE the Big Apple tires (though you can get 'em for the Montague). Kevlar lined and not a single flat.
- what I need and nothing more; i.e., 7 gears and V brakes rather than Montague's front discs
- lighter than the Montague
- $200 cheaper

While the Montague LOOKS like it might be a more robust hinge, looking at the pic of a one folded up, I'm not convinced it's any more or less sturdy. Probably a wash.

A negative for both? VERY hard to find one to test ride. I got lucky with my Jack that it fits right but your mileage may vary...

wroomwroomoops

Many thanks, very useful to get some feedback from someone who used the Jack for a while. However, you have ridden it in NYC, which is notably flat and pleasant to ride (except for the traffic), from what I hear.

I totally agree with the 7 gears being enough - at least for my (and yours) usage. Having unnecessary chainrings and front derailer adds to the weight. I think the Jack is great for this feature.

And yes, it's a pity I can't test-ride one, but I am pretty forgiving as far as frame geometry is concerned, as long as I can set seat and handlebar height - and also, horizontal position of handlebars. In the city, I like to ride upright and comfy.

Still.... the mechanical being inside me tells me the Montague frame would serve me well, the hinge is in the right place. Could you describe the "broken pavement", how many miles did you ride on the Jack, and how much of it was on that "broken pavement"?

P.S. I hope you don't live in some bad neighborhood.