Dahon Jack Questions
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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.
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.
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C'dale BBU('05 and '09)/Super Six/Hooligan8and 3,Kona Dew Deluxe,Novara Buzz/Safari,Surly Big Dummy,Marin Pt Reyes,Giant Defy 1,Schwinn DBX SuperSport,Dahon Speed Pro TT,Brompton S6L/S2E-X
C'dale BBU('05 and '09)/Super Six/Hooligan8and 3,Kona Dew Deluxe,Novara Buzz/Safari,Surly Big Dummy,Marin Pt Reyes,Giant Defy 1,Schwinn DBX SuperSport,Dahon Speed Pro TT,Brompton S6L/S2E-X
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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
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
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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.
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C'dale BBU('05 and '09)/Super Six/Hooligan8and 3,Kona Dew Deluxe,Novara Buzz/Safari,Surly Big Dummy,Marin Pt Reyes,Giant Defy 1,Schwinn DBX SuperSport,Dahon Speed Pro TT,Brompton S6L/S2E-X
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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
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C'dale BBU('05 and '09)/Super Six/Hooligan8and 3,Kona Dew Deluxe,Novara Buzz/Safari,Surly Big Dummy,Marin Pt Reyes,Giant Defy 1,Schwinn DBX SuperSport,Dahon Speed Pro TT,Brompton S6L/S2E-X
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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
https://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
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
https://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
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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.
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.
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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 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
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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.
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.
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C'dale BBU('05 and '09)/Super Six/Hooligan8and 3,Kona Dew Deluxe,Novara Buzz/Safari,Surly Big Dummy,Marin Pt Reyes,Giant Defy 1,Schwinn DBX SuperSport,Dahon Speed Pro TT,Brompton S6L/S2E-X
C'dale BBU('05 and '09)/Super Six/Hooligan8and 3,Kona Dew Deluxe,Novara Buzz/Safari,Surly Big Dummy,Marin Pt Reyes,Giant Defy 1,Schwinn DBX SuperSport,Dahon Speed Pro TT,Brompton S6L/S2E-X
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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
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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. They took up the lines and the sleepers. It's a sun-dappled haven of muddy, rutted brick-strewn tranquility. )