Originally Posted by
cliff_cliff
Hi
I bought a Dahon D7 Speed, 2004 version for £100. This is the bike (EDIT - I'm not allowed to post photos or urls so difficult to show the bike)
I'm only going to be using it occasionally, not commuting everyday, but more for a trip here and there, throw it in the car etc.
Anyway I've noticed the handlepost is quite flexy at the hinge in a forward and back motion while riding. also the handlebars are misaligned slightly to one side. not sure if these things are related. not sure if that flex is normal? I don't have experience with these bikes or any other folders.
Looking on the internet I can't quite seem to find the name of the handleposts on this bike. It seems like they changed the design 2005/06. I'm just wondering if there is a proper problem whether it can be fixed? or whether the style of handlepost I have can be easily changed for the new version from 2005/06? or anything newer again?
I'm really not sure and any help would be appreciated. I'm hoping I haven't made a mistake.
Thank you.
Handlepost (stem) by nature is a bit flexy on the older Dahons.
A wobble feeling will be loose hardware.
A flexing feeling is relatively normal.
Make sure the stem center fitting (10mm allen I think) and the 2 side pinch bolts are both secure.
The center bolt tightens the headset while the pinch bolts prevents the handle bars moving relative to the fork/wheel
The stem
If your handle bars are aligned incorrectly, you'll need to loosen the pinch bolts and align the handle bars left or right in the steering directions.
Newer stems had less flex but only a little less flex. You usually ride a dahon in the seat and not out of the saddle.
Some newer stems had a telescoping height adjustment, which is great for fit adjustment but bad for stiffness.
Good luck on the new bike!