Originally Posted by
Smaug1
What would they not do that you would reasonably want them to do in a $900 bike?
Replace to smaller chainring?
Geez, sometimes I feel like you look at every new folding option with the intent to pick it apart, so you don't have to buy it.
For my part, the Deltech cable is super-ugly, but maybe I could overlook that, since it is 1/4 the price of a G Line and probably rolls more efficiently too...
It's got the chunky tires, disc brakes and seemingly rugged build.
To add to John's original thoughts, it might also be a Bike Friday Diamond Llama alternative.
Deltech is one of the smarter things Dahon has invented. In actuality, "lighter than air, stronger than steel, cheaper than dirt." It really improves hinge tightness and durability. My bike didn't have it, but I fab'ed one from Kevlar line and it is a big improvement. Highly recommended for any bifold.
I don't get any joy in picking apart a design. But the brake issue is a notable flaw; I know Dahon thought they were doing good in offsetting the discs inward 15mm, but it's a compatibility issue, the calipers cannot be replaced without also replacing the hubs, as someone on here did for their new Launch D8. This would not be bad if the cable calipers worked well over time, but if they are like the ones seen on the Launch D8, the problem is easy contamination with grit into the cam and ball internals.
Now the other two new Dahons that John highlighted, those have me excited, it looks like Dahon is swinging for the fences on those. Minor quibble is that they consider those "performance", so usually mount 52/42 or 53/39 cranks; These days I like the ones with 16T drop. But that's easily replaced to a 110mm BCD crank. The carbon bike looks sharp, but so does that aluminum model, and man am I curious about the smoothness of the welds; Either they are a combined MIG/TIG puddle weld process that produces a larger molten area which gravity flattens (which requires rotating the fixtured frame while welding), or they "body finish" it, use a hardening putty over the welds. I'm seeing both used on welds in the industry, it'll be good to find out how Dahon is doing it. I think you also have a Zizzo Liberte, IIRC, the weld on top at the main tube and seat tube, was noticeably smoother than all the other welds, that might be a puddle weld, because that weld is the most critical in fatigue. (Oh no, I'm thinking of John; You have a Forte, and I think the top has a gusset and normal looking weld.)
I hope for Dahon's success. Now let's see if the two 2X bikes above make it to the USA market. I thought Zizzo would field a disc bike first, but maybe Dahon has seen the light and will bring great models at good prices to the USA.