Originally Posted by
Jerrys88
So, here's the dilemma. Of all the folding bikes I've read and heard about, the Dahon's are the ones that I associate with the most negative comments I've come across in terms of quality. Now I'm left wondering, are there quality issues that turn up after a certain amount of riding? Do all those negative comments I've come across apply to current models of Dahons? To all models? I recently brought my Brompton into an extremely high-end bike store to have a second chainring added (granny gears), and while chatting with one of the workers about shopping for a second folder for my partner he warned me to stay away from Dahons - told me how some Dahon owner had come in for some work on his bike, and how terrible and shabby they thought it was
So, my question - what's the story about Dahons? I don't want to steer my partner to get a shabby bike that won't hold up. I plan to take my partner to try out a Swift, but after that I can't think of any other less expensive folders that he should consider. Perhaps some of you may have some suggestions?
I think the Swift is a fine bike and probably more durable than either a Dahon or Brompton.
The problem with Dahon is they make folders costing over 1K and others just barely over $200.00 dollars! As you can imagine, the bikes costing 1K have much better quality with good components. However, Dahon still gets trashed because their bargain bikes are the ones that sell the most and they tend to have issues with quality.
Another problem with Dahon tends to be with the handlebar which are flexy and the seat post that slide down. However, the seat post issue can be resolved but the handlebar requires you to not ride out of the saddle. Another problem with Dahon are the lack of special parts once the bike is older than five years. However, you can always get parts, just not the ones that came with the bike.
Personally, many bike shops try to sell the higher end Bromptons and Bike Fridays and will only push the Dahon if they think you can't afford the more expensive brands. Like you discovered, the Dahon is well made and I like the ride. The Dahon 20' inch models are actually faster than the Brompton because the frame has no suspension. I tested the Curve SL today and found that bike is faster at accleration than the Brompton.
Tell your partner to get the Dahon Speed P8. I had that bike in a 7 Speed and regret selling it for a song. Trust me, that bike is actually faster than your Brompton but yours is probably more comfortable. The only Dahon I would avoid getting is the Espresso becuase the frame flexes too much and overall quality suffers to keep the price down.
Just tell your partner not to stand on the pedals and put too much weight on the handlebars. If he rides it and not abuses the bike it should last for years.