Originally Posted by
Jerrys88
Thanks everyone for all your responses. It appears that there are four areas of concern
1) frame hinge
2) handlebar hinge/latch
3) proprietary parts
4) seatpost slipage
1) FRAME HINGE -Why is the Dahon especially problematic?
2) HANDLEBAR HINGE/LATCH - If I couldn't stand up on my Brompton pedals and pull up or put weight on my handlebars I think I would consider that a serious limitation. Again, is the latch on the Dahon designed differently from others?
3) PROPRIETARY PARTS - I'll put that on my "to consider" list. From what I've read the Xootr Swift does not use a lot of proprietary parts - something we'll take into account when we test ride it.
4) SEATPOST SLIPAGE - This worries me, too. It seems some (most?) avoid/fix this by simply tightening the latch, but apparently others have had no luck fixing this problem. If it is unfixable would that be covered by warranty? I would consider that a serious flaw and would want a replacement bike if it truly could not be cured by simple latch tightening.
1. First, you have a new Brompton and it hasn't given you any problems. In about five years, you'll feel quite differently about the amount of repairs that await you. If you ride your folder every day, I expect you'll end up buying a new one by year 4 or 5. Happens to all of us.
The handlebar is the weak point of the Dahon folder. However, it's not really a problem because you'll notice when it's time to tighen it.
2. Proprietary parts are not really an issue. There are still first generation Dahons still on the road since the early 1990s. Should my proprietary handlebar brake, putting a new one on is quite easy. It won't be the same color or size but will work. Other than the main frame hinge, all other parts can be replaced. Not a serious flaw.
3. Seat Post slippage -- Not a problem. I have three Dahon's and fixed this problem easily. There's only one person on this forum who hasn't been able to fix this problem. There are quite a few solutions and this issue has been discussed and resolved on the Dahon forum.
4. Frame Hinge -- Other than some squeeks, it's fine. You can also cure the squeeks too.
2.