Originally Posted by wpflem
I'm counting on it. That's why I jumped in and set up a folder speciality shop this year. I see folders as a big part of the answer to promoting utilitarian cycling.
I called Dahon this week, they assured me that they are getting in a healthy supply for dealers this year, so the future looks good.
I too hope that you do well. Santa Fe is a bit more open than Salt Lake City so it might work out well. Things are so spread out in the west that I think it is hard for any but already established ideas to take hold.
I ordered my Dahon from California. There were two Dahon "dealers" listed for this area. One was a bike shop that did not have any on the floor. The other was a camping-RV store that only carried Boardwalks that had evidently never enjoyed the care of an actual bike mechanic. They were functionally unrideable. It makes a big difference to have good bikes available to ride. Never-the-less I am very happy with the Speed 8 that I bought from Gaerland's of Squaw Valley.
I ordered it with a 38 tooth chain ring and Gaerland's own "roller kit" that helps keep the chain on the smaller chain ring. That gearing would be too low for someone living in flat country but works well for me so far, given that I live in a place with few level rides.
Gary
Greenspeed GTO
Dahon Speed 8
Salt Lake City