Learning about some of the Dahon customer service issues now gives me pause but still begs the question, how did they become the worlds biggest folding bike company? I'm a business kind of guy, understand marketing and know there are examples of how some inferior products go global. Not many though, certainly not for long. Yes, there are always war stories when you are on top and we all have rooted for the underdog or smaller company. Think Apple and the PC commercials.

Dahon makes very good folders. Our first folders were Dahons, but the more we rode, the more we wanted really good bikes. The fact that I'm 6'3" also played a part. FYI: I still ride a Dahon single-speed when in the PNW. IT's a great bike, but I don't have the factory 120 miles down the road if it breaks. As riders get more sophisticated, their tastes normally do to.

How many cottage bike companies would switch places with Dahon?

Likely not too many. It's a BIG, BIG leap and it took Dahon 20+ years.

Are there really millions of unhappy Dahon owners?

I doubt it. There are likely a lot of Dahon bikes hidden away, though. Ran into an older guy here last week that pulled his 1989 Dahon out of storage because his regular bike was broken. He had used the Dahon on his boat in the past, but didn't know what brand it was!!! I had to point out the Dahon label on his rear fender.

How many people will buy a Dahon today?

Lots of people. They are now selling 300K to 400K bikes/year.

Why did customer service leading companies like LL Bean and REI opt to sell Dahon, even co-label a model or two?

Because Dahon can mfg enough bikes to fill their distribution channel initially, and for ongoing business, plus Dahon has a good record as a manufacturer.

I'm not making light of the gut wrenching issues mentioned here. Just making a point that the world market has faired well with Dahon and I have to believe most of their customers are happy riders.

I would agree, Most Dahon customers are likely very happy with their bikes. However, I would bet that those owners are not as demanding as riders of higher-end bikes such as Bike Fridays, nor do they, as a whole, ride their bikes as much or as far.

Back to Apple and their emergence on dominating several technology segments, I still have an Apple Newton somewhere in my basement. Try getting parts for that one.

Apple has neat technology, but you pay a higher price to acquire it. My 1984 Mac cost $3,695, and you still pay a higher price for an Apple product. Same as with bikes.

Lou