Dahon
 

Not sure what I'm getting myself into but I just added a mini-me to my collection. It's a bit rough around the edges but it is mechanically sound. Tires need to be replaced but otherwise it looks like all of the original parts are there. Half of the chain guard is gone but who needs chain guards. It'll need a full teardown.

Will it be useful? Maybe. It's probably going to be more of a conversation piece. I'll need to dig for info to find its build date and any other tidbit of interesting info about Dahon.

https://i.imgur.com/PmrwvvAl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/QrM5jSIl.jpg

I see Dahon all the time. They're very popular with boat tourists, as they stow compactly and provide cost effective local transportation when moored. They appear to be the dominant brand of folding bicycle. I'm looking forward to seeing the serial number format. TIA.

My uncle has a folder on his boat, I remember him mentioning that it is a stainless steel folder from Dahon.
I do remember picking it up when it was delivered to his house in a special bag and it was quite heavy. So low weight is not the priority with these folders. mostly space saving and with the SS versions, corrosion resistance....

that was what they made in the 80's.. as usual steel rims = longer stopping distances..

Awesome, under-rated bikes. I love mine.

Yours looks to be in great shape! With a few upgrades I think you'll really enjoy it. Mine is in regular rotation among my riders.

With a little work...
https://i.imgur.com/hfOonkD.jpg

It is quite heavy for its size - I think the entire bike is made of steel. No aluminum parts. If I can find my digital scale I'll see exactly how heavy it is.

Interesting to see the serial number hand etched inside the main tubes folding hinge in this format HXXX-XXXX. I didn't have my camera to snap a pic but you can see an example here. https://www.bikeforums.net/15269534-post6.html.

I'd like to find out at least what year this was built but haven't had luck finding a serial number database anywhere on the internet. I may reach out to that member to see if he was able to locate one.

[MENTION=64748]devinfan[/MENTION] yours looks great! Really digging the leather bits.

I may have found the build date I was looking for. A bit of digging in the Folding Bikes forum and found another member posted this.

Mine is also a SA 3-speed with "85-9" stamped. So I'm going to say the bike is a Classic III and probably built in late 1985.