Hi all,
I recently bought my first foldie from a National sporting goods store after a LBS that is the local Dahon dealer told me to buy a fat wheeled bike and run over a Dahon! He told me he had no stock of Dahons and was done w/me after he realized I wasn't interested in a fat bike. Bit of a disappointment that nobody local carries Dahons for me to see up close and take for a spin. So, I did get to ride the bike I currently have and I absolutely love it, but I'm confused as to what model I actually have. The reason I'm confused is that the paperwork states it's a D7 and also says it's a C7a. Is there anything on the bike that distinguishes it...or is there any difference? The bike came with a cd owners manual, but it's a multi model manual. Thanks.

I'm guessing that the C7a does not have fenders and a rear rack and that the D7 does have those accessories. Where are you located?

-HANK RYAN-
Norman, Oklahoma USA

Based on that I must have the D7 as the rack and fenders w mudguards were standard. I'm in the Capital District of NY. Dahon lists two LBS as dealers but both had no folders in stock. In fact they both were heavily into the fat bikes and didn't seem to know when/if they would get new Dahons in the store. We've another LBS that is great and they're a Brompton dealer. Can't reach those right now, but they're nice. I love the ride of my Vybe and have been commuting to work for two weeks now. Rode out and around a nearby resevoir today and had a lot of fun. Great bike.

I have the same problem, mine's from last year(2015) but the model year is 2014. On the ticket it says c7a but sometimes on the ticket it says d7. I think depending on the year and the area you're in it's gonna be whether it's a c7a or d7. Some years may only have one of those two. https://www.google.com/search?q=daho...MyOD5aIsSyM%3A

Mine is gonna be this one WITH fenders and a rear rack

Mine has very slightly different graphics(doesn't say concept bike) and doesn't have the green cap ends on the grip...otherwise, same thing. But that means I could have the C7a w rack and fenders. I'm guessing there is no significant difference. I'm happy. Thanks for the link.

forgot what mine says, i thnk it's like urban city bike or urban concept bike but i don't really pay attention. mine's doesnt have the green caps also and the saddle is a plain black one also. regardless though i like the bike, it's a good mix between being relaxed and aggressive for my needs. i just hate running out of gears going on hills hehe

I was thinking I'd like two higher gears on mine, but not sure I want to go much faster on this bike with the condition of our spring roads. I ride a lot of hills and am happy with the gears in that regard. I agree with your statement about it being a good mix of relaxed and aggressive. I can really get moving on this bike. I'm looking at a mirror, had a couple of motorcycles get real close on my commute today. Supposed to rain all week, so I guess I'll start looking.

Where are you? You sound like you're from the east coast as well. Piece of advice, don't ride from the top gears from a full stop as having force the drive train could damage it like what i had on mines. I had my rear cogset changed already (bike was just bought last august, but ridden at least 700mi and all weather) cleaning the chain and lubrication is also always good. I have a love and hate relationship with the hills as the pain going uphill also provides some sense of accomplishment that you can brag about later on. Enjoy the ride and be safe always!~

Good to know about the drivetrain. My chain snapped at 30 miles and had to be replaced. I'm also in NY, the Capital District. I "enjoy" the hills but I have no choice, where I live it's uphill or downhill...very little flat. It's satisfying to complete the climb(s).

I have been researching Dahons for a while now, and all the names are really confusing. The names seem to change depending on where you buy them from and when you buy them. This site goes over a lot of the different models, which ones are available now, and which ones you can buy in the U.S.: Dahon Mu P8, Speed D7, Jetstream, Espresso, & Other Great Bikes

Yup, I think you guys are right. No matter. I'm really enjoying my Dahon and have been amazed at how much I enjoy biking around, to work, hardware store etc. I call my bike Henry because my wife teased and said "I think you are in love with that bike". I said "Who? Henry?, I wouldn't call it love...we're buds." My quip has stuck and now everyone in the house refers to my C7 as Henry.

I'm just looking into getting a folding bike, and have been puzzled about the variety of Dahons as well; my current take is that they only actually make about 3 bikes -- the variety has to do with what shifting and brake mechanisms they have. Am I right?

Besides the components you mentioned, some have telescoping post at the handlebar. Mine is not adjustable in this manner. Mine is a one piece affair that folds down.

Hi all,
I have been happily commuting on my Dahon since early April. I haven't had any issues ..until today. I typically do a pre ride check to be sure hinges etc are proper before rolling off to ride. This a.m. before work, I noticed that the latch at the base of the stem was a little sloppy. After a closer look, it seems that a bolt at the pivot of the latch has fallen out. Also the plastic retention clip that holds that latch (when folded) has snapped. I fold/unfold the bike frequently. I think this may have happened yesterday, but I couldn't locate the bolt or the fragment of the clip. Can I buy these? To be clear, the hinge at the stem is working fine, just the latch that swings up is missing it's bolt. Sorry can't post photos. Also, I apologize in advance if my terminology is improper, new to all this.

Dahon hinge latches are poor design; you need to constantly baby them. One design in particular is appalling. I wonder which one you have. Anyway contact ThorUSA for help.

Thanks Jur. Sent Thor an email.