spoony rogue

Originally posted in bicycle mechanics section so please ignore if you have seen this already.

Hey there,

I recently bought an original Dahon folding bike with a view to renovating it. All very straightforward except the existing brace coupling pin assembly is seized and also incomplete. I have contacted Dahon seeking a replacement and despite what they say on their website, they are unable to provide a replacement. As such I cannot complete my restoration and the only alternative is to use a nut and bolt which is not very elegant visually or mechanically. Does anyone know where I can purchase a new suitable component to keep my project on track?

Many thanks

SR

Bonzo Banana

If you cannot restore the part or fabricate a new one then maybe consider buying a cheap donor bike for parts (sometimes cheaper than obtaining rare spares). I think that is a common solution. Depending on where you are based there might be spares available in other countries and if a small part postage may not be prohibitive. Perhaps show a picture of the part once you've have image posting privileges.

Thor used to frequent these forums although think he is currently banned (not sure why) but he might have been able to help.

I think generally Dahon haven't been great for spares historically. They tend to update their models very frequently and possibly use different frame manufacturers making spares a larger logistical problem but I think that criticism applies to more recent models not the early designs.

Maybe there is a support group somewhere for early Dahon's, facebook etc.

This part?

https://www.bikeforums.net/attachmen...1&d=1300197443

spoony rogue

Thanks for your message. Actually not this part. The one at the top of the bracing strut. I am not allowed to send to you a picture or a URL at this time so I'm not trying to be lazy or awkward, I am just limited to discriptive prose.

RS

bargainguy

Spoony, there is a 10 post minimum before you can post/upload pix. If you go to the Intro section and say hello to five of your new friends in their posts, you'll hit that 10 post minimum and you can upload pix from your computer. Once you get to the 10 post minimum, click on the Post Reply button in the left column (not the Quick Reply box at the bottom), then Manage Attachments, and upload from there.

Hickory n steel

Does it look like the part seen here where the bike folds ?

spoony rogue

Hi there,

Thanks for your interest. This is not the part though, no. The early Dahon folding bike had a unique brace the bottom of which you can see on the top right hand side of your picture. The top of this brace connects to the handlebar upright with a quick release catch. This catch assembly is what I am largely missing and seeking a new one.
SR

2wheeldeal

It looks like this. This is the original design, from my 87. They changed it soon after this model to make it easier to release.

Hickory n steel

Ok, so you're talking about this ?

My bike is an '87-'90.

Mine uses a ball detent system similar to a quick release ratchet to snap in,you just push down on the knob when snapping it in and to release it.

It looks like you just pull in yours, is it just missing a detent ball or something ?

spoony rogue

This is indeedthe one, yes. I have something with some ball bearings, rusted uin position and no quick release handle/knob. I was thinking that the simplest thing would be to replace the whole unit rather than trying to resusitate the part that I still have, but nothing seems to be readily available for either option regrettably.

Hickory n steel

Maybe see if you can soak it in some evaporust or clr you can get the ball detents freed up.

spoony rogue

I'm doing just that right now but without much success so far. The rest of the bike is in great condition aside from the tyres and cables so it is just a shame that this one unique component does not seem to have stood the test of time unlike all the other Dahon parts...

spoony rogue

Hi everyone,

Just to let you know, I did find a donor bike and am well on my way to getting my Dahon on the road, ready for a summer of leisurely paced cycling. I have the pin andall the other bits that I need. However I do have a small issue that I wonder if anyone can help with. If not, a trip to the bike shop will sort the problem although i am not keen on the guys working there as they tend to be abrupt and rude. Anyway, I have removed the old crank and am replacingit with the one from the donor which has a folding crank shaft, tucking the pedal out of the way when the bike is stowed. The issue is that it has a metal cover over the bolt, securing the crank to the bike. It is not round and it does seem to want to budge. I could wedge a screw driver under it and give it a pounding until it pops off but I don't want to break it by doing so. Has anyone come across this kind of thing before and if so, is there a technique fro removingit or do you just wallop it?

Schwinnsta

Pictures would help.

spoony rogue

Hi there Schwinnsta. A picture says a thousand words etc., I do know what you mean but up until now I havrebeen prevented from posting pictures, being a newcomer on here. However, this now is no longer the case.

rhenning

If you are attaching pictures I am still not seeing them. How are you posting them and what format are they in? Are you using the "Go Advanced" button to do your post? Roger