Getting harder to fold into place. Danger or no?
08-21-23, 12:17 PM
#1
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Getting harder to fold into place. Danger or no?
This is a circa 2008 Dahon Speed D7. Bought it from a CG list ad back in 2020 for about $180. Threw a Bafang electric unit onto it and it's been my daily ride ever since. I fold/unfold it quite regularly since it's in my semi tractor. I'm on the heavier side and also ride with my cat on my back and usually fully loaded rack bags.
Over the past month, the folding out has become gradually harder to do than folding it up for storage. I then noticed this odd bend with the pivot point in the posted pic. Again this is my everyday ride and I just want to see if it's safe to continue using. Or should I look into something rated for heavier loads like a "Zizzo"?
Over the past month, the folding out has become gradually harder to do than folding it up for storage. I then noticed this odd bend with the pivot point in the posted pic. Again this is my everyday ride and I just want to see if it's safe to continue using. Or should I look into something rated for heavier loads like a "Zizzo"?
08-21-23, 03:03 PM
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Guessing the hinge pin is bent. I don't suspect the pin could break but it may eventually become impossible to fold.
I see a hole on the bottom where you may be able to remove the pin and replace it. If so, that may get you some more miles but my guess is it's exposed to more weight than it was designed for and would happen again.
I see a hole on the bottom where you may be able to remove the pin and replace it. If so, that may get you some more miles but my guess is it's exposed to more weight than it was designed for and would happen again.
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08-21-23, 04:25 PM
#3
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Guessing the hinge pin is bent. I don't suspect the pin could break but it may eventually become impossible to fold.
I see a hole on the bottom where you may be able to remove the pin and replace it. If so, that may get you some more miles but my guess is it's exposed to more weight than it was designed for and would happen again.
I see a hole on the bottom where you may be able to remove the pin and replace it. If so, that may get you some more miles but my guess is it's exposed to more weight than it was designed for and would happen again.
08-21-23, 06:34 PM
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The more you bend it, the harder it will be to fix. I would take care of this as soon as possible.
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08-21-23, 07:07 PM
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"Soon" is wishful thinking. I'm digging as far as Google will let me and the pins and other folding latch components are difficult to find out there short of dealing with international sources. I'm going to hit up Dahon and see if they provide any sort of parts kits(didn't see any for open sale on their website. All they have are cosmetic accessories as opposed to actual hardware).
08-21-23, 08:14 PM
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This is a circa 2008 Dahon Speed D7. Bought it from a CG list ad back in 2020 for about $180. Threw a Bafang electric unit onto it and it's been my daily ride ever since. I fold/unfold it quite regularly since it's in my semi tractor. I'm on the heavier side and also ride with my cat on my back and usually fully loaded rack bags.
Over the past month, the folding out has become gradually harder to do than folding it up for storage. I then noticed this odd bend with the pivot point in the posted pic. Again this is my everyday ride and I just want to see if it's safe to continue using. Or should I look into something rated for heavier loads like a "Zizzo"?
Over the past month, the folding out has become gradually harder to do than folding it up for storage. I then noticed this odd bend with the pivot point in the posted pic. Again this is my everyday ride and I just want to see if it's safe to continue using. Or should I look into something rated for heavier loads like a "Zizzo"?
My guess is that the pin is worn.
The fact that it's difficult to fold is not a great sign and increasing wear significantly to the pin and possibly the frame.
This is a folder with a significant aftermarket motor, with considerable loads on it, frequent use, and multiple loads that it was not designed for.
If you are able to remove the set screw ad tap out the pin, you might have an idea if only the pin is worn or if there is frame damage too.
In short, if there is frame damage (which is likely), then you need a new frame.
You might want to consider a purpose built electric folding bike.
The initial financial hit hurts, but it is significantly less expensive than a frame failure and broken bones.
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08-21-23, 11:22 PM
#7
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OOF
My guess is that the pin is worn.
The fact that it's difficult to fold is not a great sign and increasing wear significantly to the pin and possibly the frame.
This is a folder with a significant aftermarket motor, with considerable loads on it, frequent use, and multiple loads that it was not designed for.
If you are able to remove the set screw ad tap out the pin, you might have an idea if only the pin is worn or if there is frame damage too.
In short, if there is frame damage (which is likely), then you need a new frame.
You might want to consider a purpose built electric folding bike.
The initial financial hit hurts, but it is significantly less expensive than a frame failure and broken bones.
My guess is that the pin is worn.
The fact that it's difficult to fold is not a great sign and increasing wear significantly to the pin and possibly the frame.
This is a folder with a significant aftermarket motor, with considerable loads on it, frequent use, and multiple loads that it was not designed for.
If you are able to remove the set screw ad tap out the pin, you might have an idea if only the pin is worn or if there is frame damage too.
In short, if there is frame damage (which is likely), then you need a new frame.
You might want to consider a purpose built electric folding bike.
The initial financial hit hurts, but it is significantly less expensive than a frame failure and broken bones.
That said, I probably will look into the $1000 options that exist out there. The motors are neutered of course. But I don't see myself going up against any triathletes any time soon.
On that note as well, I'll have to look into metal recycling places or donor frame to some coop. I just don't like to throw things away.
08-22-23, 01:56 AM
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All points considered. Of course if the broken bones don't get me to the hospital, a stress induced heart condition from worrying about money and not enough work probably will, lol!!
That said, I probably will look into the $1000 options that exist out there. The motors are neutered of course. But I don't see myself going up against any triathletes any time soon.
On that note as well, I'll have to look into metal recycling places or donor frame to some coop. I just don't like to throw things away.
That said, I probably will look into the $1000 options that exist out there. The motors are neutered of course. But I don't see myself going up against any triathletes any time soon.
On that note as well, I'll have to look into metal recycling places or donor frame to some coop. I just don't like to throw things away.
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08-22-23, 02:04 AM
#9
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OOF
My guess is that the pin is worn.
The fact that it's difficult to fold is not a great sign and increasing wear significantly to the pin and possibly the frame.
This is a folder with a significant aftermarket motor, with considerable loads on it, frequent use, and multiple loads that it was not designed for.
If you are able to remove the set screw ad tap out the pin, you might have an idea if only the pin is worn or if there is frame damage too.
In short, if there is frame damage (which is likely), then you need a new frame.
You might want to consider a purpose built electric folding bike.
The initial financial hit hurts, but it is significantly less expensive than a frame failure and broken bones.
My guess is that the pin is worn.
The fact that it's difficult to fold is not a great sign and increasing wear significantly to the pin and possibly the frame.
This is a folder with a significant aftermarket motor, with considerable loads on it, frequent use, and multiple loads that it was not designed for.
If you are able to remove the set screw ad tap out the pin, you might have an idea if only the pin is worn or if there is frame damage too.
In short, if there is frame damage (which is likely), then you need a new frame.
You might want to consider a purpose built electric folding bike.
The initial financial hit hurts, but it is significantly less expensive than a frame failure and broken bones.
08-22-23, 02:08 AM
#10
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It's not going anywhere. I just have it gathering dust in my basement. It needs a derailleur, so it's not perfect. But for a "gimme" it's fine. I'm just giving it away. LoL!
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08-22-23, 03:26 AM
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tds101 offer sounds like a good one.
What's shipping cost for the whole bike or just the frame?
Guaranteed cheaper than a new frame.
(It'll be a day job swapping out the frame, but still)
What's shipping cost for the whole bike or just the frame?
Guaranteed cheaper than a new frame.
(It'll be a day job swapping out the frame, but still)
08-22-23, 11:02 AM
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I'll keep it in mind. That is if I'm still not swayed to go to something purpose built like a "Lectric". Of course one thing I hate about these purpose built folding ebikes is that they all nearly adopted the fat tire fad.
08-22-23, 11:34 AM
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Most of the fat tire folders have knobbies and they sound like a 4x4 coming down the road and the knobbies sap speed/distance/turning capability
Tho the Letric XP has a 20x2.4 which you can get a pretty good slick on it.
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08-22-23, 09:41 PM
#14
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Of course I got to hold off until I get tires replaced on my pickup truck as well. Or do I??
08-22-23, 09:43 PM
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Got an email back from Dahon and they put it bluntly that "they do not sell the pin components" and "the frame needs to be replaced". Not to get too ranty on here, but way too many people seem to be putting liability and injuries at the front of things as opposed to "do it yourself".
Definitely born in the wrong era.
Definitely born in the wrong era.
08-23-23, 06:24 PM
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No shipping available, pickup only I'm afraid.
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08-24-23, 12:26 AM
#18
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That's alright. I'm just going to pull the trigger on the Zizzo Forte and roll with that once funds are accumulated. Until then, I'm strapping the ginormous Catrike Expedition to the back of the semi!! Of course I'll have to get a tarp small enough to bungee cord around it. Best solution for now to fill the ride gap!!
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08-24-23, 06:14 PM
#19
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The upper and lower parts of the hinge look okay. The center looks worn, it may be the pin or it may be the hinge. The pin is easy enough, you can find a bolt at a good hardware store, just bring the old one with you. If there is a bushing, that can be harder to replace (I just put one in my old Moulton Stowaway), but a bushing would protect/reinforce the hinge. If you have a friend at a machine shop (these are great friends to have), he could sort out your bike in an hour or two.
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08-26-23, 12:32 PM
#20
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The upper and lower parts of the hinge look okay. The center looks worn, it may be the pin or it may be the hinge. The pin is easy enough, you can find a bolt at a good hardware store, just bring the old one with you. If there is a bushing, that can be harder to replace (I just put one in my old Moulton Stowaway), but a bushing would protect/reinforce the hinge. If you have a friend at a machine shop (these are great friends to have), he could sort out your bike in an hour or two.
Sounds like a project to tackle if these loads I'm running keep getting spaced out. Definitely a lot better than having to deal with the headache of carrying my trike on the back of the semi. Until funds become good again, this'll definitely be one way to try and save the Dahon.
09-14-23, 12:14 AM
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Since I bit the bullet and ordered a new Origami Bull, would it be wise to have the frame welded permanently unfolded with the Dahon? I don't really want to trash it and it could be a nice, small caliber, spare bike to keep around.
09-14-23, 07:26 AM
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You can probably get a machine shop to bore out the hinge and sleeve it for a new pin. I really don't think that your pin is bent, it looks more like the hinge is just warn out.
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09-14-23, 08:49 AM
#23
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In that case I'll just put it in my storage for now. Make some calls and get some takers for the job.
