Bacciagalupe

So, I've had a Dahon Mariner D7 for about a year now (2005 model, of course), put 1600 miles on it so far, took it over to Belgium for a week and will probably use it again for a week or so in France this fall. I'm also riding more (100+ miles a week and increasing) and doing longer rides, in the 50+ mile range and working up to a Century in the fall.

Some of the components seem fine -- frame, seatpost and brakes are good, for example, and the chain never jumps -- but I'm having constant issues with the rear derailleur and shifting. No amount of fussing with the barrel adjuster gets all 7 gears to ride without clicking (4th almost always clicks), and lately the highest gear (7th) vibrates unpleasantly. It was acceptable after I got a tune-up a few weeks ago, but it also seems like all I have to do is look at the derailleur sideways and wham, it's off kilter again.

So is it me and my somewhat limited bike mechanic skills, or is this bike just not made for this kind of mileage? Are some of these issues due to the component quality? Would higher-quality components require less maintenance? And if so, is there any point in upgrading the problematic components...?

Kenal0

If you have 1600 miles, I would definitely put on a new chain. By now it is starting to stretch and will start making noises and eventually ruin your cassette.
Kenal0

bookishboy

Do the standard check.... 12 links should equal 12 inches. If it's at (or greater than) 1/16" past the mark, then it's time to replace it. If it's past 1/16", have your local shop check the cogwheels for teeth wear too, because once they get worn down, they'll quickly wear out any subsequent chain that you put on there.

folder fanatic

So, I've had a Dahon Mariner D7 for about a year now (2005 model, of course), put 1600 miles on it so far, took it over to Belgium for a week and will probably use it again for a week or so in France this fall. I'm also riding more (100+ miles a week and increasing) and doing longer rides, in the 50+ mile range and working up to a Century in the fall.

Some of the components seem fine -- frame, seatpost and brakes are good, for example, and the chain never jumps -- but I'm having constant issues with the rear derailleur and shifting. -Bacciagalupe

One of the strongest selling points of Dahon's bikes are the quality of the most important parts of the product and the accessories that accomply the bike at purchase. But parts are intended to be replaced at a certain point (depending on many variables) and for safety reason as well as for peace of mind, should be done before any major ride.

Are some of these issues due to the component quality? Would higher-quality components require less maintenance? And if so, is there any point in upgrading the problematic components...? -Bacciagalupe

Component quality is a very important variable, but other factors could come into play and influence the wear and tear of the part in question. Higher quality components are what I usually strive for when I upgrade (or rather replace) any part that no longer adds to a safe, reliable ride for me. When I purchased my Boardwalk, I did made sure to replace the drivetrain with even better components that Dahon sent to me. It really paid for itself many times over. When it comes to simple accessories, I see if I could live without it before I replace or add it to the bike.

dalmore

Just a thought here but is your derailer shifter cable well lubed and kink free? Perhaps it's not traveling freely and making it impossible to get the derailer lined up... I would expect you to see some worn teeth on the cassette cogs if the chain is the issue - But that's theory. I've only read about this bike mechanics stuff. I have no real experience ...

Bacciagalupe

Thanks for the replies!

Kenal0 / bookishboy: The chain is actually spot-on, so the shop must have replaced it when I got the tune-up. Casette looks fine; since the noises can change from one gear to another when making barrel adjustments, and I've had this issue on and off since day one, my current guess is something is up with the derailleur.

Tune-ups only provide a temporary fix, thus my wondering if this is normal wear & tear (fixed with some easily acquired bike maintenance skills) or because the Mariner ships with a low-end rear derailleur and/or shifter.


dalmore: I think the derailer cable is fine. Again, it just got tuned up, I think the shop would've changed it if they picked up on a problem like that.


Just so you know, my intention is to have the shop do a tuneup on whatever bike I use, before I do the century. But I'd rather not have to do that every single time I want to ride more than 10 miles.

Also, it's one thing to swap out a chain and a few cables, and another to replace the entire transmission. I don't see much point in putting $200+ in components and bike shop services into a $325 bike -- that sounds like a money-pit to me. And while I enjoy my Mariner and feel like I've gotten my money's worth even with these issues, my motto is to use the right tool for the job. So if the Mariner can handle 100+ miles a week I'd put a little money into it; if not, I'd rather get a bike that's made for that kind of riding, and keep the Dahon as a "beater bike" for fun rides, short trips on the train during rush hour, and (maybe) the occasional tour....

Hence the query, about whether it's me & my lack of maintenance skills, or if I'm pushing this particular model too hard.

Kenal0

A rear derailleur can be had for 30 bucks on the low end. New cable another 5. I would start by taking it back to the bike shop that did the tuneup and have them take a look. Even the cheapest of components should be good for far more than 1600 miles. Unless the derailleur was bent or knocked out of alignment of there is a cable problem, this should not be happening.
Keep in mind that the lbs throws it on a stand, does the tuneup, runs it up and down the gears a few times and if all goes well that is it. They do not test ride around under load which can make difference. If you go back with a specific problem, ask them to test ride.

Kenal0

bookishboy

I'm guessing you'd already have checked this, but on my folding bike the shifter cable gets pulled a bit out of place every time the bike gets folded. It doesn't go back unless I pat/pull the housing back into place after unfolding it. I find that the new cable geometry quickly reminds me to put it back, if I start riding off without attending to it. The shifting sweet-spots are 'off' until the cable gets put back straight.

Bacciagalupe

I'm going to try and bring the bike in on Friday. Of course, in looking over the bike just now, I found out that the rear wheel has yet another busted spoke -- 3rd in less than a year. The whole beater / backup role for this particular bike is looking more and more appropriate....

I'll make sure the LBS knows the full issues, maybe get them to upgrade the derailleur anyway, and ask 'em if the fold whacks out the shifting.