Donkelly

Sorry if this has been answered well already, I didn't see a thread like this.

Thanks to this site I bought two Dahon bikes - the boadwalk S1 for my wife and the Eco C6 for me. Went to a pretty good dealer nearby. What to do next? I am quite a newbie.

We got helmets and water bottle holders. And cable locks. Anything else that is a definite must?

-Headlights you would recommend? Tail lights?

-Tires to replace the originals once they pop? (Do Big Apple tires fit on these low end Dahons? The young "salesman" wasn't sure)

-Helmet mirror?

-Back rack (the boardwalk has one but the Eco doesn't)

-anything else?

By the way, I am six feet and kind of wished I went for the next step up (D7) with the adjustable height on the handlebars, but I am not sure it is $100 worth of inconvenience.

Thanks

HGR3inOK

The Big Apple 20x2.0 tires will fit --- but probably not with the non-adjustable fenders that come on the Boardwalk S1 and the Eco C6.
-HANK RYAN-
Norman, Oklahoma USA

fietsbob

I like a front hub mounted Generator. I have a Schmidt, you can get what you want.


Schwalbe marathon K or plus, as a replacement tire

jefmcg

I don't lock my folder, but if I did it would be with a D-Lock and a cable as a secondary.

I just put a mirror on my flat handlebar - I like have it, but most do without.

Lights: I've got a fenix L2D which is great and a smart at the back. If you are travelling at night I suggest two lights front and back in case one fails. My lights are at wheel level, and rain makes them unreliable, so always have two on.

Tube, tools etc attached to each bike. A pump. I didn't used to carry these things, thought I could always get a bus home, but they are worth it.

Tyres don't usually fail suddenly, you could wait to purchase until your tyres are worn. That being said, I've had 3 tyres fail suddenly - on sidewall cut and two miss adjust brakes resting on tyre. Waiting a couple of days for a tyre in the mail wasn't a big hardship.

Rack - depends if you need it. I didn't use mine for the first 2 years of owning the bike, just used a handbag or backpack. Only used the rack when I started commuting on the bike, and need to bring a full change of clothes.

I also have a handlebar mount for my phone, use it to track mileage and for navigation. But that's not an essential

commo_soulja

Travel with the bikes and ride at your destination. Main reason I got mine. It's wonderful!

bendembroski

You've got all the basics there. (Unless you are riding after dark, then you NEED some lights.)

I'd just ride a while, and you'll soon figure out what else you need. I spent way too much on stuff I didn't need / want when starting out.

As general rule, the most cost - effective upgrade on any entry-level bike is tyres. However, you're still better off riding a while to figure out what kind of tyre are best for you.

P.S. Don't trust the cable locks for much protection. They'll do just fine while nipping into shops and other quick stops, but are easily defeated. For longer stops, consider getting a sturdy u-lock.

Welcome to the fold!

Dynocoaster 

Thor has a Dahon shop and here is his accessories store https://www.thorusa.com/dahon/accessories.htm for a rack.

Geeeyejo

Not sure what type of tires the C6 comes equipped with but would consider higher pressure tires as a performance/handling upgrade - if not then definately "Thorn proof" /flat resistant tubes. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure here - sucks getting a flat on the road. I also carry an extra tube (the original tube prior to the thorn proof upgrade) a small pump and an adjustable wrench to remove the wheel if necessary to fix a flat. I like a rack as well but use a backpack for all of my cycling supplies as well as clothes change when commuting...

HGR3inOK

FWIW, we put Schwalbe Marathon Plus 20x1.75 tires on an Eco C3 and the stock fenders would not fit. We used some Planet Bike fenders that were available. I'm pretty sure the SKS fenders would also have worked.
-HANK RYAN-
Norman, Oklahoma USA

fietsbob

Planet Bike 20" works on my PL.. 406-47 ..

Donkelly

I don't plan to ride at night - but do ride with my 8 year old - which will mean getting back later than I planned at times. Especially in fall / spring that might mean riding in the dark a little.

THANKS FOR ALL THE REPLIES AND WELCOME!

kamtsa

Like with all bikes, you want to carry with you basic tools and whatever you need to patch/replace a tube (patch kit, tire levers, pump or CO2 inflator, spare tube, etc). A dry practice at home will be useful.

The alternative is to carry a cell phone and call a spouse/friend/taxi. It's easier with folders ;-)

If you don't ride at night you probably don't need front/tail lights. If you ride or roads a mirror is very useful. I prefer the handlebar ones over helmet mirrors (e.g. https://amzn.com/B000VW33EC or https://www.mirrycle.com/mountain_mirrycle.php ). If you ride on trails with pedestrians, a bell will also be useful but not a must.

lucille

Do you have a bell? In some places it's mandatory, not to mention handy.
I would get those small lights and keep them on the bike. As you said, you will probably need them in the fall. Also mandatory to have lights after dusk, at least where I live.
If you will be riding on the streets, I would get a mirror. Trails only? Wouldn't bother. Which kind of mirror is another thread all together, everybody has their favourite.
You may not need a rack, if your wife's bike has one, but I like having it. I would put it on.
Kickstand also comes in handy, but your bike may already have one.

And lastly, if you plan on using the bike a fair bit, $100 in not much for something that works better for you. Think about using it for 5 years, 10 years maybe longer. Give it a test ride and decide, before you get your current bike in not so new condition.

Enjoy your bikes!

Donkelly

Thanks for all the good advice. Lights and blinker on the way, I will pick up a bell - I have already seen that be important on the bike paths. Rack will be ordered eventually, I think.

I guess I have lots of time to decide on the adjustable handlebar stem. When tires are needed I will upgrade.