Dahon Lock Jaw Hinges
 

I notice a lot of the newer Dahon folding bikes come with Lock Jaw folding hinges. I have been unable to find a picture of these hinges. I would also like to see the folding in action. Where can I find a picture of these hinges, both static and dynamic pictures would be great.
Any commentary on the strength and/or durability and stability of these newer Dahon hinges?
Regards,
PCG

Well, I guess the Dahon Lock Jaw folding hinge is a very well kept secret!:D;):rolleyes:
Or, Dahon has never sold a bike with this hinge arrangment?:eek:
PCG

http://www.dahon.com/technology/frame/lockjaw.htm

there is a pick and a little explanation as well

thor

pick a pic
I mean ...lol

I just converted my Cadenza to fixed gear. Hopefully the hinges will hold up to the extra stress. I'll post more comments after several rides (maybe some pics a little sooner).

Chuck
What model year is your Cadenza?
Does it have the newer Lock Jaw Hinges?
I will be waiting to read your next post after your experiment.
PCG

It's a 2007 model. The first one with lock jaw.

I just wrapped the drop bars that I put on it today so I'll have pics soon.

I just saw a picture of one on the "Crazy Guy on a Bike" website.

They were riding full sized Dahon folders around India. You can see the picture below and the bikes on this web page:

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/p...=Fa#pic_241655

The Dahon Lock Jaw hinges appear to be constructed of aluminum. Aluminum is quite a soft metal. I wonder how the aluminum locking surfaces will hold up with a routine of folding and unfolding. It seems to me that the soft metal will be compressed and worn away in the locking area and become less than tight after several months of use. Any first hand experience with the durability of the mating locking surfaces?
I would hate to end up with an articulated bicycle frame. I wonder what the warranty by the manufacturer is for this frame hinge?
PCG

from taipei cycle show

http://www.flickr.com/photos/davidon...7623518983167/

At this point, Dahon's website only mentions the Dash D18 and the very pricey Clinch:
DAHON Bikes:*Folding Bikes by DAHON

Does it mean the other lockjaw-based models (Smooth Hound and Bullhead) are no longer manufactured?

I believe the Smooth Hound, Bullhead, and other similar 1st or even 2nd gen lock jaw bikes are no longer available. I looked into getting one for quite a while, and had to really scour the web to even find used ones. I think the Dash D18 is the latest version of this bike format.

I came across some of the same concerns (integrity of the lock jaw over extended use) in other forums. My impression is that the bike is first a minivelo that if you have to fold, then you can do so. But if you're folding it in and out day after day, you'd be better off with a folder that's designed expressly for folding.

agree ....however , never heard of frame failure yet. do sell about 6 bolt kits every year ( aroud the world)

You're probably correct. I think what I read dealt more with issues for the bolting system, rather than the frame itself.

New year-2015 Dahon Dash D18 can be found relatively easily in Malaysia. They are quite low specced out, though. New Dahon Dash P18 or XPs are out of production now, I believe. Dahon Dash Altena is available if you look for them. These are Japanese-market bikes where mini velos have more currency. I just bought a new one--well, just the frame, fork, stem and headset--in Singapore.

https://dl.dropbox.com/s/9oatpwohisc...5632.jpg?raw=1

Bicycle hero sell them from Korea - Folding Bike - Bikes

I like the Dash x20 - Dahon Dash X20 Folding Bike 2015

I own a Dash P18 and a Dash Altena. The Dash XP is the same frame as the Dash P18 and D18, just tricked out with road components. They are all 406 wheels. The Dahon Dash Altena has a different frame geometry, closer to a classic road bike, altogether with 451 wheels. Like so:
https://dl.dropbox.com/s/u5kbnraz6ki...5438.jpg?raw=1

That's a first gen LockJaw hinge, I believe. It's now in its third generation.

If ungreased the hinge will creak a little. Oil it, and it goes away.

My Clinch D10 could be based on the 3rd generation, it creaks when new. Not sure it was the LockJaw, grease doesn't help right away. But then some days it's gone. Two years, not a problem anymore.

I have a Matrix with First Gen Lockjaw.
It is solid and secure and no problems with wear, but real fiddly to get set up and maintain, until you get it figured out.
Hardly intuitive, requires you carry an allen key, and doesn't give a simple, clear, binary, indication of being secured.
I would have issues loaning it to anyone not fascinated with the folding process. I have had a poorly adjusted bike come apart while riding and at least it was rideable.
I put bikes with this in the "Foldable"rather than "Folding" Category. Sure ain't no Brommie fold.
Personally , having the Matrix and a montague, I find the bulk of the 26" folders to make them barely competitive with wheels off non folders, but I assume they have a niche