IBrakeForNobody

I am going to be a poor college student here pretty soon, but due to my situation, the school I plan on attending is a 10 minute drive, 50 minute train ride, 5 minute bus ride, and however far bike ride to class away. I recently came upon a nice second-hand Dahon Speed D7 that I can easily afford, but I'd like to hear what others have to say about it first. Been searching around till my eyes bleed, but I haven't really found much on the D7 (especially since the search eliminates "D7" because it's too short or something).

To provide a little more info, I'm only going to be riding the bike around campus and from class to class (campus is about three city blocks long and one city block wide). My main concern is that the bike will be a little too large to carry on the train (which I have never ridden so I have yet to see how busy it is). The train has parking for two regular full-size bikes in each train car, but you're allowed to bring folders with you and throw 'em on the luggage rack or under the seat, hence my interest in a folder over a conventional bicycle.

My other worry is how I'm going to lock it up to the bike rack, but I figured that I could lock it folded up with a cable lock, standard U-lock, and Kryptonite U-lock, and the bike-thief-to-be will be more tempted to steal the nice Diamondback Response Sport next to me that's connected with a single thin cable lock.

As an ultimate theft-deterrent, I thought that removable pedals would be a nice touch, since a bike without pedals is like an engine without pistons. Are there any removable pedals for the D7?

havm66z

From the reviews, it sounds good.

Here’s a search: https://tinyurl.com/bl79d5

Yes, you can get removable pedals for any bicycle. https://tinyurl.com/aldyg5

I think most recent Dahon 20" bicycles fold to similar sizes, so if you’re able to see one, that should give you a rough idea of folded size.

ChiapasFixed

the D7 is a fine bike. you could prolly ride it all the way from your home to the school no problem.
At least from home to the train, then to school! Dont bother with cars and buses man!

duke_of_hazard

I have 4600 miles on my 2007 D7, completely problem free!

neilfein

I always thought the whole point of a folding bike was that it's with me, not locked up somewhere. I never bring a lock when I take the folding bike out.

That said, I keep bikes in my garage, and they all get locked up. (We own 6) It's much, much easier to lock up a folding bike with a cable lock. But it's safer by far to take it along with you. Make friends with the bus drivers, sit by the aisles in class, and you're golden. (The logistics of toting around a folding bike make for an interesting discussion by themselves.)