Dahon Lockjaw - long term reports?
 

Just wondering about the Dahon Lockjaw hinge, and any owners of these bikes with long term report? More interested in how well the hinge has held out over time, and usage. I am looking at getting a used Dash P18 , but have always been hesistant on the durability of the hinge (vs the more standard hinges).

Thanks in advance for any perspective you can offer.

I have had a Dahon Silvertip for about 3 years and I have had no problems with them so far but i only fold and unfold it a few times a week. Overall the joints are really solid the only problem is having to have a tool to fold it but I really dont mind that very much.

Thanks for the insight! Good to know. I would be getting this mainly for weekend rides, not for my daily commutes, so that might work for me. It would be folded while in the house, so the hinge would be used likely once per ride, so probably not a high frequency as opposed to using for commuting.

Apparently, the only lockjaw-based Dahon available in Europe is the Dash, with either rim- or disk-brakes depending on the year it came out.

OTOH, Dahon Japan offers two models that aren't available here:

Dash Altena | DAHON OFFICIAL SITE - ??? **********
Dash P8 | DAHON OFFICIAL SITE - ??? **********

I was wondering if someone knew of a place in Europe that could get me a Dash P8.

Thank you.

I have had a Dahon Cadenza for 6 years now, its my commuting tank! (IGH, disk breaks). The only problem I have with the lockjaw hinge is that it does creak from time to time which is a known problem (might have been fixed since then). It does require allen key so its not a quick fold. Other than that seems fine

A bit of grease should solve the problem.

would this hey key be the same size as the lockjaw tool?

Arx? Grips with T-Tool | BioLogic Bicycle Accessories and Bike Gear

that way you can always have the key with you without worry when you need to fold it.

Yes.

The secret to Lockjaw life (I have 2 Cadenzas with LJ) is to make sure the tubes are aligned, then close a first jaw HALF-WAY, then the other jaw halfway, return to close the first jaw fully, then the second jaw fully.

Thanks for the useful tip.

I seem to think you can buy new Lockjaw hinges if necessary..I have seen them on the CH White website in the UK and if they sell them then surely ThorUSA does also?

I do have them ....yes.
otherwise what maunakea said above.... as long as you don't force the "teeth" together while still partly unfolded ( which eventually will create wear ) you are good

Lubrication will fix that. But the lubricant should be thick, almost like a paste, not runny or liquidy, otherwise it will slowly but surely drip out of the hinge, and the creaking will return. Bottom bracket goo will work.