What is the source of your information? My sources say otherwise. There may be a small penalty but in the grand scheme of things, it is smaller than you'd think. If it were really "a lot" more, you wouldn't see world speed records being made on small-wheeled aero-mobiles.

Hello,

I am sorry it took so long to respond. I had not logged in to this site for quite a while.

To answer your question, I still have this bike but I have not ridden for over half a year. Reason being I have been recovering from long term illness and being in and out of hospitals and nursing homes.

None the less I am much, much better and hope to be "on thne road" again soon. Yes, the little Solorock has been a good bike. No complaints.

Edward

The other thing that is really common in China is for a couple of guys that work for Dahon go out on their own and start a new company. Most all of the components are available off the shelf. You can have almost anything produced fairly quickly if you find a factory with a little bit of spare factory time. Many Chinese companies will put any label you want on the bikes they have designed and built---or designs they have built for other companies.

It's funny when you look on alibaba, you get 100s of different suppliers of folding bikes and many look identical yet the price per bike varies enormously. Some because they are reselling other factories production but others just a difference in pricing. It's pretty obvious different companies are manufacturing exactly the same geometry bikes though and from what is written they will put on any brand you want. As low as $25 for a basic steel folding bike that looks ok viewing on a web browser at least.

First, thanks for a very interesting thread. I would like to contribute since recently purchasing a Solorock Hunter (16") with IHG 3 speed sram i-3. I previously owned a Citizen Gotham 20" and currently own 2 vintage Bickertons. I was looking for a lightweight compact folding bike - I settled on the Hunter for the 16 inch wheels and 22 lb. weight. I've had this bike for about 2 months now. It is a solid, smooth ride (no flexing in the frame), very comfortable seat, and comes with rear rack and bungee cords. A magnet assembly keeps the bike folded. Two negatives - one I was able to correct. I just could not get comfortable with the stock handlebars - aching shoulders and neck after riding. I was used to the Bickertons where the handlebars can be adjusted precisely to rider's taste. Solved this by buying an M-style Brompton copy. Just that the gear shift numbers are hidden when remounting the shifter. A previously poster mentioned the sliding handlebar grips - this stopped when mounted on the Brompton copy. I think when your hands are in the proper position, there is less likely a chance of this happening.

The second problem does not seem to have a solution and is related to the sram i-3 internal hub. I expected same results as my old Sturmey-Archer 3-speed gear assembly. But there is this annoying faint chatter in third gear - less evident in 2nd, seems non-existent in first. In doing research on this site, it seems this "chatter" is the nature of the beast. Had I known this, I would have picked a derailleur set-up which they offer for a similar price.

I went back to my Bickerton recently, and was surprised at how less comfortable it was compared to the Hunter. I used to think my vintage Bickerton was the most comfortable of all.

Kind regards to all,
Scott.

Thanks Scott, very informative. I've looked into the Solorock 16 in 9 speed. Aside from IGH, I'm guessing it's the same bike as yours? Good experience with company?

Two things holding me back from purchase 1) the 31 in fold length would preclude standard size suitcase for travel and 2) honestly, don't think I ride enough to justify a third bike. Since weather warmed up, I've gone back to my road bike and hardly touched the Dahon.

The frame looks similar - but the components naturally are different.

Out of the box, there were two cosmetic problems - a broken front reflector and the plastic fender slightly warped to one side (maybe from long storage in box). These did not concern me as I added LED lights anyway and the fender can be realigned.

I did call them because I could not figure out how to unlatch the main hinge for folding. They answered straight-away - a hidden lever under a plastic shield.

Speaking about Solorock... I just ordered the 16" Spin 3. Really looking forward to owning a lightweight bike. My 16" Dahon weighs 39 pounds and my 16" SteelMaster is about the same. I'll post a review in a new topic with photos in (hopefully) the very near future.

I didn't know they made LEAD frames!LOL
I can't imagine a little 16" bike weighing that much!

That's what I thought, too. I weighed myself, then picked up the bike and re-weighed. Yikes! Did it 3 times on our digital scale.

The bikes have a small tool bag with tools, water bottle, flashlight in a holder, small aluminum bar ends on aluminum handlebar with foam grips on the Dahon. The SteelMaster is the same but has original steel handlebars. Tires on both are 20x1.75 Kenda. Those old bikes are just plain heavy.

There are a lot of "Stolen" designs in China. The Dahon Mu frame has been knocked off by so many companies it is pathetic. No they don't pay a "Design Fee". Brompton was smart to end having their frames made in China or whatever their partnership deal was. Copy and then compete with your former customer is the Chinese Manufacturer's moto.