Hello fellow cyclists
I really need your advice on an issue that I encounter.

I recently bought a Dahon Ios D9 folding bike. I really do like the bike, its features and the overall feeling and performance.

However, the only disadvantage is the short length of the handlebar post. It is a solid piece of specific length, not adjustable, relatively short, and there is no stem option (at least to my knowledge,) because it is a T-bar. Additionally, I need to have my seat post high enough in order to pedal correctly and efficiently. Hence, I am riding with my body bowed forward to some degree which hurts my lower spine.

I know some cyclists like to bend forward all the way when riding but for me this is an uncomfortable position. I already have done some research on my own with very poor results. It is a challenging matter to my opinion. Thank you in advance for your enlightenment!

I've ridden a Dahon Mariner (similar geometry AFAIK) & I couldn't get a good handlebar position (height OK but reach too short). Dahons seem to be designed for short rides. Custom-made stem might work but would probably cost ~$400.

Handlebars, Extenders and Bar Ends

Thank you all so much! I think I ended up on my decision. I am going to use a riser handlebar. My local bike store has one that makes a 4”+ difference which is perfect. It’s going to make my Dahon a little bit like a BMX but I don’t mind. it might even look more cool and I’ll try to get used to it.

test 1

test 2

test 3

test 4

test 5

Problem solved, with persistence, research, and experimentation. Unfortunately, the original Dahon T-bar double stem was not compatible with the clamp diameter of any common rise handlebars. Nevertheless, I found online a special stem compatible with those rare Dahon T-bar posts. This stem not only gave me 2-3 inches extra height by itself, but also made it possible to use a regular riser handlebar which offers me another 3 inches, ending up with a 5-6 inches rise which feels reeeealy comfortable! Look at the pictures below.

By the way I have an older folding Dahon D-7 that I want to sell online. Could you guys recommend me any website where a can sell it? Thank you so much! Be safe, healthy and happy!!!

Happy Independence Day !!!



Before modification with original double stem and flat handlebar



After modification with the new stem and riser handlebar



A closer look of the special stem