I acquired an OBVIOUSLY older dahon, but not only do I not know what model it is(or build year), but I need help with the brakes. Attached to this post(or in reply to it), you will find pics of both the bike and the brakes(sorry about the quality, I can't find my Real Camera).

Anyway, the brakes are a belt putting resistance on a drum, but they keep loosening up on me. Last week I was going down a hill and had to use my shoe for brakes half way down. Anyone here know what vintage this bike might be or know much about this brake system? Local LBS owner and I will(at some point) take the wheel off and attempt to determine the issue, but I thought I'd put out a request here too.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

Picture of bike

Brakes

Older Dahon. I had one - and ditched it, but that bike made me discover the world of foldingbikes.

Mine had a SA three speed hub w coasterbrake so no brake problems. That is solution number one, get a different wheel witha coasterbrake hub.

Number two: Add a rim brake to the current setup, I have a feeling that cheapo looking drum is not going to work well..

Am I right that this is the only brake on the bike (no front brake)? In that case add one there also. If the rims are steel look for different wheels from a 16" childrens bike (dumpster, yardsale or similar).

I basically got this bike for free/worked it off. I like the fact that it's apartment friendly, and while I'm thinking of getting a new one(when funds allow), I want to make this safe as a beater/ travel bike.

I had a Schwinn folding bike with similar rear band brake as yours, with the stopping power of a sponge. I had a similar incident having to do a Flintstone foot stop to keep me from running into cross traffic. The photos of your bikes doesn't show any bosses for vbrakes. You could try putting on a set of caliper brakes, but you might have to lose that rear fender. You could probably also install a set of caliper brakes on the front as well for extra safety.