It's easy to become enamored when adding a new bike to the fold, riding the new bicycle exclusively while the other bikes form a layer of dust. This has not been the case with the Dahon. It has a distinct purpose: as an alternative when I require less carrying capacity, when I need to stow it inside a vehicle, or riding short jaunts around town.
And yet, it is a bicycle that's become much more than that.
Simplicity and Versatility
The Dahon is a straightforward bicycle. There are 6 gears with easy twist shifters. There are fenders and a rack for functional transportation rides. Folding capabilities aside, therein lies it's beauty. It's a simple machine: a few gears, two wheels, easy to keep clean.
On might argue that a 3-speed does virtually the same thing, and you'd be right, but a small wheel bike also offers unique advantages. Easy on and easy dismount begs a rider to explore: stop for photos, window shopping, etc. And, with a quick release seat post, I've discovered the bike can fit almost anyone, doing double-duty as a perfect bike for guests, and because of it's upright posture has been deemed "a fun little bike".
Little Wheels Give Me Big Ideas
The fact that all these simple ideas come in a compact package, has quick turning radius, (handy for squeezing past gridlocked vehicles in NYC), with ample space on handle bar and extra long stem, for a purse, water bottle holder, or almost anything. It's by far the lowest step over bike of my collection, and coincidentally, my first foray into 1x gearing, which I like for it's simplicity.
Of course, the Dahon has limitations. The short rack cannot accommodate my work pannier or haul enough camping gear for tent touring. However, I wouldn't hesitate to bring the Dahon on another Amtrak excursion or try an inn-to-inn tour on flat terrain. And much like experimenting with the Yuba Boda Boda, riding a non-traditional bike has opened my eyes to possibilities I'd never dreamed of.
Another interesting fact: the Dahon is further confirmation that a frame that's easier to mount is what I want as I grow older. And now I have 3 styles to choose from: Peugeot commuter, Clementine tourer, and the versatile Dahon.
How big a pannier CAN the Dahon accommodate?
ReplyDeleteI'm currently trying my smallest set of panniers and both hooks don't fit and clear my heals, however I'll still try a bike commute with jerry rigged attachments. It may be better to bungee a
DeleteDuffel on the rack. I'll keep experimenting, not prepared to buy additional panniers...
...unless I have a specific purpose or upcoming adventure.
DeleteAgree with the easy to mount comment. I borrowed an electric step through for a little while and am now back to my tourer. I love it dearly but getting on and off is not easy.
ReplyDeleteAnnie, You can try attaching a full size backpack to the rear rack. It sits upright and backwards- attaching to the saddle and resting on the rack. This is common practice with people who tour on Bromptons. I used a variation of this configuration with a smaller backpacking pack on the GAP trail in PA with my Dahon a few years ago. Google: The Path Less Pedaled. They have a You Tube video that describes the set up. This may give you some ideas, but you still may get some heel strike.
ReplyDeleteHi Chris, so good to hear from you! I have heard of the backpack technique and I possibly have an ideal size at home. I'll keep this in mind for more carrying capacity.
ReplyDeleteMy spouse rides a Dahon and loves it. Like yours, it is a nicely equipped step-through frame completely apart from its foldability. I ride a Bike Friday PakIt. I love the nimble handling and the ease of taking it on public transit. It also folds up and goes in a suitcase. So many advantages! I don’t know why folding bikes aren’t more common. They solve so many problems.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kendra. So good to have your confirmation about folding bikes. If I lived in big city and space was at a premium, it's likely the only type of bike I'd own.
DeleteI've often thought about getting a folding bike myself. As you say, it solves so many problems that come up with full size bikes, such as public transit, or a complete lack of practical bike parking at a destination. I like the look of this one, it's fenders, and it's rack. What's the range of gears on this bike? Were I to get one, I'd like a wide range of gears in order to handle varying terrain: a big one to go fast on flat ground and a small one to go up steep hills without plodding.
ReplyDeleteI think that some of the Dahons are very practical looking, with racks and fenders, as this circa 2003 model certainly was - one of the attractive aspects for me. Mine has 6 gears, so a limited range, but doable in the short term.
DeleteMy spouse’s Dahon also has 6 gears. It is very good on the low end, but lacks a tall gear. He’s content to coast on the downhills.
DeleteI bought a set of small front fork panniers for my folder and they fitted. Sometimes changing the rear rack may be the answer but you may have to adapt the rack stays.
ReplyDeleteI've seen the front fork racks and that's all another solution. For now I want to keep the bicycle as lightweight as possible - she's a bit on the heavy side at 31 lbs. - though concessions sometimes need to be made to carry gear. Another option I'm considering is creating a tall wedge satchel made of material that Velcros to handlebars and lower part of stem, something that's removable yet allows more storage up front.
DeleteHi Annie,
ReplyDeleteHow old is this Danon model? I'm thinking about buying a similar one on CL and trying to figure out if its worth it for $150? Thanks!
I believe it's a 2003-2004 model.
DeleteAh, thank you.
ReplyDelete