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| Dahon Eco 3, a hunk of shiny red love. |
What is it about a shiny red bike that draws my eye? Is it because it's in pristine condition, newer, lighter aluminum frame with rear rack and fenders, solid equipment unlike my current folder's accessories?
It's all of the above!
I gave myself an out too, because the last thing I need is another folding bike. To that end I made an afternoon appointment, expecting the bike to be sold by then. It is 2021 after all, and everyone wants a bicycle! And then I pedaled my Dahon Boardwalk to the sellers house to compare both bikes side by side. A test ride confirmed that the aluminum frame with steel fork rode well, the derailleur needing minimal adjustment.
But dang, I don't need another bike, I thought.
It was practically new, hmmm, and that shiny red color, did I say how beautiful that red is? I offered considerably less than the asking price, and when the seller counteroffered, I explained my reasoning, going so far as to suggest she wait a few days, because I presumed someone would pay full asking price.
Pretty please, I thought, don't accept my offer.
Ugh, she accepted my offer! Maybe it was meant to be...so I pedaled to the nearest ATM (see, I didn't bring cash, another out) and came back to buy THE SHINIEST RED BIKE, and it's nearly brand spanking new.
Of course, riding a bike to buy a bike has inherent problems (even with regular yoga practice I'm not Godzilla) so I returned with my husband in tow who planned on using the car at the same time. Let's just say that he didn't speak to me for a while.
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| Look at the barely used freewheel! |
I did my research beforehand. New, the Eco 3 was listed at 380.00 and only available in 2010-2011 - and that's without rack and fenders. 7 gears, adjustable stem, Dahon-style bungee, separate eyelets for derailleur and axle - all improvements on the Boardwalk.
The beefy rack and fenders are worth about half of what I paid (150.00) and would be an upgrade to my Boardwalk. I'm not sure what I'll do to or with this new bike. Part of me loves the Boardwalk's steel frame, part of me itches for a lighter weight folder, and I wonder if waiting for a newer, modern model, with front truss block, double chainring - more geared for touring - should be my next step.
It can still be, I suppose.
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Bicycle acquisition really is a rabbit hole, isn't it?
Congrats on the new bike. Looks to be very nice and I bet it is really light.
ReplyDeleteIts a very nice bike Annie, I'm a sucker for red too. Lots of thinking to be done as to what you are going to do with it, but in the meantime have fun riding it. You could pop them both in the car if you go somewhere one for you and one for your husband.
ReplyDeleteAnnie if you're looking for a touring Dahon keep an eye out for a P24, mine is an Impulse but I think the later version is a MU P24. It has the SRAM Dual drive in the back wheel and an 8 speed cassette giving you 24 gears.
ReplyDeleteSo lovely! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteGot me the same ride condition all original red 2010 Dahon Eco 3 yesterday for $150 from a nice gal from South Pasadena, CA with front removable basket & rear rack bag but missing the rear rack bungie. Is this a fair price& how much did you pay for yours?
ReplyDeleteI paid 150! Worth it in my opinion. Go get it.
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