Dahon Folding Bicycle Forum: Wish List http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:05:59 -0700 30 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=7828
Basically, if you try and take a tandem on any train services (even where you are allowed to take full size bikes), they do not like it.

I know Koga make a folding tandem and Bike Friday make a separable one I think - but could Dahon do a proper folding one that gives it a "tight" enough fold to be a single bike size, that would be comfortable enough to tour on and good for 2 people to ride.

A further challenge of course would be to make it "packable" for flights etc.

Tandem riding is strangely unfashionable, but I do think it is the ideal way for two unequally matched cyclists to be able to get on the road together, talk and be sociable and not lose or worry about each other's safety... Also great for kids - good all round I reckon....]]> Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:28:58 -0700 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=7828 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=7819
It sounds like you'll be making a winter kit available in addition to the rain panel, i.e., something in the sides that offers ear coverage when it gets cold. Good. If it's possible to integrate a visor to keep the sun out of the user's eyes for during early or late commute hours, that would be even better.

I'd like to see an integrated strap on the back, just large enough to clip a light onto, which is another feature I like on the Metro.

Overall, looks like a great job!

Best,
David]]> Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:07:45 -0700 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=7819 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=7648
This would probably attract more people who likes the 16 inch curve but find the 3 gear hub too restrictive. The other choice is the Curve XL or SL which is much more expensive, a Curve D5 might be able to serve the needs of those with a budget between that of Curve D3 and Cuve SL/XL.]]> Wed, 07 Oct 2009 11:08:16 -0600 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=7648 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=7519 Bike Friday dosen"t need all the business from all of us that want good flexable bike luggage!

Don in Dallas]]> Sat, 12 Sep 2009 22:20:00 -0600 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=7519 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=7362

got my espresso since 2 month now and i'm very satisfied
i do fold it quite often, to get it into the trunk of car - the trunk is small, european sportscar
i found it difficult to find again the best position for the seat tube after folding
so every time in have to reajust several times

i think it will be a good idea to have markers at the seat tube. best will be with some numbers on it, so you can find again and again the right position for the seat. this would be much more easier and faster.

i hope you like my idea
thank you, jan]]> Sat, 15 Aug 2009 07:36:48 -0600 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=7362 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=7326 Dahon bikes uses many proprietary parts and finding spare parts is often a pain if not impossible.

Dahon does not release part numbers to customers and does not accept order for spare parts, most LBS don’t care much about post sale support, and the availability of Dahon parts from online outfits is very limited, even for bikes that are less than one year old.

My requests from Dahon:

1. Post detailed part list information on your web site (with part numbers) on your site.

2. Provide an online way to order spare parts. If you are concerned about competition with your dealer network, charge a premium of let’s say 20% but don’t leave us with no spare parts.

Thanks,

Kam
]]> Sun, 09 Aug 2009 09:14:43 -0600 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=7326 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=7321 http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=569763
IMHO, this looks like it could bet a GREAT model for the U.S., especially if it could be offered at $299 or less. FWIW, I would strongly suggest that, if fenders are included, they should be ones that would be compatible with Schwalbe Big Apple tires, since I believe that would be one of the more popular upgrades to this model. Also, the frame should support installation of the standard Dahon racks. Comments or suggestions? Are we looking at the Boardwalk's successor? ]]> Fri, 07 Aug 2009 21:05:35 -0600 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=7321 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=7203
Think of combining two front wheels with Dahon folding technology/wizardry and lightweight but sturdy frames. Sounds like a way to get the older generations out and mobile again!

This trike would also have to fold up very easily (some seniors have mobility limtations) for storage in an apartment closet.

Nancy]]> Fri, 17 Jul 2009 09:43:16 -0600 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=7203 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=7149
John]]> Sat, 04 Jul 2009 06:08:05 -0600 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=7149 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=7143
http://s577.photobucket.com/albums/ss219/s...jetstream%20SA/


See the trade section!!!]]> Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:44:17 -0600 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=7143 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=7114 any ideas for seat post caps ? they'd be easy enough to make.....
dahons may have been designed in califronia i don't know but in wetter climes
we need something to cover the seat post when leaving bikes outside and taking
the saddle off for obvious security reasons
my local bike shop guy says he was puzzled at first at the number of folders with
rusty bottm brackets - this is why and it's a real porblem for us!
cheers]]> Fri, 26 Jun 2009 04:44:19 -0600 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=7114 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=7036
Before I suggest a component to make this particular Dahon THE best bike out here period, I am Don and I am living in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. I learned about Dahon when I was looking for alternative ways to get from my house to the University without paying for gas and parking. I invested in a folder (The Dahon Jack) so that I can get it on the train and so far, it was money well spent. I have saved a lot on parking, gas money and with my recent upgrades of bar ends, folding pedals, rear rack and panniers, it has become my ultimate companion.

HOWEVER! One thing is clearly keeping the Dahon Jack from being the best full-size bike out there is this:

It needs folding handlebars!

This one component would exponentially affect the compactability of the bike for the better as folding handlebars would make the bike completely streamlined, especially when folded.

I hope Dahon reads this post, implements this technology and let me know so I can upgrade mine

Keep on rocking and drive safe out there! ]]> Sun, 14 Jun 2009 23:03:13 -0600 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=7036 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=6952 I often like to lock my bike (Dahon Jack) folded at a fence or something like that. It would be nice to have if the rack works even when folded Sun, 31 May 2009 03:48:45 -0600 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=6952 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=6921 I am using a free-floating fully-covering chain guard on my bike (and on the bikes of some family members) and I think it's one of the best inventions ever made in cycling. The chain needs much less cleaning and greasing, it also works longer without being replaced. Furthermore, there is absolutely no way to get yourself dirty. And the free-floating chain guard can be mounted on any bike without any special mounting points or brackets. It doesn't even need tools. And changing tires is as easy as before.
On a folding bike, the chain guard is even better: no matter how and where you carry or put the bike, nothing will touch the chain and get dirty! Encapsulate the chain: that would be a revolution in the folding bike world!
This chain guard is made by the German company Hebie and it's called a Chainglider. Here's a picture of it:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bindermichi/2428916740/ (not my bike).
Hebie's Chainglider fits any hub-geared Dahon bike just as it fits any other bike. The only problem is that the Chainglider is only made for sprocket sizes from 18 to 22 in the back and 38, 42, 44 in the front. Dahon bikes with the 3- or 8-speed gear hubs use 13 or 16 sprockets in the back, respectively.
What would be needed (and here's my call to Dahon's business instinct) is a version of the Chainglider that supports 13 to 16 teeth sprockets in the back end. This is really quite simple, since the back and front parts of the Chainglider are already separated and any of the front parts works, for example, with a special Rohloff-hub back end supporting down to 15 teeth. (Only that this part doesn't fit the Nexus hub used by Dahon!)
Given how many bicycles with those gear hubs Dahon is selling every year, it should be pretty easy to convince the manufacturer of the Chainglider to make a special model for Dahon! After all, they have a special model for the Rohloff hub, a specialized part with much lower sales numbers! All it needs is to send them a test bike they can work on, and when the Dahon version is produced, it can be sold as a Dahon add-on directly via the distributors / local dealers. It's a matter of a minute to mount the chain guard to a bike, just like any of the other accessories Dahon is offering.
Looking to increase your market share? Make customers more happy? Improve your products by more than 15% next year! Then this kind of chain guard is certainly worth an investment!
Sincerely yours,
Robert Will]]> Tue, 26 May 2009 08:55:32 -0600 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=6921 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=6407
I have owned 3 dahon bikes and now I have two of them only for myself. (06 jetstream XP, 06 Presto lite)
I've spent over $2k only for options to upgrade and now I get a bunch of parts left.

After going thorough all this, I end up thinking it would be great if we can custom-order 20' dahon bikes.

I am not saying you to offer us every little choice of parts, like nipples or bolts but meaning to give options of at least
1. base frame (mu, speed, or jet)
2. handlebar stem (color, folding right or left, telescoping or fixed..)
3. seatpost (color, pump post or beam post...)
4. wheel (comp, pro)
5. tire and tube
6. fork (alloy or steel)

these 6 sections that I listed prior are dahon special, which means that customers can't easily source them.

Just like other custom orders, this is not for everyone, but for some loyal dahon customers, who know about dahon products, and other high-end folding bike users.
Also, we all know that custom orders are pricey.

How do you think?]]> Tue, 27 Jan 2009 04:24:04 -0700 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=6407 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=6402 Looking at the Lucas Brunelle videos, this might be the explanation. And isn't there a 20-incher single speed folder in this NY video (min 2:06 to 2:20)?]]> Sun, 25 Jan 2009 19:08:57 -0700 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=6402 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=6385
]]> Wed, 21 Jan 2009 21:25:29 -0700 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=6385 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=6203 Fri, 12 Dec 2008 10:58:47 -0700 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=6203 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=6060 Bet a kilo can easily come off.
Would need a new design for the stem though.
Would like "normal gearing": currently have 55/38 with 9/26 Cpareo on my folder.

]]> Sat, 15 Nov 2008 14:41:22 -0700 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=6060 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=6043
http://www.pacy.net/p20/index_p20.html

]]> Mon, 10 Nov 2008 11:56:06 -0700 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=6043 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=6007 Just toured Vietnam and China. 20 inch wheels great, no need for panniers,
keeps it narrow. 8 gears were enough, you can always get
off and walk, give your bum a rest. Problems encountered were to do
with the rear end. Busted spokes, crappy ground clearance, fear of damaging
derailleur when catching bus/train/plane.

Congrats on making the Smooth Hound demountable. (Gaerlan are worried).Put a
Nexus 8 speed in it and it's my dream tourer. Now the problem is
the way designers think. Hub gears are for shopping bikes right?
Not really, Heinz Stucke has been around the world quite a few times
and uses a 3 speed hub gear bike.
I ain't no Heinz Stucke but I can see the merits of hub gear touring.
It's all in the mind. 8 gears are plenty, hub gears are less prone to
damage in the bus or train. Stronger wheel, no dishing. Higher chainline
for the muddy sections.

Then there's my main problem. Make it available in China. (that's why I
didn't go for the Mu XL, can't get one.)

Thanks.]]> Sun, 02 Nov 2008 18:55:06 -0700 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=6007 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=5921
I could do with the extra length anyway (at 6 foot 2 it's a bit low).

Also, I find I have to clamp the handlepost height adjustment really tightly to stop it coming loose while riding, so extending it is quite difficult.

TBH, I ride with the handlebar at beyond it's official maximum as I can't be bothered to extend it on folding. I'ts at about the minimum needed for folding to work, and I'll accept the (presumably) voided warranty as a consequence.

But if there was an option (even post-sale at cost) for a longer post, I'd go for it.]]> Tue, 14 Oct 2008 14:07:54 -0600 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=5921 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=5876 I noticed that most high end Dahon ($$$$) have the Kore I Bean seatpost. However, this seatpost does not provide customers with the flexibility of replacing the saddle of their choice without purchasing an extra adapter. It would be nice if Dahon could include this adapter when customers are spending lots of $$$$. Or better, let customer claim it online since some local shops tend to keep the accessories (reflective pant clips, paint, stickers, etc). Mon, 06 Oct 2008 21:21:26 -0600 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=5876 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=5859
I do love the snap of that magnet...]]> Sat, 04 Oct 2008 14:47:02 -0600 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=5859 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=5845 this video.

A major problem of the traditional rear wheel drive train is that this results in a very long chain when applied in a recumbent. Regarding the fold, that surely conflicts and make things rather complex. Also a lightweight folder with this design will tend to bend if you power hard with your left foot expanding the frame while the chain at the right compresses it. So this issue might be too hard to overcome.

But there are different designs employing front wheel drive (FWD) at equal or even better riding performance - and yet there is some space left for ingenious creativity.

Let me point out 3 interesting FWD concepts that potentially can change the whole landscape of cycling. There has been the well know Flevobike around for some time. It comes with super simple mechanics with a front wheel drive, and a pivoting main frame. But this concept is very difficult to ride, as steering is totally different to all what people are accustomed to. Another FWD concept is implemented in the Cruzbikes. They are as simple as the Flevos, but easy to ride. However, their FWD has some undesired impact of pedalling on the steering.

Then there are the Zox front drive recumbents. They eliminate the pedal impact on steering by some pulleys. Their bikes offer ultimate efficiency. Zox FWD recumbents are among the fastest in the world and winner of various race events.

And similar to these Zox bikes there is a literally unknown quickly separable recumbent. It looks almost like a Zox clone, seems to provide great riding quality and performance at a quite reasonable price (€1200,-). See this review. But the design is so simple (see picture), I would expect industrial production to bring this easily down to half that price.



And then I stumbled over this little piece of ingenuity, the "Ming". It reduces most of the complexities of the recumbent bicycles even further. Front wheel drive without steering impact, no pulley, integrated rear suspension, and wonderful details such as integrated cable housing, detachable chair that also serves as a mount for panniers. Check it out here and try to figure out how the front drive train works. Ingenious!

I think there is a reasonable demand for a simple, lightweight, affordable, and foldable recumbent - and most likely only Dahon can finally build that economically.]]> Wed, 01 Oct 2008 09:38:17 -0600 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=5845 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=5758
It needs v-brakes and the ability to fit wider tyres (ie BMX knobblies). It would also benefit from an EBB so that an Alfine rear hub could be used. A single speed option would, of course be perfect.

Disk brakes would probably appeal to some, but would add undesirable weight.

I am available to test the prototype ]]> Fri, 12 Sep 2008 17:47:48 -0600 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=5758 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=5754
While costly, a recall and replacement would be a prudent good will gesture to current owners.]]> Fri, 12 Sep 2008 06:37:55 -0600 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=5754 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=5740
Two rings in front crank.
Nine speed cassette.
Steel of course.
Black

This bike is good for travel ( you can repair everywere ) and for commuting with hills ( like me ).
¿why not?]]> Wed, 10 Sep 2008 04:47:19 -0600 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=5740 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=5711 Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:25:10 -0600 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=5711 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=5450 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showt...=titanium+dahon

I know of a person that makes titanium parts for a lot of professional cyclists. He is based in Reading, UK. He gets a lot referrals from halfords, etc. Is there any way that permission could be sort to design a Ti frame based on Speed Pro or even possibly Ti version of the front fork, similar to the Brompton Ti models. I know that there was a consignment of these bikes made for the Japanese market and were made by Pacific cycles. I remember you said you had a sample of the frame somewhere in the Dahon building, if it's just gathering dust can I purchase it? Thanks Pat

See http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showt...=titanium+dahon]]> Wed, 16 Jul 2008 12:25:51 -0600 http://www.dahon.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=5450