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Item 809313
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REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
Reviewed by 5 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-5
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Dahon Speed D7 Folding Bike - 2011:
I have a two part commute: from the East Bay to SF, and then 4 more miles in the city. This bike enabled me to cut my commuting time and discomfort by not having to use the SF Muni.
There are no restrictions on carrying this bike when using public transit.
I ride 4 miles uphill in a breeze thanks to the 7 gears.
After 3 months of use I lost the magnet that is part of the folding mechanism. I bought a new one but it also fell off. But the bike is still fine without it.
Because of the frequent folding you have to keep an eye on the brake and derailleur cables. Adjust them if necessary.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Dahon Speed D7 Folding Bike - 2011:
I am fan of mountain biking and this "family" bike is perfect for commuting.
Great quality and mechanical adjustment, unexpected in a folder bicycle.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Dahon Speed D7 Folding Bike - 2011:
I have a custom built folding tourer that I ride for anything over 10 miles. But for under 10 miles, just shopping, commuting or a quick get out the door, I now use this folder. I love that it comes with a rack on which I could fit an already owned set of panniers, I ADORE how quickly it folds and how small! It seems to need little maintenance, comes with a pretty sturdy set of commuting tires that should hold up to most inner city madness, and has a good chain guard to keep the grease off my leg.
My only problem with all of these better folders is the weight. It would be nice if they could get them as sturdy but under 20lbs.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Dahon Speed D7 Folding Bike - 2011:
First, don't compare this with a racing bike. If you're buying a folding bike in the first place, you're probably a commuter or city-dweller, and this bike will serve those needs extremely well. Yes, there are better (non-folding) bikes available. However, as folding bikes go, Dahon manages to hit a price point that combines solid quality with a bike that I can leave locked in the city without worrying about it too much.
I got this bike to commute 9 miles through the West Side of Chicago (very flat, paved roads), and jump on the train when it's late or the weather is bad. Efficiency-wise, I don't think I'd ride much more than that on any folding bike, but it's perfect for its purpose. I'm surprised how fast I can go, the gears shift smoothly, the brakes are really good, and the saddle allows a nice combination of comfort and speed. Folding bikes are the only ones allowed during rush hour here, and many El stops don't have working elevators. Going up/down stairs is so easy now because the low crossbar allows a lot of wheel clearance when you pick it up. I can also easily stash the bike in friend's car trunks if I end up going somewhere unexpectedly. The Dahon bikes come with most stuff built in - rear rack, splash guards, etc, that you really need in a commuting bike (so think of it as saving money on all those accessories). It folds easily, and I often find it's not necessary to fold it completely on the train because of the low profile. It's extremely maneuverable - think Vespa scooter compared to a Harley. I have no problem keeping up with friends on non-folding bikes, and often pass people on cruisers. It fits into my older hard-case suitcase, and I love that I can slip it onto Southwest as baggage without an extra charge.
Cons: There's a bit of a learning curve as you do sacrifice a bit of stability. My smaller/lighter friends have complained more about this - I think a slightly heavier rider may actually help feel of the bike. The small wheels can get more easily trapped in potholes and road cracks, so you have to pay more attention at first. It's difficult to ride with your hands off the handlebars, but once you get used to the feel, it is possible. I have a 32" inseam, and I am at the absolute highest setting on the seat - anyone taller would probably get knee pain. There's also a weight limit (230lbs) that may be a concern with larger riders (don't forget to add in your laptop, books, gear, etc). I also have yet to find a good solution for carrying all my stuff (still using a backpack) since panniers cause a heel-strike problem (gotta get the touring rack). I had issues with the magnet closure bending and it looks like it will ultimately break off (not essential but annoying). I also wish the chain folded to the inside so I wouldn't have to worry about grease.
Note - these are pretty specific cons, overall I am quite happy with my choice. The bike is easily paying for itself in the first year of commuting alone. This is one of the best, reasonably-priced options for a quality folding bike.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Dahon Speed D7 Folding Bike - 2011:
I ride my Dahon on daily commutes from home to the metro, to work. I live in a hilly area, and the Dahon pulls the hills adequately. I also purchased the El boso Bag to carry my bike when on the train. It holds and conceals the bike quite nicely when folded, although the bike is a bit heavier than I thought(approx 27lbs).The key to the functionality of the magnetic feature (for keeping the wheels together when folded) is to remove the bungy straps before folding, and make sure that the handle bars are aligned properly. Overall, I am very happy with my dahon, and it serves its purpose in the Metro system in Washington, DC. What a fun ride with minor inconveniences!
Displaying reviews 1-5
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