Dahon Folding Bicycle, reviews and suggestions?

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Xena Warrior Princess

New member
I haven't ridden a bike in 15 years. I'm 23. Anyway, I saw a Dahon bike and thought it was perfect for me because of my size.

I am 5'4" and before I knew of this brand, I was thinking of getting myself a kids bike or a bmx bike. I don't feel comfortable being on a bike where I'm barely touching the ground from where I'm sitting, like an adult bike..

Anyway, I went a local bike shop and the have one that I was looking at online. It looks good to me, but I don't want to buy something that's not good for me.

The guy at the store basically said it's not a good bike because of it's shakiness but my friend and I came to the conclusion that this guy is a professional bike rider so going from a very expensive bike to this would be a very drastic stepdown. I don't plan on doing any serious riding. The bike path is paved and is quite a distance long going from where i live to the next town over and I think to the town of the other side of me..

What are your personal reviews and suggestions for me?
 
Well, I don't know what the guy is talking about on the shakiness. You're right these bikes are not racers they are utilitarian to get from point A to point B then back to A with ease. It's a folding bike intended for quick on and off public transportation or in and out of a trunk of a car.

It's not the fastest out there as far as the world of folding bikes is concerned, but it is a very good bike with good components. I've see this bike in a folding bike competition and it did very well.

A lot of the road bike manufacturers are catering to the female consumer with woman specific bikes nowadays and it could be the guy at the shop was trying to steer you in that direction. Terry is a company that only makes bikes for women. Other companies with expensive female road bikes are: Marin, Kona, Giant, Trek, Orbea, Cannondale, Fuji and BH. I've seen the Giant and it's expensive for a reason.

Now I don't know if you've considered cruisers, but they make a new version of them that have pedals forward from where you sit so that the seat can be lower and your feet can go flat on the ground while still seated. The Electra Townie is one a friend of mine bought and rides the hills and dales of Portland on.

But, the Dahon is good don't get me wrong! Good luck in your choice!
 
If you don't need the folding feature don't get a folding bike. They are heavy and inefficient. At 5 ' 4" you want to get an adult bike. You should not be able to touch the ground while you are in the saddle, if you can it is not adjusted properly. For bike paths look for a bike like this, you will be much happier.

http://www.forgebikes.com/athenav.asp
 
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