09 DAHON ECO 3 FOLDING BICYCLE 7 SPEEDS
2009 Dahon Eco 3
Does your daily commute consist of riding part way by bike and the rest by train or bus? Then youre probably very familiar with that mixed feeling of dread and hope that the next bus or train has room for your bike. With the fast and easy folding Eco 3, youll need to worry no more. The Eco 3 folds in seconds and can be taken on just about any mass transit system as long as its folded and covered. The Eco 3 may have an entry level price but it doesnt skimp when it comes to Dahons legendary folding convenience.
Folded Size: 30 x 80 x 66 cm (11.7" x 31.2" x 25.7")
Speeds: 7
Weight: 26.7 lbs
Folding Time: 15 seconds
Biologic II frame geometry is stable and comfortable.
09 DAHON ECO 3 FOLDING BICYCLE 7 SPEEDS Features
- BioLogic II frame is extremely stable compared to most folding bikes
- Strong, lightweight aluminum frame adjusts to fit a wide range of riders
- Folds up in just 15 seconds and can be hauled onto buses and trains
- Folding small-wheel bike ideal for commuting or riding mass transit
I just returned from a five week road trip across the U.S. where my traveling companion was an Eco 3 in the back seat of my Camry. I biked along river paths, I cycled up and over the hills in the Bay Area, and I rode around towns. This bike with its seven speeds and wide ranging adjustability was comfortable to ride in all these conditions. When I'd finish with a ride I'd fold it back up and get on mass transit or place it back in my car. It's great to ride, it's easy to carry and it's really well built.
No review feels complete and correct without constructive criticism but about the only thing I can muster is a wish. Some of the Eco bikes above and below this model came with a rear rack. Having one would have been nice. Instead I was always wearing a backpack. When I bought it I knew the bike lacked a rack but I figured I'll buy one separately. Not an easy thing to do for a frame with 20" wheels. I ended up buying a Dahon-designed rack and installing it for a cost of around $40. When considering your purchase, if a rack is important then figure in the extra cost of buying one if you get an Eco 3.
For car travel or commuting where a collapsable bike is important then I can highly recommend the Eco 3.
I'm more satisfied with the bike now after having used it extensively for two months.
That's saying a lot because I was pretty excited to be buying it!
(I'm told with removing a screw the Eco 3 can be collapsed to fit into a Samsonite Oyster suitcase which means you can check it for airplane flights ... sweet!)
(Oh, it just occurred to me that I have a video you can watch of me unfolding it: [...]) -- A fabulous folding bike for road trips or commutes!
I have tried 3 times now. It's a great bike and very smooth to ride! -- Great bike!
Having owned a Dahon Eco 3 2009 for some time now, I find it truly fun to ride for short distances. The bike folds and unfolds quite easily without any problems. The materials used in making the bike are of good quality parts, especially when you consider the reasonable price of the bike. I paid only $299 plus tax for mine at the end of the biking season when it went on sale.
I carry it in the trunk of my car and ride on the streets around my office and home and on paced trails. Dahon Eco 3 is extremely stable and versatile to ride. It has the look and the feel that begs you to take it for a spin even if you are not an avid bicyclist. Just one try will convince you this is not just a toy but a fun bike to own and ride. Anyone less than 6 feet 4 inches can comfortably ride this bike but be sure you don't weigh more than 230 pounds per the manufacturer's specifications. For me, this is another worthy incentive to weigh less than 230 pounds.
Having written on all these nice things about the Eco 3, in my humble opinion, there are a few things every potential buyer needs to know before buying it: This bike is ideal for short distances, say less than 20 miles of non-stop riding on fairly flat grounds. Even the 7-speed is not enough to ease you up a steep grade without you getting winded. While riding your right leg pant bottom tend to get caught on the folding mechanism and can rip your pants. Ripped trousers are not cool when you are to or from or around workplace. Dahon really needs to remedy this flaw for their 2010 models.
Dahon should spec this bike with wireless computer/odometer and an optional shock absorbing saddle for a more comfortable ride.
Would I purchase this bike again? Would I recommend it to friends and contacts? The answers are definitely YES! YES!! -- Dahon Eco 3 2009 Is Fun To Ride
Safetycycle sent the the bike very fast and in its original shipping condition (perfectly packaged). Since it was not bought in a brick-and-mortar, I had to true the rims a bit, and readjust the derailer. No big deal for me, but if you dont know how to care for a bike, better not buy online. NOW FOR THE BIKE. It folds & unfolds very easy. For a foldup, I found it more comfortable to ride than expected. There is a bit of twitch in the steering but not as much as I expected. I am very happy with this bike. I ride on a train and will also bus or bike to/from work. This is a great alternative to our now diminishing bus services and routes. -- Be careful buying bicycles online
