Folding Bicycle

Dahon Speed Pro TT 2008 Folding Bike

I bought one of these used about six months ago, and since then have ridden it about fifty miles. It's my third bike, for when I really need a folder - say when I take a car in for service, or have to take public transit for part of a journey. For this application, it's great fun: with its high pressure tires and 27-speeds, for short distances it offers an exciting approximation of a performance road bike experience.

But the bike has many problems. The brakes are inadequate. After a couple of alarming test rides I replaced the stock plastic-framed brake pads with steel-framed ones, adjusted the cables very carefully, and tuned the quick release mechanism so the cable took a straight path... but I am still thinking about replacing the handlebars so that the brake levers don't bottom out.

Second, it's too small for me (I'm 6'). The maximum bottom bracket-seat center distance is 28.5" (my compact road bike is set to 31.5"). The seat is unreinforced plastic, so it's risky to slide it back to make things a little bigger. The cranks are 170mm. If you're over 5'10" or your inseam is over 30", try another bike.

It's a beautiful bicycle that gets many comments and compliments. It's sporty and lots of fun to ride. It has cool technology, with the Shimano Flight Deck controls and SRAM Dual Drive II hub. But it's not a commuter bike or a performance road bike. It's a folding bike suitable for special occasions. -- Fun for occasional use

I have been riding my '08 Speed Pro TT for about 8 months now, on a 25-mile commute into NYC from Westchester. My ride includes about 3 miles of dirt/gravel paths, comically rough roads (construction site, semi-abandoned paths, Yonkers & NYC streets), two significant hills, and a lot of stopping and starting, though the majority of the ride is decent bike trails. Then I fold it up and take it home on the metro-north. I have not had a single reliability problem, and to be fair, I beat the heck out of the this bike. I bunny-hop speed bumps and don't slow down for gravel, and everything is as true as the day I got it. The stem and the cranks creak quite a bit when I'm out of the saddle, that's about my only complaint, other than the brakes. The reviews below are correct that the brakes are very weak, spongy, and you'll often have them bottomed-out against the bars when trying to stop quickly. That said: (a) I've gotten used to them, and just incorporate the longer stopping distance into my riding style; and (b) I'm sure one could switch them for stiffer long-reach calipers. It's the long reach that's the problem.

Other warnings: the saddle is proprietary with the seat post, so you're stuck with it unless you can find another seat post that fits the bike; the seat post is somewhat short, so if you have long legs you may not be able to raise the saddle as much as you'd like. These haven't been big problems for me (I have a 30-inch inseam), but they could be for anyone taller.

Finally, it is not a hardcore roadbike, as it's fairly heavy and kind of a chore up the hills. You'd definitely be faster on a carbon Orbea. But it has been very fast, efficient, and tough for me, and it makes my commute possible. I'm a big fan. -- Very good commuter, weak brakes

I purchased my Dahon Speed Pro TT after a change in my commute that required me to start riding the Amtrak train each day. I didn't want to give up cycling to work, but didn't want a folder that would slow me down. I settled on the Speed Pro TT (2008 model) because of it's promise to fold down quickly and ride fast. Thus far, it has done this and then some. First off, this bike is fast. I find that, in most conditions, it rides just as fast as my high-end Trek road bike. While the small wheels felt a little dicey at first, I quickly learned how to ride on them AND realized that they gave the bike awesome maneuverability in city traffic and whenever I had to bail out on a side walk. The track-style handle bars are very comfortable and the bar-adjustment system that this bike has gives infinite positioning options. The bike folds very quickly and easily. The only flaw I have found is that it sometimes doesn't stay completely folded if turned on one side or carried in a certain way. To address this, I just keep a bungee cord with me at all times and wrap it around the wheels when folded.

I am seeing more and more Dahon folders on the streets of DC, and for good reason. These bikes are built tough, fold easily, and ride great. The Speed Pro TT is definitely an excellent option for any roadie who wants a good commuting/traveling bike to use when a full-size bike isn't a practical option. I have done rides over 25 miles long on my Dahon and found it to be exceedingly comfortable and agile.

Again, the bike adjusts quite easily to accommodate different heights. I am five feet tall (barely) and have been able to adjust both the seat and handlebars to fit me. I had a guy friend try out the bike and he was also able to adjust it easily (he is a little under 6 feet tall). While this doesn't give you the custom fit that a Bike Friday will give, it does fold down into a much smaller package and is lighter. I have had no problem carrying it onto Metro or the Amtrak train.

Needless to say, I have been very happy with this purchase. I use my bike daily and, thus far, it has withstood the abuse I have delivered. I fold and unfold it several times each day. You get a lot of bike for your money with Dahon and this bike is worth every penny and then some. -- Add Some Fun Flexibility To Your Commute!