Dahon Speed Pro TT 2008 Folding Bike - Mango
The Speed Pro is the bike for the serious roadie who wants it all: a bike that can take on a century as easily as it can pack into a suitcase for travel. The custom-drawn 4130 chromoly steel frame is stiff while still offering a supple ride. The SRAM DualDrive gearing delivers 27 gears for anything from the steepest hills to hammering on the flats. And the BioLogicTM II frame geometry combined with a Syntace VRO adjustable handlebar system let you dial in the perfect riding position. For 2008 we upgrade to an Ultegra derailleur, Kore I-Beam saddle and seat post, and the new Radius V handlepost. Dahon Special Edition Schwalbe Stelvio tires are incredibly light and fast. Kinetix Pro TT bars allow a wide variety of ergonomic hand positions and allow riders to adjust the reach of their brake levers. Kinetix Pro wheels are light, aero, and incredibly fast to accelerate. Folded Size: 15" x 26" x 31.5" (38 x 66 x 80 cm)
Dahon Speed Pro TT 2008 Folding Bike - Mango Features
- Weight: 22.8 lbs.
- Pedals Not Included
- Max Rider Weight: 230 lbs. / Suggested Rider Height: 4'8"-6'4"
- Speeds: 27
$999.95
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!
