robyr

I know these aren't very popular, but I have been tasked with a project that involves flying back and forth from Denver to Newport Beach, and I really don't want to constantly rent cars and deal with the transit system since my client is so close (less than 2 miles) from our corporate apartment and the airport.

I found a cheap classic Dahon 16" folder on the local 'List, so I am wondering: Will this work for me? Can I fit it easily into a large suitcase as checked baggage? I really have no intention of buying a new folder for this, and it seems they aren't really any easier for packing from my research.

robyr

For the record, I got my answer today. I brought my check-in-bag with me, and sure enough it fits PERFECTLY with zero disassembly. The Getaway V may be a completely obsolete and gigantic POS, but it works amazingly for a cheap, easily available, and expendable travel bike! Can't beat it for an overhauled bike @ $50 bucks!

fusilierdan

Glad to see it worked out. There are some great trails in Denver. You may want to deal a little bit with the mass transit.

robyr

Yes, I live in Denver, and I am a long time bike commuter. This was for a project I have in Newport Beach, CA though. I am working for Intel on an acquisition, but I really didn't want to A. be without a bike and B. rent a car.

The Dahon allows me to fix these issues, and honestly, it's growing on me a bit. Check out my Getaway V and his older brother

smallwheeler

i don't know where you got the idea that these bikes are "POS". they're not.

protip: you will want to remove the derailleur, bag the bike in a trash bag, and pack your clothing around the bike, particularly if you plan on using that soft-sided suitcase.

also, for future fun and enjoyment, you might consider doing some component upgrades to improve ride quality and lose a few kg. examples would be:

new wheelset

handlebars and stem

saddle

crankset

there are plenty of people who love the old dahons and many pics can be found online of various forms of upgrading and fetishistic fondling and preening.

p.s. oil the hinges







lots of great pics in this set...

robyr

Oh, I think anything that works is perfect in my book. This bike gets what I need done. My comment was more toward the people who think a folding bike HAS to be a brand new Brompton or BF. Beautiful examples, though, sadly, this Dahon will likely never see an upgrade. It will likely live the rest of its life in constant abuse in Newport Beach until my project is complete, then I will hand him off to the next guy who is in my position (or keep it at my Denver office to use later!)

Thanks for the hint on the derailleur removal, though I actually have a rigid box I am using to protect it inside the suitcase.

Hermespan

Robyr.

Thanks for the tip. Now to find a Gateway secondhand and test ride it. Why do you think Dahon stopped making them?

Rob_E

Good to hear. I'm seeing this thread too late, but my initial thought was that if my Raleigh Twenty could fit in an airline-legal case, then so could that Dahon. In fact, your folded Dahon looks considerably more compact than my disassembled Twenty, so good job. Being able travel with a bike was the main reason I started looking at folding bikes. I finally have a functional and, I hope, packable bike, so I will be testing out this process in a month or so.