Dahon Boardwalk
11-10-21, 03:30 AM
#1
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Dahon Boardwalk
I was given a dahon boardwalk by a very close friend and it is the basic bike that has a foot brake. I wanted to just add gears to it so I can use it more often. Can somebody point me of what parts I will need and where to buy the parts new or used is fine. Thanks
11-10-21, 07:47 AM
#2
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Are you okay with the coaster ("foot") brake?
Probably the most straightforward way to add gears is to add an Internal Gear Hub (IGH). You can rebuild your existing rear wheel with an IGH or source a 20" pre-built IGH wheel.
Sturmey-Archer (IGHs since 1903) offers 2, 3 and 5 speed IGHs with coaster brakes. They also offer 3, 4, 5 and 8 speed IGHs with built in drum brakes.
Shimano offers 3, 7 and 8 speed IGHs with coaster brakes and 3, 7 and 8 speed IGHs with add-on, external drum ("roller") brakes.
You can add derailleur gears and rear caliper brakes, but it's a much more involved ($) conversion.
When COVID hit one of the few outdoor things many were allowed to do was ride a bicycle. Everybody either bought a bike or upgraded their old bike. Factories that built bike stuff shut down. Everything is in short supply.
Dahon has produced their Boardwalk model for over two decades, evolving small details but remaining true to the original vision. The Boardwalk has fans all over the world. Boardwalk owners' rally in the Philippines:
Malaysian Boardwalk owners' club on tour:
Probably the most straightforward way to add gears is to add an Internal Gear Hub (IGH). You can rebuild your existing rear wheel with an IGH or source a 20" pre-built IGH wheel.
Sturmey-Archer (IGHs since 1903) offers 2, 3 and 5 speed IGHs with coaster brakes. They also offer 3, 4, 5 and 8 speed IGHs with built in drum brakes.
Shimano offers 3, 7 and 8 speed IGHs with coaster brakes and 3, 7 and 8 speed IGHs with add-on, external drum ("roller") brakes.
You can add derailleur gears and rear caliper brakes, but it's a much more involved ($) conversion.
When COVID hit one of the few outdoor things many were allowed to do was ride a bicycle. Everybody either bought a bike or upgraded their old bike. Factories that built bike stuff shut down. Everything is in short supply.
Dahon has produced their Boardwalk model for over two decades, evolving small details but remaining true to the original vision. The Boardwalk has fans all over the world. Boardwalk owners' rally in the Philippines:
Malaysian Boardwalk owners' club on tour:
Last edited by tcs; 11-10-21 at 07:54 AM.
11-10-21, 04:45 PM
#3
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Thread Starter
I am fine with coaster brakes and i agree that going IGH would be more cost effective and quite unique. Any opinions on the different IGH configurations? I am leaning towards the one with more gears and built in brakes.
I am not sure if our local bike shop has the proper spokes if I go to the route of using my existing wheel. Also I would need to buy the complete assembly from shifter, levers, cable, and hub to do the conversion etc.
I almost planned to get rid of this bike but i enjoy riding it if it had gears and could shed some weight. I could buy a Giant folding bike, but it does not have the look of this boardwalk.
I am not sure if our local bike shop has the proper spokes if I go to the route of using my existing wheel. Also I would need to buy the complete assembly from shifter, levers, cable, and hub to do the conversion etc.
I almost planned to get rid of this bike but i enjoy riding it if it had gears and could shed some weight. I could buy a Giant folding bike, but it does not have the look of this boardwalk.
11-10-21, 04:49 PM
#4
Senior Member
I think it would cheaper/easier to buy another Boardwalk with gears, I see them all the time on Craigslist. Then sell the one you have or keep it for occasional "no shifting, just ride" jaunts.
11-10-21, 10:23 PM
#5
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11-10-21, 10:49 PM
#6
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11-10-21, 10:49 PM
#7
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11-11-21, 09:36 AM
#8
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What about adding a front triple?
11-11-21, 04:29 PM
#10
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A front derailer with three cogs or gears. Like this:
https://handsonbike.blogspot.com/201...-16-front.html
https://handsonbike.blogspot.com/201...-16-front.html
11-11-21, 04:38 PM
#11
Senior Member
I don't think a singlespeed Boardwalk has a rear derailleur hanger for a tensioner, which is what you would need need to run a triple crank with one gear in back.
