3speedslow

Hey all, EDIT****found my answer, a Helios model 2002 or so.

looking at at a Dahon soon but the seller does not know which model it is. From the pic, can anybody identify it?

Thanks for the possible help!

chagzuki

Very hard to tell but it looks like a 2006 model or earlier based on the logo and handlepost.

pastorbobnlnh 

I'm no expert, but a few observations:

The RD appears to be mounted forward towards the BB on the chain stay, which points to it being a Neos RD. However, look at the massiveness of the non drive side rear dropout. And it appears to be horizontal. That's another clue.

The rims appear to be somewhat aero, so they could be Kinetix rims.

The chain ring appears to be a relatively inexpensive model that is not replaceable.

With those hints in hand, time to go to the Dahon website to search older models in their lists.

3speedslow

Big Thanks for the identification help you two! Seller came back to me with the model name, Helios. Yes, it is time to go Googling.

Thanks again!

zebede

///


Here is my Helios that I sold after several years...note the adjustable handlebars




Here is one for$250 on my local craigs list (about what I sold mine for a couple of months ago)...again note the adjustabe handlebars

3speedslow

Seller has sent a more friendly viewing pic. I think I will go pick it up. Price is too good!

Thanks for adding some shots of your Helios. Mine has the support on the top behind the clamp. I believe it is the 2002 model

pastorbobnlnh 

I see I was wrong about the Neos RD. However--- those massive rear horizontal dropouts! Bomb proof!

3speedslow

I am a Dahon owner!

Pics will have to wait till tomorrow as light is leaving us. Overall, in very good condition but with bad inner tubes and finicky shifting in the back. There is one cracked latch which I will replace. I think I have seen it on ThorUSA site. Excited to learn all about this Helios and maybe switch out a few things. Not thinking anything crazy but...

The PO is a young Marine couple and as usual, think they are going to need toys at their duty stations. Not to be as they move place to place where things don’t fit in. This folder did more miles in the moving van then under a rider. Time for it to go and happy to see it move to a good home.

pastorbobnlnh 

I suppose a better description of the dropouts would be "marine proof!"

Great score!

3speedslow

Headbadge on the stem


Plastic piece had a L shaped hook to catch the frame latch


Stem latch




Riding fit


Sora gets a chance before I replace it
Ha! marine proof, I like that. Some of those boys take their bike fun seriously and wind up taking themselves and the MTBs they rent apart on the base trails. This folder has been idle too long.

Rolled out onto the driveway for pics before I take it down for a clean and lube. Frame latch safety is broke and will need replacement. Rear shifting problem is solved with a proper wheel adjustment. Tubes were split so new ones are needed but tires are good to go. Rear brake cable has its housing chewed up. Rims straight, frame shiny.

3speedslow

Saddle is already in the trash. Nice leather Avocet installed. Tomorrow I get tubes.

Forgot, frame is aluminium but the fork is steel, yea!

pressed001

Got a real deal on an original SS Dahon in March. Sold it to a German, as usual. Pics are here.

I wan't particularly impressed with it. It was real heavy and clunky. Kind of defeated the purpose of packing it up onto the bus and train every day. The stainless frame was gorgeous though.

3speedslow

I’m having an interesting email conversation with ThorUSA. They are great getting back to me with great answers about parts and upgrading idea.

hit a snag though. The plastic piece I need only comes in a whole frame latch assembly. Their number 31-02-05. I can’t find it but it looks like they are referring to what they have labeled “ super old latch assembly “

second hitch, the plastic safety piece shown has no way of holding the latch bar closed. I am waiting for another reply from them as to my mistake or some other goof.

meanwhile, I get tubes tomorrow and this baby is going to roll around the neighborhood for a test ride. I know what will hold that latch closed and I got a big bag of them: zip ties!

i will keep you posted.

3speedslow

2 test rides in but more to do.


Light and fast


Brakes and shifting are lacking but adequate.
#&*$ it! Type a big long wad of stuff and the site kicks me out.

pics

pressed001

Lookin real good!

3speedslow

Moving on down...
Thanks! Put a bag on the handle bar and it really made sense out of moving the headbadge to the head tube. Why would they stick it on the stem?

3speedslow

It’s a folder so...
34 X 12 X 25 are the measurements

bikebikebike

Thor is a great resource to those who have become unhinged

3speedslow

HA! So true. Lots of wants when I look through the accessories and upgrades. I know I need mud guards and a carrier. The magnet idea was something I was going to order till I folded the frame down and found out the two ends are not close enough to achieve a connect. Bummer!

$110 for a new stem is a bit pricy for me. It’s giving me ideas for the original steel stem which is on it. I like that it is one piece but want some adaptability when it comes to handle bar choice. Braze a new top on this winter, perhaps?

pastorbobnlnh 

It is interesting to see the evolution of the hinges and clamps for the fold points when compared to my 2014 model.

On the handlebar stem portion: Possibly try a threadless stem? Might have to go slightly larger and shim, but it could be an inexpensive solution?

3speedslow

My one fault with this clamp system are the two independent screw adjusters. Wish I had a spot on way of determining that I have equal pressure top and bottom. That and the fact nobody seems to have the plastic safety latch for the clamp anymore. My solution is quite solid though it adds a small amount of time to the folding operation.

now, handle post... I first thought of the threadless stem but
1 post has a slight diameter difference between where I would be clamping the stem.
2 no way of using its cap to hold the stem on.

My first two notions would be to cut the stem straight across right under the handle bar. Then have the reach part of a chromoly stem welded down on on top of it, facing up. This would allow reg bars to be slid in and clamped.
The other option is to cut the bars vertical on both sides of the post. Open up the small part of the bar left and have a short piece of chromoly bar brazed in their. This would create a T-bar. I could use Aber Hallo system Thor USA has and use a multitude of bars.

My concern would be how much of a fold disruption this would be. The bars on this model fold between the two halves.

Thoughts continue...

bikebikebike

Does Thor not have the safety latches?
I discovered my "new" Curve has a stem recall, putting my order on hold waiting Dahon's response

I have trial fit the AlloHaber to my one piece stem on the old SpeedPro8 and will use it if I need bar mods in the future.

3speedslow

I wish he did. The plastic piece they have with the latch I use is not the right one. I need what resembles an L shaped safety catch. No matter, the latch is very well secure and I will continue to think of upgrading my jury rig.

Is your one piece stem a T handle one? My brazed handle bar has an immediate bend backwards then sweeps forward. It’s that bend that prevents me from using the Aber Hallo from the start. It should be a good winter project to tackle. My one piece handle post BTW, is the model which uses a 1 1/8 quill stem to attach down in the fork steer tube.

Right now I am trying to come up with a rear DR which will take the place of my slightly bent original Shimano Sora. Shifting is possible but touchy.

3speedslow

Smooth shifting operation.
Time to change the Sora which has issues with another Shimano derailleur. Narrow chain was already on so switched back from the 6 speed FW to the original 7 speed Sunrace. While on the stand I lubed both wheels though the spun nice when I received the folder.

3speedslow

The headset was moving smooth but if I don’t lay eyes on it, I will always wonder. Time to open it up. Since my Dahon is one of the super old ones, 2002!, it uses a quill stem handlepost. The HS is a regular size and is in good shape. Very light original grease in there. Good thing this machine was not heavily used.

cleaned, re lubed and back together for a satisfying feeling of working on and knowing about my folder.