xerman

Some pictures of my restored vintage Dahon Classic V (80's) vs Brompton (2016).

Dahon 100€
Brompton 1.400€

dahoneezz

edelay

What a great comparison. Sometimes I fret about being cheap and buying a used Dahon Curve instead of an expensive Brompton, but your post hightlights the fact that with some elbow grease and you save a lot of money and have something about as good.

If you don't mind, what did you have to do to the Dahon Classic to make it look this good? Did you spend much? Makes me want to do this as well.

How does the ride compare between the two bikes?

avole

xerman

Not a lot of work, open and regrease every hub, change the chain, the bike tires and adjust and tighen every part. Ah, and also remove rusty parts with vinegar, leaving the piece overnight submerged on it.
It's not smaller than the Brompton folded...

xerman

It rides really well, and having two bromptons I can say there is not such a big difference that justifies the price difference. It's very easy to carry folded to thanks to the clever caster wheel.

I had to open clean and lubricate every hub. Grease the breaks and change tubes and ajust them. Change tires and adjust every folding hinge. Not a lot of work once you know exactly how to do it, it was my first time and I learnt a lot with it.
Not very expensive as well. But if I feel that I'm using it I will replace some parts to make it lighter and more responsive (the brakes will be the first thing I think).

DennyW

Hi Xerman.

You got a very nice Dahon! Similar like mine. Will post pics once I hit 10 posts

12boy

The Dahon seems to have a much shorter wheelbase than the Brompton. If so, does it affect the ride?

fietsbob

Mk 2 Brompton was shorter (main/top, tube) than the current frames are ..

All important weight comparison.. the chrome is over steel .. on the DaHon.. ( I Was in a bike shop that sold some, 30 years ago )

.. what does it weigh (?) can remain unsaid..

Duragrouch

Lovely! I had an early Dahon 3 speed. Those small diameter steel rims are nuke-proof. Biggest flaws for me were a) I'm only 5'8" but like the seat up HIGH to save my knees and found that I could not reach the desired height at the indicated limits, and b) the distance from seat to handlebar was a bit short for me, I would hit the bar with my knees when climbing. The newer Dahons are much better in both respects, I still have 1-1/2" to spare on the seat tube and plenty of room for climbing. But I still have a soft spot for the early ones. Mine had a rear hub problem which I was working on but it was locked outside and someone drilled the U lock and stole it, probably just for the nice rear rack which had a recycling crate attached.

reppans

xerman

Nice collection indeed!
You got your Brompton quite cheap, in Spain, brand new, the prices are like I wrote. In any case for sure I still miss my Brompton, the small and folding package is, imo, the best that exists right now.
That does not mean at all that you can get a nice vintage bike like the Dahon and use it very very well, the ride is good if you adjust propertly the bike (I'm 1,85 tall and no problems at all, very comfy ride).

Best,

Xermán

xerman

Sorry for the late reply. Not from my point of view, but I'm very used to riding folders.
In my case, I'm 1,85 tall, the Dahon is more comfortable that my gf brompton. When I had a brommie my model was HL6, with the extra heigh helping to my position. I enjoy riding in a more upright position and with the Dahon I can get a wonderfull position for my taste.
Also it's very important the have the seatpost high enough, most people I have seen with problems didn't.

xerman

Hi! Very weird situation you describe. I'm 1,85m and I can really have the seatpost very high and confortable, perfect for my size. Maybe your seatpost was not right? I can asure you with my model my riding position is perfect, so maybe you got a defective part.

Best!

DennyW

You're right. I think earlier Dahon (Dahon 3 or Da Bike) has shorter wheelbase compared to newer ones like Dahon V.