gracejoo86

I recently purchased a used bike about 8 years old. I know, I could have bought a new one, but I didn't want to invest too much on a folding bike, because once I get really into cycling, I thought i'd buy a full bike for more rigorous use. Well, the bike I purchased seemed working fine and only has a sign of wear off from folding and unfolding... I don't think it's been ridden that much. However, I want to get a second pair and would like to know how long the bike usually lasts as now, I will have two used bikes and a chance of one failing will be likely if the average time the bike last is within the age of the bike I own.

I am looking at Dahon Mariner D7 2004 and Dahon Speed P8 between 2002-2004. I don't expect it to run forever, but at least for good 3-5 years. Do you think it's a fair assumption that these bikes will last for that long?

Oh, this is a side note, what is a fair price for
Dahon Mariner D7 2004
Dahon Speed P8 2002-2004ish
Dahon Speed D7 2006

if these are in an excellent condition with not much sign of riding. I checked bike blue book and they only date back to 2007-2008ish. and the price seemed rather low compared to the ones out there.

Thanks

HGR3inOK

Where are you located? This is a worldwide forum. Prices can vary widely depending on the location of the bike.
-HANK RYAN-
Norman, Oklahoma USA

gracejoo86

Oh, I forgot, I am located in North Carolina, USA.

bargainguy

Any well-made folder can last quite a while. I'd be disappointed if any of my folders only lasted 3-5 yr, but then again I'm a mechanic and take good care of them.

Folding or swinging points are where most folders wear out. Assuming the rest of the frame is well made - good quality TIG welding or brazework - you'll be replacing folding/swinging bits on the frame and components elsewhere, but keeping the bike going shouldn't be that difficult.

If you want a truly longlasting folder, look for one where folding bits can be replaced indefinitely. Brompton is the first that comes to mind; engineering is incremental rather than revolutionary. From quite a few years spent on the Dahon forum, it seems many key Dahon folding bits (esp. for older models) are difficult to obtain on a timely basis, so me personally, I wouldn't go there expecting to keep the bike going forever. Bike Friday is the other company where parts can be replaced almost indefinitely.

In the end, you get what you pay for. While Brompton & BF may seem like huge expenditures compared to Dahon, they more than make up for it with ongoing support.