molleraj

Hey all, I've had a couple folders now (Huffy Touriste that I sold, Dahon Speed D7 I still ride) but this is my first three speed Dahon. I got it for $85 as pictured and I was pleasantly surprised. It has a Sachs Torpedo hub that seems to shift better than the Shimano 3S on my Huffy and more importantly the seat and handlebars can be adjusted for my height (5'10"). What was both surprising and exciting was that the ride quality was smooth. I expected a 16" wheel folding bike to be quite rough (as my Huffy was) but this nicely flexed just a touch (especially at the headset) going over bumps. Any idea what model it might be? I will check the serial number the next chance I get. I plan to keep this at work and use it at lunch or for quick rides to Bethesda. The tires seem to hold air but I might replace the tubes at some point soon. Later on I will overhaul all the bearings.



Drive side

View from the front

Cell phone holder and Torpedo shifter

Ron Damon

Nice. Another 305er in the house. I just did 40km on mine today. Certainly not as plush as a 406er, but far from harsh or uncomfortable (for my 69kg, 170cm self). The upshot? Light and nimble like a hare.

rumrunn6

new bike day! enjoy!

molleraj

Thanks! Can't wait to use it every day during the week.

molleraj

Sweet! Another Dahon? Yes light and nimble, absolutely. I was impressed it didn't come at the expense of ride quality for this bike.

Ron Damon

No, not a Dahon, I am afraid. It's this thing:

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A few months ago, someone mentioned that he loved his bike, one similar or identical to yours. The reason cited was its superior agility and maneuverability due to the short wheelbase (92cm, same as my rig) and small wheel size. I love mine for the same reasons, plus its light weight under 9kg. I always find myself riding this one for its high fun factor and people always stare and ask questions did to its quirkiness. Have fun with yours!

I am building up another 305er, this time with a chromoly frame.

molleraj

Wow! That looks like folding bike nirvana :-)
Amazing! How light indeed. Will do. Excited to see your chromoly ISO 305 folder! :-)

molleraj

Just checked the serial number and it's SF4060135, which doesn't fit the DH/DA standard I found for 80s/90s Dahons. Perhaps @T-Mar would know.

Examination of a 90s Dahon manual (https://dahon.com/wp-content/uploads...ers-manual.pdf) suggested my model is an EDP3 (aluminum rims and one piece crank). I have some exciting ride photos to show at some point soon.

T-Mar

My first thought was that it looked the format for Schwinn's Greenville facility but it has one more character than we typically see. I don't much about Dahon . My recommendation would be to check the rear hub, if you have reason to believe it's OEM, as Sachs Torpedo hubs typically have a date code.

molleraj

OK! I will check it tomorrow. I'm guessing this is a 1994 model based on the first digit of the serial number. I will see what date code is on the hub.

jdogg111

its a da, I had a 5 speed once , drum rear brake only

molleraj

Good to know, thanks. I've pedaled it 62.6 miles so far (a metric century) and it's both comfortable and handles well. I need to raise the seat a few more inches though and keep it that way - it seems to stay a few inches below what it should be for my height.