Dahon Folding Bicycle, reviews and suggestions?

[patience]

Hi,
I haven't ridden a bike in 15 years. I'm 23. Anyway, I saw a Dahon bike and thought it was perfect for me because of my size.
I am 5'4" and before I knew of this brand, I was thinking of getting myself a kids bike or a bmx bike. I don't feel comfortable being on a bike where I'm barely touching the ground from where I'm sitting, like an adult bike..
Anyway, I went a local bike shop and the have one that I was looking at online. It looks good to me, but I don't want to buy something that's not good for me.
The guy at the store basically said it's not a good bike because of it's shakiness but my friend and I came to the conclusion that this guy is a professional bike rider so going from a very expensive bike to this would be a very drastic stepdown. I don't plan on doing any serious riding. The bike path is paved and is quite a distance long going from where i live to the next town over and I think to the town of the other side of me..
What are your personal reviews and suggestions for me?

[Karlgw]

Hi Patience, Dahon bikes are generally quite well thought of I believe. I have owned 2 - both Vitesses (a 2007 D5 and a 2008 D7HG). I have been quite happy with both bikes but for a few niggles. Firstly, on both bikes the bottom bracket (the spindle on which the pedal cranks turn) quickly developed play. This was due to it being of a low quality design known as 'cup and cone' - on the Dahon specs it is referred to as "CH". The guy at my local bike shop was surprised that such a low quality item was used in a bike of its price, as this was not reflected in the other components. Replacing it with a better quality sealed cartridge bottom bracket was relatively inexpensive, but you would probably be better to make sure that the model you choose came with a sealed cartridge BB as standard (many of the Dahons do). The only other niggle I had was the 5-speed Sturmey Archer hub gear on the D5, which I found difficult to keep in adjustment and broke the 'indicator chain' on several occasions. This is why I sold that bike and replaced it with the Shimano Nexus 7 hub gear-equipped D7HG, which Dahon themselves had selected as a replacement for the SA 5-speed hub.
One of the advantages of folding bikes of many designs and by many manufacturers is that they are highly adjustable and usually have a low step-through, and so will accomodate people of different heights. As with all things folders come in at a variety of price points, and this is usually reflected in the quality. Very cheap bikes are probably best avoided and my advice would be to consider how much you can afford and then spend just a little bit more - at least that's the advice I wish I'd taken! In terms of value for money I would suggst Dahon are pretty good, although if I were buying my first folder today I would spend a little more and buy a Brompton.

[AsiaWheeling]

Both my traveling partner and I are about 6 foot tall men, and we have been able to take our Dahon Speed TRs traveling in Asia, for about 5 months of hard riding now.

We were a little worried about the folding nature of the cycle at first, but the bike has proved quite hearty, over everything from crumbling Indonesian back roads, to the packed red dirt of Talmil Nadu, to the smooth and arching byways of Singapore.

The thing is fast and hearty, willing to take a beating and easy to repair and maintain due to its utilization of mostly standard parts.

All in all very highly recommended. It's converted me over to the temple of folding bicycles.

You can read more about our adventures on folding bicycles at http://asiawheeling.com. And feel free to reach out with any questions!