Dahon's Premium Folding Commuter Bike Delivers
Written: Sep 02 '09
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Value, Riding performance, Durability
Cons: Need better carry bag options, No-on-line parts list, No direct phone contact for support.
The Bottom Line: This is a great bike and the more you use it the more you will love it. It performs well and looks great. Others will ask you about it.
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| philips949's Full Review: Dahon Vitesse D7HG Folding Bike |
Model and Description:
Dahon Vitesse
20” 7-Speed (internal hub)Folding Bicycle
Commuter Class
General Comments
Dahon’s Vitesse is designed to provide full size bicycle performance in a compact folding bike. It is well suited for urban riders where space is a premium and also for travelers/campers/boaters looking to have the enjoyment and freedom that a bicycle can offer but have limited space or need to check it in with baggage for a flight. Dahon makes a full range of folding bikes and is considered the market leader. Key players in the folding bike market include Brompton, Bike Friday, Citizen, Strida, Xootr, and a few others. However when it comes to a variety of models Dahon has the widest and most comprehensive selection of folding bikes. Dahon has a model to meet just about anyone’s needs.
This review is focused on selecting a folding bike for users who need an urban utility folding bike that has reasonable performance and is reasonably compact as described above. Other models and/or makes may offer superior performance or may be more compact. I chose to buy this model as an upgrade to my beloved Dahon Speed D-7 which had thousands of miles on it. The Vitesse falls somewhere in the middle of the Dahon range but is generally considered the high end of the urban utility(with fenders and rack) range and is reasonably priced compared to comparable models from other makers. The Vitesse is what I call a mainstream folding bike perfect for serious urban commuters
I use the Dahon Vitesse for my urban daily New York City commute(4.7 miles each way) and for short trips on the weekend. I have over 30 years experience with riding, repairing (in a bike shop for a few years) and in my younger days racing bicycles. In my selection process and for this review I personally tried at least 20 different folding bikes and asked questions of current owners of many of those models. My bike has now logged several hundred commuting miles around Manhattan in a variety of conditions. This is my third folding bike and my second Dahon. I have logged many miles on the streets of New York City and Long Island on folding bikes. It is this hands on experience that supports the comments in the review.
Design
The design of a folding bike is essential to your overall riding, carrying and storage experience. Dahon is exclusively a folding bicycle maker so they have a good handle on what features are important. Dahon been refining and updating designs of their bikes since beginning production in 1982 and have sold over 2 million folding bikes. As might be expected the Dahon Vitesse Speed, this bike is very well designed for it intended use. The bike comes standard with fenders and a rear rack. These features are very important for a commuter bike.
The Vitesse (and most Dahon bikes) are rated for 230lbs riders. I weigh 275 so I am well over the weight limit for this bike. I have been riding this bike extensively and have not had any problems whatsoever despite being 45lbs over the limit and carrying a 10lb backpack with my laptop. Therefore, I can tell you that Dahon has been conservative in this rating. Keep in mind though this review is for this specific bike and other models with the same weight limit rating may be more of an issue.
What makes the Vitesse appealing over the Speed D-7(next model down) is the internal shifting 7 speed hub, full chainguard, alloy frame, and airpump hidden in the seatpost. The internal shifting hub make the bike cleaner, more durable, and easy to maintain. A derailleur is easily damaged when impacted which is really part of commuting with a folding bike. Both type of shifters work well but the internal shifter can also be shifted while gliding. The other good point about the internal shifter is it is very unlikely that the chain can come off and since the chain does not have to move across sprockets it will last longer and is actually built slightly stronger. An avid biker who is used to derailleur shifting may prefer a derailleur. I found that after a week or so the advantages and feel of an internal hub shifter are well worth the extra expense. I do think a derailleur based bike may glide better but the difference is minimal. The full chainguard is plastic and seems to be incredibly durable and functional. It also helps keep my pants clean. The internal seatpost pump will get you by in a pinch and avoids the need to carry a separate pump with the bike while commuting. The alloy frame reduces weight but the internal hub adds weight so it as far as weight is concerned the Vitesse and Speed 7 are pretty close in weight as the Vitesse has an alloy frame. If weight is a big issue then you may want to look into a high performance folding bike. These high performance models usually do not come with fenders or a rack.
The folded size is 11.7”x30”x25. If you need a smaller folded size, look into 16” wheel folding bikes. There are a number of super small folding bikes but for the most part any folder with smaller than 16” wheels is a novelty and probably not well suited for serious commuting. Keep in mind that a 16” wheel bike will ride a bit slower and harder than a 20” bike. After riding a number of folding bikes the one thing I would strongly recommend is to get one with gears. It will make your ride much easier and you will find yourself riding the bike far more frequently.
The Vitesse can easily adjust to a broad spectrum of rider heights and inseam size. I have seen riders as tall as 6’5” and as short as 5’0” ride this model Dahon. I suggest you mark the seat post ideal height setting with a sharpie marker so you can quickly set your ideal position for the seat when unfolding the bike.
The Vitesse comes with all black anodized components. This is a great look in the showroom but I personally think silver colored components used on the older models will keep looking good over time since the black finish scratches easily and really shows. The frame finish is also flat. Looks great in the show room but a glossy finish is easier to wipe down and keep looking great with a little auto polish. The older models had a glossy finish.
The bike uses cam levers to fold and unfold which are easy to use. There is a secondary safety latch for these levers to prevent accidental opening of the latches. The bike uses magnets to hold it together in the folded position. These work fairly well but I have found that in order to get the magnets to be close enough requires some fiddling with the pedals and handlebar to get them close enough to connect. I feel it is incredibly annoying that the handlebar height needs to be changed to properly fold the bike as there is a mark where the height should be set. When set at that height the handlebar is aligned to hit the rear axle nut when folding the bike. I am surprised that Dahon has not done anything about this in the years they have been continually improving their bikes. Once connected, the magnets hold the bike together quite well.
The company says it takes 15 seconds to fold and unfold. I can assure you that I have never come close to doing it that fast. The primary reason messing with the handlebar so the bike folds properly and the magnets connect. I would say I usually take about 30-45 seconds to fold or unfold the bike. WARNING: Handlebar height must be set no taller than the marker on the stem.
The steering post is folded into place and a cam lever slides a flat metal block forward to lock it in place. I did find that this is the one folding part that needed adjustment in order to avoid slop in the column while riding. It was simply a matter of turning a small nut that controls the position of the locking plate. The instructions were NOT clear at all on how this was to be done. But after some tinkering and calling a few bike shops I figured it out.
This model weighs in at 23.7 lbs. which is reasonable for a reasonably priced folding bike. I would love a lighter model but the cost of any make 20” folding bike that is lighter will cost significantly more and probably not have fenders and a rack.
You can go for less expensive models with less gears and smaller wheels. However the trade off will always be in performance. I feel that 7 speeds is perfect for most riders since eventually you will wish you had them if you encounter a hill, headwind, or just need to go a little faster.
Quality and Support
The Dahon Vitesse, like all Dahon bikes is made with quality components and workmanship. These bikes are generally built to last with solid frames. With proper care all the bike should need is routine maintenance and tires. As for colors Dahon is behind other makers as they only offer limited color selection for most models. So whatever model you like built in a specific year…. That color is your only choice.
In the event a repair is needed these bikes are not overly complex and most things can be done by someone with basic skills. Dahon really pushes the “go to your dealer” thing. This is ok but I think many folks who want a folding bike may be taking it to locations where “taking it to the dealer” is not a viable option. I think Dahon should at the very least have an exploded parts diagram available on their website so parts can be ordered and described easily. I was once trying to find a simple bolt and had to call 5 or 6 bike shops before I was able explain what I was looking for so they could order it.
Finally, Dahon does not have a contact phone number or on-line chat for support. I guess they have to cut costs somewhere. You should ride the bike and get used to it and know the basics of adjustment and repair before wandering off into the wilderness. I guess this is true with any bike but folders have unique features.
Value
Dahon bikes are kind of hard to find used. However in NYC where I work there are a lot of these around. I suspect the same applies in other cities as well. If looking for a used folding bike, try Craigslist.org. in your local community. If taken care of these bikes will not lose much value and the more you use it the more you get out of it anyway.
Street price for this bike is around $600 new. I was able to score a leftover model for about $100 less at Brands Cycle and Fitness on Long Island. They had the best price anywhere and are a full service bike shop. This price is on par with other brands but again, Dahon is really the one by which other folders are measured. Dahon has the widest selection of folding bikes and sells the most folding bikes in the world.
My bike saves me $2.25 a pop each way for Subway fare here in NYC so the bike will pay for itself is about 30 weeks of commuting. Riding a bike is an incredibly efficient mode of transportation and using any bike for commuting vs. any other mode than walking will save you money and be good for the environment.
A word about carry bags and cases… Ughhh!!!!
Dahon markets something called the El Bolso carry bag. It is simple and a great idea where you just put the bike down on the bag and lift by the integrated shoulder strap and away you go. EXCEPT Dahon decided to go with a one size fits all(including the full 26” wheel folders). The result is a carry bag that is way too big for this model Dahon. It would be great if the offered a smaller bag for the smaller bikes. Dahon used to market smaller bags based on model but no longer do so which is a shame. The do sell a suitcase (also one size fits all) that is good for airline travel. If I have to go somewhere I can use my Dahon I will get one of these. I did check them out and they seem like they are well made and will hold up. According to Dahon it slightly exceeds airline standard size luggage but supposedly most airlines do not ask for the oversize fee. I had a cheap folder years ago called Sto-N-Go that had a great compact bag with integrated roller wheels.
Brompton (competitor) makes a roller assembly that can be attached to their bikes so they can easily be rolled while folded. I think Dahon should consider the same and perhaps invent some kind of integrated handle so the bike can be easily rolled instead of carried while folded. They say you can just roll it on its wheels but I find that almost always the tires are rubbing agaist something so when folded I just carry it by holding the rear rack. Some kind of integrated handle that is easy on the hands would be good.
I have heard about buildings refusing to allow bikes. I had this problem at first but a box of donuts for the guys at the door resolved that in an instant. I have also heard there is a pending law requiring buildings in NY to allow bikes.
On NYC Rail and bus they consider a folding bike luggage so it can be carried on without a permit and at rush hour. It certainly helps to be courteous and friendly also. For NYC Subway Riders use letter trains instead of number trains as the cars are larger and wider making it much easier for bikes.
Wear a helmet and get a good bell. The expense for these items is minimal and well worth it.
Performance
I bought my Dahon Vitesse to commute daily from Penn Station down to the Financial District in New York City and to use on mini-vacations. This bike seems to be perfect for such use. I can take it on the train to NYC and ride the bike path downtown.
This bike is extremely comfortable handles extremely well especially for a folder. I ride this bike and it feels like I could ride it all day and have a great time. Steering is stable and the brakes are responsive and strong(remember I am a big guy so stopping this bike was important). The high pressure tires offer good traction and low rolling resistance. Add in the 7 speed gears and this bike really hums along. I found myself passing other folders on the bike path with ease. There are not many hills where I ride but I do encounter strong headwinds at times. This is where having gears really pays off.
Riding a 20” bike with the tires inflated to the 65 psi max adds up to a fast but rough ride. I bought a Brooks B67 sprung leather saddle to smooth out the bumps. I cannot express how much better the ride is with the upgraded saddle. This would be true for any bike. I paid about $70 for the saddle.
Maintenance
Maintenance on the Vitesse is much like any other bike. Since it is a folder there are a few areas to make sure you check on a regular basis. Again the internal hub makes maintenance a snap. These are outlined in the owner’s manual.
Bottom Line
All Dahon bikes are well made and represent an excellent value in the folding bike market. When compared with other makes Dahon value, quality, performance, and engineering are at least equal if not better than the competition. The Vitesse is a proven and refined design and I love my bike. If something were to happen I would buy another in a heartbeat. If the Vitesee is too expensive try the Dahon Speed D-7 which is similar and about $150 less. If you can afford it buy the Vitesse though as it is a fantastic bike overall.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
philips949
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Member: Philip Siebert
Reviews written: 22
Trusted by: 2 members
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