Written on: 13/06/2011 by tjmacplay
I have a small apartment and needed a folding bike but also wanted to take it touring and try it out for long cycling. The Dahon Espresso is the best deal for the money. This is a fast Bike and I love passing bikers with full racing gear. I don't recommend it in the snow and even in the rain it's not the greatest. I ride around 25 miles a day and put more miles on it when I have the time. There has been a worrisome amount knocking in the steering joints but nothing maintenence doesn't cure. ... (read more)
Written on: 02/02/2010 by Chris Gilbert (2 reviews written)
I have been using my espresso for a couple of years now, riding 100 miles a week (except when I am too tired and jump on the train). This is a fantastic bike - really well made for the price, a pleasure to ride and capable of very fast speeds (wind allowing!)
Downside is that some of the parts needed replacing earlier than I would expect (the gear shifter completely broke after a couple of months, the seat post pump has broken twice - the first time I got a replacement from Dahon no...
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Written on: 01/04/2009
I'm now on my 2nd Dahon Espresso. The first was wrecked when someone pulled out on me at a junction. I actually liked the old bike so much that I bought another.
The 2009 Espresso is lightweight, comfortable and easy to ride, I find myself sailing past people on heavy full suspension mountain bikes as they stand up out of the saddle and struggle up quite mild hills. Probably quite embarrassing to be passed by a folding bike.
The build quality is generally excellent, though there are a couple...
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Written on: 16/02/2009 by Tony1970 (1 review written)
I bought this Dahon Espresso for a 20 mile round trip commute. Main roads. Nothing to strenuous. I also wanted to get a folding bike just in case i needed to get a train for any reason.
Purchased July 2008 and used for 3 - 4 days a week for about 2 - 3 months. For winter, i decided to commute in. I restarted biking in January.
In September 2008, the seat pole bolt broke. I managed to replace the bolt but that too broke. However, Dahon, to their credit, sent me a brand new seat post and...
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Written on: 21/10/2008
We have two of these bikes, his and hers, both fit easily into the back of a nissan micra. we only use them for light/ fun cycling at the weekends, up to 10 miles and hopefully flat, but that says more of our fitness than the bikes. Ideal to load into the rear of the car, unfold in seconds and have fun and a little exercise. (read more)
Written on: 25/08/2008 by johnh2008
This Dahon Espresso is a well made bike, not a Halfords toy, and it feels like it is built to last. I added an adjustable stem and a Brooks saddle and have just done a couple of hundred miles in the south of Ireland with panniers no problems at all. Always get a few comments when you roll up to a bus stop, flip the lever, and the bike folds in half.! Excellent value for money. (read more)
Written on: 28/02/2012
Any chance you can tell me what panniers you used and whether you have mudguards for it? I can't find either for mine.
Written on: 31/07/2008
So you want a folding bike without looking like Mr Bean? The fact is that 16" bikes look comical (I owned one and people fell about laughing) while 20" bikes are just about acceptable for the elderly - I'm not quite there myself though. I can't relate to the rating of 2 I'm afraid. Fold it into in two, throw it in the back of your car and you can be cycling straight away. If you don't need to fold it, then buy a conventional bike. But if you want a cool looking folder for leisure use this is it. (read more)
Written on: 18/07/2008
Do not use in the rain or use it a lot, as I have had mine for nine months only, kept it under cover and well the bearings are shot to bits, the pedals have gone and the steering headset along with the bottom bracket. This bike is not made to last, best off spending a bit more money for something that will last.
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Written on: 25/03/2008
Generally a good bike for commuting with train or bus usage and has potential for touring and use further afield. I have loaded it up with heavy double panniers at the rear and it still rides well. It is great for use combined with a car as well as it goes easily into the boot. Great value for money. (read more)
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Croft73's Response to Chris Gilbert's Review
Written on: 19/07/2010
I found this review very helpful because...it explained what it's like to use on a daily basis - warts and all.