Dahon Espresso Reviews

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Good Points: Very nice to ride. Gear changes are slick and accurate. Excellent value for money. Great for taller people (I'm 6'4) who want a folding bike.

Bad Points: Weak folding pedals.Poor method of folding handlebars.Twist-grip gear change on 2009 model.Ineffective magnetic latch on 2009 model.

General comments: 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 of point that let it down. The folding pedals are somewhat weak, the bearings failed on one after only a couple of months. The brake 'noodles' are poor quality and rust quickly.For 2009 Dahon have swapped the 'quick-fire' gear shifters of the 2008 model for twist-grip shifters, which I hate, but that's a personal thing. I swapped them for a set of decent shifters from the local bike shop.The 2009 model also comes with a magnetic 'latch' to hold the bike together when folded ( the 2008 model had a velcro strap). I have found this to be almost useless. Any knocks against the front wheel instantly cause the latch to spring apart. I removed the latch and use the strap from the old bike.The bike folds quickly enough, but the handlebars are a big issue. You have to loosen two 'allen' bolts and swivel the handlebars 90 degrees. Unfolding is even more of a problem as you have to manually judge when the handlebars are correctly aligned before tightening the bolts.Another thing to be aware of is that, although the bike uses standard mountain bike parts, the geometry of the folding frame from means that you need to be careful when buying accessories as some won't fit (mudguards in particular)Overall a very nice bike for the money only let down by a few niggles that can be easily fixed with after-market parts.

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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 bolt f ...

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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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.