Folding Bicycle

New BOARDWALK S1 DAHON LICENSED TECHNOLOGY

I'm using the bike for 2 weeks now and I'm very happy with it. The bicycle seems to be solid for a daily usage. But you have to be cautious and avoid potholes and droping from curbs. Don't think about riding it like a regular mountain bike. The folding process is very easy and fast. It's basically three moves: lower the seat, fold the handle bar and then fold the frame. This one has a steel frame, so it's pretty heavy to carry if have to walk even short distances. But I found out that it's possible to drag it folded with the wheel rolling on the floor, so it gets much easier to wander with it. I'm keeping a review in portuguese language at [...] . -- a good cost/benefit choice

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PRO:

- This price is nicer than other Dahons
- It is quite an attractive design, close to vintage folders from England
- all around, a good grocery & errand bike, if you have a few extra hundred to spend on a tiny cruiser
- Handy for travel when you need to pack it in a car or on public transit.

CON:

-HEAVY. It also resembles vintage folders in this respect! Just as heavy as 1969! :0
-Single-speed, and SLOW. It's a hell of a workout unless you're going downhill! (and I am in great shape)
-an intolerably uncomfortable seat, which just creates waste 'cause we'll all switch 'em immediately.
-scratches immediately when folded, and cumbersome to carry folded;
(would be much better if there were a latch to secure the fold,
and if it could be rolled along folded, that would be gold)
-cheap, hard plastic fenders, plastic chain-wheel cover... other plastic parts..
-I personally was also shocked at how LONG it is - It's kind of a big bike

All in all, I've bought WAY better used clunkers for 1/5 of the price of this Dahon, which serve the errand / cruising purposes just fine. This thing is kind of a useless toy, in my estimation (I returned mine). But for the people who are, for example, using it to cruise around a fairgrounds (as an above reviewer was), or motorizing them (as another above reviewer does), then it's a good frame: attractive, solid, and versatile. -- budget folder

I'm very happy with my 2009 Dahon Boardwalk S1. It's a very simple folding bike, and those who want more/better should be prepared to dip into their pockets for a fancier model. But for under $250 you wont find any better. I take it with me every day, and it has added awesome flexability to my daily routine. -- Great Folding Bike (for the price)

I am a bike racer and mechanic. The S-1 is an awesome urban bike. The weight mentioned by another reviewer is an advantage, not a disadvantage, as this bike's chromemolly frame is virtually indestructible. The weight represents quality construction, and allows this bike to be ridden over potholes at 30mph downhill without breaking, day after day. You can literally throw it in an suv, and never worry about damaging it. The single speed makes riding it ultra-simple, and you get a GREAT workout when pedaling. Ultra-stable and a joy to ride.

If you want multispeeds or less weight, choose a newer Dahon, but if you want ultra-reliability and utility, this bike can't be beat. And at this price, you can't go wrong.

I motorize these bikes, and have never had a frame failure after 12,000 miles and 3 years on the same bike.

I hope Dahon keeps making them forever.

Awesome, ultra-tough bike ! -- Awesome Bike !!