"The bike has been a pleasure to ride and performs as well as most of my other road bikes - the shifting is exceptional. Since the Department of Transportation has moved out of our City Hall offices the Dahon has been a lifesaver as I use it downtown to get from meeting to meeting. I must admit I get far more looks from people on this bike, and more questions, than I ever have about any other bicycle I've owned. Which is great as use of the bicycle is what my job is all about."
- Michelle Mowery, Bicycle Coordinator, Department of Transportation
- City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California

"Almost a year ago I purchased my first Dahon and couldn't have been more pleased with the purchase. I ride my Boardwalk 6 to work every day, rain or shine. I ride it to the local train station, fold it up, get on the train, get off in Manhattan, unfold it and head up to work in Times Square."
- Tracy Visconti, NYC, USA

"I am the proud owner of 4 Dahon bikes. I have the Boardwalk6, Mariner20, Speed 8 and my latest the Espresso. I'm totally hooked and living in the NYC area. I get stopped on a daily basis by people who are impressed with these bikes. I spend more time showing them the features than actual riding, but I don't mind. Keep up the good work and who knows, a fifth bike might not be out of the question."
- Miranda Karl, Flushing, NY, USA

"I am a truck driver in America and find your bicycle one of my most prized possessions. Your bicycle enables me to get to places that before were inaccessible due to the size of my vehicle and some of the laws around the country. Thanks again for a wonderful bicycle."
- Robert Jime, USA

"I happened upon your web site when researching a bicycle purchase for a friend. I've been an avid bicyclist for 38 years now. Through the years I've owned 22 bikes, everything from a tricycle, to a custom racing bike. I was immediately impressed with your line. The attention to quality and detail was obvious. Your passion to promote bicycling for practical transportation is commendable. In these days of diminishing, expensive, and polluting fossil fuels, I'd say it's a vital mission. As if that wasn't enough, your prices bring cutting edge folding bike technology to the mass market. What a unique and valuable contribution. You must be very proud. Ironically, I write these words without ever having ridden one of your bikes. That's the power of your commitment. I'll stop now as I'm going to rush out the door to visit one of your local dealers and experience all of this personally. Keep up the good work!!!"
- Jonathan Franks, by email

"Just a note to say how much we enjoy your product. We have bought two little fold ups to put in our 4wd and take them all over Australia. Thank you for the chance to send in the card for free lifetime warranty but our bike shop will honor it and keep them in top condition for us. We can't stop riding them - they are fantastic! Thanks again."
- Jon Bickley, Australia

"I really love your folding bike. I got my very first Dahon in the summer of 1993. I still have it, and I have been riding it everyday to work and school in New York City. I love it! The bike still looks and rides like new since I give it TLC. Thank you Dahon for a job well done. You are the true King of folding bikes."
- E. Gouache, NY, NY

"Wow! That's all I can say....holy @#%#@ WOW! (excuse me..)
I just came from test riding a Dahon Speed 7 on my lunch hour through NY city streets and Central Park, and what a wonderful ride it was! You were right, absolutely right. This is no ordinary folding bike. Great product, great product! I'm sold."

[A few months later]
"I'm having so much fun with the bike. It's a great conversation piece. Especially when people see me folding and unfolding it. I've got two dates so far!! Thanks."
- Mark Lee, NY, NY

"Aloha. I've owned a succession of Dahon bikes. My Dahon has been with me to Hawaii, Johnston Atoll, Marshall Islands, Tonga, Fiji, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Colombia, South Africa, Dallas, Austin, Newport RI, Newport Beach, Florida, Canada, England, Italy, France... and now to Tacoma, Washington. I ride my bike EVERYwhere (but I've learned not to ride it on the beach (grin) cause that's ONE place this bike should NOT go).I LOVE my folder! I'm now a licensed pilot so my bike goes with me on the plane too AND I stow it in my sailboat for dock stops. LOVE this bike. Thank you for inventing it! A hui hou!"
- Violet Weed, Tacoma, WA

"I love the Dahon folding bicycle - it is fantastic! It really does fold easily and quickly in seconds. I use my Dahon for traveling when I am out of town. I also bring my Dahon with me on airplanes, buses and of course trains."
- Tony Anthony, Las Vegas, USA

"A few years ago, I found a pair of collapsible mountain bikes in the West Marine store in Key West. They are amazing machines that fold up into themselves, like praying Buddhist monks, and then transform into full-size bikes with the turn of a couple bolts. I consider them to be survival gear, since they allow me to avoid taxis, in which I have spent too many frightening moments clinging to my seat belt or stomping on imaginary brakes."
- Jimmy Buffett, reprinted from Men's Journal, February, 1998

"Yes, we belong to your Dahon family. We have 2 Mariner bikes. We have had them for about 10years. They have been in the back of our light plane to the Cayman Isles, Turks and Caicos, Bahamas, Dominican Republic to celebrate the Columbus Arrival where the Sheraton Hotel insisted they were wheeled through the lobby, up the elevator to our room! They have traveled in our 42' boat from Key West to Annapolis, Palm Beach to the Bahamas. Mine is used every morning for my exercise circuit around the subdivision. We are just about to buy two more to go on our new boat in England, a 68' narrowboat. We will be cruising the inland canals with that and our Dahons. Should tell you my husband is 72 next month! Great product!"
- Gwen Garner, USA

"My first impression of the Helios was "Wow!". It certainly is a very beautiful bike, and that brushed aluminium frame is pretty sexy! The quality of the running gear is immediately apparent, with fast, precise gear changes and smooth braking on those CNC machined rims. The frame is great, nicely welded, very light, with an excellently engineered hinge locking mechanism.

Unfortunately the Sydney weather took a bit of a turn on the day I got the Helios, and it's been raining ever since. However, this provided an opportunity to test the mudguards! Much to my surprise, those funny-looking little flaps on the ends of the front and rear mudguards work fantastically well to keep shoes dry (assuming it's not raining too hard) and to prevent mud and road grit from spraying all over the bottom bracket and chain.

I must also compliment the Ritchey tyres. They are awesome! Wet or dry, they don't let go and they certainly inspire confidence on the road. I think they have a fairly soft compound rubber on the tread, so I'm not sure how much mileage to expect from them- time will tell (are these tyres available in Australia?).

In the handling department, the Helios is a real star. It leaves several other folding bikes for dead (the Brompton, for example). It's comfortable, predictable and very stable. One advantage of small wheels is the amazingly precise low-speed handling in tight places (e.g. traffic jams).

Overall, the Helios is a real head-turner, and quite a number of people at the railway station and on trains have asked me about it.

In conclusion, I am very happy with the Helios so far, and expect that it will be a trusty, reliable and fun daily commuting partner. Again, I would like to voice my appreciation of Dahon's customer service and follow-up. I would be happy to keep you posted on the Helios's long-term performance."
- Barry Manor (PhD), Research Scientist (Measurement), CRC for Eye Research & Technology
- University of New South Wales Sydney, Australia

"I commend you on excelling at customer service. You may spend a little more on each customer but they will be loyal."
- Zack Reuben, by email

"It was just over three years ago when I decided I wanted to take up cycling again, after over 20 years of not having done any. Within that three years, with the Dahon Helios I am now on my third folder, for the following reasons:

Cycle 1 - Brompton (UK designed) 16" folder. Had for one year. Did not like the rear lifting every time I have to maneuver the cycle through a farm/cycle track gate; a laborious ride.

Cycle 2 - Birdy (German designed). Had for two years. Pretty complex to fold and unfold, but certainly a more comfortable ride than the Brompton - no quicker.

Cycle 3 - Dahon Metro Helios. While my Birdy was in the Avon Valley Cyclery for service, I was loaned a Helios; the ride was definitely much superior to either the Brompton or the Birdy - far faster. I was doing a 14 mile ride with someone on a standard size cycle and had no difficulty whatsoever in keeping abreast. (The person with whom I did the ride is very fit.)

So, based on that trial of the Helios I decided to purchase without any hesitation. Obviously it is early days but I certainly notice the difference in its performance when coping with hills. Finally, I would like to congratulate all concerned on the clarity of the handbook and the instructions for folding and unfolding - both far superior to Brompton or Birdy - and, I am sure, because of such clarity I am finding these functions very straightforward to perform."
- Margaret Raymond, Bristol, England

"You have great bikes, I own two ordered a third. These were not casual purchases, we are a predominant recumbent riding family, But now Dahon is the one."
- Anonymous email

"The touch-up paint came a couple of days ago. Thanks for taking care of that. No wonder your company is so successful."
B. Roop, USA

"I have a Dahon Getaway PTOIO (1998). I am a handicapped senior citizen. I love my bike and the freedom it allows me."
- P. Coleman, USA

"Thank you for answer my e-mail. Halford's already got in touch with me. The same day I received your e-mail. They already solved the problem for me. The service was perfect. I like to thank you that you contact them. You and Halford's have giving me a service that is mostly hard to find."
- H. Fernandes, The Netherlands

"Your prompt service has produced swift results. I wish to thank you for your assistance and excellent service."
- C.M. Widdows, The Netherlands

"I love the bikes... I have three of them and store them nicely in my airplane for quick trips to Sun Valley, Idaho and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Thanks for your help... "
- Kim Hansen, USA

"We have two stainless steel 3-speed bikes and have had them for about 12 years. They have really served us well. We have ridden the streets from San Diego to San Francisco, and a lot of points in between. The only modifications that we have made are slightly larger seats. They grew as we grew. We used our bikes on our boat when it was tied up in Ventura, Ca. Now we use them with our motorhome (a Texas land yacht) now that I work in Austin. They make seeing the River Walk in San Antonio great fun!"
- Frank Barr, Austin, USA

"Just wanted to voice my thanks to everybody at Dahon for such a sweet product (Speed 7) and such quick service. It is very solid and it feels quite stout under me. At 280# and more than 20 miles per day, other bikes have felt flimsy and worrisome. This little bike is working out just great. I will be taking it to Savannah and Charleston and it will get the sightseeing use that I bought it for right away. It will be going with me to Lexington on business. For the first time, I will be able to take my exercise regimen with me."

[A few months later]
"The little Dahon has traveled with me to Lexington, Charleston, Savannah, Baltimore and Washington in the short time I have had it. It has proven to be reliable and ideal beyond anything y'all described in your advertising. When touring these cities I noticed because of its size, the bike does not intrude upon sightseeing. The Dahon disappears underneath and leaves you alone with your view, gliding through the scenery as if by magic carpet. This is the greatest tool for exploring historic districts, better than anything I ever imagined.

As you know, my riding this bike approaches the upper limit of the design's weight capability. The Speed has proven up to the challenge requiring only a couple of parts and regular service. A special thank you to the folks in shipping who have taken great care to see my orders shipped promptly. Thanks y'all."
- Dave Nolton, USA

"I have a pair of 16" bikes, 5 speed, yellow & black Dahon bikes. I have had them for about 10 years and have ridden them all over the country, including Alaska. We travel with a 5th wheel trailer and they are great in that they don't take up much space and are so easy to setup. I have been very glad to have them along, especially the time we ran out of gas several miles from a gas station and all I had to do was get out the trusty Dahon and ride up to the station. Now my grand kids have discovered them and whenever they visit they also enjoy them. They are great for that because they adjust to their size so easily that they fit them all. "
- John I. Elsass, Litchfield Park, Arizona

"Hello - I LOVE my Dahon bicycle. At first, I was wary of it, fearing that it would collapse en route someplace! But it is so sturdy. Really a well made product. I ride the bike all over campus, to meetings, lunch, etc. Everybody always comments, "I really like your bike." I have enjoyed this little bicycle for almost ten years, with nothing going wrong with it. I've never even had a tune-up! Thank you for a great product."
- I. Egan, Cerritos, California

"Hi! Just visited your website. My wife Alicia & I purchased our Dahon folding bikes last summer. They fit nicely on the rear seats of our Piper Cherokee and make "being there" nearly as fun as "getting there"! Thanks!!!"
- John Lampson, Connecticut

"I'm 69 and having 'a ball' with your Stowaway. Thank you SO MUCH for your courtesy in dealing with me. Your 'little bike' is a jewel..."
- T.R. Boback, U.S.A

"My wife and myself are both fans of your folding bicycles. We have two of them (purchased in 1984), now permanently in our second home in Cannes, and we have purchased two stainless steel Quest in September last year. I would like to congratulate your engineers for the many improvements they have brought. "
- Alain de Tonnac, Paris, France

"I recently purchased a Dahon 20" with the new frame style in that nice champagne color. It is a very good bike. I live in a tiny apartment in NY - and it fits! Also fits both me (5'10") and my fiancee (5'2") so we can share."
- Peter Velsey, NY, NY

"As a city apartment dweller and owner of several mountain bikes of all makes and models, I realized I was wasting money buying bikes with 24 gears to commute in NY. My new Dahon is truly the bike I have been looking for. The folder is definitely an earmark into the future of bike consumers as the mountain bike was of yesteryear."
- Larry Russell, NY, NY

"We have owned two Dahon bikes for somewhere close to ten years - we have really enjoyed these both from the standpoint of general recreation but also in conjunction with boating. I got a kick out of my 6 year old grandson who rode the bike for the first time recently, his comment, "grandpa this is great I can ride this forever, even when I get bigger".
- Stew Beebe, Vancouver, BC

"Prior to getting my own bike, I tried out the folding bike concept by borrowing a Brompton from a friend. In fact, the Dahon's ride is much more stable and comfortable than the Brompton- the brakes are heaps better, and the fattish tires give a nice ride without too much rolling resistance. To be fair, the Brompton has smaller wheels but the Dahon definitely has a good solid predictable feel to it, and inspires confidence."
- Dr. Barry Manor, Sydney, Australia (Boardwalk)

"We currently have two of your bikes. We originally purchased them to take with us on our boat. The practicality of them has made us think in broader terms. We now include them into our plans when going by car. Thanks for making a quality product."
- Gary R. Zeiders, Maryland

"I am extremely happy with a 3 speed Dahon city bike I bought a few years ago and I am now interested in purchasing a Dahon mountain bike. Hats off to a fine product!"
- Carl Nishi, Berkeley, California

"At the nine-year point in my use of Dahons (always the 16-inch models and always Sturmey-Archer 3-speed; I have had three, plus have bought three others for friends) I am convinced that the bike is absolutely the only bike a 'normal' person should need. I get a bit rankled when I hear it referred to as a specialty bike, primarily to be used for short cycling trips for those periodically using RVs and pleasure boats. I should point out that I am 53 years old, 6'3", and weigh 207 pounds."
- Chris Bradshaw Ottawa, Canada

"Just wanted to thank you for your swift service and understanding. I appreciate the new saddle, and can only say again what a splendid bicycle my Helios is."
Tony Meisel

"This past summer I purchased a Helios from (at your referral) Frank's Bike Shop in New York City. I love the bicycle, and I love Frank's Bike Shop."
Dan Budofsky, NY

"I just received my third Dahon. They just keep getting better! I started with the Explorer, then I bought a Novel and now the best of all-- the Piccolo. After a few judicial reductions, my Piccolo now weighs 23.8 lbs and is easily taken on Metro transit buses. I have no problems with the hub gearing and the three gears seem to be adequate for most terrain. The Cabot Trail may require a little walking! I am very pleased, thank you for the fine bicycle."
- Evelyn MacMillan, Nova Scotia Canada

"In March of this year I suffered an injury and have been off work for nearly 4 months. I have difficulty driving and feel it is safer for me to ride the bus as I have limited turning ability of my neck. The bus route is great for me (within a mile of my home and to the door of my office) but I didn't want to walk and leaving the car on the street didn't seem like a good idea....... Then I remembered my Dahon!"

"I have been practicing riding and as of Monday July 3rd, I will be able to return to work (and get a little workout to boot) because of my fold-a-bike. Just thought you would like to know how helpful your invention is."
- Marilyn, USA

"I cannot describe the sorrow I've gone through since my lovely black and chromium Dahon bike was stolen two years ago. I've lived a love story with it, always it was with me in the trunk of the car, all over Europe. I'm sorry you don't no longer make the version I lost but you have some pretty lovely alternatives."
- Luc Arretz, Belgium

"I am writing to you from Kerala, the southmost part of India. I was fascinated by your 20" Folding Dahon bicycle while I was on a short visit to Malaysia for a software consulting job. I bought it and have been using it for the last 3 years. Here, the roads are bad due to the climate and very poor road maintenance. In spite of these conditions, your company's bicycle is giving me an excellent and superb result. Here, everybody is fascinated by my bicycle, since it is unique and not available in India. When I tell people the price of the product, people are surprised. We can buy a motor bike for this price. I love my Dahon Bicycle. This letter is just to congratulate all your team for innovating such excellent idea and design."
- Subramania Kumar, Kerala. India

"I'd just like to say it is a very good bike and a real head turner where ever I go. Thanks."
- M. Flear, USA

"I have owned Dahons for over 10 years. Starting with a 16" wheel 3-speed, followed by two Tailwinds and now I've just ordered the Speed. I'm a bit of a folding bike collector, owning a Moulton Jubilee, a Brompton T-5, a Birdy, and a Montague. I think the Dahon offers an excellent product at a very reasonable price."
- K. Jensen, Oregon

Adventures

Dahon'ing Four Continents
"I was a bit nervous starting my first European tour on a folding bike. However, after two successful thousand mile plus European trips on my Dahon, I felt confident as I began my third trip: across the Netherlands toward Asia. I retrieved my bike and baggage from the Schiphol airport near Amsterdam, set up the bike, and attached the panniers and basket. A Dahon 16" bag served to carry the panniers, tent, and sleeping bag for plane, train and bus trips. I put the 20" bag, tent and sleeping bag in it, and attached it with bungees on top of the panniers. I hoisted my daypack and started East ....... The trip took 176 days, covered 3173 miles by bicycle, and touched 14 countries. The longest single day covered 76 miles. Top speed was 37 MPH. I replaced three worn out tires. From the Netherlands through Bulgaria I felt like I was mixing with the local people and getting a feel for the life of the people. In Turkey, Greece and Egypt I felt more like a pure tourist and though the sights were more impressive, I felt it less rewarding. The Dahon bicycle made it easy to use many bus and train connections that would have been difficult or impossible with a conventional bike. It also was a good icebreaker for meeting the local people. I have put 7200 miles on this bike in the three years I have owned it."
- G. Johnston, Charlottesville, VA

Update by G. Johnston: 20" Wheels, 20 thousand kilometers, 20 Countries
"On September 1, 2003, I rolled over 20,000 km on my Dahon Omega in the village of Coslariu, Romania. After receiving the bike in the spring of 1998, I covered 5,000 km in the first six months, extensively touring in Hungary and Romania. In the next four years, I went farther afield: from Madrid to St. Petersburg, Russia, and from Amsterdam to Varna, Bulgaria. I took advantage of its compactness to reach the faraway locations with buses and trains, but did less long distance riding. This year I took longer tours around Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania, with over twenty kilograms of baggage and challenging terrain.

As a fitting end to the completion of the 20,000 km excursion through 20 countries on the 20" bicycle, I took second place in the veteran division of the Timisoara-Wittmann Cup and bicycled to the airport the next day for the flight home."
- G. Johnston, Orange Park, Florida

"Just found your website and thought I'd tell you about our experiences with our stainless 16s.

We bought them sometime in the late 80s. In August of 1990 we left Puget Sound and headed south on our 41' cutter, a Lord Nelson, with the bikes folded and an in their bags.

We wound up making a 3-year circumnavigation of the Pacific, visiting Mexico, French Polynesia, American Samoa, Tonga, New Zealand, Fiji, Vanuatu, The Solomon Islands, Micronesia, Guam and Japan.

Little did we know when we left that our Dahons would end up being at or near the top in our Top Ten list of cruising equipment. Starting right away in Mexico they became invaluable for such errands as clearing in with customs, immigration and port authority, which were often spread all over town. We also used them for grocery, propane and diesel runs. We had a small cart that I towed behind my Dahon that carried three jerry cans or two propane tanks or several bags of groceries. And of course the bikes allowed us to see much more of the places we worked so hard to get to. We even rode them around Kauehi Atoll in the Tuamotus.

I had concerns from the beginnings that the bikes might be tempting targets in third world places. So it was somewhat ironic, when nearing the end of our cruise that they were indeed stolen--but in Japan, hardly a third world country or one noted for crime problems. It turns out that the two most common crimes in Japan are umbrella and bicycle theft. Our story and our pictures were in the major newspaper that covers all of southern Japan. We had no less than seven different parties offer to give us replacement bikes. The reporter who did the story determined who would have the privilege of giving us new bikes. They were both folders but only single speeds and not stainless. Nevertheless they came in handy throughout the rest of our stay in Japan.

After returning to Gig Harbor we sold the gift bikes at a dock sale and eventually bought Dahon Mariner 26s. We are planning another extended cruise beginning in about three years. At that time we will sell the 26s and buy a new pair of stainless 16s. We need the compactness and the greatest possible resistance to the elements."
- Steve Van Slyke, Sailing Vessel Kavenga
- Gig Harbor, WA

"Back in 1994 after graduating from college a friend of mine and myself decided to drive across country before entering the "Real World". We left from Ohio headed for California and back. In the trunk we had packed two Dahon folding bikes. They were great!!! After driving all day it was really great to pull the bikes out and ride around the rest stops and campgrounds where we stopped. It was very refreshing. The bikes preformed flawlessly and drew a lot of attention. We rode them at Hells Half Acre in Iowa, at Mt Rushmore, Yellowstone national park, Portland, Oregon and San Francisco. But alas the bikes were stolen in New York City at the end of the trip. I can't say enough about how cool and easy to fold these little bikes are. Now that I am in the market for another one. I am definitely getting another Dahon! Thanks for making such a great product!"
- John Heymann, Lancaster PA

"Several years ago I bought a used Dahon Classic III in Florida during a vacation. I returned home and began thinking about whether I could use such a small bicycle for some truly demanding touring. I decided to give it a try and left for France to ride it until it gave out and then proceed by public transportation. Carrying everything I needed from tent to wine decanter I traveled for 7 weeks through France in the manner the French call "au sauvage". From Paris to the headwaters of the Seine, over the divide via the Nivernais canal and down the Loire to the Atlantic I camped where the setting sun found me. I had a terrific trip and wore 3 rear tires down to fabric thickness due to the often rugged terrain. The bike held up admirably in most respects under conditions that would normally dictate a mountain bike, even without the load of camping gear."
- Terence S. Iran