New DAHON ECO 3 FOLDING BICYCLE 7 SPEEDS Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Having owned a Dahon Eco 3 2009 for some time now, I find it truly fun to ride for short distances. The bike folds and unfolds quite easily without any problems. The materials used in making the bike are of good quality parts, especially when you consider the reasonable price of the bike. I paid only $299 plus tax for mine at the end of the biking season when it went on sale.
I carry it in the trunk of my car and ride on the streets around my office and home and on paced trails. Dahon Eco 3 is extremely stable and versatile to ride. It has the look and the feel that begs you to take it for a spin even if you are not an avid bicyclist. Just one try will convince you this is not just a toy but a fun bike to own and ride. Anyone less than 6 feet 4 inches can comfortably ride this bike but be sure you don't weigh more than 230 pounds per the manufacturer's specifications. For me, this is another worthy incentive to weigh less than 230 pounds.
Having written on all these nice things about the Eco 3, in my humble opinion, there are a few things every potential buyer needs to know before buying it: This bike is ideal for short distances, say less than 20 miles of non-stop riding on fairly flat grounds. Even the 7-speed is not enough to ease you up a steep grade without you getting winded. While riding your right leg pant bottom tend to get caught on the folding mechanism and can rip your pants. Ripped trousers are not cool when you are to or from or around workplace. Dahon really needs to remedy this flaw for their 2010 models.
Dahon should spec this bike with wireless computer/odometer and an optional shock absorbing saddle for a more comfortable ride.
Would I purchase this bike again? Would I recommend it to friends and contacts? The answers are definitely YES! YES!!

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Does your daily commute consist of riding part of the way by bike and the rest by train or bus? Then you're probably familiar with the mixed feeling of dread and hope that the next bus or train has room for your bike. With the fast and easy folding Eco 3 bike, however, you can put your worries behind you. The Eco 3 folds up in just 15 seconds, and can be taken on just about any mass transit system when collapsed. As a result, the bike is perfect for rush hour commutes, as a transportation backup on drives through the country, or for leisurely rides to brunch on the weekend. The Eco 3 is equipped with a strong and light aluminum frame that adjusts to fit a wide range of riders. The bike is also incredibly stable compared to most foldable bikes. Small wheel folding bikes have a reputation for "twitchy" handling, but twitchy handling is the result of poor frame geometry more than wheel size. Dahon overcomes this twitchiness with the BioLogic II frame--the result of almost 25 years of refinement by the team at Dahon.
The BioLogic II frame also supports Dahon's AutoLok technology and ViseGrip latching mechanisms. The latching mechanisms are extremely strong and easy to operate, with a beautifully smooth shape that fits the hand perfectly. Folding hinges with AutoLok technology add to the bike's safety, as they automatically lock shut when the lever is closed. All in all, the Eco 3 offers the perfect urban bike experience.
Specifications:
Speeds: 7
Frame: AA series with patented ViseGrip technology
Fork: Hi-tensile steel, TIG welded, curved blade
Suspension: N/A
Handlepost: Adjustable, patented AutoLok technology, steel
Gear inches: 36 to 72 inches
Distance of seatpost to handlebar: 23.2 inches
Distance of saddle to pedal: 24.4 inches (min); 31 inches (max)
Folded size: 31.2 x 25.7 x 11.7 inches (W x H x D)
Folding time: 15 seconds
Weight 26.7 pounds
Suggested rider height: 4 feet 8 inches to 6 feet 4 inches
Max rider weight: 230 pounds
Warranty: 5 years

About Dahon Dahon was founded in 1982 with the singular purpose of convincing more people to use environmentally sustainable forms of transport. To accomplish this goal, the company focused from the start on creating innovative but reasonably priced folding bicycles. Now, with more than 2 million folding bicycles sold, Dahon is the worldwide leader in folding bikes. Headquartered in Los Angeles and maintaining factories in Taiwan, Macau, the Czech Republic, and China, Dahon's bicycles are sold in more than 30 countries. Dahon also says the majority of its 700-plus worldwide employees travel to work by bicycle, public transport, or a combination of both, helping the company live up to its goal of promoting green mobility solutions for people who live active, environmentally friendly lifestyles.