Review of 08 dahon espresso 18"

08 dahon espresso 18"
By: Dahon Average Rating: 5.0 Total Reviews: 1
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Great bike, and foldable too.

On: 2008-08-11

Dahon is the most popular brand for foldable bikes in the US for a good reason: quality products at bargain prices. The Espresso is the entry level full-size (26" wheels) model in the line-up. It comes in three different frame sizes: 20", 18" & 16". Since my wife and I need to share this bike, I pick the middle one as a compromise.

There are other compromises in our decision. My wife wants a comfortable (i.e. high handle-bar) riding position. I need a foldable model to pack into the trunk of the car occasionally. We both want a bike with a good range of gears to negotiate the local hills. I also want quality all-aluminum construction for light weight and rust resistance. Finally, we dont want to pay a lot. In the end, the Dahon Espresso is the only bike that fits the bill.

What a beautiful bike it is! It looks and handles like a premium bike, yet costs hundreds of dollars less. Both the front and rear derailleurs are name-brand components that prove convenient and reliable. The rim brakes are so strong that the rider must be careful not to engage the front brake alone or he risks flipping over in a hurry. The folding and unfolding operations are straightforward. The seat is easily detachable, although the front wheel is not. The wheel rims are aluminum. The spokes are stainless steel with brass nipples. It is hard to find a regular bike with this set of specs at this price level, not to mention another foldable one.

Of course, a $400 bike cannot possibly be perfect, so let me put on the nitpickers hat and list some possible complaints. With 26" wheels, the Espresso does not fold as compactly as 20" or 16" models, but the latter looks like circus bikes and often rides like one too. It is just not possible to have it both ways. Another similar issue concerns the Espressos 30lb weight, which is light for a full-size bicycle but again not as light as the mini-sized models.

The rim brakes work well in normal usage, but are inferior to disk brakes in off-road condition, wet weather or long downhill rides. This is a compromise Dahon has to make to maintain a low price point. I have no intention to do mountain biking in the rain or down steep hills, so it is a non-issue to me.

The seat is comfortable and well made, but not as soft as some gel saddles.

Folding the bike involves releasing a lever and flipping the included foldable pedals. Then comes the tough part: the handle bar does not come with an easy folding hinge. To avoid having it sticking out to the sides, you must unscrew it. Dahon does provide a nice Allen wrench for this purpose, but I still think it may be considered a pain.