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@Belagerent
I bought a Dahon Cadenza with the idea of throwing it in the boot of my car when I drive to see family (which happens relatively often right now) The idea was to load it up with mudguards, disc brakes, maybe 1x and a canti mounted front rack.
I got it to the state you see below:
And rode it around about twice. It was very nice! However when I was putting it into the boot one day I noticed a slight issue.
The bottom bracket was a few mm away from shearing entirely on both sides. I should have noticed this when I went to pick it up from a nice lady in Hampstead, but well, I didn't think to look. Caveat Emptor.
It's a shame because the bike would have been perfect for me and likely wouldn't have got much heavy use but alas alack, dental insurance indeed. I didn't feel much like trying to work out how you'd go about repairing something like this. I assumed it would cost more than the frame is worth, (could get another full bike for probably £200 on ebay) and also I wanted to try and learn a bit more about bike fettling, so I decided to have a go at building up one of the myriad 26 inch mtb frames around with the parts from the Dahon (where possible).
I don't really have much (any) experience on bike maintenance but I've got enough spare bikes that it's not going to be an issue if i completely cock this up. Anyway, first things first was obtaining a replacement frame:
(not my photo, hence the clarity)
It has since been taken to my LBS who fitted a bottom bracket (they said it was probably the right one but I could bring it back for a swap if it wasn't) as well as gave me a dubious look. I think I'm not the first mechanic dilettante they've had to deal with. I also have an Ogre non suspension corrected fork on the way which I've been told might (should?) work. (I could probably use the dahon fork as well? I have no idea).
So now, to the dismantling of the old frame. It took me a while to work out how to remove the gear cables and how exactly the NVO stem on this thing worked, but in the end, applying penetrating liquid and instantaneous force (WD40 and a mallet) prevailed and the fork is removed
Next I guess I'll try to remove the rear wheel and derailleur, that seems straight forward, but removing the cranks apparently needs a 'crank puller' and some large allen keys which I'll have to buy (recommendations appreciated). I think I'll also ned a 'chain breaker' ? But have no real idea about that and haven't watched a park tools youtube video about it yet.
FAQ
Why are all your photos shit?
Sadly, the camera on my phone is broken after being dropped out of my pocket and ridden over on a bridle path near Haslingfield. It seldom focuses and even when it does, has a dreamy look. I recommend you treat the aesthetic affect as 'lomography'
You've got a lot of plants innit?
Yes, I like plants.