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It doesn't really. Unless you want to get the allen keys out every time you get on a train, to twistify the headstock or take it off altogether, it folds to about the size of a double push-chair. Given how flimsy, ahem, I mean how lightweight most of the components on it are, I'd worry about thread stripping etc.
BUT...
If you do a commute where there aren't too many people to get in the way of and you don't mind a compromise of a bike (it looks a bit like a street bike, it just isn't quite man enough for the job) then it's ok. I wouldn't recommend one to other people, except for very specific journeys. But I wouldn't slate it too badly either. Mine's had getting on for a couple of thousand road miles I reckon, so it can't be THAT bad.
Trouble is, if you're big, the one-size-doesn't-really-fit-all geometry starts to take its toll. About ten miles is my limit for riding on it. Mine gave me terrible trouble with numb-cock after a few miles and stuff like that. Plus I end up with my shoulders dead in line with the front forks, so instead of bumps causing my arms to go up and down slightly, it thumps straight up my arms and into my shoulders. Gave me a partial dislocation (my medical friend informs me it's called a "subluxation") of one shoulder, until I realised what the problem and just rode it less.
If you want to sling something on a train, get near town, jump off and put a few miles down, it's good. But don't be tall or heavy, or on a busy train.
I have one.
I chose it for four reasons:
- it folds (I don't care how small, it's a loophole in the peak train restrictions thing)
- it rides like a large wheeled bike (since it is one!)
- it has the wherewithal ( eccentic BB) to run fixed
- it was cheaper than other options (<400 quid)
The components aren't overly bad, but, as you'd expect on a bike at this price point, the wheels are fairly basic components, and not well built. The first thing I did once I got it home was to put more tension in the spokes and true the wheels. (Oh, and set the brakes up - don't know whether Evans or Dahon was to blame for the initial setup, but having the front V-brake with the spacers the wrong way round and the front brake cable done extra real tight since they'd set it up with the brake quick release off on the lever!).
If you accept those shortcomings, I reckon it's a good buy.
Unless you expect the fold to be small.
It isn't.
I didn't.
My expectation of the fold was that it was a fold (and, not surprisingly) it was.
I'm surprised a bit at the harsh ride/coudlnt; ride it very far etc. comments I've read here and elsewhere.
Mudguard fettling is a pain in the arse, but IMHO, essential on a commuter.
Now I just need to tweak the chainline a bit.
I don't find the allen key any problem - apart from the one time it fell to the bottom of my bag when I was in a hurry and I wondered if I'd lost it :-/ ... in future I'm going to carry an extra one on the pannier I carry to/from work just in case.
As has been mentioned in other reviews, it's not always going to stand upright on a wobbly train, without further help, but, to be honest, a 50p bungee cord fixes that so I don't really see a problem there.
For me, all I see are positives. I don't have to sardine my way onto the central line at rush hour between liverpool street and holborn. I arrive at work earlier. I get less stressed in the process. I got an easy start into the world of fixed-gear riding. I can do evening rides straight from work starting anywhere between London and Deepest Essex. (Edit: and I always get a seat! :) )
I haven't owned it long enough to comment on the hardiness of components, an whilst it took me a while to get over the weird look of the cowhorn/TT handlebar/brake lever combo, in the end I'm quite glad it's that way arranged since I can put traditional drops on it and re-use the same levers.
In terms of fit, I'm 5'9", and usually ride a 54cm (sorry - mixed units!) Felt road bike. The Dahon Cadenza Solo in "M" size fits nicely, although there's only about an inch and a half left on the seat post. The fore/aft position feels good (very good in fact - I feel positively time-triallist like on my commute :))
I did take advice from a friend who also has one and has run it for a while (he had a brommie before that as well) who recommended it, but also told me to look out for the montague.
I decided against looking more into the montague since its fold apparently precludes a rack.
horses for courses!
I'm seriously considering changing my Dun Run plans and doing it fixed on the Dahon instead of on my Globe City now!
- it folds (I don't care how small, it's a loophole in the peak train restrictions thing)
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good luck guessing what time it will be on!
LOL - yep it's a bit of a lottery. I've managed not to miss too many so far (although the TV guide needs to be interpreted "loosely").
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Just been following the text commentary online - I can't wait to see the descent on the highlights program tonight.
i have the dahon cadenza solo, but to quote you, "If my life was very different and I had more than 10p to my name, I'd have a"...
If I was to finish that sentence, it would probably by " fixed or fix-able drop bar Airnimal"