Is this a bargain bike for conversion?

[AndyOfTheSouth]

The Dahon Espresso seems a good bike to convert because it combines an aluminium frame with a steel front fork. It is a 26" folder. Normally it's available for just under £300. I've got one and it rides well.

I've just noticed this curiosity on eBay

DAHON ESPRESSO MOUNTAIN BIKE 'RETURNS NON FOLDING' 20" on eBay (end time 09-Nov-09 14:13:36 GMT)

A company is selling them with defective folding mechanisms for £100.

No idea how easy or safe to fix, but I thought it might interest a bike-savvy member or two.

 

[daniel.weck]

"6 sold, more than 10 available"

Interesting, but quite a gamble. The parts are not worth a lot of money if the frame happens to be unusable.

Thanks for the tip !

 

[daniel.weck]

There is a 18" frame version as well:

DAHON ESPRESSO MOUNTAIN BIKE 'RETURNS NON FOLDING' 18" on eBay (end time 09-Nov-09 14:08:02 GMT)

There are 2 buyers who bought both the 18" and 20" models !

http://offer.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewBidsLogin&item=330367051370

http://offer.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewBidsLogin&item=380166754696

Tempting, with a bit of luck, the frame is "hard to fold", but not impossible...

 

[daniel.weck]

 

[flecc]

Dahon were quite proud of this single hinge double joint model. I doubt it would be much wrong, most probably a very slight angular misalignment of the hinge meaning the unhinged joint in the upper tube isn't under pressure when erected and "thumps" over road bumps. If so, and that's very likely, a very thin packing ring araldited to one side of the upper tube would easily solve the problem.
.

 

[uk_steve]

my Emma has dahon zero g folding bike


good bikes IMO

 

[eddieo]

My full suspension Dahon Jetstream......

I have 2 others a Helios and a Broadwalk

 

[Straylight]

My full suspension Dahon Jetstream......

What no motor?