Dahon makes a large range of folding bicycles, and the general-purpose Speed P8 represents one of the best in terms of function and value. Built around a reasonably light chrome-moly frame and a nice complement of aluminum components, the Speed P8 offers an upright riding position, eight gearing options via twist shift, and about a 20-second folding time. Dahon's folder has one major joint in the frame and another just above the fork; the seatpost slides down all the way through the frame, and even the pedals fold up to maximize portability. The locking levers are easy to use--if not particularly graceful--and there's also a secondary device to back up the locking mechanism. Ride quality on folding bikes with smallish 20-inch (same as BMX) wheels is never quite as smooth or stable as the ride of larger 26-inch (mountain bike) or 700c (road bike) wheels, yet the Dahon's design maximizes its small package, so the sacrifice in control and handling is minimal. Train-riding commuters, apartment dwellers, travelers, and those who don't have roof racks on their cars will all enjoy the portability and versatility of this excellent bike. Additionally, rack and fender eyelets on the frame and fork allow for the upgrades necessary to make this fun bike even better suited to utilitarian purposes. Those looking for serious exercise or off-road capability should look to more expensive folders by Dahon and competitor Brompton, among others.

Color: Graphite Gray Folded size: 11x23x33in. (28 x 56 x 81 cm) Weight: 25.7 lbs. (11.7 kg) w/o extras Suggested rider height: 4'10" - 6'4" Max rider weight: 230 lbs. (105 kg.) Frame: 4130 chrome-moly steel, TIG welded, patented ClikLok, PowerBulge, WrapAround, Chubbs technologies, BioLogic geometry Fork: Chrome-moly, straight blade, TIG welded, forged ends Headset: 1 1/8" oversize, sealed cartridge Handlebar: 6061-T6 aluminum, hard bead blast finish Stem: ProLite, 6061-T6 aluminum Handlepost: ProLite Telescope adjustable, forged aluminum base Grips: BioLogic, DualDensity design Saddle: BioLogic Sport, O Zone design, 3M reflective panel Seatpost: MicroAdjust, hard bead blast finish, 6061-T6 aluminum Brakes: Dahon SpeedStop V-brake w/ power modulator, stainless fittings Levers: Dahon SpeedStop, forged aluminum, machined pivots Front hub: Custom Formula Compact design, aluminum, double-sealed Rear hub: Formula, 8-speed cassette, aluminum, double-sealed Spokes: Stainless steel Rims: Allez Aero, 6061 aluminum, CNC machined sidewalls Tires: Cheng Shin, 20" x 1.5", 80 psi, skinwall Shifters: Shimano Revo 8 spd. Rear derailleur: Shimano RD-2200 Road Crankset: Cold-forged aluminum cranks, 52T 6061 chainring Bottom bracket: Cartridge with sealed bearings Chain: KMC Z51, half silver finish Cassette: 11T-28T Pedals: Next folding Other: Aluminum kickstand, reflectors