Does anyone have a folding bike?

[luv2climb]

I have 3 folding bikes-a vintage 1982 single-speed Dahon Da Bike, a 7-speed Dahon Speed D7, and a Worksman Port-O-Trike adult trike.

Here's the Dahon Da Bike on a very hilly ride in Amador County.

creek crossing on Amador Creek Road by kittyz202, on Flickr

Dahon Da Bike at top of School St climb in Amador City by kittyz202, on Flickr

Here's the Worksman Port-O-Trike being used to take the Dahon Speed D7 home from REI when I bought it back in May. I am car-lite.

Worksman Port-O-Trike carrying Dahon Speed D7 by kittyz202, on Flickr

Worksman Port-O-Trike carrying Dahon Speed D7 by kittyz202, on Flickr

Here's the Dahon Speed D7 on its first real test ride after doing my usual tweaks.

Dahon Speed D7 by kittyz202, on Flickr

Since then, it's been to the summit of Kingsbury Grade

Dahon Speed D7 at Daggett Summit by kittyz202, on Flickr

Kingsbury Grade 9% grade sign & Dahon Speed D7 by kittyz202, on Flickr

Dahon Speed D7 with mountains in background 7-9-11 by kittyz202, on Flickr

Geiger Grade

Dahon Speed D7 at Geiger Summit by kittyz202, on Flickr

Monitor Pass

Dahon Speed D7 at top of Monitor Pass 8-6-11 (other side of road) by kittyz202, on Flickr

Dahon Speed D7 at top of Monitor Pass 8-6-11 by kittyz202, on Flickr

view from top of Monitor Pass by kittyz202, on Flickr

and Mt. Rose.




After suffering up Kingsbury Grade and Geiger Grade with stock gearing, I put a mtb crankset on, which helped immensely on Monitor Pass. The stock chainring is a 52. This crankset is a 47-37-27 (odd tooth numbers, huh?). Since the Dahon's drivetrain isn't designed for any kind of front shifting, I shortened the chain and put it on the middle ring.


I have ride videos and Garmin data of all the climbs mentioned on my YouTube channel.