Quantcast
 

Technology

The components and patents behind the bikes

FUSION TECHNOLOGY

In order to fold down into a compact package, our bikes feature extended stems with great adjustably for various rider heights. But this kind of stem needs specialized technology to make it strong and stable. DAHON came up with Fusion, a patented and refined arrangement that fuses frame, fork and handlepost into an unyielding unit that won’t let you down.

NOLIFT DESIGN

DAHON’s NoLift design lets you conveniently fold your bike without ever having to lift it off the ground. The secret to DAHON’s Nolift design is in the balanced weight distribution and tripod (three-point) folding position. The seat post is your helper, assisting you in folding your bike with minimum effort. Better still: when folded, your DAHON folding bike stands by itself!

GROUNDFLOOR FRAME DESIGN

GroundFloor takes its cue from step-through bicycles, and if the Dutch know anything about cycling, this style makes for the perfect commuter bike. Just look around the streets of Amsterdam. The design sets the top tube down low on our folding bikes, making hopping on and off super convenient. Riding in a skirt is a breeze and it also benefits those with injuries or other physical restrictions.

DAHON FRAME GEOMETRY

Starting with the very first DAHON over 30 years ago, the aim of our designs has always been to provide a great ride, not just folding convenience. Our frames have evolved over time of course. DAHON Frame Geometry finely tunes the placement and angle of tubes and components to overcome the problems of smaller wheels and longer stems that most other folding bikes suffer.

HYDROFORMING

Although we still love our traditional, drawn tubing (the workhorse of most of our folding frames), for a couple models we take advantage of the most up-to-date technology in metal forming. Hydroforming allows alloys to be manipulated into custom shapes, that if done right end up lighter and stronger than tubular construction. The process uses high-pressure hydraulic fluid to fit metals to a mold.

LOCKJAW HINGE

The name says it all; finely tuned teeth fit together to hold this joint closed through all your ups and downs. The LockJaw is practically invisible in its construction, fitting smoothly into tubular frames and allowing for ultra-convenient folding on full sized and midtown bikes. Just the twist of a 6mm allen key takes you from standard looking bike, to portable, storable folder.

V-CLAMP

This hinge takes advantage of the theory that greater surface area contact makes for greater stability. Incorporating stainless steel and brass brushings for long-lasting performance, we engineered a sturdy steel plane that is solid as a rock when closed. For the best in folding bike hinges, look no further. This technology is found on DAHON’s high performance bikes.

LATTICE FORGED HINGE

Those in the know understand that a folding bicycle’s success lies mainly with its hinge. We devoted years of RnD to refining our lattice forged hinge. The end result is feather-light but a heavyweight in strength and performance. DAHON achieves this through cold forging and CNC tooling, including stainless steel and brass components to stand up to all weathers and wear and tear.

VISEGRIP HINGE

ViseGrip latching mechanisms are very, very strong. Thanks to their patented design, they are marvelously easy to operate,with a smooth, ergonomic latch that fits easily in the hand. The hinge pin is of stainless steel and brass bushings buffer moving parts – quality all round.

FLATPAK

Think of the easiest, fastest way stow your bike and you get “Flatpak”. Bicycles equipped with Flatpak need no tools, and the user-friendly stem allows the handlebar to rotate 90°. The brake levers are exceptionally thin and the release levers respond to a flip of the wrist. Paired with one of DAHON’s patented folding pedal designs, you get a bike that goes from 3-D to 2-D in minutes, storing almost completely flat. The narrowest space becomes your bike’s “garage”, with no one getting caught on protruding parts, pedals or handlebars.