Dahon Anniversary Replica Folding Bike Review

I couldn’t believe Dahon already celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2012. In fact, the world’s largest folding bike manufacturer was founded in Los Angeles, California in 1982 and it was an important milestone in the folding bike history.

In the occasion, Dahon made 30 limited edition bikes with high-end carbon parts but they were so rare and expensive with the price tag of $5,000. That’s the reason why they produced more 3,000 Dahon Anniversary Replica folding bikes. Let’s take a look at the cheaper version.

Specifications & Features

• Speeds: 30
• Gear Inches: 95.5″ – 425″
• Folded dimensions: 31.9″ x 25.6″ x 15.4″ (81 x 65 x 39 cm)
• Weight: 23.6 lbs (10.7 kg)
• Frame: PA series – Dalloy, custom-drawn Sonus Tubing, forged lattice hinge, Fusion and V-clamp technology
• Fork: carbon fiber
• Handlepost: Forged alloy for control, technology ‘Bull Horn’, Radius Fusion and V-clamp technology
• Handlebar: Bull Horn, Alloy 7075, 400mm wide, 31.8mm Bar Bore
• Stem: Alloy, 31.8mm Bar Bore
• Grips: Tape
• Saddle: CONCOR CR-MO-SMOOTH
• Seatpost: 34mm x 580mm, Team Issue 2A, AL7075 with stainless steel hardware
• Brakes: Caliper, Shimano Tiagra
• Brake Levers: Shimano Tiagra
• Brake Cables: Livewire 7.0
• Front Hub: Alloy micro, 14H, 74 mm, Q/R
• Rear Hub: Shimano Dualdrive, 36H, 10 SP, CASSETTE
• Spokes: 2.0 black stainless
• Rim: Alloy rim 451 mm
• Tires: Schwalbe Durano, 20″ x 1.1″, 451 mm, 115 PSI, Raceguard
• Shifters: Shimano Tiagra dual control shifter
• Rear Derailleur: 10-speed Shimano Tiagra
• Crankset: Omega Mega Exo, alloy, 53T
• Freewheel: Shimano Tiagra – 10-speed cassette, 11-25T
• Bottom Bracket: included
• Pedals: not included
• Luggage Socket: Frame integrated
• Clip system: Magnetix
• Distance from Seatpost to Handlebar: 28″ – 29.7″
• Distance from Saddle to Pedal: 27.3″ – 37.6″
• Suggested Rider Height: 5’3″ – 6’4″ (158 – 193 cm)
• Maximum Rider Weight: 230 lbs (105 kg)

Product Images

Performance

The Anniversary Replica has the same design as the original version, Dahon just modified some components on the bike. Some carbon-fiber parts were replaced with cheaper materials and the Shimano Dura-Ace groupset was also replaced with the newer Shimano Tiagra. Besides, Dahon still keeps the same carbon fiber fork and Bull Horn handlebar, which were my favorites on the limited version.

The bike looks so different and eye-catching with its glossy black painting and this is also my first folding bike equipped with the Bull Horn handlebar. The bar is wrapped in tape so it is ready to use out of the box. It delivers enhanced aerodynamics and more aggressive riding position. The handlebar also allows me to keep my head up on the road and change my grip occasionally to avoid fatigue.

One issue of the bike is that it didn’t come with pedals, at least in my case, so I had to buy another pair which costs extra $30. The pedals will also make the bike heavier and the real weight of my bike is more than 25 lbs now. I also had to spend one hour to tune up the bike because the brakes and drivetrain needed some adjustments.

I’m quite impressed with the speed of the Dahon Anniversary Replica. The 30 speeds with SRAM Dualdrive and Shimano Tiagra derailleur can help me climb steep hills easier, my average speed was about 13mph and the maximum speed was nearly 17mph. This is absolutely not as fast as the Allen Sports Ultra X but it is quite close. The only problem is that shifting gears is not as smooth as other high-end folding bikes.

Conclusion

Pros

• High-performing drivetrain
• Much cheaper than the limited version
• First folding bike equipped with a Bullhorn handlebar

Cons

• Pedals are not included
• Some adjustments are required before first ride

The Dahon Anniversary Replica is built for Dahon fans who couldn’t buy the limited edition. This is a fast and fun folder to ride, but we could get more for the money. Anyways, this is still among the highest-performing folding bikes, so we highly recommend it if you can find it on sale.

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