We used to assume that Brompton was the most compact folding bike on the planet. That is no longer the truth since Dahon released some folding bikes with 16-inch wheels like the Dahon EEZZ or Dahon Jifo. Today, we’re taking a look at the Dahon EEZZ D3.
Specifications & Features
- Wheel Size: 16″
- Weight: 21.5 lbs (9.75 kg)
- Folded Size : 25.6″ x 24.4″ x 10.6″ (65 x 62 x 27cm)
- Speeds: 3
- Frame: Hydroformed Dalloy Aluminum with integrated Jiffold vertical hinge technology
- Fork: Dalloy Aluminum with integrated crown
- Handlepost: Forged Alloy Radius Telescope, Adjustable, Patented Fusion, V-Clamp
- Handlebar: DAHON Urban 500 mm Wide
- Grips: DAHON Ergo Comfort
- Rims: 16″ Aluminum Double Wall with CNC
- Tire valve: Presta
- Front Hub: DAHON Custom Ultra Narrow Sealed Cartridge Bearings 20H
- Rear Hub: DAHON Custom Ultra Narrow Sealed Cartridge Bearings 28H
- Derailleur: 3-Speed DAHON Rear Tiagra Derailleur
- Gear Inches: 40.4, 47.7, 58.3
- Rear Cogs: DAHON Custom 9/11/13t
- Cranks: Forged Alloy 39 Tooth Chainring with Single Guard
- Bottom Bracket: Sealed Bearing
- Chain: KMC Z410 All Weather
- Brakes: DAHON Dual Pivot Alloy Caliper F&R
- Brake Levers: Avid BL FR5
- Headset: Fusion, Zero Stack, Cartridge Bearing
- Saddle: DAHON Ergo Comfort
- Seatpost: DAHON 6061 Aluminum 30 x 350 mm
- Pedals: Quick-Release Alloy
- Top Tube Length: 502mm
- Seat Tube Length: 150mm
- Head Tube Angle: 74 degrees
- Standover: 455mm
- Wheelbase: 855mm
- Chainstay Length: 332mm
- BB Height: 283mm
- Box dimensions: 64 x 62 x 30 cm
- Shipping weight: 27.1 lbs (12.3 kg)
- Suggested Rider height: 4’7″ – 5’11” (140-180cm)
- Maximum Rider Weight: 220 lbs (100 kg)
Unboxing Video
Product Images
Performance
The Dahon EEZZ D3 is one of the new folding bikes released for the American market this year. If you are living in the U.S., you can easily buy one directly from Dahon or from dealers like NYCEWheels.
This is actually my 2nd Dahon bike coming with the small 16-inch wheels. The first one was the Dahon Curve D3 but in fact, the 2 bikes don’t have much in common. While the Curve D3 is like a mini version of bigger Dahon bikes, the EEZZ D3 features a new vertical folding mechanism. This is supposed to make the bike even smaller when being folded, and more importantly, you can fold and unfold it faster.
I’m very impressed with the unfolding mechanism of the bike. Once you master the process, the bike can be ready to ride in less than 15 seconds, including attaching the 2 pedals. Unfortunately, the folding process is not as smooth as I expected. Although some riders can fold it within 10 seconds, it often takes longer because it is a little difficult to align and lock the 2 wheels. I often have to put the 2 wheels together slowly to avoid damages and lock them properly. Besides, sometimes I forget to close the latch beneath the main tube after unfolding the bike. The latch is hidden from our eyesight, so you should make sure to close it before riding the bike. For a demonstration of the folding and unfolding processes, you can watch this video.
My bicycle comes in gray color and it looks really stunning. You can adjust the seatpost and the handlepost, so it’s quite easy to find a good fit. The front and rear fenders are also included, but I find the lack of the kickstand inconvenient.
In terms of performance, riding the EEZZ D3 is more comfortable than I originally thought. The saddle is narrow yet provides enough cushion so that you don’t need to wear a cycling short or underwear to ride it. This is important because most users will use this bike as a part of multi-modal commuting, or to run errands. The gear ratio is quite impressive as well. Although the EEZZ has just a 3-speed rear derailleur, I managed to climb some long 7% inclines without having to get off and walk the bike. Of course, it requires a lot more efforts as compared to big-wheeled bikes but it’s totally acceptable for the tiny bike. My average speed on the EEZZ D3 is approximately 9 mph while the maximum speed is less than 20mph. The bike can climb hills well but this is not a fast bike due to the low gear inches.
It’s not an easy decision to choose between the EEZZ D3 and a 3-speed Brompton because each has its own advantages. The EEZZ has a more modern look, and it is also more lightweight and can be unfolded very fast. On the other hand, the Brompton has a better build quality and a more clever and compact design. Notably, you can roll the Brompton easily after being folded while this is impossible on the Dahon bike.
Conclusion
Pros
- Modern and stylish design
- Compact and lightweight
- Easy unfolding process
- Deliver comfortable rides
Cons
- More difficult to fold the bike
The Dahon EEZZ D3 is a great choice when you can’t afford the more expensive Brompton bike. We at BikeFolded highly recommend the folding bike.
Buy Dahon EEZZ D3 on Amazon
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Ricky: Do you find that having to remove the pedals on the EEZZ to achieve a “complete fold” then reinstall them before riding is inconvenient versus just flipping up/down a set of folding pedals? Can the crank arms accept a set of standard folding pedals? Also, I am a current Curve D3 owner and I love it but one of the irritating aspects of its design that is eliminated with the EEZZ is the way the Curve’s handlebar and stem go inside the bi-fold of the frame making it very clunky to get the securing magnets to engage.