Dahon Jack D7 Folding Bike Review – Does the Biggest Dahon Bike Perform Better?

As most folding bikes use 20-inch wheels, many cyclists find them difficult to get used to the new handling and riding experience. Fortunately, Dahon also made some larger bikes, like the Dahon IOS S9 I reviewed not long ago. The Dahon Jack D7 is even a full-size folding bike with 26-inch wheels, but does bigger mean better?

Specification & Features

• Weight: 28.4 lbs (12.9 kg)
• Folded Dimensions: 36.7″ × 30.8″ x 13.3″ (94 × 79 x 34 cm)
• Frame: DA Series 7005 aluminum, custom-drawn Sonus tubing, patented ViseGrip and ReBar technologies
• Frame sizes: S, M, L
• Fork: Oversized, straight, integrated design
• Speeds: 7
• Gear Inches: 37″ – 85″
• Brakes: Promax V, aluminum, linear spring
• Brake levers: Promax V, aluminum
• Handlebar: 6061-T6 aluminum, riser, 31.8 mm
• Stem: Dahon Axis, patented InfiniteAdjust technology
• Headset: Dahon Fusion, Zero stack, cartridge, conical spacer
• Saddle: WTB, Speed V
• Seatpost: Dahon PostPump, 31.6 mm
• Front hub: Formula, aluminum, QR
• Rear hub: Formula Cassette, aluminum, sealed
• Spokes: 18/8 stainless steel
• Tires: 26″ x 2.0″ Schwalbe Big Apple tires, RaceGuard puncture protection, 75 psi
• Rims: Aluminum
• Shifter: SRAM 3.0 Comp, 7 speeds
• Rear derailleur: SRAM X-4, mid-cage
• Crankset: Kinetix Supra forged 6061, CNC alloy guard, 39T
• Cassette: 11-30T
• Chain: KMC Z50
• Bottom bracket: CH, Chromoly axle
• Kickstand: aluminum
• Clip system: Magnetix system
• Suggested Rider’s Height: 5’2″ – 5’6″ (size S), 5’6″ – 6′ (size M) and 6′ – 6’4″ (size L)
• Maximum Rider’s Weight: 230 lbs (105 kg)

Image Gallery

Performance

When I first looked at the Dahon Jack D7, I didn’t think it is a folding bike because of the solid aluminum frame and 26-inch Schwalbe Big Apple tires. It looks just like any high-quality road bike available at bike shops. Although the wheels are significantly bigger, the Jack is still totally manageable after being folded in half. If you look at the product images above, you can see it perfectly fit inside my car trunk. Of course, there is no room for another folding bike in this case.

Besides, I’m pretty impressed that the full-size folding bike even weighs less than many smaller bikes out there. The lightweight aluminum frame keeps the weight at just over 28 lbs.

However, I don’t really like the folding and unfolding mechanism on the bike. The frame hinge is not really smooth to open and close. Besides, it is required to bring the included wrench to relocate the stem.

In terms of performance, the Dahon Jack D7 obviously delivers more reliable and comfortable rides. The big fat tires help the Jack deal with potholes much better, now I can sit on the saddle for an hour without hurting my bottom. However, there is almost no difference in speed. Specifically, the average speed stays the same at around 12mph, which is equal to the speed of my 20-inch folding bikes.

Notably, the Jack D7 is equipped with the Dahon PostPump. This is a great feature and I really hope it could become a standard on all folding bikes. It is basically a pump integrated into the seat post, so I no longer need to bring a portable pump.

Conclusion

Pros

• Solid build
• Lightweight
• Integrated PostPump
• Comfortable on rough roads
• Affordable full-size folder

Cons

• Complicated folding/unfolding process

Dahon Jack D7 is an easy choice if you are looking for a big-wheeled folding bike. We recommend this bike as it is cheaper than other full-size folders, but remember to bring the included 3-way wrench on the next ride.

Buy Dahon Jack D7 on Amazon