Dahon Qix D8 Folding Bike Review – The Best Commuter Bike Ever?

Dahon has just introduced some new folding bikes for the American market, and the Dahon Qix D8 is the only one with 20-inch wheels in the lineup. Notably, its price tag is much higher than most Dahon bicycles I’ve reviewed on BikeFolded. What makes the Qix different? Let’s find out in the review.

Specifications & Features

• Weight: 26.2 lbs (11.9 kg)
• Folded Dimensions: 32.7″ x 26″ x 14.2″ (83 x 66 x 36cm)
• Frame: Dalloy, Flush Vertical Hinge Qix arc, Forged BB struts
• Fork: Dalloy aluminum with integrated crown
• Speeds: 8
• Rear Derailleur: SRAM X5
• Shifter: SRAM twist shifter
• Wheels: 20″ alloy double wall rims with 20-Hole front and 28-Hole rear Hub
• Spokes: 14g stainless steel
• Tires: Schwalbe road Cruiser 20″ x 1.75″
• Bottom Bracket: sealed bearing
• Cassette: SunRace 11-32t 8 speed
• Pedals: foldable
• Crankset: Kinetix Supra
• Cranks: forged 6061
• Chain: KMC Z82
• Chainrings: 52-tooth with single guard
• Chainguard: alloy CNC
• Handlepost: DAHON Forged Aluminum Radius-V
• Handlebars: Kinetix Comp, flat, double butted 6061
• Headset: Fusion Zero stack cartridge bearing
• Grips: Dahon ergo
• Seatpost: Dahon custom 6061 alloy
• Seat Binder: Dahon QR
• Brakes: Winzip 110mm V-brakes
• Brake Levers: Dahon 3 finger alloy
• Accessories: Kickstand, rear rack, fenders
• Suggested Rider height: 4’8″ – 6’4″ (142-193cm)
• Max Rider Weight: 231 lbs (105kg)

Product Images

Performance

Dahon has redeveloped the folding frame on this Qix D8. The folding mechanism is totally different from the mechanism on my previous Dahon folders with 20-inch wheels. Dahon has brought the vertical folding frame found on smaller bikes like Dahon EEZZ or Jifo to this bike to make the folding process even faster and easier.

The difference lies on the folding hinge on the main tube. You can see that the hinge is less noticeable now as the latch is placed underneath the tube. To fold the bike, you will just need to drop the seat, open the latch under the main tube, swing the rear and front parts together until the two wheels are aligned and secured, then fold the handlebar to the side.

I really love the new folding mechanism because I no longer need to lift the bike to fold the main frame. Besides, many people won’t notice this is a folding bike. The Qix D8 also includes all necessary accessories like the rear rack and fenders, so it obviously becomes a great choice for city commuters now.

The Qix D8 is neither the lightest nor smallest Dahon folder but its weight and folded size are admirable. The Dalloy aluminium frame keeps the bicycle lightweight while makes it even stronger than the 6061 aluminum frame. The bike weighs just over 26 lbs and the folded dimensions are 32.7″ x 26″ x 14.2″.

Notably, the Qix uses a matte black finish throughout the frame, therefore, the painting is more durable and I always have a feeling of riding a premium bike. This is truly among the most attractive designs on a Dahon bike.

Rolling the Qix is a piece of cake since it is equipped with a built-in guide wheel on the rear rack. Seriously, this is the best rolling experience ever on a folding bike, you even can push the bike and it will go on its own like a cart. The little wheel will also help the bike more stable and you can place it anywhere.

Some other important components of the bike are also high-quality ones. You can find the 8-Speed Sram X5 rear Derailleur and twist Shifter, Schwalbe Road Cruiser tires and Winzip V-brakes. The riding experience is fast and smooth when I tested it on paved roads. It can also manage to tackle some moderate inclines in the city. If you are looking for a touring or commuting bike, you can’t ask for more.

The only disadvantage is that you can’t change the height of the handlebar. However, you can change its angle with the quick-release latch.

Conclusion

Pros

• Beautiful and clean design
• Faster folding mechanism
• Accessories are included
• Super easy to roll the bike
• Suitable for riding in the city

Cons

• Handlebar height is unadjustable
• High price

The Dahon Qix is probably the best folding bike Dahon has ever built for city commuters. It is easy to fold and roll on the ground, you will hardly have to carry the bike. We at BikeFolded highly recommend the bicycle.

Buy Dahon Qix D8 on Amazon