Dahon Speed P8 is another folding bike in the Speed series and it is probably the most attractive bike at the medium price range. How is it better than cheaper options? We are going to figure out in the review.
Specifications & Features
- Color: Red, White
- Speeds: 8
- Folded size: 32.28″ x 26.38″ x 12.60″ (82 x 67 x 32 cm)
- Weight: 27.0 lbs (12.3 kg)
- Frame: superlite 4130 Chromoly with lattice forged hinge
- Fork: dalloy aluminum with integrated crown
- Handlepost: adjustable forged alloy Radius Telescope
- Handlebar: 6061 Double Butted Aluminum flat bar
- Front Hub: 20-hole 74mm compact alloy
- Rear Hub: 28-hole sealed bearing aluminum FreeHub
- Rear cog: Sunrace Wide Range 11-32
- Bottom bracket: Sealed Bearing
- Chain: KMC Z82
- Rear Derailleur: DAHON Neos 8
- Shifter: DAHON Neos Twist Shifter
- Tires: Streetpac 20″ x 1.75″
- Rims: double wall, 20″ aluminum
- Spokes: 14g stainless steel
- Brakes: Winzip 110 mm V-Brakes
- Seatpost: DAHON Custom 6061 Aluminum
- Saddle: DAHON Ergo Comfort
- Kickstand: Alloy
- Suggested Rider Height: 4’8″ – 6’4″ (142-194 cm)
- Rider Max Weight: 230 lbs (105 kg)
- Pedals: folding
- Shipping carton size: 12.5″ x 33″ x 25.5″
- Shipping weight: 35 lbs (15.8 kg)
Image Gallery
Performance
The Dahon Speed P8 comes in two color options, fire (red) and frost (white). I chose the red color because it sports a stunning design. Many people might think the color is suitable for female riders only but this is actually a combination of red and black. Therefore, it is easily the most good-looking folding bike you can purchase at the price range.
Notably, the Speed P8 hides cables inside the frame. The internal cables might be a little more time-consuming to replace but a great advantage is a clean design. You no longer see a mess of brake and shift cables attached to the tube.
The bike has quick-release wheels, so it is pretty easy to replace the wheels as well as installing some accessories like a bicycle trailer. Besides, it uses a 4130 Chromoly frame which is similar to the Dahon Speed Uno, but it is nearly 3 lbs heavier. The additional weight is because the Speed P8 is equipped with 8-speed DAHON Neos 8 derailleur and two brakes.
I’ve used the bike for a few week and it is quite a comfortable and reliable riding experience. The Speed P8 is definitely not a fast bike, my average speed on the bike is just around 12 mph and it doesn’t perform well when dealing with hills. My feet were so tired when I tried to climb slopes of less than 15 degrees.
Conclusion
Pros
- Beautiful design
- Smooth and reliable ride
- High-quality components
Cons
- This bike is still on the heavy side
- It is not a fast bike
This is an ideal folding city bike with multiple gears and stylish design. If you are looking for an upgrade from the Speed Uno or Speed D7, I highly recommend it.
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It is a big problem those hidden cables of Speed P8 get tensioned and eroded with folding/unfolding. And that small rubber piece, that is supposed to protect cables getting into the frame, keeps getting out of place. All in all, a design mess, internal brake and shift cables are not practical. I would happily change the bike for a cheaper one with external cables, as another Dahon I had before.
I didn’t know that was an issue. I tested the bike for over 2 months and the cables were perfectly fine.
How long have you used your Speed P8?
I have been using Speed P8 for three weeks now, riding along various commutes from 5Km to 25Km, folding and unfolding several times a day. I am forced to juggle with tensioned brake cables now and then, as back wheel keeps getting “braked” no matter what. I never had any such troubles with a couple of Boardwalk6 and Boardwalk7 I have been using for 12 years now, both with external cables.
Not a fast bike my as I kid you not I was able to surpass a motorized 4 stroke Beach cruiser from a dig with a 7 speed version until I topped out
I wouldn’t want anything lighter when it comes to a folding bike
[…] terms of performance, I don’t see any difference between this one and the Speed P8. This is not a speedy bike as my average speed is always slower than 13mph. However, the bike […]