Glad to see your back on a bicycle. I met a woman at work last week from Denver. I was telling her about your videos and how nice the trail system was. Turns out that she is one of the designers of the Denver bike trail system. I told her she was doing a great job and she was happy to hear that. I commute on my Dahon most days and very happy with it. I sold my Tern Verge X10 and just couldn't connect with the bicycle. It was a beautiful looking bike but never felt right. Getting on to another issue, Brompton is changing out their lineup for 2022. They are introducing an all Titanium model called the T line and the P line which is a superlight replacement with a 4 speed derailleur. The regular steel is now the C line and the B75 is now the A line. Gone is the S,M and H handlebars replaced by low medium and high. Also Tempest Blue and Orange are gone replaced by Coral and some medium shade of Blue.
I bought this bike before the prices went up and have been using it for more than a year without any modification. Love it. My only complaint is its lesser ease of portability on public transport compared to Brompton.
I've been riding one of these almost every day for more than a year. I'm 185 cm tall and about 80 kg and I ride it fairly hard, jumping up onto curbs, etc though I'm a bit cautious about this. It also gets folded twice a day, once when I arrive at work and once when I get home. I'm pretty happy with it, and I've been surprised at how tight the folding has remained. It needs occasional tightening here and there, but the joints themselves are not loosening. The only wear and tear is that bungee on the cargo rack has slackened making it less useful. The only thing that I've changed was the pedals. I wanted pedals I can fold with a tap of my foot rather than using my hand. One word of warning - as someone who's not afraid to adjust things myself, I've managed to damage the stem twice. Some of the ways things go together is non-intuitive and so a professional is always a good idea (or failing that, check out a RU-vid video on how to do it before diving in).
Brian, Your bike reviews have been a big help to us, thank you! Now that it has been about a year, could you please give us an update on how your Dahon Mariner held up and whether you still like it? We have a relatively new pair of the Dahon Vybe and they have been ok except that we are breaking spokes which we have never had a problem with on our other bikes. I am the heaviest at 62KG so we aren't overloading the bikes. Your comment about the wheels on the Dahon Mariner looking pretty good to you makes us wonder if this might solve our current Dahon issue. If anyone following this thread has any comments about the their Dahon Mariner please share it as well. Best, J&J
Great review, Brian, thanks. I've had a similar model Dahon for the last 12 years that I've beat up and put a ton of miles on as a commuter and it's held up really well. Have also traveled with it. I like how light it is. No issues with the frame. (Brakes, however, aren't great.) I've been waiting for this one to die so I can justify buying a new Mariner but it's still solid. One useful add-on Dahon offers is the 'Ultimate Rear Rack' if you feel the need to get larger bags / panniers on the back. With the larger rack I can put my full-size Ortlieb back-rollers on there and carry a full grocery shopping for the family.
Hey Brian! I bought the zizzo urbano because of you’re recommendations and it’s very affordable price. It’s very exciting for me that you’ve really put it through it’s paces and impressive how the zizzo handles off road, cause living in Colorado like you I definitely want to go ride in some mountain trails. It’s also cool watching you reviewing other bikes, for when I want to buy something more high end..
For the light sensitive persons there is a flashing on the video at 0:55 and lasting a few seconds. Should be safe at 1:33. Thanks for the review I have been wanting one for a while but didn’t want to pay over a grand.
Thanks for the thorough and honest review. I've seen good reviews of the Dahon Mariner D8, which is helping me in my decision to purchase one. I think I'm going to enjoy riding it.
I have one of these. It's fun to fold it. Looking forward to see how you think it does on daily commute / durability. It's not my "go to" bike because we ride "heavy" and often pull a trailer. But it's very light and fun to fold. It's a pretty fun ride. It just doesn't beat the ride quality of a Bike Friday. Given the choices, there'd always be that voice when we go grab a bike, and there goes the voice, "take the Bike Friday!". Massive gear difference. I'd been asked to sell my Dahon before, it's tough to part with this bike. I'd imagine, in the winter time, the Dahon would work out better than the Bike Friday. I would swap the tires for fatter ones tho, my Dahon has too skinny of tires for my liking.
Thanks for a great detailed review AND comparison which was eye opening. Yes, don't let those %*#%$ get your Bromptons! I like how you are really living with multiple folding bikes and have a strong understanding of what makes each tick. Warmest regards Jennie
I had a dahon mariner D8, it looked the same but i think it was a 2012 model and i had a dahon speed P8. I did like them both a lot, especially the fire engine red speed P8. I just can't get over how much more stiffer the Tern hinges are though. The dahon does get a bit more compact though once folded but i preferred ride quality over a slightly smaller fold. Ever since i got my tern bikes i haven't bought another dahon. I'm sure they're still great around town but fit more serious commuting I'd stick with the tern
The tern hinges are rather beefy. I'm making a video on the steering stems of the tern/Dahon/zizzo looking at the quality of construction which should be out soon.
@@ibikeunfolded looking forward to this comparison. We currently have a Zizzo Urbano for our son and I am strongly thinking about adding a Dahon Mariner for myself - trying to decide if the higher price makes sense. I appreciate your reviews!😊
The magnets can come loose on both bikes. I just periodically tighten them up so they won’t fall off. I have both bikes so I may do a comparison in the near future….
Hello, I really like your videos. I am a Dahon mariner D8 owner but my bike is currently on eBay to be sold. I am fed up of having to adjust the stem hinge that wobbles after every few rides. I basically ride only about 3 miles a day and usually leave unfolded in the shed at work. The most annoying thing about the bike is that even though I am usually able to adjust the tension on the stem / latch thing at home, sometimes this tiny little spring comes off and I eventually needs to take to the repair shop to make sure is safe to ride again. I even replaced the little white plastic cam thing on the hinge and the other little components even though I bought my bike as new in the box only 2 years ago. Wondering if you encountered the same problem on your Dahon and what you did to solve that permanently.
Saw a video yesterday on a Dahon MU SL 9. THINK it was from 2018. Super light, 19#'s, high tek stuff throughout. Really nice. I guess it was a limited edition.
I think it's very much worth talking about and considering the upgradeability and customization of each bike. Which isn't just a function of price but also of design and build choices. People come in a variety of shapes, sizes, physical abilities and have different needs and wants from their bike. Brompton probably has the largest aftermarket ecosystem for customizing your Bromptom but there are many key things on the Brompton that aren't so easily & inexpensively upgraded such as the gearing, wheels and brakes. For example, the gearing, wheels, tries on both Birdy & Bike Friday are easily & affordably upgraded. They both have disc brake models and as far as I know, they Also, disc brake models are available w Birdy & Bike Friday unlike any other folding bike manufacturer, has the widest variety of purpose built builds such as gravel, touring, city, performance, tandems, etc. Comparing folding bikes from different builders is comparing apples to oranges at best even when comparing at similar price points. The biggest problem with folding bikes when they are new to you, there are so many questions as you're trying to sort out you want to use the bike for, what bike functions and features you really need and what you can afford.
My first folding bike was Dahon Speed D7. It was a beautiful tangerine color. I took Amtrak to SF once and rode it across the Golden Gate Bridge. I liked it except that I didn’t like that the chain fell off occasionally. It was later stolen. It later got stolen as did several other folding bikes. One of the was a Downrube 8H and it had a Nexus IGH and a belt drive. Ir replaced it with a Downtube Nova, which is somewhat similar to the Zizzo Urbano, I just don’t like bikes with derailleurs and eventually bought another 8H, which has been improved somewhat.It has an Alfine IGH and trigger shifters. The 8H is heavier at 35 lb. I think a belt drive is a good idea for a commuter bike.
I have d8 since 2014..its my 1st lov onnfolding bike..very sturdy..the quality..value..its really good bike..niw the price is up to 100%..due to demand..
I am a bit worrying about their warranty. Dahon requires end user to have routine/yearly maintenance by authorized dealers in order to claim for warranty service. Did you have routine maintenance by Dahon dealers, yearly? Thanks
Tern bikes are made by David hon's (da hon) son Joshua hon. Used to sell them back in the UK. Seem to remember there being a story they weren't seeing eye to eye on things. They are both great brands in my opinion, used to sell brompton also amongst others also but by far tern and dahon were our bread and butter. Still wish dahon tournados were sold here so I could get one used. another great vid 👌
The lock picking lawyer (vlogger) could probably unlock those Bromptons in no time. Would be good for you to review his bike lock reviews to see which locks are best to secure your precious bikes.
Hello. Enjoyed your video. Please make more on the Mariner and tell is how it's working out for you. I pick mine up this week in Porto, Portugal. It will be a sibling for my city bike.
I just wanted to add a few thoughts about comparing bikes. When comparing cheaper to higher priced bicycles one must also include the workers who made them. Most times cheaper usually means lower wages and harder working conditions but not always. I hadn't done my homework and felt bad when I took my Dahon out of the box and saw it was made in China. I have met thousands of Chinese from China and like them very much but we all know that the working conditions are lacking. So in comparing between two priced items working conditions could be added into the equation if possible. Also you didn't comment on the new lock jaw hinge on the Mariner so I assume it is not a new model. Also I believe that the Mariner is resistant to rusting and therefore the name Mariner. I could be wrong about that so feel free to correct me.
Most cheaper bikes are manufactured in automated factories, unlike brands like Brompton that are hand-built. Automation brings down the price along with paying workers less. I'm not saying working conditions are right in some Chinese factories. Still, as Americans embraced Chinese products, the Chinese economy grew massively. There are lots of Chinese people who would say this is a good thing as their quality of life drastically improved in a more free-market economy, unlike the one they had under Mao Zedong. The lockjaw clamping system, from my knowledge, is not on the Dahon mariner, only higher-end models. My mariner is a current model-at least according to the website. I don't compare low-end bikes to differentiate the people that built them but as a way of informing the people that are not as well off financially that they can still get out and have fun on two wheels and for them to know what compromises they will have to make.
I was thinking, who out of all my vloggers that I subscribe to, would have the best answer to this question that I don't think has been asked yet. We constantly fold and unfold our Bromptons throughout each day that we ride on them. We are fairweather riders and don't see many opportunities to ride up here in western Canada as winter approaches. If we put away our Bromptons until Spring time, should we leave them folded or unfolded? Space is not an issue. There has to be a good-better-best answer here. Pressure is on you Brian for the best answer, lol.
I have been riding my Dahon K ONE model for 3 months now. It has 1x9 dahon branded shifter. The biggest issue i had was some shifting issues where had to adjust several times. I suspect that happened because i was folding the bike very often since it was my first folding bike. The pros for me was that it was very fast, ride quality is overall very great and fun compared to my bigger bikes. I am definitely curious how it compares to 16 inch bikes.
@@razaqrazaq2992 i would take my bike to bike shop and asked them to adjust it. I had done that 2 times at different places and 1 time he replaced the cables. The last time i brought it to a repairman he told me that its fine and such shifting issues are expected from 1x9 drivetrains and adjusted it freely.
Dahon mariner and tern D8 are the best bikes right out of the box for people who ride a lot, saying this in respect that all bikes are good. Just some you need to take a bit more consideration into the uses your going to use them for.
I wonder if you are still riding the Dahon? How might you compare after this much time to the Zizzo Urbano? Your videos have been so helpful to me - thanks very much!
Wow! Brian you are getting so much better at editing your videos. Awesome. BTW. Just ordered my first folding bike. The Zizzo Forte, mainly based on your reviews. Plus it’s the only folding bike that will carry my 280 pound frame. Looking forward to carrying it in my big truck, and biking various places all over the country. I’ll put a comment on one of your vids when I do my own unboxing and initial ride video. Take care. Clutch Trucker
Hi. You have excellent reviews about folding bikes (although a little long). Just wondering, especially with you living in an all weather city, have you ever considered or had a folder with internal gear hub? I know Tern currently makes 3. Dahon used to have one or 2. I don't think Brompton has any. I've read that internal gear hubs are less maintenance. Any comments / opinions are appreciated. Thank you.
@@ibikeunfolded No no please don't say that, brother. Nothing to sorry about. Perhaps is my own eyes issue, and nothing to with your video at all. Please don't say you are stupid. We are all born equally, we are all champion.
Brian! Im considering between this Mariner D8 and the Dahon MU SLX, may I ask for your thoughts/comments? Much appreciated! Thumbs up on this amazing video btw.
Anyone know a sub $600 bike that fits in a shopping cart? The cart bottom measures 26 inches / 66 cm inside with the top basket closed? The Brompton is perfect but the price is too high for me. Thanks
Interested to know how the Dahon Mariner D8 compares to any Bike Friday, if you have one of those. I have a lead on an inexpensive Dahon Mariner D8. Just thinking about buying it to see if folding bikes are for me. Thank you. Glen
Did you get the rear bags from Amazon? If so can you share the link? 😁 Is it still worth getting after you've used it for a while? How does it compare to the Brompton C line explorer? 😁
Nice video, but why have you shaved your beard off ?. I've just bought a litepro six speed ( Brompton clone ) and I'm really impressed with the quality. I think I'm sold on folding bikes .
I got the same bike secondhand the other day and I think my upshift gear got jammed, need to press really hard to shift upwards the gear, do you have any idea how to fix this?
No, I don’t use it. It’s only been ridden twice. I’m probably going to do a give away on some of these folding bikes on the channel. If folds exactly the same as the Zizzo.
@@ibikeunfolded I still haven't met my lady love, who I will marry and spend the rest of my life with. So, haven't started a family yet. I love to go on long roadtrips and more importantly need a car for everyday tasks for all members of my family- mom, siblings and new members of our family who have not yet entered my life. 😑 But I respect the way you have almost terminated your carbon footprint and I myself will do all I can to live in the most environmentally conscious way possible.
Please please show me the bike ! 3mins or more of city and tattoos before we even get to see the bike for less than 1 minute I give up . Then we get to see detail in macro . I’m interested in buying a folding bike not a pair of glasses lol
@@whendashow6935 yes i sure did! Delivery was very fast! It took a week at the most. It’s so light, and nimble, and I love it! And the quality feels super solid and well made too!
@@seleneperez7322 That sounds great I was thinking one upgrade that would be good is a front suspension fork but not sure how common they are for 20 inch wheels but I did see one so far, could be a little pricey though
@@ibikeunfolded jokes apart was a little sad about not getting new videos. Not yet 2022 in my part of the world 😀, am Indian currently located in Australia. Please give us subscribers one liners with photos on your social media when time is a constraint, so we feel more connected,
The Dahon Qix is a decent one too. It folds quicker and smoother than the Brompton, and even rolls when folded (albeit not quite as graciously as the Brompton). It's also likely a little more secure than the Mariner frame-wise, due to the physics of being based on a vertical fold. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-waoh7W6oDaA.html
I have the bike and it is the worst bike I have ever had by far. The folding mechanism is a true nightmare I would advice any person interested in this bike to stay away.
