Dahon Speed P8 Folding Bike | Video Review 

It's august 2020. Covid 19 era, and i still love and ride my dahon speed p8. Great bike.

Finally... a review that is more than just 'pretty' people riding through town and carrying a folded bike. Thank you!!

5. The obvious strength of the Speed P8 is that it is a great commuter bike. It is well built and has really good parts. And the fat tires don't detract from commuting because commuters don't ride particularly long miles while commuting. The hidden strength I have noticed about the Speed P8 is the ease at which the bike can be customized and upgraded into a wonderful distance riding machine with fairly active and competitive cyclists.

I'm 10 years late, but just got this bike today, in the UK. Lovely bike. Rides well. I wish the chap I bought this from had a red one. I got the all black but the red look way better.

I got a 2019 version Dahon SP8 today, so excited, this video makes me set my mind to order a Dahon SP8.

Yes you could attach fenders, racks, and panniers. To lock the bike outside I would remove the seat, fold it up, and put a thick cryptonite chain lock through both wheels and the frame. Best- jack

It depends on what you're going for. The Speed P8 has a higher top speed and big burly tires that can take on rough streets. The Link D8 comes equipped with fenders and a rack, which is nice for commuting. -Miles

Bert, the shop owner has his own drone which he practices flying every morning at the park. Getting pretty good with that thing... - jack

6. The wheels can be changed to the 451 variety of 20 inch rims and the Schwalbe Durano 451 tires can be used. The brakes can be easily modified to fit the larger diameter rims. And bar extenders can be added to the handlebars. Put some clip-in pedals on the bike and you are ready to go on a 65 mile group ride lasting maybe 5 hours.

You'll be fine! These bikes are highly adjustable. -Miles

Sorry Man. Read what I had written earlier and think I sound like a douche. Didn't mean any harm. I think you guys do great videos on many folding bikes. They are very well put together as well as informative. Keep up the good work.

We do have the Dahon Jetstream P8 in stock, but I would order soon while supplies last. I can't comment on why they may have been discontinued in the UK, but I'll talk to Peter about doing a video sometime in the near future. Best- Jack

Rear suspension would be a nice feature, but even without it, this bike handles turbulence great, very comfortable!- Jack

Dahon has factories in multiple countries in order to cater to different regions. As far as I know, there's no appreciable difference between factories as far as resulting quality goes. -Miles

The dahon Speed D8 will fit riders up to 6' 3" and carry around 230 lbs. The Bromptons can be fit with a telescopic seat post, able to carry rides upwards of 6' 4" and up to 300 lbs. Best- jack

@electricyclist Thanks electric, I appreciate the comment from a long term fan. Keep watching! -Peter

Hi William, All the Montague bikes are rated to 250 pounds, and the Bromptons are rated to 300. You would fit on a Brompton just fine with a telescoping seat post. -Miles

The frame and paint is treated to be rust resistant. Generally you only have problems with bike frames rusting if the coating gets chipped, or if it isn't maintained properly. -Miles

My understanding is that the Archer P8 is sold domestically in China. They look like they have the same components, but you'd be better off going with the Speed P8 to make sure you are covered by their international warranty. Hope this helps- Jack

Oh yes adam, most definitely still available, and one of our best sellers. Have you checked out the product link in the video description? - jack

In addition to the extra gear, the Speed P8 has thicker tires nicer parts, and that classic bright red finish. We don't have these in stock. Best- Jack

@sudoshift Thanks, and thanks for the comment. The Speed P8 is definitely a bit beefier than the Curve SL but that bike has its own advantages. Namely being so darn light! With the tires fully inflated to their max psi the Speed P8 is very quick and doesn't have much rolling resistance. As for Tern, it's too soon to know or say anything for sure. If we start to carry Tern, you'll see a nice video posted here right away! Take care and enjoy your bike! -Peter

This guys has a great Video Personality!

@jlippin123 I agree, what I meant by "all terrain" was good for gravel or light dirt riding where having wide tires would be advantageous. This bike is by no means a downhill bike or substitute for a true mountain bike. -Peter

oh okay, that's good to hear! Coz I just ordered the p8 and liked peter's intro video on the p8 too. Well..actually the technician (Josh Hon) didn't seem to give any concrete solutions. It's been mostly owners themselves trying to adjust the chain guard/ bash guard(what ever that is lol).

You're welcome, we don't have a model fitted with the toeclips on the floor, otherwise I'de post some pics for you. Best- jack

@jlippin123 Thanks for the detailed input, I'll respond to questions individually. Featured in this video is a Speed P8 that was ordered from Dahon in May of 2011 and delivered in June. It is the most current available model. Dahon may show otherwise on their website but, unfortunately, they often announce "new models" which are not really available until the following year. If there will be a new model it will likely appear in 2012 at the soonest. -Peter

absolutely love mine

@s1nglespeeder Thanks for the suggestion! I would love to review that bike (which I could only find on Chinese language websites) but it will not be available to the US market in 2012 so I will not be able to get my hands on one. Thanks for watching! -Peter

Hi Aaron, each airline has their own policies so you'll have to check with theme The Speed P8 folds up to these dimensions: 11.7" x 30" x 25" best- Jack

The bikes we have in stock do have the truss mount.

Great review. Love the aerial shot.

@MrInuyasha14 When it's folded up you can roll forward but if you roll it backward the pedal will touch the frame and jam up. -Peter

@ehilado06 Yes you can! The rear rack is readily available but the front rack is more of a special order item. -Peter

1. I enjoyed this video, and I have enjoyed watching many of your other videos. You certainly do a service to Dahon who doesn't do a very good job of marketing its bikes. Just about everywhere you look online the picture for the Speed P8 is the 2008 model. There is no new picture for the later models, ie, 2009, 2010, + now 2011. And the pictures are usually so darn small, too. On the positive side your videos let the viewer get a pretty good view of the bike specifically AND the bike in action.

In general you pay more if the bags are made with more expensive material or feature better craftsmanship. You can expect the more pricey bags to last longer, and hold up better when it comes to daily wear and tear- Jack

@jlippin123 Thanks very much for the input on customizing and on the Speed P8 itself. I appreciate the detail with which you've treated this video and the thorough way you've structured your comments. I'm sure many viewers will find them interesting and insightful. -Peter

No worries! No offense taken. Thank you very much for watching and for your comments. Are you in the market for a folding bike? -Peter

Actually, we don't have any left, and they are no longer in production. You might want to take a look at the Speed P24 though! -Miles

@SlimYabby Do it! If you can't find what you need locally, we ship. :) Thanks for watching. -Peter

I havn't heard from any customers who've had this problem, so I'm not sure what the problem might be. You should check Tern's online forum, you'l be able to dialogue abaout the problem directly with one of their technicians. Best- Jack

@jlippin123 Fair enough! I did look a bit silly with those flip flops on. In fact, if you look closely you'll notice that they broke half way through and I fixed them with duct tape! -Peter

Hey man I am hopefulay getting a fold up bike for my birthday :)

@SantosEXCLUSIVE The Mu P8 would work just as well but it would have a bit of a bumpier ride because of the Aluminum frame and thinner tires. The Speed P8 is a bit more robust in terms of taking abuse. -Peter

Hi Peter, am actually interested in this bike, the only thing am concern about is riding it in winter,it's doesn't come with any accessories for the wheels so it be perfect for all weather ?

Hi Peter, I just want to say how I enjoy watching your video's very entertaining and informative. My question is related to the Dahon Jetstream P8, this is the bike I'm really keen on and I'm looking to buy here in the UK, but I'm seeing that it's discontinued in alot of the store's near me, do you have any at your store ? Also do you know the reason for them discontinuing them in the UK ? I would love for you to do a video of the Jetstream, how likely are you to do this in the near future ?.

sweet bike, need one.

Thank you so much for the quality videos. How would you compare a Dahon speed P8 with a Tern Link C7? I am browsing for folding bikes recently and both are in my budget. Thanks!

You should make a video review for the Speed TR!

Was it an expensive lock? I always recommend the Kryptonite heavy chain locks, very malleable, easy to use and super strong. Have you considered keeping the bike inside your house?- Jack

Great bike, but the guy is what caught my attention :)

Yes you'd be able to install fenders. Best- Jack

first off, i enjoyed the background song -- so catchy! actually caught myself bopping my head back and forth. anyway, i was viewing your other videos, and read a comment you posted a while back regarding the difference between the speed & mu p8s. i'm actually considering getting the mu p8, but i'm wondering if mu can withstand the same terrain ride very much like in this vid (trails/off-road), considering there's a difference in wheel size?

Hi mate, whats the size of those schawlbe tires? Does they fit the original dahon rims? I’m a mariner d8 owner and would like to change original tires for some fat tires. Thank you!

You'd have to get pedals that are compatible with them. Google MKS FD-7. Those should work. -Peter

So, I reide a trike and never have felt comfortable on a full size two wheeler. I guess not great balance. How do you compare the folding bikes like this for someone like me? Harder, same or easier to adjust to and ride for balance. Thanks.

Great info review

i need to go buy a folding bike. im tired lifting up my old regular bike.

Im confused... Whats the difference between the Dahon Speed D8/D9 and the Speed P8/P9? Is it the same bike? (P8/D8?)

nice review

Thanks, though I could not find a picture of these with toeclips fitted.. yet

4. The fat tires certainly enable the bike to do OK on off-road surfaces, but the small wheel diameter does not lend to a very good off-road ride. The bike does not handle like a mountain bike which is the ultimate all terrain bike. Furthermore, since it is a folder, it is not sturdy enough to do what a good mountain bike can do.

Flip flops? With a bicycle helmet no less and a buttoned collard shirt tucked in to a pair of tight shorts. Very comical. Thanks for the laughs Pete.

@fady916 Yes and no, depends what you are looking to do with the bike

Thanks for your videos! I am planning to buy a folding bike for air travel, do you think it is possible to fit this bike into a 30" suitcase? Thanks. - Max

3. Also, if I had been doing the video I would not have been riding the bike wearing flip flops and a helmet. The two don't really go hand in hand. Either put some shoes on or drop the helmet. You seemed to have left some good selling points out of the video. The Speed P8 is a unique model that Dahon sells. It is a highend cheap model, but it is also a lowend expensive model. You seemed to stress in the video that the bike is an all terrain bike. I don't think I would have pushed that point.

Hi I noticed you mentioned that Schwalbe Big Apple is a puncture resistant tire. Here in Asia, Dahon Speed P8 comes up with a Dahon Rotolo tires. Are the Rotolo tires have the same puncture resistant quality as the Schwalbe Big Apple?

How tall do you have to be to ride this bike and how much weight can all the brompton bikes hold up to?

these bikes arent sold here in México. but i´d really like one.

Good review

I already enjoy my 16 '' wheel Curve Dahon ..but are there toe clips that can be fitted on folding pedals ?

@salmanslim We sure do have Brompton's. Search youtube for Brompton folding bike. -BC

Hi Peter would you recommend this bike or Tern Link D8? id like to use it mainly for commutting there are some hills. I am 6'2" 235lb

I'm looking to go out on fitness rides on the weekends, maybe 20-30 miles. Would this bike be suitable for me? I found a good deal on it if fits my needs. Thanks

hi Peter, Please make a review of the Dahon Visc P18 2012. Thanks

@nycewheels thanks.

Hello guys! The speed is only the main difference between Speed D7? or anything else? Do you have available in store?

Looks good!

Hi, I'm 5.1" tall. Is this bike too big for me? I'm afraid that the reach from handlebar to seat post will be too far for me.

@YeuLaKho thank you

The frame is steel so it will going to have rust?

are the handlebars height adjustable? if not, how can you adjust the height?

Hi, just wondering about the chain falling problem with the tern p9 and this dahon speed p8, since they are practically from the same company, is the chain falling that common? I've just seen many posts on people with this problem. Are there any effective solutions to this?

Is there any way I could add fenders and a front and back rack for panniers? could I lock this bike outside? would I have to take the seat when I leave it outside?

Does it rolls back and forth when it is folded as dahon mu uno?I'm italian sorry for my english

is there a difference between a SPEED P8 and ARCHER P8 ? or are they both the same ?

His regular personality is pretty OK too. -Miles

Does this bike have folding pedals?

Does it still come with the truss mount on the head tube? I don't see it in the pictures on your website.

@nycewheels Pete, what's your height and weight?

2. However, on the negative side, you failed to point out in your video that you were documenting the 2010 Speed P8. That kinda disappointed me because the video was made in 2011 AFTER the 2011 model for the bike is out and for sale. Why not specify that the bike you were showing was a 2010, or, better yet, why didn't you show the most current model, i.e., 2011?

ok i found some dahon bike bags, but i see prices ranging from $30 to maybe $150. why the price range like this?

@mikelkhor Thanks, was able to combine my helicopter flying hobby with business. (removes some of the guilt when toy shopping) -BC

hmmm...does the seat slide down over time?

Which is better Dahon Speed P8 or Tern link D8???

Not at all! It feels a little different at first, but most riders get used to it within a day or two. -Miles

going to buy one soon need to know what the difference between a vector p8 and a speed p8 is ? they look identical

Will this bike fit in max allowed airline checked luggage?

*Nice and easy to fold and unfold. I like the **Latest.Bike** of it components and so far it rides pretty well in pavement-ed trails*a*Nice and easy to fold and unfold. I like the **Latest.Bike** of it components and so far it rides pretty well in pavement-ed trails*

I have a Dahon Boardwalk D8. Can I change my tyres to Big Apple tyres?