Need a folding bike mechanical expert in Herts.

[seadragonpisces]

Got a 2011 Dahon Jetstream (got it last year from Holland). Short version is that I guess due to being stored for so long or maybe a fault, it won’t fold and unfold properly. Also some of the metal around the bracket/near the hinge has chipped off. The bike does fold but it’s really hard, also squeaks a bit as well, a real faff.

I have asked for advice from local bike shop, also online shops etc and I cant get a real answer on how to resolve. I have tried squirting penetrating fluid, also concentrated ammonia etc ec but although at first the hinge seems a bit more free, it reverts to type eventually.

I need someone who is a whizz at this kind of thing to please take a look, take apart if necessary and see if this can be resolved.

If anyone know an expert in the Home Counties please let me know

Many thanks

 

[Flying Dodo]

Have you tried ringing/emailing Dahon about the problems with the hinge?

 

[Mr Foldy]

Nice bike. Dahon are apparently quite supportive of frame and hinge problems. It should be an easy fold. I'm sure you wouldn't force it, but I'll risk being patronising. A forced fold can damage the soft frame. No way back from that.

 

[seadragonpisces]

Thanks, I appreciate the consideration :-). I know how it should fold but I know when i took it to a bike shop they forced it.. I would rather someone took the whole thing apart to diagnose, would make me feel a lot better to know there was something obvious wrong. I did have the P8 Jetstream and I was so excited to get the EX but the damage and hinge problem has really taken the shine off.

 

[seadragonpisces]

Bike now sorted, hinge mechanism just needed a solid treatment of grease in the ports. Pity the last bike shop didnt do it properly when I asked them to. Big relief that after spending all the time and money to locate I didnt get a dud after all.

 

[StuAff]

Bike now sorted, hinge mechanism just needed a solid treatment of grease in the ports. Pity the last bike shop didnt do it properly when I asked them to. Big relief that after spending all the time and money to locate I didnt get a dud after all.

I had that with my TT. Really, really stiff to fold, but my LBS looked it over and it's been fine ever since. Doesn't get ridden much, so I try and remember to fold and unfold it now and then.

 

[seadragonpisces]

I had that with my TT. Really, really stiff to fold, but my LBS looked it over and it's been fine ever since. Doesn't get ridden much, so I try and remember to fold and unfold it now and then.

I was so worried, I used to get bruises trying to fold and unfold it, it was so stiff. Although I wont be riding it that much once my Focus cyclocross bike arrives in the next day or 2, I will be sure to keep properly maintained. I was thinking of selling it but its such a cool bike, I think I will hang onto it for a while longer.

 

[StuAff]

When you want a folder, and nothing else will do, you want a good one. Only did 400 miles or so on the TT last year- but when I do ride it I love it.