Bikes

MSRP $899 USD

Sometimes perceptions can throw a person off. Take a folding bike, for example: not the type of ride that would have you looking for hills to climb, you might think. The Dahon Hammerhead changed the way I look at folding bikes. I have even been looking for new hills to climb. With high-end components – aerodynamic wheels, a SRAMX9 drive train and DoubleTap shifters – and an incredibly stiff frame, the Hammerhead handles exceptionally well, whether riding downhill or uphill. It comes “bare bones”: no fenders, racks or pedals, but I wouldn’t want to put fenders on it unless I was commuting regularly. This bike seems to work better with messenger bags and backpacks. I put my own pedals on the bike, although it is possible to get MKS pedals that pop off easily, which would be good for getting the bike into a compact package when folded. It takes a bit longer to fold this bike than it does with some other folders, mainly because of the double Allen bolts, which need to be turned a half-turn to unlock the frame. The handlebar does not fold, but quickly pops off with a few turns of its own two Allen bolts. As long as you have your Allen wrench with you (comes with the bike) it will still take less than two minutes to fold your bike – not bad for something that rides like a full-sized race bike.

dahon.com

overall rating: 4.5/5

value: 4.5/5

style points: 4/5

quality/ durability: 3.5/5