DAHON celebrates 40 years of folding with light and limited edition carbon bike

Sponsored by DAHON

Folding bike pioneer marks four-decade milestone

World leader in folding bikes, DAHON, is this year celebrating 40 years as an innovative and globally recognized bicycle brand.

Founded in Los Angeles, California in 1982, DAHON folding bikes is the brainchild of Dr. David Hon; a PHD graduate of Physics from University of California, Berkeley, with a well-established career as a laser physicist, Hon was comfortably employed by Hughes Laboratories when he was seized by the bicycle bug. 

“It was something that had bothered me since my college days you know, where I was using my bicycle as a ‘last mile’ solution by parking somewhere convenient and then cycling the remaining distance to campus. But removing and re-fitting the front wheel was cumbersome, and traditional bicycle frames don’t hold up so well to the constant dismantling and hauling in and out of storage. I knew there had to be a better way, a way to help more people take advantage of this kind of freer, greener commuting.” 

With his innovative thinking, Hon came up with a better way in the form of a modern folding bicycle; championing the cause and language of green mobility long before it was adopted into sustainable development goals. Hon spent a few intense years of his spare time developing and patenting his concept down to every detail. When at last his first folding bike, the Hon Convertible, was ready to roll, manufacturers did not immediately see the appeal. Thanks to an unwavering belief in his invention and in green mobility, and the support of his family, Hon was inspired to take his folding bicycles to market by establishing DAHON.

Forty years later, the challenges Dr David Hon set out to solve are as prevalent as ever, but some headway has been made by the millions of DAHON bikes on roads around the world, and the message that they take with them. Hon continued:

“Decades later it can feel like the record hasn’t changed very much in our fight against fossil fuel reliance, nor has the essential design of the bicycle. But what we have succeeded in doing is continually innovating for better technology, which makes bicycles more and more accessible to more people. By making our bikes ever more convenient and fun to ride, we have proudly brought more people on board to an all around better lifestyle.”

Those in the bicycle business will know Dr Hon as an individual who has worked tirelessly for decades, with a passion for great and useful bikes that has never faltered, and a true commitment to solving society’s problems. An example of his contribution is DAHON’s constantly evolving legacy in innovating new and interesting patents; Hon proudly states “We have developed over 450 international patents over the years, even though many have expired by now. Last year we filed around 28, and five of our expired patents are still found in most folding bikes sold today”. 

In 2000, Guinness World Records confirmed DAHON as the world’s largest manufacturer of folding bikes, and at present you can find the multi-winning brand distributed to more than 40 countries worldwide, with support of regional production centers in Romania and Morocco. The global pioneer has also diversified its trademark technology into the electric bicycle trade with great success. It has built on its green mobility services by incorporating electric power into its convenient folding bicycles, matching the needs of an even wider range of end-users in a quest to replace the car, to help cyclists ride further, speedier and be more equipped to tackle hills. With all these achievements, such longevity and continuity does not come about by accident. Hon can look back, still as active CEO of DAHON, on a phenomenal contribution to the industry.

Even up to present day, DAHON has remained committed to delighting riders worldwide with new models, such as the pandemic special edition HIT, and more recently the electric drive Unio E20 has created a global buzz; fans can enjoy a battery range of 60km from a 200W/36V motor and 36V/8.7AH battery, with folder convenience in 16” and 20” editions. Earlier this year in April, DAHON participated at the Sea Otter Classic and looks forward to more exciting times in 2022 with Eurobike next month (July 13-17) in Frankfurt, Germany. DAHON’s blockbuster line-up will also be charged up with new electric stars CURL Ei4 and an E-Scooter, as well as thrilling limited edition creations such as the Anniversary 40 and a limited edition Mariner that are waiting to unfold into the market. 

DAHON has continued its tradition of special, high-end anniversary models, with the 40th birthday of DAHON folding bikes bringing fans the opportunity to get their hands on a special edition, carbon fiber folding bike. Due to the time and precision required for manufacturing, and the cost vs global demand, DAHON does not usually feature full carbon fiber bikes in its offering, but for 2022 the RnD team have indulged riders with a high-spec and high-quality folder that is beautiful to behold.

The DAHON Anniversary 40 is a full carbon fiber bike, with carbon handlebar, crank and saddle. Weighing in at 9.4kgs, DAHON’s LockJaw folding hinges are strongly and seamlessly integrated into the diamond frame, making for a true performance bike that goes the extra mile thanks to its folding advantage. The Anniversary 40 boasts Shimano hydraulic disc brakes and 11 speed derailleur, a custom carbon 451 wheelset, and further touches of quality across the board.

The model is limited to a run of 249 numbered units, available to reserve directly via DAHON or the brand’s national distributors. Interested parties can email contact@dahon.com with the subject line “DAHON Anniversary 40 Reservation” to find out more.

ANNIVERSARY 40 FULL SPECS:

About DAHON

In 1982, DAHON ignited the folding bicycle revolution with the introduction of the DAHON Convertible, the forefather of most modern-day folding bicycles. Today, DAHON is recognized as a world leader. Spearheaded by the guiding principles of innovation and service, DAHON is committed to creating a quality product, a unique riding experience and green mobility solutions for people leading active, environmentally friendly lifestyles. Headquartered in Illinois, DAHON’s offices, factories, cooperating plants and distributing network reaches around the world. For more information regarding DAHON, please visit dahon.com.

Nore information on the DAHON Anniversary 40 is available at the link.