This new ultralight folding bike from DAHON is a commuter’s dream

Looking for a super lightweight folding bike that rivals all other folding bike companies for its compactness and comfort? If so, the new DAHON K3 PLUS is worth a long look.

The K3 PLUS impresses in many ways including the sleek and appealing design and could be one of DAHON’s best models for urban living and commuting.

Founded in Los Angeles, California in 1982, DAHON folding bikes is the brainchild of Dr David Hon; a PHD graduate of Physics from the 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. 
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 the support of regional production centers in Romania.

Over the last 40 years, DAHON has established itself as one of the top folding bike brands on the planet. And, the K3 PLUS is one of the best designed and manufactured in the brand’s long lineup.

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There are a few things that are really impressive about the K3 PLUS, so let’s concentrate on these.

First is its weight and compactness.

The DAHON K3 PLUS weighs in at just 9.8kg or 21.6 pounds, which puts it firmly in the super lightweight category. This is a crucial feature, as folding bikes are designed, at least in part, to be used by commuters on the way to the train station. Nobody wants to haul or roll a heavy bike onto public transit and then into the office.

In addition, the bike folds up so easily. There isn’t a complex series of steps one must undertake like some other brands. Instead, begin by simply disengaging the seat post and the handlebar stem. Here, DAHON has provided ingenious guides to help with the process. Then, riders simply depress the heart-shaped lever and fold the bike in half where it is held firmly by magnets.

The bike folds down to a size of 690 by 460 by 610 MMS. The K3 PLUS can then be carried or rolled quite easily. It can sit out of the way under a desk or on the train.

Then, there is rideability. This bike is just fun.

The frame and fork are constructed of a lightweight aluminum alloy instead of steel, which is one of the reasons the weight is so minimal.

Despite the weight and the 16-inch wheels, it is a very rideable and speedy bicycle.

One of the reasons it is such a good ride is the nine-speed DAHON-branded drive train with a very large crankset that provides a suitable gear ratio to create speed and plenty of options for riders to handle a variety of conditions and terrain.

We found the bike to be nimble, stiff and responsive, not to mention quite peppy and capable of climbing up most inclines one might find in a city.

We also just loved the look of the K3 PLUS. The beautiful two-tone red and black design hit the mark and the internal cabling gave it a clean, sleek look.

Wish List

The wheel size dictates that it might not be the best choice for longer distances, but that might be the only minor quibble, and we are not even sure it would be that much of an issue.

In addition, the K3 PLUS isn’t the lowest price folding bike on the market. But, as they say, quality costs. And this bike is priced at a not unreasonable $1,529. In return, this is a bike of the highest quality and one of, perhaps the, lightest options on the market, with fantastic components including disc brakes.

Ideal User

The main target for this bike is of course the urban market, for good reason. The weight and compact size of the K3 PLUS make it perfect for city commuting.

It is also easy to fold up to put in the trunk to take on road trips. There is nothing better than travelling to a small town for a weekend road trip, parking the car and using a DAHON folding bike to see the sights.

At home, it’s easy to store, taking up very little room. And it is so simple to grab and fold back together that we would use it for short rides around the neighbourhood or even for a leisure ride or get a bit of exercise.

Summary

The DAHON K3 PLUS has been a pleasure to test. We’ve taken it around the city, commuted on the subway and brought it to the office on many occasions. It was ideal in that capacity.

It’s so small and its design so appealing that we were stopped on most rides so people could inquire about the type of bike.

Yes, it’s got a price tag. But, we do feel strongly that the quality DAHON is offering with the K3 Plus makes it a worthwhile investment. We loved cruising the city streets on the K3 PLUS.

The K3 PLUS is now available to order online for North American customers. They can also check in with their local  DAHON dealer to see if they have it in stock. 

Riders from the rest of the world can find out K3 PLUS availability in their country by getting in touch with their local DAHON dealer/distributor, their contact details are listed here.