The Vybe is a unique offering by Dahon with its cool retro aesthetics and the versatility of a practical city bike with a range of speeds. It is a foldable which it self is a big plus and will smoothly slip itself in your busy life style, with its features and reliable performance.
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Rating:
4.50 / 5.00
Price:
$$$ on Amazon (September 5 2015)
Warranty
Dahon offers a one year warranty for its bike and spare parts/replacements which can be upgraded to a 5 year warranty for a small fee, by contacting the customer service department of the company.
Pros and Cons:
Lightweight No Adjustability Option For Seat Post
Easy To Fold/Unfold Rear Derailleur Needs Adjustment
Fenders/Mudguard Included
First Impression:
This folding cycle is full of features, perfect for both sexes, and super easy to fold up and carry with you anywhere. Comfort and style combined!
Detailed Review:
The Dahon Vybe debuted at a price of above $600, however now you can find it at a much cheaper cost at the Amazon webstore.
The Vybe is shipped quickly and comes in a brown stock Dahon box, with thick padding to prevent any shipping damage. The Vybe is shipped with almost every part pre assembled, however you still need to fix in the pedals properly and tighten the reflectors.
You must get the bike reviewed by an authorized bike mechanic to get the warranty by Dahon activated, otherwise it is void. Also make sure that the vendor, you have bought the Vybe from (whether online or offline), has filled out the Dealer Pre Delivery Checklist before you receive the shipment as otherwise you will have zero proof and hence no warranty claim if you ever require one from Dahon.
Once the assembly is done and dusted, you can take the bike for a roll. The bike is made in China. Its frame is made of high quality custom drawn aluminium, like most of the Dahon products, and the obsidian color scheme really fits with the body and all the components.
The Vybe comes with a seven gear system installed. Of course this is not very exciting for speed lovers, but again this bike is not really meant for them. The seven gears are very friendly for use in the city environment and allows you to move and navigate through out the city with ease. The gear shifting is very seamless, smooth and does not require any great effort.
The foldable features Dahon brakes from the Promax V range. These are brakes of high standards and have been a regular feature in the Dahon line up. They are meant to be durable, endure high speeds and require very little maintenance (two times a year if you are a busy rider).
The Vybe does not have a nice seat which is a common feature in many Dahon bikes. In fact, the seat is narrow and if you have a well endowed back, then it will not suit you. You are better off by changing the saddle with a better one. Amazon can give you some great deals regarding this. Also, it would have been big plus if the seat post, which is made of solid aluminium alloy, was able to change its height.
The folding is very simple to do, however it requires you to break the body. When riding it again you are required to set up the body. This may sound tedious however the break down takes only 40 to 50 seconds, which can be improved to 10 to 20 seconds with practice. When folded, the bike keeps its shape because of the presence of clicks on the wheels which bind together. With only twenty six pounds of weight to carry, the Dahon can be carried around and taken for long travels. It can be placed in a carryon bag like the Dahon carrier (fifty dollars) and you will never have any issues to take it around. The foldable will easily be placed in the trunk of your vehicle and in fact you can keep two of them in a medium sized sedan.
The Vybe also has a barrel adjuster at the end of the derailleur which is a new method applied by Dahon. The derailleur works to let the chain go out and move up to allow the shift to the range of cogs.
There has been some complaints and issues raised by the customers about the bike rack, however you should not be unhappy about a rack not coming in the delivery box. Dahon has clarified and stated that they just showed the full capabilities of their product, and to get a rack on the Vybe you are required to make a purchase off their store. The Vybe does come with the fenders and mud guards though, which are more than satisfactory.
While for the price paid the bike is more than satisfactory, you still feel like you are not getting the complete return for all your money, which is kind of disappointing. This is more prevalent if you are used to riding premium bikes, as this one does not have the very high standard finishing as most Dahon products and is more of a budget buy.
Specifications:
- Shipping weight: 35 lbs Only
- Single Color Only (Obsidian)
- 20 inches :The Wheel Size
- Alloy Frame With Vise Grip Patented Technology
- 8 Inch by 31.5 Inch by 26 Inch Is The Compact Size
- Integrated Fusion Technology Implemented In Fork
- Anti Fulcrum Technology In Seat Clamp
- Total Bike Weight Of 25.26 Pounds Only
- Ergonomically Designed Grips With Dual Colors.
- Saddle With Nice Cushion.
- Patented Solid Alloy Radius Handle Post
- Solid Alloy Seat Post
- Stainless Steel Spokes (High Quality)
- Foldable Pedals
- Single Allow Kickstand
- Half A Minute Is The Approx. Folding Time
- Promax V-brake Brake System Made Of Alloy
- Max Height 4’8″ to 6’4” Only
- Maximum Weight: 230 Pounds Only
Conclusion:
All in all, this is a bike set to work in a city with proper roads and sidewalks, for a person with budget restraints. The bike boasts several features which might not be the same high end premium level but still these are reliable performers, which will earn your trust as you get the Vybe. It is a bang-for-your-money type of bike!
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