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The most notable feature of the Dahon Vitesse D8 is its reasonable price tag.
This is not an especially expensive bike, yet it compares well to other folding bikes that are pricier.
Less expensive folding bikes are sometimes heavier, due to the necessity for folding bikes to have strong frames.
Because of the alloy frame, the Dahon Vitesse D8 is one of the more affordable lightweight folding bikes, weighing in at 11.2 kg (24.7 lbs).
DAHON VITESSE D8
Our Rating
PROS
- Aluminum Frame
- Rust resistant
- Extremely lightweight
- 8 quick shift gears
- Great value for money
CONS
- Relatively weak brakes
- Slow acceleration
OUR VERDICT
“Yes Dahon has made better bikes in the past, however, have they done so for less money? I’m not sure and that’s totally up for debate. A gorgeous bike that performs well on every level.”
Dahon Vitesse 8 Review
The Dahon Vitesse adjusts easily to accommodate riders over six feet and the riding position, even when fully extended, is relatively comfortable.
It has many similarities with the slightly newer Dahon Vitesse i7 folding bike, however, this beauty is still on par in many respects.
“The Dahon Vitesse D8 is a reasonably priced bike with excellent specifications, perfect for new and seasoned riders alike – definitely good value for the money!”
The bike’s brakes, gears, lights, and running gear are all of good, durable, and reliable quality, and it’s a smooth shifter, with an 8-speed system.
One would expect to get consistent service from these components and my local repair shop reports that this is, indeed, the case in their experience!
This bike frame folds once in the middle; meaning that folding and un-folding is quick and simple. (Most people when first confronted with a folded Brompton will think they have encountered an intelligence test.)
This also means that there are fewer moving parts to maintain.
The hinges and clips are durable and well-designed. On the downside, if you intend to use this bike in a mixed commute scenario, (in combination with public or private transportation) it won’t fold as small as more complicated bikes like the Brompton.
However, if you need a folding bike because of limited storage space at home or you want to take your bike inside your workplace during the day, or in the trunk/boot of your car, then the Dahon Vitesse D8 is going to be quite small enough.
The slight forward rake to the steering stem, combined with the smaller wheels, makes the steering feel a little reactive, which is not uncommon for a folding bike.
Having said that, I would have no hesitation in taking this out for a 20-mile ride in almost any terrain.
This tendency of small bikes to be a little over-reactive in the steering is most often felt at slow speeds and in tight turns. One learns to adjust.
It’s hard not to like the bike pump built into the seat stem; it’s a nice piece of engineering!
I also like the fact that both the seat and handlebars are fully adjustable.
It is surprising that the rear light is battery-powered, with a connection to the dynamo/alternator as an optional extra. (The front light is already hard-wired.)
I was unable to see the optional aluminum front rack attachment but I really like that the option is offered, and would probably have included it if I could have.
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Specifications
- Colors – Black
- Weight – 11.2 kg (24.7 lbs)
- Folded size – 29 x 80 x 66 cm (11.3″ x 31.2″ x 25.7″)
- Standover Height – 22″
- Wheel Size – 20″
- Frame – KA Series Dalloy with Custom Drawn Sonus Tubing and Lattice Forged Hinges
- Speeds – 8
- Rider height – 142 – 193 cm (4’8″ – 6’4″)
- Maximum rider weight – 105 kg (230 lbs)
Concluding Remarks
All in all, the Dahon Vitesse D8 is a very rideable bike with many features that make it an attractive option if you are in the market for a folding bike.
At this price, there is a good reason that the Dahon Vitesse D8 is given five stars by most owners. For the money, you can’t go wrong here!
Discover my other Dahon folding bike reviews today.
Mark Plummer
Mark Plummer is an experienced bike mechanic who has built, repaired, and customized thousands of bikes over the years. A former mountain biking athlete, his cycling adventures have taken him all over the globe from the mountains of Scotland to the South Island of New Zealand. These days he enjoys the benefits of commuting to work and touring on his Dahon and Brompton folding bikes.This free cheat sheet will help you choose a folding bike by providing quick information on the 7 key considerations when buying a foldable bicycle!
