New old 3-speed: Dahon Classic III

1988 Dahon Classic III

Meet a Dahon Classic III folding bike, fresh from Craigslist. I always like making bike finds of this sort; virtually unused time capsules that have spent decades in storage out of the elements. This bike could not have been ridden more than a couple of miles since new, some 28 years ago. It had a film of grease and dust, incidentally protecting the finish, as well as mostly dry bearing assemblies. A bit of time with some rags brought back its gleam, and a date with some tools and a tube of grease will take care of the bearings. It has a pristine Sturmey-Archer 3-speed AW hub, date stamped 87-8, for August of 1987.  I'll get to know the hub much better, as I rebuild it to ensure it is functioning optimally after a long period of disuse. Best of all, in short order there will be one more vintage 3-speed back on the road.

This bike isn't mine, as I found it for my mom who plans to bring it with her in a mini RV for wide ranging travels in the near future. However, I was surprised that at my height of about 74 inches, I could extend the saddle and handlebar enough to ride it comfortably. So could Big Sis, who at a foot and a half shorter than me, was an eager test rider.

I'm somewhat familiar with newer folding bikes, but was surprised at the quality of build and engineering incorporated in this bike, a design that originated nearly 40 years ago. Newer versions are lighter, faster to fold, and offer more features, but Dr. David Hon really nailed it when he envisioned this catalyst for intermodal transportation. If you're in the market for a folding bike and don't want to spend a lot of money, you can't do much better than an older Dahon like this, provided it's in good condition.

Below are some photos of the bike to dwell in the cloud in perpetuity for anyone searching out details of a vintage Dahon Classic III.

Ready to ride...

...and folded, for comparison.

Sturmey-Archer shifter in great shape.

Note the asymmetric design of the handlepost brace.

The Lee-Chi caliper brakes on chrome steel rims function remarkably well. 

Folding crank arm on the drive side. 

The head tube is just a squat cylinder. Wheels are 16-inch. Everything is stock original.

Serial number stamped on the top of the bottom bracket shell. Directions on how to interpret the date codes are here.

Shiny Sturmey-Archer AW 3-speed hub.

A little caster wheel folds down so that the bike can be rolled when folded.

Bottom of the headpost assembly, with a hinge that folds to the left side of the bike.

An astonishingly narrow front hub. I haven't yet measured it, but I've never seen one so narrow. 

Badge above the reflector on the rear fender.

Right side of the bike, when folded. Note the caster wheel.

Right side of the folded bike. 

View as folded from the rear, or front, depending on your philosophy.

Folded, from the top.

Approximately 56" tall rider.

Blurry pic of the new owner.

Impromptu bon voyage three-speed ride

Well-traveled biking couple, Gypsy Nicholas and Globe Lael, hit town today on their way to another adventure, after spending the last half year in Albuquerque. I first met them last year on their way through to ride the Colorado Trail. This time, our fair city serves as launch point for them again, though the trails they'll be hitting are half a world away.

As I write this, they're headed to the wild and wooly continent of Europe. There, they plan to rewrite the book on what it means to do a European bike tour, by seeking out off road and mountain bike routes wherever possible. I, as an avid armchair traveler, am eager to follow along. I've already put in my request that they sample pickled herring sandwiches (or any other interesting local cuisine) wherever they go.

I met up with them long enough to get a glimpse of their updated touring equipment and to have an impromptu three-speed ride aboard a few of the bikes of the Denver B-cycle fleet. As card-carrying members of the Society of Three Speeds, we called to order the ride and commenced forthwith. The ride objective was lunch at the Butcher Block Cafe, a nice little hole in the wall eatery that came recommended by Phil of Denver B-cycle. It didn't disappoint. If you go, don't miss out on a cinnamon roll.

Nicholas' new ride is an impeccably outfitted, geared Raleigh XXIX. Very nice. I don't need another bike. I don't need another bike.

The two were busy fitting their bikes into luxuriously huge Trek B-cycle boxes when I encountered them. 

He's ingeniously installed a dynamo light by drilling and tapping the crown of the Raleigh's suspension fork. 

Lael was sporting a new pair of her iconic Clarks cycling boots. Perfect footwear for the tour.

Happy trails, you two. You're welcome back any time.

Member: Society of Three Speeds

Membership has its privileges, much of which is fine hand-made art produced by President-for-life Shawn.

Huzzah! I received my membership packet to the Society of Three Speeds in the mail today. I'm honored to now be in the company of fellow 3-speeders, like this guy, this guy, and our intrepid leader. At present, the majority of my 3-speed riding is via the bikes of Denver B-cycle, but I am in the hunt for a large-frame Sturmey-Archer equipped bike of my own. Three is the magic number!

Lucky member number 48.