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55 Dukes Ride
Crowthorne
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Tel No : 0844 800 1936

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Folding Bicycles

Dahon Espresso Folding Bike


Price: £329.00 (Including VAT at 17.5%)

Choose Frame Size


The Dahon Espresso folding bicycle is the bike for urban adventures. The wide ergonomic saddle, the suspension seat post, and the upright riding geometry make cruising around town fun and comfortable. Even better, the Espresso folds in seconds to stash away easily in a car trunk, your apartment, or even on the bus. An excellent, economically-priced, full-size portable bike. The Espresso is our best selling 26" folding bike.

Dahon Espresso Highlights:

* Weight: 13.8 kg (30.3 lbs.)
* Light weight 7005 aluminum frame tubing
* Beautiful forged aluminum ViseGrip frame latch
* Requires no disassembly or tools to fold many other full size folding bicycles
* Upright, and extremely comfortable riding position

Free delivery

Free Lock included. This is the last 16" 2007 Espresso.

*** PRE ORDER NOW for stock arriving Mid July



Space Invader Folding Bicycle

Space Invader Folding Bicycle


Sale Save £20.00
Price: £239.99 (Including VAT at 17.5%)

Choose Colour



The new Space Invader is a good quality folding bicycle at a great price. The Space Invader is the replacement for the Oyama Victor which was so highly rated by AtoB magazine.

* Colours: Red or Blue
* 20 inch alloy aero wheels
* Alloy frame
* V brakes front and rear
* Folding right hand pedal
* Free delivery

FREE FRONT AND REAR MUDGUARDS

Dahon Jack Folding Bicycle


Price: £349.00 (Including VAT at 17.5%)

Choose Frame Size


The Dahon Jack folding bicycle is designed to go at any pace you choose and to roll over anything in its path. The Jack is designed around a beefy 7005 aluminum frame and phat Schwalbe Big Apple tires. The custom SRAM drivetrain has only seven speeds to keep things simple, but enough gears for most anything you’re likely to encounter in the city.

Dahon Jack Highlights:

* Light Weight 12.3 kg (27.0 lbs.)
* 7 Speed
* Super aggressive urban styling
* Schwalbe Big Apple tires
* Super fast folding only 5 seconds
* Custom SRAM drivetrain

Free delivery

*** PRE ORDER NOW for new stock arriving Mid July



Dahon Matrix Folding Bicycle

Dahon Matrix Folding Bicycle


Price: £549.00 (Including VAT at 17.5%)

Frame Size

The Dahon Matrix is a full size folding bicycle design for both road and mountain riding. It is light and tough to give you the confidence for any type of terrain. It's a fast and nimble bike that begs to be ridden hard.
The Matrix uses the same Joe Murray designed frame as the Zero G but adds moto-style Continental slicks to get you where you need to go - fast. Folds in seconds to take on a bus or pop into you boot. The Matrix is our favourite folding bicycle in its price range.

Colour: Tech bronze
* Weight: 13.9 kg (30.6 lbs.)
* Speeds: 24
* Gear Inches 19" - 99"
* Brakes: Avid BB4 Disc
* Beautiful forged aluminum ViseGrip frame latch
* Requires no disassembly or tools to fold many other full size folding bicycles

Free UK Delivery

Dahon Zero G Folding Bicycle


Price: £850.00 (Including VAT at 17.5%)

Choose Frame Size


The Dahon Zero G folding bicycle is designed Joe Murray, one of the most respected folding bicycle designers. The Zero G folds in 5 seconds, will fit in most car boots and weighs a mere 13.2 kilos (29 lbs.) Also fits into the airporter suitcase.

Dahon Zero G Highlights:

* Joe Murray designed frame
* Only 13.2 kilos (29 lbs.) - the world’s lightest folding hardtail mountain bike
* Super fast folding only 5 seconds

Free delivery

Dahon Zero G Folded



Dahon Speed D7 Folding Bicycle


Price: £299.00 (Including VAT at 17.5%)


The Dahon Speed D7 is the most popular selling Dahon folding bike as it offers, light weight performance at an attractive price. The frame is hand-welded giving making the Dahon Speed D7 one of the stiffest frames on the market. It features the Dahon Neos rear derailleur, a revolutionary new design that has an ultra short cage for improved ground clearance (it won't snag on the ground when taking sharpish corners) and super fast shifting. Its popularity proves it is just what most people want in a folding bike. Folds in seconds making ideal for the commuting & caravaning.

Dahon Speed D7 Features:

* Colour: Midnight Blue
* Lightweight: 12.3 kg (27.1 lbs.)
* Super portable folds in only 15 seconds
* Dahon 7 speed derailleur
* Folded size: 33x64x81 cm (13"x25"x32")
* Front lamp & hub dynamo shown in picture NOT included


Free delivery



Dahon Vitesse D7 Folding Bicycle


Price: £329.00 (Including VAT at 17.5%)

FREE LOCK


The Vitesse D7 folding bicycle combines a light aluminum frame: 10.9 kg (23.9 lbs.) making it easy for the commuter to handle and fold. Recently rated the overall winner in a folding bike shootout by the UK’s leading auto magazine, beating out Giant, Brompton, Birdy, and many other bikes costing up to four times as much.

Dahon Vitesse D7 Features:

* Light weight 10.9 kg (23.9 lbs.)
* 7 Speeds
* Folds in 15 seconds
* Recommended for commuters & caravaners
* FREE LOCK



Dahon Vitesse D5 Folding Bike


Price: £398.99 (Including VAT at 17.5%)

FREE LOCK


The Vitesse D5 is built a bike for the city commuter.Super durable components, stealthy, but not too flashy. Features a Sturmey-Archer 5 speed hub, a stealth black paint job. Easy to handle and fold away.

Dahon Vitesse D5 Features:

* Lighweight 11.5 kg (25.3 lbs.)
* Stealth black anodized
* Sturmey 5 speed hub with wide gear range
* Strong and stiff 7005 aluminum frame
* Durable, corrosion resistant components
* Folds in seconds
* FREE LOCK

Free delivery



Dahon Ciao Low Step Folding Bike


Price: £479.00 (Including VAT at 17.5%)

FREE LOCK


The Dahon Ciao claim to fame is its low step design especially suitable for riders who would have difficulty with mounting a bike with a normal height cross bar - many riders also feel a lot more confident with a low step through. The Dahon Ciao is a brand new entry into the 2006 Dahon range of folding bicycles winning the Silver Award at the 2005 Eurobike Show. We feel this bike has been designed for the more mature rider who also needs light weight and portability for commuting or for fun and exercise.

Dahon Ciao main features:

* 5 Speed coaster hub
* Weight 11.4 kg (25.1 lbs)
* Low step through frame design for easy mounting
* Folds in 15 Seconds
* Dynamo hub, Hella light system, and SKS mudguards
* Suggested rider height (4'8" - 6'4")
* FREE LOCK

Free UK delivery



Dahon Helios P8 Folding Bike


Price: £499.00 (Including VAT at 17.5%)

FREE LOCK


The Helios P8 folding bicycle is suitable for anything from commuting to sport touring. The Helios P8 is a perfect blend of stellar riding performance and folding convenience. The light aluminum frame features patented Re-Bar and ViseGrip with a beautiful brushed aluminum finish.

Dahon Helios P8 Features:

* Light only 10.7 kg (23.5 lbs)
* Fast Kinetix Comp wheels & Schwalbe Marathon Slick tires
* Portable folds in under 15 seconds
* Custom SRAM 8 speed drivetrain
* SDG I-Beam saddle system
* FREE LOCK

Free delivery



Dahon Groove Portable Mini Bike


Price: £549.00 (Including VAT at 17.5%)

FREE LOCK


The Dahon Groove is a mini bike designed for riders who want a portable bike but don't want to sacrifice style. The Groove gets around town with style. The Groove belongs to our new class of Built bomber tough with full suspension, disc brakes, and Schwalbe Big Apple tires. The Dahon Groove is definately for those needing strength, looks and speed in an urban envirnoment.

Dahon Groove Features:

* 8 Speed Cassette
* Colour Matte Black
* Weight 12.2 kg (26.8 lbs.)
* FREE LOCK

*** Portable is NOT a folding bike

Free UK delivery



Dahon Impulse 24 Folding Bike


Price: £579.00 (Including VAT at 17.5%)

FREE LOCK


The Dahon Impulse P24 folding bicycle is a refined and elegant city bike, with all the fittings, including fenders, rack, chainguard and even a single shifter that controls all 21 gears. Recommended for hard and fast weekend rides or heavy touring. If you want one bike for all different kinds of riding including commuting, then the Dahon Impulse P24 deserves a serious look.

Dahon Impulse 24 Features:

* Wide gear range: 24"-128" for efficient pedaling in any terrain
* One handed shifter controls all 24 gears
* 4130 chromoly frame
* Schwalbe Big Apple tyres
* 15 second folding
* Dahon Premium component package

* FREE LOCK

Free delivery



Dahon Jetstream P8 Folding Bicycle


Price: £699.00 (Including VAT at 17.5%)

FREE LOCK


The Jetstream P8 folding bicycle is designed for performance. Suitable for commuting, long tours and bombing round the city in rush hour. The JetStream P8 is a full suspension bike & makes any riding as comfortable as you can get.

Dahon Jetstream P8 Features:

* Light only 10.8 kg (23.81 lbs)
* German engineered front & rear suspension
* Portable folds in 15 seconds
* FREE LOCK

Free delivery

Dahon MU SL Light Folding Bicycle


Price: £799.00 (Including VAT at 17.5%)

FREE LOCK


The Dahon MU SL is the world's lightest production folding bike weighing in at only 8.6 kilos (18.9 lbs.). The Mu SL incorporates everything we know about making an ultra light and fast folding bike for all around use. Even better, we didn't cut any corners on performance to achieve the really low weight. Patented Fusion technology and custom-drawn Sonus tubing add up to one of the stiffest folding bike frames on the market. Recommended for commuters who use trains, buses and the underground.

Dahon MU SL Features:

* 8 Speed Cassette
* Colour Tech Gray (Matte)
* Weight 8.8 kg (19.4 lbs.)
* Folds in 15 Seconds
* FREE LOCK

Free UK delivery



Dahon Speed Pro Folding Bicycle


Price: £749.00 (Including VAT at 17.5%)

FREE LOCK


The Dahon Speed Pro folding bike is for the serious roadie who wants it all.The SRAM DualDrive gearing offers 21 gears for anything from the steepest hills to hammering on the flats. The wide gear range makes easy riding for any terrain.

Dahon Speed Pro Highlights:

* Light Weight: 10.5 kg. (23.1 lbs) base model w/o pedals or options
* Gear range: 22" - 111"
* Speeds: 21
* Folded Size: 28 x 56 x 81cm (11" x 22" x 33")
* Kinetix Pro S suspension front wheel for comfort and speed
* Ultra portable - folds and packs in 15 seconds
* CarbonLite handlebar
* FREE LOCK

Free UK Delivery



Dahon Speed TR Folding Bicycle


Price: £799.00 (Including VAT at 17.5%)

FREE LOCK


The Dahon Speed TR folding bicycle may very well be the most comfortable and adjustable folding bike ever produced for long-distance touring. It is designed to be fast, comfortable and able to carry large loads, yet portable. The new handlebar clamps and Telescope seat post allow you to adjust the bike to your exact preferred riding position. The high-volume Schwalbe Big Apple tires are fast-rolling yet soak up road vibrations.

Dahon Speed TR Highlights:

* Light Weight: 13.1 kg. (28.8 lbs) base model w/o options
* Gear range: 19" - 99"
* Speeds: 21
* Folded Size: 28 x 56 x 81cm (11" x 22" x 33")
* Ultra portable - folds and packs in 15 seconds
* CarbonLite handlebar
* Hydraulic rim brakes
* FREE LOCK

Free UK Delivery



Dahon Hammerhead 5 Portable bicycle


Price: £479.00 (Including VAT at 17.5%)

Frame Size


The Dahon Hammerhead 5.0 is a high performance road bike with compact 20" wheels for portability. Small wheels are lighter, stronger, faster to accelerate. The Hammerhead 5.0 does not fold, but offers portability with the 20" wheels and easy to remove handlebars. Recommended for the commuters who needs speed.

Dahon Hammerhead Features:

* 8 Speed Shimano
* Colour Orange Fizz
* Weight 10.7 kg (23.5 lbs.)
* Portable without folding
* Folds in 20 Seconds
* Available in medium and large

Free UK delivery



Dahon Hammerhead 7 Portable bicycle


Price: £799.00 (Including VAT at 17.5%)

Frame Size


The Dahon Hammerhead 7.0 is a high performance road bike with compact 20" wheels for portability. Small wheels are inherently lighter, stronger, faster to accelerate, and more aerodynamically efficient. The Dahon Hammerhead 7.0 does not fold, but offers portability with the 20" wheels and easy to remove handlebars. Recommended for the commuter who needs speed.

Dahon Hammerhead Features:

* 16 Speed Shimano
* Weight 10.4 kg (22.9 lbs.)
* Portable without folding
* Folds in 20 Seconds
* Available in medium and large

Free UK delivery



Dahon Flo - 26" Folding Bicycle


Price: £1,499.99 (Including VAT at 17.5%)

Choose Frame Size


The Dahon Flo Folding mountain bike replaces the Allegro. Designed by Joe Murray one of the most respected mountain bike designers. With Joe’s frame geometry and Reynolds’ 631 air-hardened steel tubing, the bike delivers a ride that’s so smooth, yet lively, that it’s hard to believe if you’ve only ridden aluminum mountain bikes.

Dahon Flo Highlights:

* Joe Murray designed steel frame with Ritchey BreakAway technology
* Ultra light - 10.3 kg (22.4 lbs)
* Manitou Skareb Elite fork
* 27 speed SRAM X9/Shimano XT drivetrain
* NVO InfiniAdjust 31.8mm stem, Kinetix CarbonLite Riser bar
* Wheels: American Classic Disc hubs, Alex ultralight disc rims, DB spokes

Free delivery

Dahon Flo in bag



Dawes Kingpin Folding Bike


Reduced
Price: £349.00 (Including VAT at 17.5%)

The Dawes Kingpin is a lightweight 30lbs (14Kg) and folds in seconds. Made by Dahon the leaders in folding bicycles. The longer seat post adjusts to suit any riding position. A great bike to ride and looks good with the scratched aluminium frame. Equipped with mudguards and rear carrier. Recommended for commuters, caravaners and campers.

Dawes Kingpin Highlights:

* Lightweight 30lbs (14Kg)
* Six Speed Shimano Tourney Gears
* Two folding pedals
* Aluminium Frame
* Includes mudguards & carrier

*Free Delivery



Space Genie Folding Bicycle


Price: £220.00 (Including VAT at 17.5%)

Optional Carry Bag + £29.99
Bike Colour - Blue
Bike Colour - Green

The Space Genie folding bicycle is designed for commuters - its compact folding mechanism (similar to the Brompton) and 16 inch wheels makes one of the most compact folding bicycles on the market. Suitable for commuters.

Space Genie Highlights:

* Lighweight Only 13Kgs (28.6lbs)
* 16 inch wheels
* Folding Pedals (Both)
* 5 Speed Shimano Derailleur
* Rear Elastomer Suspension
* Carrier with Rollers
* Optional Bag with shoulder strap
* Folded size 61cm x 71cm x 31cm (24"x28"x12")
* Colours: Green or Blue

Free UK Delivery



Dahon Piccolo D3 Folding Bike


Price: £299.00 (Including VAT at 17.5%)

FREE LOCK


The Dahon Piccolo D3 is a light folding bicycle for those short trips around town or with shorter distances between to station and office. Easy to fold and to be taken anywhere.

Dahon Piccolo D3 Features:

* Ultra compact folding bicycle
* Light Weight: 11.6 kg (25.5 lbs.) base model w/o options
* Folded Size: 28 x 51 x 73 cm (11" x 20" x 30")
* FREE CARRY BAG

Free UK Delivery



Dahon Presto Lite Folding Bike


Price: £568.99 (Including VAT at 17.5%)

FREE LOCK


The Dahon Presto Lite is the lightest, most portable, and best riding folding commuter bike on the market. The Presto Lite weighs 8.6 kilos (18.7 lbs.) and folds to the size of a small shopping bag that disappears under bus and train seats.

Dahon Presto Lite Features:

* Super light - only 8.7 kg. (18.7 lbs.)
* Super compact small enough to fit into a shopping bag
* Fast folding - 15 seconds
* Magnetix latch holds the bike neatly together when folded
* Folded Size: 28 x 51 x 73 cm (11" x 20" x 30")
* FREE CARRY BAG

Free delivery



Dahon EL Bolso Carry Bag

Dahon EL Bolso Carry Bag


Price: £39.99 (Including VAT at 17.5%)

The El Bolso carry bag replaces the Dahon Double Play bag. The El Bolso is designed for all sizes of Dahon folding bikes included the Espresso, Jack and Cadenza. Designed to make it easier to carry your bike around.

Free UK Delivery


Slip Cover

Slip Cover


Price: £17.99 (Including VAT at 17.5%)

The slip cover will fit any 20" wheel folding bicycle. Can be used when storing you bicycle or many train and bus companies require folding bikes to be covered before being taken on board. The new SlipCover slips quickly over your bike and keeps you (and other passengers) clean. When not in use, it stuffs quickly into its own tiny zip pocket.

* Fits all 20" wheel bikes
* Use when bike is folded
* Free UK delivery



New Dahon Models for 2007

Looks like Dahon has done it again with the new 2007 models and keeps their place as the leaders in folding bicycle design and manufacture. This year sees the normal technology improvements on the traditional models and many new exciting models to suit every cycling requirement. This is due to Dahon commitment to research and development with 60 engineers using the latest computer technology which has resulted in the filing of over 100 patents for simpler, lighter, faster, stronger folding bicycles.
Dahon are not reinventing the wheel but making loads of improvements to give us a better cycling experience.
2006 saw a tremendous growth in folding bike sales, especially the full size bikes i.e. the Jack, Cadenza and Espresso. This looks like continuing very strongly throughout 2007. We feel this is mainly due to being able to pop them in your boot and take to a suitable ride off road site or having it in your boot for when you fancy a ride in the countryside. Exercise is also a big reason why more people are buying folding bikes as they are so much easier to transport and you can easily be rescued if the weather changes or you feel you need a lift home. Indoor exercise bikes alway seem a good idea, but nothing beats being out in the open for enjoyable exercise.
The most popular and best selling model is the Speed D7 which shares it's frame and many technologies with the high end and more expensive models. If you are looking for a folding bike with a 26 inch wheel, then the Cadenza or the Jack would be our first choice. If you need
front suspension then the Dahon Matrix is your best (only) option. It is our favourite bike in its price range.

Advice on buying a folding bicycle

Which model of Folding bicycle is right for me?

Your height, weight, age, fitness level and whether you are male or female plus what is the bike being for, will all contribute towards making the decision of which bike is right for you. There are too many factors involved to list all the permutations, so give us a call and we will help narrow down your options, otherwise we hope the following information regarding folding bicycles will be of use to you.

Commuting:
Think about your journey and the reasons why you want to introduce a bicycle into your commute. I say this because we have spoken to hundreds of people who have not properly thought it out and are on the verge of making a very costly mistake.
One of the most common mistakes is - if the bike folds it must be portable. Think about it you are 45 years old and not as fit as you used to be, you buy a folding bike which you will ride to the station, no problem, then you need to lug it up the stairs over the track, maybe a problem, then you need to fold it to put on the train, usually not a problem, then you need to carry it down the escalators and through all those corridors and on the tube, can be a problem if the bike is too heavy (there might be a better way as well), then through the corridors and up the escalator on the otherside, then unfold (we are nearly there) and ride to the office, then we need to either lock it up outside or fold it again and carry it into the office. If you have not done it before or at least tested your journey with a bike you must agree there is a lot of folding and lugging involved which will be made worse with a heavier bike, even a few less pounds can make so much difference. So the advice here is talk to other commuters and find out what works for them, it might not be a folding bike OR what about a bike on either side which would cut out all the folding and carrying. If you are convinced about using a portable bike then our advice is to spend the extra on a light (as near to 10Kg or less) as possible. Also consider a 16 inch wheel bike, they are more compact and lighter than 20 inch models. The above example is worst case scenario so don't be put off as there are so many good reasons for using a bicycle for getting to and from your work.

Leisure Cycling:
A lot people today think that folding bicycles are only for commuters, well that may have been so, but there are so many advantages in owning a folding bicycle although you will pay a bit more for the privilege. Another misconception is that folding bikes all have smaller 16 or 20 inch wheels, take a look at the Dahon top of the range Flo, Cadenza and Zero-g with 26 inch wheels, these bikes will fold in half in a few seconds and will fit into most car boots, so if you enjoy driving into the countryside for a bike ride then a 26 inch wheel folder is for you. They are also recommended if you ride to the office, that is home - bike - office and back no tubes or trains. The reason is that if it is too wet to ride home you can get a lift home and take the bike in the boot ready for your ride back to office the next day. Folding bicycles with 20 inch wheels should be considered where storage space is limited i.e. flats, boats and caravans.

How much should I pay for a good folding bike?
Budget has to be the first consideration as most people will be looking to spend as little as they need to. Assuming you buy the bike that is right for you then your folding bicycle will become a very personal item, so make sure you buy the best quality you can afford; there is one sure factor with bicycles and that is if it is cheap then it will be made from cheap components and cheap components just don't work as well.
Remember cycling is still one of the most enjoyable forms of transport!

How does the ride performance of a Dahon folding bike compare to traditional non-folding bicycle?
Very well. Everything starts with the frame and we use patented folding mechanisms and proprietary frame tubing to guarantee a strong and stiff platform. Our frames are among the stiffest in the industry. A patented manufacturing process ensures proper alignment. Geometry of the frame is also critical for proper handling and stability as well as efficient power transfer from the rider. Our full size bikes all feature standard frame geometry so you can't even tell that you're riding a portable bicycle. Our compact bikes (16" and 20" wheel sizes) feature our BioLogic frame geometry and deliver superb riding comfort and efficiency. Most of our small-wheeled bicycles feature Telescope stems and seat posts that deliver a perfect, custom fit for riders of all sizes. Finally, parts selection is critical. For instance, to make up for smaller wheel sizes, we either use a smaller rear cog or a larger chainwheel (or a combination of both) so that pedaling a Dahon is the same as pedaling a traditional bike. This seems pretty obvious but you'd be surprised at the number of folding bikes on the market that are geared improperly. And for brakes, we only use the most advanced direct pull (V style) or disc brakes - we've long since retired 19th century technology caliper brakes. This same attention to detail is used on each and every component that we use. Over the last 20 years, we've concentrated a great deal of our efforts on improving riding performance: we've tinkered with riding position, wheelbase, head angle, fork rake, components, frame materials and construction methods, all to improve the ride of our bicycles. But the proof is in the ride so take a test ride!

Do smaller wheels mean that I'd have to pedal like crazy just to get anywhere?
No, we gear every bicycle we make to ride like a traditional bicycle so that you don't have to pedal any harder or faster. To do this, we use special oversized chainrings, smaller rear cogs, or a combination of both.

Are smaller wheels less efficient than large wheels?
No. On the contrary, small wheels actually have many performance advantages compared to larger wheels. Firstly, smaller wheels have a lower moment of inertia that allows significantly faster acceleration and more responsive steering. Secondly, small wheels have lower aerodynamic drag than larger wheels. Thirdly, small wheels can be built to be lighter than larger wheels. And finally, small wheels are by definition stronger than larger wheels. In fact the world speed record for a bicycle ridden in an upright position was set 20 years ago on a bike with 18" wheels. In fact, the only significant disadvantage of small wheels can be when riding on uneven surfaces.

I'm a big guy; will your bicycles support my weight and offer a proper riding position?
All of our 16" and 20" wheel size bicycles are rated for riders up to 230 lbs. (105 kg.) Our 26" bicycles are rated for riders up to 240 lbs (110 kg). In terms of riding position, our compact bicycles (16" and 20") are designed with Telescope seat posts for a customized fit. As a general rule, our 16" models are ideal for riders 4'6" - 6'2" tall, 20" models for riders from 4'10" - 6'4", and 26" models for riders from 5'4" - 6'2". These guidelines may vary slightly depending on your riding style and preferred riding position. Take a test ride - that is the best way to see if a bike meets your requirements.

History of Dahon Bikes

The History of Dahon

In 1975, Dr. David Hon, the founder of Dahon, was a physicist at Hughes aircraft Corporation and was considered a leading expert in solid-state laser technology and held many patents that his team developed and would later be used on NASA space shuttles, US missile guidance systems, and laser-guided anti-aircraft guns.

Yet despite his success, Dr. Hon eventually found the work at Hughes Aircraft unfulfilling, because his energies were devoted to instruments of war, rather than for the betterment of society. Then, in 1975 came the oil and gas crisis and the seed for Dahon was sown.

One afternoon, in his third week of waiting in hour-long lines to buy gasoline for his car, Dr. Hon was struck by the magnitude of the world's dependence on oil, a non-renewable resource that would likely be depleted within the lifetime of his grandchildren.

Brain-storming for solutions to weaken the world's dependence on oil, Dr. Hon ended up going back to his primary mode of transportation in college - the folding bicycle. Totally clean, and just as important, cheap enough for people around the world to access, Dr. Hon considered the bicycle to be a good candidate as a solution. However, the folding bicycle as it existed at that time was not without shortcomings. While the bicycle was perfect for short trips, it was not practical for longer trips, for example, if you lived 30 miles from work. The bicycle needed to be improved, transformed, to make it more broadly functional. It needed to integrate more readily with other forms of more environmentally sustainable transport, like trains and subways. Dr. Hon's solution - a portable folding bicycle. Next came the hard part: turning his ideas into reality. Working evenings and weekends in his garage over the next seven years, Dr. Hon built dozens and dozens of prototypes, trying to perfect a folding bicycle that would maintain the riding performance of a regular bicycle but would fold quickly and to a compact size.

Finally, in 1982, Dr. Hon introduced the first Dahon folding bicycle to worldwide acclaim. At design competitions around the world, the first Dahon folding bicycle proceeded to win award after award. Full of optimism, Dr. Hon visited major bicycle manufacturers around the world, hoping to find a company to either license his design or build the bike for him. But not surprisingly, none of big companies were interested in his revolutionary new idea.

Undaunted and committed to his vision of environmentally-sustainable transportation, Dr. Hon decided to risk everything and build the bike himself. He quit his job, gathered $3 million dollars in venture funding, re-located to Taiwan, and built a factory. By 1983, Dahon folding bicycles were rolling off the assembly line.

Today, over two million bicycles later, we can proudly say that Dahon has made a difference. From San Francisco to Amsterdam to Rio de Janeiro to Tokyo, people are using our bicycles to get from point A to point B. Governments are integrating portable folding bicycles into their plans for mass transportation. And every one of those big bicycle companies that Dr. Hon visited 20 years ago have now jumped on the folding bike bandwagon.

We're happy to have made such a difference in the lives of people all around the world. But rest assured that we aren't slowing down - there are many more revolutions to be started.