Update on Dahon Boardwalk 6, 20" folder in Canberra

I wrote 2003-05-03(was "Dahon Boardwalk 6, 20" folder works in
Canberra")
http://groups.google.com.au/groups?selm=cf94a0b1.0305031653.3fe83456%40posting .google.com:

My doctor prescribed a bicycle, for mild exercise. ...
ended up with a Dahon "Boardwalk 6", 6 speed 20" folding
bicycle, which has proved far more useful than expected. ...

That was two years ago and since then the bicycle has been to Brisbane
http://www.tomw.net.au/2003/bb/brisbane.html, Cambridge (UK) and
Berlin http://www.tomw.net.au/2004/europe/, as well as a few km
across Canberra most days of the week.

The other day I slipped off on a corner in the wet. I wasn't seriously
injured, but the derailleur gear assembly slipped off the rear of the
bike. So it seemed like time for a little maintenance.

The original low-rolling-resistance tires (12 x 1.5 inch) didn't have
much grip to start with, and almost none after two years, so I replaced
them with some BMX ones (12 x 1.75). Not much research went into the
selection: these were the thinnest tires readily available (and only
$7.95 each). They give the bicycle a more aggressive look, more grip
and a softer ride over the bumps. I haven't noticed it is harder to
pedal.

Two of the bolts holding the luggage carrier had fallen out (one
happened to be caught by the magnet which holds the bicycle in the
folded position). The "Onya" Bike Warehouse at Belconnen were kind
enough to provide a replacement bolt free. Two other carrier bolts had
fallen out previously after riding over cobblestones in Cambridge. This
was fixed http://www.tomw.net.au/2004/europe/b14.jpg by Ben Hayward
Cycles (they sell Dahons) while I was on my way to stay at Kings
College for a wedding and punting, but that is a long story. ;-)

Some months ago the transparent plastic chain guard broke. I had
neglected to adjust the gears and the chain came off repeatedly,
damaging the guard. There didn't seem much point in replacing this as
the bike works fine without it. I see the 2005 model has a different
guide design which looks more robust
http://dahon.com/boardwalkd3.htm.

With a wash, the chain lubricated and brakes adjusted, the bike is
almost as good as new. The new model has some improvements, but not
enough to tempt me from the old one. Perhaps the next time I am in
Beijing I will get one, at the shop next to the Forbidden City
http://www.tomw.net.au/2003/bws/index.html#bicycle.


Tom Worthington Director, Tomw Communications Pty Ltd ABN: 17 088 714
309 http://www.tomw.net.au PO Box 13, Belconnen ACT 2617