Dahon Speed Folding Bike - Project/Spares or Repair

This Dahon Speed is a 20-inch folding bike in black aluminium that needs some work before it's rideable again. Dahon's folding system is well-established and patented, so the frame itself has solid bones for renovation. The bike uses V-brake direct pull brakes and a derailleur gear system with six speeds, which is a straightforward setup once everything's sorted.

The main issues to be aware of are fairly typical for a bike that's been sitting unused. The seatpost is jammed solid with a wedge underneath it that's been used to try and shift it, though the frame looks structurally sound. The saddle is degraded and will need replacing. The bottom bracket has play in it, which means the crank will move side to side slightly and will need attention. The rear brake lever is seized completely, while the front brake lever moves but the brakes themselves don't work, so both will need stripping and rebuilding. The chain is rusty and should be replaced, and the sprocket block is similarly corroded. The gear changer is seized, which you'd expect given the general state of things.

The folding points and springs are rusty enough that the bike won't currently fold up, so those will need treating and freeing off as part of the refresh. Collection is from West Reading RG30. With time and the right spare parts, this Dahon has the potential to become a solid daily commuter again, but it's definitely a project rather than a ready-to-ride bike.