23 Mar DAHON Launches Long-Awaited CURL on Kickstarter for 35th Anniversary
Ultra-compact foldable bicycle available worldwide
DUARTE, CA. — March 22, 2017 – World leader in folding bikes DAHON has today launched its first Kickstarter. The bike is a special edition in honor of DAHON’s 35th anniversary and backers can enjoy a 20 percent discount if they order within the early bird period.
DAHON was founded in California by career physicist Dr. David Hon in 1982. It was 35 years ago he debuted the first of a long series of celebrated models. Nearly four decades in the business and DAHON has grown to become the world’s largest manufacturer of folding bikes, with the widest range of innovative folding styles. Folding bikes now occupy about 10 percent of all bicycles produced worldwide, and nearly all have adopted some of DAHON’s 300+ patents.
For the 35th anniversary the DAHON team decided to do things a little differently and bring end users right into the process, by using Kickstarter. The platform allows for an unprecedented level of interconnectivity between manufacturers, distributors, dealers and riders. The pledging system allows for a faster lead time, and in a first for DAHON, anyone in any location around the world can place an order for this exclusive bike.
To check out the DAHON CURL on Kickstarter head here.
The 35th Anniversary CURL follows the company’s original vision of green transportation. Integrated with 11 technical patents, it is not just a refinement of what has come before – it represents an almost total overhaul that completely changes the riding experience of folding bicycles. The bike features a hydroformed, Dalloy (DAHON alloy) frame with oversized rectangular tubes, as well as taking advantage of a flip-fold rear wheel (first seen on Di Blasi folding bikes). Double down-tubes, approach a front triangle. The unique V-shaped coupling between the front and rear triangles turns the bike into a hard-tail. Furthermore, an extra-large head-tube and handlepost are combined with DAHON’s inverted fork stem to provide even more strength and stiffness for steady steering and efficient pedaling. Proper respect is given to structural physics to furnish the much-needed stiffness, durability and safety, far exceeding all safety standards for regular bikes. The removable pedals are stronger and more compact than anything in the league. There is even a roller rack for easy wheeling when folded. With three speeds in an internal hub gear, the CURL offers great range whilst remaining low-maintenance. A telescopic handlebar post and seat post allows for ergonomic adjustment for riders up to 190cm and 130kg. In 15 years of R&D, much more is packed into this small package. The end result is a compact, light folding bike, with a stronger, safer, better ride, that is as easy to carry as it is to fold.
Distributors, dealers and individuals around the world will be able to place an order for one of the smallest and most innovative folding bikes on the market from today. The fundraising period will last for 45 days, closing on May 6th, with a target of 250 units. If the CURL hits its target shipping will commence after June 2017 – at regular price. DAHON North America will fulfill orders for North America, DAHON Europe will ship to European countries, Tad Kodama, VP, will handle Japan through DAHON’s three importers, and DAHON China will take care of the rest of the world.
The Curl Kickstarter program features a number of Pledge levels. For $1,579 or more, investors can purchase the Curl with the new all-purpose travel case, which provides next-level protection and convenience. The Curl can go anywhere in the case and even be stored and protected at home — zip it up to keep out dust and moisture. It even protects against knocks and scratches in the trunk or cargo hold. At 63x31x57cm this is much smaller than any hardcase currently on the market, thanks to its compact contents and ingenious design. Triple-layered material gives the All-Purpose Case maximum stiffness and impact resistance, combined with a real feeling of quality, all at minimal weight — this stand-out case is the perfect partner for the one-of-a-kind CURL.
About DAHON：
In 1982, DAHON ignited the folding bicycle revolution with the introduction of the DAHON Convertible, the forefather of most modern-day folding bicycles. Today, DAHON is recognized as a world leader. Spearheaded by the guiding principles of innovation, reinvention and technological leadership, DAHON is committed to creating quality product, a unique riding experience and green mobility solutions for people leading active, environmentally friendly lifestyles. Headquartered in California, DAHON’s offices, factories, cooperating assembly plants and distributing partner network reaches around the world. For more information regarding DAHON’s products, please visit www.dahon.com.
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