17 Apr DAHON Unveils New Products at Beijing Bird’s Nest Event
Narrow folding tech with wide applications makes its debut
Beijing, China. April 10th 2018 – Leading folding bike brand, DAHON, have yesterday launched new technology that results in a highly compact, but non-folding frame, in an exclusive event at the Beijing International Convention Center.
Dr. David Hon appeared out of nowhere in full magician’s costume and performed a magic routine. He then took a slim 16” bike from one of the dozens of slots in a 2m cube storage cabinet – ostensibly for shared bicycles – and stood it on stage. A curtain hid the standing slim geometry. Seconds later, Hon removed the curtain, and a fully open version of the bike magically appeared.
In an attempt to dispel the concept that small wheel bikes are inherently inferior to large wheel bikes, Hon, a renowned physicist, went through some Newtonian physics to show that 16” wheel bicycles can accelerate over 5% faster than a comparable bike with 27” wheels. In an urban setting, with traffic lights and obstacles, a small wheel bicycle can maneuver much more easily. This was vividly shown in an obstacle course competition video between a 16” DAHON Curl and a regular MTB. (The video will soon be available on DAHON’s YouTube channel, subscribe to be notified)
Five bikes ranging from 10” scooter to 26” MTB were presented, all using the same Nuwave technology. The technology addresses the three most appendicular features of any bike, namely, the handlebar system, the seat system and the pedal/crank system. Nuwave technology is applicable across all single-track vehicles of any wheel size, including electric, to achieve a slim width of only 15cm. As a result, it is much easier to store and transport than regular folding bikes, and more importantly, without sacrificing any of the stiffness/strength so important for safety and riding efficiency, especially for an MTB or road bike.
It is not another folding bike. The frame does not unfold at all, overriding a major concern with stiffness and safety for frame hinges commonly found on folding frames. The long handlebar and seatposts for smaller wheels, are now in the form of tripods, obviating legitimate concerns in those areas as well.
The pedals are either removable or twisted 90° out of the way, in two different versions. In both versions, the resulting width-saving is up to 5cm, versus standard foldable pedals, on each side. Unlike folding pedals, these offerings are extremely strong. Furthermore, in the twist style, consumers can choose their own pedal type. A total slim width of merely 15cm is achieved.
Commercially, this technology can be used for all bicycle types. In shared bicycle programs, small wheel units, either regular or electric, which can be tightly stored in special cabinets around town. For big wheeled MTB and road bikes, the slim profile would offer a range of advantages, limited only by one’s imagination.
A dozen or so media representatives were present, including the China’s CCTV, along with several industry organizations and a full house of current and potential distributors and IBD’s. All five samples were admired and tried by the couple hundred present in the audience. The event was opened by a children’s choir singing a song “Leave a Green Earth for Your Children”, with music by Dr. David Hon and lyrics by DAHON staff.
In answering a reporter who asked how does DAHON intend to popularize this seemingly universal technology, Dr. David Hon said, “we will offer whole bikes, frames, or even technology licenses, depending on needs. Time is running out. We believe in sharing for a greener world.”
Selected product details:
NuWave
Classic, strong DAHON triangular configuration, super flat crank technology and DAHON folding pedals. Highly adaptable frame.
- Can be produced with 14”, 16” or 20” wheels
- 5 second folding
True flat folding, as narrow as 15cm, great for locker storage, easy pushing and pulling, easy opening and closing, can meet all kinds of rider needs.
NuWave Electric
Classic, strong DAHON triangular configuration, super flat crank technology and DAHON folding pedals, highly adaptable frame. Rear wheel hub drive with battery built in to tube.
- Wheels: 16”
- Top speed: 20 km/h
- Range: 25-30km
DES-1 (DAHON Electric Scooter)
Classic, strong DAHON triangular configuration, highly portable design with rear carrying handle, brushless motor, rear disk brake. A perfect balance of performance and safety, patented, one-step flat folding, fast and easy to store and fold, solving multiple transportation difficulties.
- Wheels: 10”
- Range: 40km
- Top speed: 25km/h
- Battery: 13Ah
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.
Facebook：www.facebook.com/dahonfoldingbicycles
Twitter/Instagram：@dahonbikes
