When Dahon designed the Mariner D7, the bike was built to target boaters who would use it for in-shore rides. However, the bike manages to broaden the scope and becomes the best-selling folding bike in the North America for years.

Once I tested the bike, I was not surprised with the success at all.

Specifications and Features

  • Color: Brushed aluminum
  • Folded size: 31.9″ × 25.7″ x 11″ (81 × 66 x 28 cm).
  • Weight: 26 lbs (11.8 kg)
  • Speeds: 7
  • Frame: KM Series 7005 Aluminum alloy with ViseGrip latching mechanism
  • Fork: Aluminum
  • Gear inches: 37″ – 85″
  • Handlepost: Aluminum, adjustable Radius Telescope, Fusion and V-Clamp technologies
  • Handlebar: 6061-T6 Aluminum
  • Front hub: FM31-F 3/8 x 14 G x 20 H x 74 x 110 mm
  • Rear hub: FM32-7 3/8 x 14 G x 28 H x 130 x 170 mm
  • Tires: K-1045 20″x1.75″
  • Rims: Aluminum
  • Shifter: 7-speed SRAM
  • Derailleur: Dahon Neos 7-speed
  • Brakes: DHV-107
  • Saddle: VL3057A
  • Seatpost: SP-22, 34 x 580
  • Kickstand: NH-KC19AA
  • Fenders: SKS Mini 20
  • Rear rack: ARC rack with luggage strap
  • Clip system: Snap Lok
  • Suggested rider’s height: 4’8″ – 6’4″
  • Maximum rider’s weight: 230 lbs

Image Gallery

Performance

Dahon did a terrible job of taking press images for the Mariner D7. The bike doesn’t look pure white as you can see on Dahon’s website or Amazon’s listing. It actually has a brushed aluminum finish which is said to be rust-resistant. Notice that the The bike really looks much sleeker and more beautiful than I expected. Another advantage is the inclusion of a rear rack with luggage strap and fenders, so you don’t have to spend more for those accessories.

With regard to portability, the Mariner D7 is not the best but absolutely above average. Specifically, it can be folded compactly and it weighs just 26 lbs. I don’t really like the plastic Snap Lok clip system because it could be broken easily, I had another Dahon bike with the same clip system and it was broken out of the box. However, it does a good job of securing the two wheels when you fold the bike.

More importantly, the bike is very durable. I’ve had the bike for more than a year and it follows me on many journeys. It was placed inside my car trunk and checked onto an airplane on my trip to Asia. I rode the Mariner D7 on small and uneven roads with a lot of potholes in Hanoi. The bike is built to last and I’ve never had to fix it.

The Dahon Neos derailleur has a compact design and good performance. The shifting is not really smooth and you can’t have the same performance of high-end 7-speed Shimano derailleurs. However, it is good enough for most urban commuters.

Conclusion

Pros

  • Sleek design
  • Good riding experience
  • Sturdy and durable frame
  • Folding/Unfolding process is quick and easy
  • Rust resistant finish
  • Fenders and rear rack are included
  • Good range of gears
  • Adjustable handlebar height
  • Touch-up paint is included

Cons

  • The bike is not rust proof and still prone to scratches

The Dahon Mariner D7 has everything you expect in a folding bike. It is the most versatile bike at this price range and I totally recommend it if you are looking for the first folding bike that you will be riding for years to come.

Buy Dahon Mariner D7 on Amazon

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REVIEW OVERVIEW
Design
9
Build Quality
9
Riding Experience
8.5
Portability
9
dahon-mariner-d7-reviewThe most versatile folding bike by Dahon with an affordable price tag.

7 COMMENTS

  1. Hi . I am facing a problem in adjusting my seat bar . There is a white bar stuck which doesn’t let go my seat bar full inside . In the unboxing videos d7 mariner,it smoothly comes off . But no matter how much force i apply,its still stuck .
    Help plz …

    • Hi Saloni,
      I had the same issue with some other Dahon bikes, the white stand seemed to be stuck but actually, it’s just too tight. I often had to lift the seat up and push it down really hard, that stand will pop out then.
      Try again and let me know.

  2. I have a 1982 Hon Stainless Mariner I still ride regularly. 3 Speed hub shifter, All I ever needed for riding in the city, and even light trails. Has 4 countries and lots of sea miles, about 12 states. Paid $500 for it in 82, Still original on everything, Even the Kenda 12″ tires. Favorite Bike I have ever owned.

    • That’s a real testament to your little bike’s durability and build quality. I just bought a second-hand Dahon Mariner D7 with very little use for $350 – looks and rides like new. I’m still not sure if I’m going to ride this or one of my full-sized bikes along the Pacific Coast Highway in California from San Francisco to Los Angeles. I’m sure if I took the Dahon that it would be a real kick though! Cheers.

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