After success of the Mu Uno, Dahon built a cheaper and simpler version called Speed Uno and this has become one of the best-selling folding bikes in America in the last few years. So, what made this bike so hot? We are going to find out in the review.
Specifications and Features
- Color: Black
- Folded dimensions: 30.3″ x 25.2″ x 11.8″
- Weight: 24.2 pounds
- Speeds: 1
- Gear inches: 64
- Frame: K series, SuperLite 4130 chromoly with forged lattice hinge
- Fork: Integrated Fusion technology
- Handlepost: Radius, forged aluminum
- Handlebar: Comp, 6061-T6 double butted aluminum
- Grips: BioLogic Ergo, single density
- Rear brake: Shimano coaster
- Front hub: Dahon Mini, aluminum
- Rear hub: 1-speed Shimano coaster
- Rims: Aluminum, single wall
- Crank set: cold-forged 6061-T6 aluminum crank arms
- Chain: KMC Z410
- Tires: 20″ x 1.75″ Dahon Rotolo, 65 psi
- Freewheel: 17T, 28H
- Pedals: Suntour folding
- Clip system: Magnetix
- Kickstand: aluminum
- Rider’s recommended height: 4’8″ – 6’4″ (142 – 193 cm)
- Maximum rider weight: 230 lbs (105 kg)
Image Gallery
Performance
Majority of folding bike buyers are living in the city and they are not looking for a high-performing bike. A durable, lightweight and simple bike is what they need and the Dahon Speed Uno meet all demands of an urban commuter.
The bike features a minimal design with no V-brakes, no brake levers and no cables. The Speed Uno utilizes coaster brake (also known as back pedal brake), so it gets rid of the mess you see on most other folders. To stop the bike, you will just need to pedal backwards a little bit and the wheels will be slowed down through friction. You might have to practice for a few days but once you get used to it, you will appreciate how it contributes to the clean design. Moreover, the brake requires less maintenance and performs better on wet roads.
As you can expect, folding and unfolding this bike is as simple as other Dahon bikes. I even feel it is a little faster because I don’t have to worry about the mess of cables. I can fold or unfold the Speed Uno within 10-15 seconds.
This is a single-speed with gear inches of 64″. It can’t meet requirements of many riders but this is pretty good when you ride on paved roads and climb some low hills. I believe urban commuters don’t need more than 1 speed in a city. Moreover, you don’t have to deal with derailleurs which are heavy and might cost you time and money to maintain. Dahon tried to make everything as simple as possible, so you can have a 24-lbs folding bike which can be brought to public transportation easier.
Conclusion
Pros
- Minimal design
- Require less maintenance
- Faster to fold and unfold
- Easy to carry around
- Low price
Cons
- No fenders
- Coaster brake requires some practice
The Speed Uno is one of my favorite Dahon folding bikes. This is also my top recommendation if you are living in a city and need a folding bike for multi-modal commuting.
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Thanks for the reviews! I’m shopping folding bikes and am liking the simplicity of the speed uno. The chain looked to be covered, with a tube of some sort. How does that work and do other bikes have that too?
Question whether the single wall rims are durable? I ride a lot of bumpy sidewalks on my commute. Thanks!
can fenders be added? if so, what fenders work?
what’s the crank length?
Could someone PLEASE answer my questions …
What ‘crank length’ comes standard with the Speed Uno? Is there sufficient ground clearance to change to a longer crank length? If so, what is the maximum crank length that will work safely for the Speed Uno?