It's been a while since I've wriiten on this forum but as they say - new year new start!
Back in July 2008, I wrote a review of my Dahon MU Conversion by CH White & Son. Two years down the line since getting the bike, thought it was time for an update.
Firstly the the bike has been used regularly in all seasons including torrential rain and freezing weather, so far with 100% reliability. The NIMH battery is starting to lose range - now give me about 12 miles using the throttle and pedalling, but I have bought a back up LiFePo4 battery with a range of about 20 miles.
Since, buying the Dahon, I experimented with a Wisper 905eco having read the posts on this forum & thinking that perhaps I was missing something! Anyway, the Wisper has now been sold on as the Dahon is more suited to my needs. For example, more convenient storage in the limited space I have and the convenience of easily putting it in the back of the car whenever I need.
In my original review, I was critical of the throttle system, thinking that a pedelec system might be less hassle. However, having tried a pedelec, I have come round to liking the control and flexibility that the throttle gives, rather than power being there all the time. The criticism, I do have is that I still think that the throttles on these bikes could be more ergonomically designed for prolonged use.
Although CH White & Son no longer use the MU as a conversion, I notice that they are still using Dahon & Dawes bike with a more powerful motor system & lithium battery. When I bought my bike from them, there was little choice of good quality electric folders. That seems to have changed over the past year. I also notice that CH White & Son now do a Brompton conversion, which has received little (if any) comment on this forum.
So, how do I feel about the bike now? Basically, the more I have used the Dahon, the more I have come to appreciate it. It is a lovely bike to ride with or without electric power and is stylish and most of all reliable. The only things I have had done are an annual service & replacing the tyres with Marathon Plus after a couple of punctures.
In my original review, I gave the bike 7.5 out of 10. I reckon this was harsh & if I was to write the review again in light of my experience over the past couple of years would up this to at least 8.5 and possibly 9 out of 10.
Be interesting to know the experiences of others with these bikes.
Back in July 2008, I wrote a review of my Dahon MU Conversion by CH White & Son. Two years down the line since getting the bike, thought it was time for an update.
Firstly the the bike has been used regularly in all seasons including torrential rain and freezing weather, so far with 100% reliability. The NIMH battery is starting to lose range - now give me about 12 miles using the throttle and pedalling, but I have bought a back up LiFePo4 battery with a range of about 20 miles.
Since, buying the Dahon, I experimented with a Wisper 905eco having read the posts on this forum & thinking that perhaps I was missing something! Anyway, the Wisper has now been sold on as the Dahon is more suited to my needs. For example, more convenient storage in the limited space I have and the convenience of easily putting it in the back of the car whenever I need.
In my original review, I was critical of the throttle system, thinking that a pedelec system might be less hassle. However, having tried a pedelec, I have come round to liking the control and flexibility that the throttle gives, rather than power being there all the time. The criticism, I do have is that I still think that the throttles on these bikes could be more ergonomically designed for prolonged use.
Although CH White & Son no longer use the MU as a conversion, I notice that they are still using Dahon & Dawes bike with a more powerful motor system & lithium battery. When I bought my bike from them, there was little choice of good quality electric folders. That seems to have changed over the past year. I also notice that CH White & Son now do a Brompton conversion, which has received little (if any) comment on this forum.
So, how do I feel about the bike now? Basically, the more I have used the Dahon, the more I have come to appreciate it. It is a lovely bike to ride with or without electric power and is stylish and most of all reliable. The only things I have had done are an annual service & replacing the tyres with Marathon Plus after a couple of punctures.
In my original review, I gave the bike 7.5 out of 10. I reckon this was harsh & if I was to write the review again in light of my experience over the past couple of years would up this to at least 8.5 and possibly 9 out of 10.
Be interesting to know the experiences of others with these bikes.
