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TECH NEWS

First look: Dahon IOS XL folder with integral lights, pump, and phone charger

Is this the ultimate commuter bike? Dahon thinks so

Dahon have released details of their new IOS folding bike a machine they are calling "a complete urban commuting solution, with a bike pump, lighting, and even a phone/GPS/device charger integrated directly into the design of the bike".

Aside from making all those urban necessities a part of the bike Dahon also say that the IOS range will deliver the ride and handling of a full-sized bike combined with a fold that is only slightly larger than that of a compact 20in wheeled folder. For those that want the convenience of a folder combined with the ride qualities of a conventional bike.

The IOS is itself a 24in wheeled bike, Dahon have given it an extended wheelbase and that extra length should give the IOS XL a more stable, comfortable ride – the IOS also features an in-line hinge which Dahon reckon should further add to its big bike handling characteristics by stiffening up the ride.

As with other folding bikes the IOS is a one-size fits all proposition, but Dahon's Andros tool-less adjustable stem should help tune the position for riders of different heights and riding styles depending on whether you want a low aggressive racy position or something more upright. .

No word yet on weight, but we will see it in the flesh at Eurobike and we will have our scales handy. Suggested retail price is €999 and we would expect it to come in at around the same amount in pounds – not least because that will get it under the limit for the government's cycle to work scheme.

The new IOS wasn't the only thing Dahon were unveiling today  – they also announced a new UK Distributory. From January 1, 2010 Zyro will handle Dahon in the UK replacing Fisher Outdoor Leisure as the firm's distributor.

road.cc's founder and first editor, nowadays to be found riding a spreadsheet. Tony's journey in cycling media started in 1997 as production editor and then deputy editor of Total Bike, acting editor of Total Mountain Bike and then seven years as editor of Cycling Plus. He launched his first cycling website - the Cycling Plus Forum at the turn of the century. In 2006 he left C+ to head up the launch team for Bike Radar which he edited until 2008, when he co-launched the multi-award winning road.cc - finally handing on the reins in 2021 to Jack Sexty. His favourite ride is his ‘commute’ - which he does most days inc weekends and he’s been cycle-commuting since 1994. His favourite bikes are titanium and have disc brakes, though he'd like to own a carbon bike one day.

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eric.dahon | 14 years ago
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Great preview about the bike. We've got a lot of goodies packed on this baby and I'm sure a lot of people will like what we've put together. Just wanted to point out though that the IOS is a 24-inch bike, not a 20-inch one. Though it has 24-inch wheels, it really does ride and feel like a full-size one.

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