Dahon Speed D7 Pictures and Transformers Suggestions

As requested, here are some pictures of my new Dahon Speed D7 folding bike. Further below, I have some suggestions for Dahon about how they can take their folding bikes to the next level by making them true Transformers.

Above, you can see the Speed D7 all folded up.

Above, I have swung the frame straight.

Above, I have swung the handle bars up, and I have raised the bars to riding height after adjusting the orientation of the break handles.

Above, I complete the last step by raising the seat to a comfortable height.

Above, the bike is ready to roll.

Above, Yufang steals the D7!

I’ve been putting some miles on the D7 over the past two days, and I’ve even bled disassembling the bike (broke my right index finger’s nail unlatching the frame fastener). I have really enjoyed the way the bike rides and handles on side walk and road alike, and I can definitely recommend this bike to others looking for a folding bike. My only complaint, which I figured on before purchasing it, is that it only has 7 gears. Kent has hilly terrain, so the lack of gears does make riding more of an ordeal than I would prefer. However, I will build up my body to deal with this over time.

I like to think of the Dahon Speed D7 folding bike as my own Transformer–a smaller version of Spike’s Volkswagen protector, Bumblebee. Along that line of thought, I have some recommendations for Dahon on their future folding bike models to make them more futuristic and science fictional:

• Built-in AI with full sensor array, voice box, individualized personality, and the voice of Casey Kasem.
• Three-way transformation ability: bike, compact, and robot
• Voice-activated transformation (NB: Each Dahon Transformer bike should be discerning enough to only recognize commands from its owner–you don’t want a complete stranger yelling the transformation command while you’re careening down a steep hill).
• Weapons including but not limited to: laser blasters, particle weapons, and missiles.
• Flight capability–I’m thinking either a forth transformation ability such as a jet pack or it can rock it old school like E.T.