Dahon

File:Dr. David T. Hon receives an award for contribution to the bicycle industry.jpg

Dahon was founded in 1982 as Hon California, Inc..{{cite web|url=http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect2=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&d=PALL&RefSrch=yes&Query=PN/4448435 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714145133/http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect2=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&d=PALL&RefSrch=yes&Query=PN/4448435 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-07-14 |title=USPO listing, Foldable and Portable Vehicle, 1982 |publisher=Patft.uspto.gov |access-date=2012-06-11 }}{{cite web|url=http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect2=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&d=PALL&RefSrch=yes&Query=PN/4566713 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716140159/http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect2=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&d=PALL&RefSrch=yes&Query=PN/4566713 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-07-16 |title=USPO listing, Folding bicycle with releasable brace assembly, 1983 |publisher=Patft.uspto.gov |access-date=2012-06-11 }} After presenting his invention to several established but uninterested companies,{{cite web|url=http://www.livestrong.com/article/352370-the-history-of-dahon-bicycles/ |title=Livestrong.com, The History of Dahon Bicycles, 2011-01-08 |access-date=2012-06-11}} Hon and his brother Henry Hon decided to establish their own company from scratch. The two gathered venture funding and established their headquarters in Southern California while Hon relocated to Taiwan to build Dahon's first factory. Two years later, in 1984, Dahon folding bicycles were rolling off the assembly line as one of the most compact folding bicycle on the market at that time (many will argue the Brompton Bicycle is a more compact folder).{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/05/26/garden/a-commuter-s-solution-bicycle-that-folds-up.html# |title=A Commuter's Solution: Bicycle That Folds Up |work=The New York Times |date=1988-05-26 |access-date=2012-06-11}}

File:Dahon Jifo 16 Folding Bike.jpg

Primary production takes place in the company’s factory in Shenzhen, China. Another facility, near Beijing, produces Dahon bikes for China, an increasingly profitable market for the U.S.-based company.{{cite web|url=http://www.bicycleretailer.com/international/2012/12/07/dahon-offers-distribution-western-brands-china#.UbBsVZyhclQ|title=Dahon offers distribution to Western brands in China |publisher=Bicycle Retailer|date=2012-12-07 |access-date=2013-06-06}}

Beginning in 2012, all Dahon brand bikes destined for Europe have been made in Bulgaria.{{cite web|url=http://www.bicyclenewswire.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.showreleasemore&id=3038|title=Dahon Enhances Global Manufacturing, Adds Key Management|publisher=Bicycle Newswire|access-date=2011-09-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120424225209/http://www.bicyclenewswire.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.showreleasemore&id=3038|archive-date=2012-04-24|url-status=usurped}} In a strategic partnership with Maxcom Ltd., the company set up a production base at one of the facilities on the continent. All of their bikes for the European market are made at the facility in Plovdiv.{{cite web|url=http://www.bikeradar.com/news/article/dahon-to-move-some-bike-production-to-europe-30530/|title= Dahon to move some bike production to Europe|publisher=Bikeradar|access-date=2011-09-27}}

In 2012, Dahon launched its first global advertising campaign, incorporating a two-tiered marketing campaign specifically designed for both b2b and b2c markets. Dahon introduced the new tagline, “freedom unfolds”. The new global campaign, themed “Express Your Personality” was launched at Eurobike 2011 in Friedrichshafen, Germany in a live-stage performance.{{cite web |url=http://www.bike-eu.com/news/5230/dahon-launches-new-global-campaign.html |title=Dahon launches New Global Campaign |publisher=Bike Europe |access-date=2011-09-27 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110925090537/http://www.bike-eu.com/news/5230/dahon-launches-new-global-campaign.html |archive-date=2011-09-25 }}

File:30th Anniversary Special Edition Dahon Folding Bike.jpg

File:Dahon Classic III drive side bicycle bootiebike com 1000.jpg 3 speed hub gear]]

File:1982_Hon_Convertible_folding_bicycle.JPG

Most Dahon bicycles use a patented, single-hinge frame design where the handlebar folds down and the frame hinge swings to the left, leaving the handlebar inside, whereas models such as the Jifo and EEZZ take advantage of new, vertical folding technology.{{cite web|url=http://www.bike-eu.com/Shows-Events/General/2012/4/Dahon-Launches-New-Line-Up-at-Taipei-Cycle-BIK005756W/|title= Dahon Launches New Line-Up at Taipei Cycle|publisher=Bike Europe|date=2012-04-05|access-date=2013-06-06}} The biggest sellers are those with ETRTO 305 mm and 406 mm (16 or 20 inch) wheels, but models are available with wheels from 239 mm to 622 mm (12 inches to 700C).{{citation needed|date=August 2016}} In terms of gearing, bikes can feature derailleurs or hub gears, or both or none.

For 2013 Dahon offers 30 models of folding or portable bicycles in wheel sizes ranging from 305 mm to 559 mm (16-26") with aluminum alloy or steel frames.{{cite web|url=http://dahon.com/mainnav/folding-bikes/all-folding-bikes.html|title=All Folding Bikes|publisher=Dahon Coroporate Website|access-date=2013-06-06}} One of the company's best selling bikes is the Boardwalk, an entry-level, steel-frame commuter bike.{{cite web|url=http://dahon.com/mainnav/folding-bikes/single-view/bike/boardwalk_d8-1.html|title=Boardwalk D8|publisher=Dahon Coroporate Website|access-date=2013-06-06}}

In 2008, to celebrate 25 years of production, Dahon produced a special edition based on the Mμ series of bikes - the Mμ XXV. 250 of these machines were produced.{{citation needed|date=August 2016}} In March 2009, they announced that they would produce 1,000 sets of a special edition bike based on its Curve D3 folding bike with the Spanish design firm Kukuxumusu.{{cite web|url=https://www.bikebiz.com/kukuxumusu-and-dahon-team-up-for-limited-folder|title=Kukuxumusu and Dahon team up for limited folder|publisher=Bike Biz|first=Mark|last=Sutton|date=2009-03-18|access-date=2021-04-27}} 2012 marked the company's 30th anniversary, and Dahon produced 300 limited edition bikes to honor the occasion.{{cite web |url=http://www.bike-eu.com/products/anniversary-campaign-dahon-5840.html |title=Anniversary Campaign Dahon |publisher=Bike Europe |date=2012-05-29 |access-date=2012-06-11 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120628001434/http://www.bike-eu.com/products/anniversary-campaign-dahon-5840.html |archive-date=2012-06-28 }} The bicycles are based on the popular Mμ frame and feature high-end carbon parts.

In March 2017, released a new model called the Curl, in celebration of the company's 35th anniversary. They decided to bring end users into the process by launching a Kickstarter campaign to fund production of the bike. The Kickstarter campaign allowed for more involvement in the production process by manufacturers, dealers, distributors, and riders.{{cn|date=August 2018}}

In June 2017, they announced the release of a special anniversary bike based on the Curl - the Curl i8. The bike was limited to a run of 500 that were available world wide with riders having to sign up to pre-order the bike. Those that preordered the bike had the opportunity to have their signature etched onto the bike frame. {{cn|date=August 2018}}

Dahon has achieved various industry awards and honors over the years, including the Eurobike award, given at the world's largest bike show.

Beginning in 2011, Dahon North America Inc. was in litigation with the son and wife of the company's founder. Specifically, the lawsuit charged that Joshua Hon and Florence Hon breached their fiduciary duties as officers of Dahon and unlawfully appropriated company assets, resources, and intellectual property to start the competing companies Mobility Holdings and Tern.{{cite web|url=http://www.bike-eu.com/Laws-Regulations/General/2011/7/Dahon-Files-Lawsuit-Against-former-Officers-Joshua-Hon-and-Florence-Hon-BIK005092W/|title=Dahon Files Lawsuit Against former Officers Joshua Hon and Florence Hon|publisher=Bike Europe |access-date=2012-10-12}} As of March 2013, a settlement was reached on mutually acceptable and confidential terms and the matter is closed.{{cite web|url=http://www.bikebiz.com/news/read/dahon-and-tern-settle-legal-dispute/014557|title=Dahon and Tern settle legal dispute|publisher=Bike Biz|date=2013-03-20|access-date=2013-06-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603063909/http://www.bikebiz.com/news/read/dahon-and-tern-settle-legal-dispute/014557|archive-date=2013-06-03|url-status=dead}}

The 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2012 winners of the Smithfield Nocturne folding bike race, held in the market district of Smithfield, London, rode Dahon folding bikes. The 2012 winner, Jeroen Janssen, pedaled to victory on the 30th Anniversary limited edition bike.{{cite web|url=http://www.bikebiz.com/index.php/news/read/dahon-notches-up-nocturne-win/09406|title=Dahon notches up Nocturne win|publisher=Bike Biz|date=2010-06-25|access-date=2012-06-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304063331/http://www.bikebiz.com/index.php/news/read/dahon-notches-up-nocturne-win/09406|archive-date=2016-03-04|url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=http://raleighuk.wordpress.com/2012/06/11/raleigh-gac-rider-wins-folding-bike-race-on-a-limed-edition-carbon-dahon/ |title=Raleigh-GAC rider wins folding bike race on a limited edition carbon Dahon |publisher=Raleigh News |date=2012-06-11 |access-date=2012-06-11 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130102032102/http://raleighuk.wordpress.com/2012/06/11/raleigh-gac-rider-wins-folding-bike-race-on-a-limed-edition-carbon-dahon/ |archive-date=2013-01-02 }} Dahon also sponsored the annual event from 2007 to 2010.{{cite web|url=http://www.bikebiz.com/news/read/dahon-sponsors-smithfield-nocturne-s-folder-race/0949|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130117234758/http://www.bikebiz.com/news/read/dahon-sponsors-smithfield-nocturne-s-folder-race/0949|url-status=dead|archive-date=2013-01-17|title=Dahon sponsors Smithfield Nocturne's folder race|publisher=Bike Biz|date=2007-05-30|access-date=2012-06-11}}{{cite web|url=http://www.bikebiz.com/news/read/dahon-and-fiat-to-sponsor-smithfield-nocturne/09341|title=Dahon and Fiat to sponsor Smithfield Nocturne|publisher=Bike Biz|date=2010-06-18|access-date=2012-06-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304063250/http://www.bikebiz.com/news/read/dahon-and-fiat-to-sponsor-smithfield-nocturne/09341|archive-date=2016-03-04|url-status=dead}}

File:The Childrens Museum of Indianapolis - Folding bicycle - detail.jpg]]

{{reflist|30em}}

• {{Cite book |title=Guinness World Records 2000 Millennium Edition|url=https://archive.org/details/guinnessworldrec2000newy|url-access=registration|location=New York|publisher=Guinness Publishing Ltd./Bantam Books|year=2000|isbn=0-553-58268-2}}

{{Folding bicycles}}

{{American bicycle manufacturers}}

{{Sports equipment brands}}

Category:Folding bicycles

Category:Cycle manufacturers of the United States

Category:Manufacturing companies based in California

Category:Privately held companies based in California