The folding Dahon GB-1 650B gravel travel bike has made some serious improvements to its design and features, and (fortunately) seems to be nearing production. Originally spotted at Sea Otter in April, we saw a new and improved version of the bike at Taipei Cycle Show. Technically still a prototype, the updated GB-1 still folds down into a compact cube that’ll fit inside your trunk. And eventually a hardshell suitcase Dahon plans on making for it, too. First, let’s take a look at the key features, then the improvements…
Cable routing is external, allowing the full length housing to easily bend with the bike as it folds.
It still uses their Lock Jaw hinge system, which puts solid sections at the ends of the tubes.
Those sections are ridged to prevent lateral twisting, and a big bolt in them prevents torsional twisting. So, yes, it needs a tool to unfold it, but here’s the first big improvement:
The multitool is hidden inside the handlebar, and even folds to create a hand-crank shape, or just fold it once to form a longer lever. Even better, the bit flip flops to a smaller size to loosen…
…the stem, which has changed dramatically from the original design. It now resembles a more traditional stem, but loosening it lets it twist and drop the bar down to a more compact position.
It all folds down to this shape, using a small foot under the bottom bracket to help it stand on its own. Notice the more traditional top tube, too, which sits a bit higher than the original version and loses the reinforcing strut.
The other huge improvement is the move to thru axles, which will also use that hidden tool to loosen.
All in all, the changes should make for a more robust bike that’ll better handle the stresses and rough roads of real gravel bike riding. Throw in the mounts and you could easily add fenders or some light storage, making this a great travel bike that’s ready for day-long adventures!
Final spec and design may change, but we got the impression it’s close to final. We hope so as this is a folding bike we really want to try!
Update: Dahon has given us a revised weight claim for the GB-1 of 11.4kg / 25.1lb. That puts it much more inline with expectations for a performance aluminum gravel bike.
