Dahon Arclite rack and Ortlieb Frontroller panniers

The Dahon Curve SL, outfitted with a pair of Ortlieb frontrollers

Plenty of room for extended excursions

My 'bare-bones' Dahon Curve SL was shipped to me without a luggage rack.
Since I replaced my black Arclite rear rack with a traveller's rack on my Dahon Speed P8, its virtually lying around gathering dust.
At first, I thought the size of the rack was unsuitable for the smaller 16" Curve SL.
But after reading a lable on a silver Arclite rack which stated that the rack was meant for 20" and 16" Dahon bicycles, I changed my mind.
The first thing I did, was to get a set of screws which was intended for my larger rear traveller's rack.
It takes a bit of fiddling on the rack's front mount to get a nice fit on the bike's frame.
Getting the entire rack fitted is quite tricky.
So, I started with the rear section and the stablizers for the SKS mudguard.
When this is done, I had to bend the front mount a bit and screw it onto the side threads on the left and right side of the frame.
And at the end, it was a perfect fit.
While I was tweaking with my Pedros saddle bag, I suddenly had an urge to install my Ortlieb front rollers onto the Arclite rack.
I made some adjustments on the bags and it was a perfect fit.
The panniers were solid as the Arclite rack was able to accommodate them on both sides.
In short, it was a perfect fit.
That said, I can look forward to some bikepacking adventures with the Curve SL when I am not using the Speed P8.

Dahon Pango Folding helmet

The Pango folding helmet survived two long-distance rides

When news about Dahon's Pango folding helmet had hit the scene late last year, it became an instant sensation.

This innovation was introduced here in Kuala Lumpur last month at the Dahon Folding Bike Club's second meeting.

It coincided with the launch of 11 new bikes and was a promotional gift item with a few high-end models.

Priced at RM350 a pop, I was hesitant to snatch one.

But things took a turn when I bought Michelle her first 20-inch folding tourer - the Speed TR.

The Pango was thrown-in as a package. 

So, I worked out an arrangement with the dealer for a black-coloured helmet (there are only two  in Malaysia).

First-impression I had was the helmet is simple enough to be folded and stashed.

However, it has some flaws.

People with small heads would find the Pango ill-fitting.

As for me, the helmet was actually a bit loose.

Padded foam inserts made it a snug fit and some adjustments on the helmet's strap made it secure.

My only grouse is that it doesn't come with a tightening mechanism for the back of the head.

To get the most out of this folding helmet, I removed the mesh on the top and back of the Pango for better ventilation.

And at 450grammes, this is not a lightweight head protection wear.

The only fanciful and 'wow!' factor is the fact that if folds neatly for storage.

To sum things up -- the Pango is a helmet which you would actually love or hate. For me, its slowly warming up as I am really liking its portability...

Dahon front touring rack

Dahon's original front touring rack

I nearly returned a Dahon front rack which I purchased some months back.
Reason being was it couldn't fit onto my bike.
So, after giving it much thought, I had the Rodalink mechanics to fix it. Initially, I was very happy with the fact that the rack could fit nicely on my bike.
But when I rode it in Putrajaya two weeks ago, the right side mounting just popped out.
Later, I discovered that the nut used was a few milimetres short.
The solution, a longer nut.
So, I went back to Rodalink and asked for a longer nut.
After getting what I wanted, I went home to fiddle with the new nuts and wallah! It fits!
No more issues with the rack fitting.