accessories produced by Dahon.
The only parts that I've replaced on the Speed P8 were the Biologic saddle and Suntour folding pedals.
I've retrofitted the bike with a Selle Royal Ergogel Plug-in Gel saddle and a pair of MKS Exim Superior quick release pedals.
These are the best touring pedals money can buy and back then, there were no shops offering it.
I had to source it from www.thorusa.com and had it shipped from the US.
The Speed P8 is one tough no-frills bike which can be accessorised for long distance rides.
It was a bare-minimal bike without fenders and racks and the base price (2008 model) was RM2,095 a pop.
I often been asked why the bike was so expensive?
To get the low-down, you have to inspect the details.
First off, the Speed P8 uses a chromoly frame (steel), it rides really firm and is solidly built.
The joint on the frame is plushed to the top tube, you can see the finer details on the hinge and locking mechanism that can
be adjusted with wear and tear.
Even the 8-speed drivetrain is simple. To get the most out of its 11-32T cassette, the bike comes with a 52T crank. This gear
ratio allows a decent speed on the road as well as performing climbs.
With enough training and conditioning, an 8-speed bike is more than enough to perform short to medium distance commutes.
I rode this bike around the country for six years without any modifications and I personally felt that the 8-speed drivetrain is
enough to take on any terrain thrown at it.
Even with load, the Speed P8 was like a C-130H Hercules transport plane, ever willing to go the distance and back.
Right now, Dahon is still producing the bike with a funky colour scheme.
To me, the best bikes were made before 2010 and if you can get your hands on a Speed P8 made in that era, it will be a bike that is worth every Ringgit and Sen!
OPPOSITE PAGE: Samo's 2008 Speed P8. TOP LEFT: Cycling in Pulau Ketam, Selangor.
BOTTOM LEFT: Exploring Batu Gajah and Ipoh in Perak during a bikepacking adventure. BOTTOM RIGHT: The latest incarnation of Dahon's best-seller: The Speed P8.