Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, CO
Date Reviewed: October 31, 2007
Strengths: The Fuego functions as a real full-suspension MTB with good components (SRAM), nice front fork, decent mechanical disc brakes, yet it comes apart for travel. It weighs less and measures less than the max. allowed by the airlines. (Hint: just don't tell them it's a bike.) My previous MTBs have been a 1990 & 2001 Trek 8000 hard-tails, and I do prefer the handling, geometry and feel of the Fuego.
Disassembly & re-assembly are quick. Packing it properly takes a little time to learn. I took pictures as I was unpacking it the first time, which helped (shipped in the travel case from Dahon). The padding foam they supply is sufficient to protect the pieces. I did add a layer of corriboard (plastic that looks like corrugated cardboard) on each side as added protection from the luggage gorillas.
Weaknesses: As a previous reviewer said, Dahon is of little help when it comes to the (3rd party) suspension components, other than pointing to documentation for download. When I got the bike, the rear shock (Manitou X3 Swinger) would not move at all unless all the air was let out. A bike mechanic friend of mine, who deals with shocks all the time, helped me to disassemble it, and found that the shock shipped from the factory BONE DRY. Once we lubed it, it began to function as designed. No troubles since. So much for Quality Control at Manitou. The paint job is, indeed, fragile, but that is a minor issue.
Bottom Line:
Since I wanted to upgrade to a full-suspension bike with disc brakes, and I wanted to travel with it, it seemed like a good choice. Dahon also makes a hard-tail MTB. Once I got past the annoyance with the rear shock (it rode like a hard-tail till I got help fixing it), I've come to like this bike a lot. Being able to go on vacation and ride one's own bike is worth the cost, in my book.
Bike Setup: 21 speed, dual suspension, 26", 3pc crank, linear alloy brakes, pegs, suspension fork
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Harvey Schneider
a Cross Country Rider
from Boca Raton, FL USA
Date Reviewed: November 10, 2006
Strengths: Fairly easy to travel with. A real 4" full suspension, travel mountain bike. Good all day all mountain bike.
Weaknesses: Manitou X3 Swinger rear shock is horrible. Worst shock I've ever ridden. Also, the AirPorter II suitcase that is included in the purchase price is not as good as the original $200 AirPorter suitcase which I wound up purchasing after my first trip. The Airporter II is flimsy and the plastic internal framing cracked on my first trip. If you're gonna invest in this bike then the $200 original AirPorter is a worthwhile investment. Also, the paint job is cheapo. It flakes and scratches real easy. Probably why it comes with a bottle of touch up.
Bottom Line:
I've made two airline trips with this bike so far and wasn't charged either time for the oversized luggage. Probably because both AirPorters look like regular suitcases, just larger. Although, the original AirPorter is more authentic due to the ballistic fabric and lack of the protruding hump on one side (which is where the cassette resides when packed). THE BIKE ITSELF IS THE REAL DEAL. I've ridden lots of singletrack. While I'm not a "techie", IMO it rides as well as any 26" mountain bike I've previously owned (Ellsworth Truth, Santa Cruz Superlight, Specialized Enduro). I absolutely love the adjustable stem setup. Comes in real handy in different types of terrain and can be quickly adjusted on the trail in between long climbs and downhills. Again, I have no bones to pick with any of the components except the Manitou shock, the set-up info for which wasn't even included with the materials that came with the bike. Frankly, Dahon and Manitou have been completely unresponsive. It took lots of trial and error to figure out the sag and it still stinks. My final comment is that if I can learn to assemble/disassemble and pack the bike then truely anyone can. Packing tip: I use lots of bubble wrap around all parts.
Hi. I'm currently racing an El Salt and riding the snot out of an El Toro. I was wondering what happened to the El Fuego. Are they still being made? I didn't see them on the Ve Read More »
I have a 2002 El Fuego, still holding up great.
Just had all my bushings (yes all) replaced. Cost about $70 which seems quite reasonable.
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