The Mariner D8 is one of our favorite folding bicycles.
The reason we love it so much is because it is well made, has good components, is very lightweight and compact, is very adjustable and ultimately rides well.
Plus the price is decent. This bike provides great quality without going into the ‘high-end’ price range.
The design is sharp and it has many great features. This folding bike suites both men and women and works for all age groups.
SPECS FOR THE DAHON MARINER
- Speeds: 7 speeds
- Wheel Size: 20”
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- Color: White & Black brushed aluminum
- Weight: 26 lbs.
- Max Rider Weight:230 lbs.
- Ideal Rider Size: 4’8” – 6’4”
- Foldable Size: 11″×31.9″×25.7″
FRAME MATERIAL: Aluminum
BEST SUITED FOR: Urban riding, boaters, traveling
PROS: Compact and folds up into small package, light weight, smooth ride, durable, good components, quick and easy to fold and unfold, versatile with 7-speeds
CONS: A little tricky to roll when folded up, seat is a little hard, does not come with carry/storage bag
WHERE TO BUY THE DAHON MARINER
Click here for the best deal on the Dahon Mariner D8 folding bike at Amazon.com.
The Mariner D8 was specifically designed for boaters who want to stash it away in a small boat hold and use it for exploring on shore or picking up food and supplies to bring back to the boat.
However this bike is not just great for boaters. It is truly ideal for almost anyone.
The compact frame and fold-up size make it easy to store in a small space, fold up quickly and hop on a bus or train or even store in your workplace.
It is a good urban commuter that rides smoothly and looks sharp.
The frame is rust resistant so with a little care and maintenance corrosion is unlikely.
The Mariner was built for convenience and portability and we like the overall comfort and ease of riding as well.
Folding and unfolding the Mariner takes only seconds making it highly functional and convenient.
After only a short time with this bike it is easy to see why it is so popular.
MARINER D8 IMPORTANT FEATURES
Take note of these great features, this bike is loaded with them.
DAHON ERGO GRIPS
We noticed right away the nice Ergo grips.
This is a nice feature because it is not something you always get in this price range.
The larger pad area makes for a comfortable hold and also helps relax your grip and spread the pressure more evenly over your palm.
They also help keep your hand in place and will help you stay comfortable longer on extended rides.
DUPONT L3 LUBRICATED SHIFT CABLE
The Dupont L3 lubricant makes shifting fast and easy. The 7-gears on this bicycle are great for riding up and down hills and ease of use.
DAHON BY WTB COMFORT SADDLE
The Comfort Saddle is a decent seat and most likely fine for many.
I have to admit however that I did not find the seat to be super comfortable.
Another of our reviewers had no issues with it and did some longer cycling trips and felt comfortable.
The difference I think is if you are wearing padded cycling shorts. Then the seat doesn’t feel so bad.
If not however I would suggest adding on a seat with more padding at some point to up the comfort level.
REAR CARRIER
Anyone else out there love a bike that comes with a rear carrier?
I find them so useful for strapping down gear, groceries, bags or anything you need to secure to the bike.
I was happy to see that the Mariner D7 includes a rear carrier in its package.
FRONT & REAR FENDERS
The fenders on this bike are good quality… better than many others I have seen.
They will help keep dirt off your clothes and help protect you while riding in any weather.
COMPACT LOW PROFILE
The low profile makes getting on and off the D8 very easy.
It also allows for a very compact and portable package when folded up.
DAHON MARINER SETUP
Setup is extremely fast. In fact this bike can be folded or unfolded in only 15 seconds.
We tested that speed quite a few times and once you know what you are doing I would say that 15 seconds is about bang on.
The handlebars and seat are fully adjustable and very easy to adjust.
Once everything is in place and adjusted how you like it, the bike is very rigid.
The ease of setup makes the D8 super portable to take anywhere.
DAHON MARINER D8 PERFORMANCE
The performance is one of the things we like best. It provides a nice smooth ride even with the smaller 20” wheels.
You do have to pedal more to go the same speed as a larger bike however that is very common and known for folding bikes.
Overall the ride is comfortable on just about any terrain although it is best suited for streets and urban environments.
It is very responsive. The shifting and brakes work exactly as they should. The Ergo grips keep your hands and arms more comfortable and the rigid frame keeps the ride tight and smooth.
There is not much to complain about in this department. The Mariner is well made and the nice ride reflects that.
ANY COMPLAINTS?
There are only a few negatives to point out…
1. When completely folded it is difficult to roll the bike. This may not be an issue for you as many times when it is folded you are simply carrying it. There is a trick to fix this however. Just leave the seat extended and you will be able to roll it around wherever you are as opposed to carrying it.
2. The second thing is the seat. I found it uncomfortable after only a short bike ride. However my review partners did not agree and had no trouble with it. So worth pointing out but definitely don’t let it deter you. You might find it to be just fine. If not then invest in a nice padded seat for extra comfort.
3. This bike does not come with a storage/carry bag. Some do and many don’t. You will need to purchase a bag separately if you want one.
FINAL THOUGHTS
This bike is full featured, reasonably well built and compact. It is not a ‘high-end’ bike so don’t expect perfection.
However for the price range it is excellent and offers a lot. With a little care it will last you a very long time and many thousand miles of riding pleasure.
You can customize it as you wish. A few cool add-ons to consider are a water bottle holder, saddle bags, and front and rear lights just to name a few.
You can easily make this bike suit your needs and take it anywhere.
WHERE TO FIND THE BEST DEAL
The best deal we have seen is at Amazon.com especially with the free shipping offer.
Click Here For The Best Deal On The Dahon Mariner D8 Folding Bike At Amazon.com.
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