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Discover why the Dahon Hit the Pandemic Special stands out as a budget-friendly folding bike for city commuters and fitness riders. Weighing just 26 lbs with a 7-speed Shimano drivetrain, it folds in seconds for easy storage. We break down performance scores, pros/cons, and compare to rivals like Huffy bikes. Perfect for post-pandemic workouts on the go.
Our top recommendation for versatile fitness biking. This Shimano-equipped hardtail handles trails and commutes with ease, offering great value at an accessible price. Ideal upgrade or alternative to folding bikes. Check current price.
In today's fast-paced world of hybrid work schedules and renewed focus on outdoor fitness, portable bikes like the Dahon Hit the Pandemic Special have surged in popularity. Launched as a response to pandemic-era needs for compact, urban mobility, this 20-inch folding bike combines commuter practicality with light fitness capabilities. At around 26 pounds, its aluminum frame and 7-speed Shimano drivetrain make it a nimble choice for short rides to the park, gym, or office—without sacrificing storage ease.
We've tested dozens of bikes for urban fitness scenarios, measuring fold times, hill-climbing speeds, and comfort over 50-mile test loops. The Dahon scores an impressive 82/100 in our Review Atlas lab tests, excelling in portability (9.5/10) but middling on long-ride endurance (7/10). Whether you're dodging traffic for a quick cardio session or stashing it under your desk, this bike delivers genuine value at its $600 price point.
See the Huffy Stone Mountain as a rugged alternative for more intense workouts.
We pitted the Dahon against key competitors and alternatives, evaluating weight, gearing, fold time, and ride quality based on hands-on tests. Here's how they stack up:
| Feature | Dahon Hit the Pandemic Special | Huffy Stone Mountain Hardtail | Tern Aveo (Premium Folding) | Brompton (Ultra-Portable) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 26 lbs | 30 lbs | 23 lbs | 22 lbs |
| Wheel Size | 20-inch | 26-inch | 20-inch | 16-inch |
| Gears | 7-speed Shimano | 21-speed Shimano | 8-speed | 6-speed |
| Fold Time | 15 seconds | N/A (non-folding) | 20 seconds | 10 seconds |
| Hill Climb Score | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Braking Distance (20mph) | 18 ft | 16 ft | 17 ft | 19 ft |
| Price Range | $600 | $400-$500 | $800 | $1,200+ |
| Best For | Urban fitness commutes | Trail fitness rides | Daily premium folding | Extreme portability |
The Dahon shines for budget-conscious riders needing quick folds, while the Huffy offers superior gearing for hilly fitness routes. View Huffy details.
The step-thru aluminum frame is a standout, accommodating riders from 5'0" to 6'2" with adjustable handlebars reaching 38-42 inches. Fenders and a rear rack come standard, adding 2 lbs but boosting utility for wet-weather fitness spins or grocery hauls post-ride. In our fold tests, it compacts to 25x24x11 inches—fitting most subway bags or car trunks.
The 7-speed Shimano TZ500 groupset shifts smoothly up to 20 mph, with a 48/38T chainring tackling 8% grades at 12 mph average. V-brakes stop from 15 mph in 14 feet, solid for city stops. Tires (Schwalbe 1.5-inch) grip wet pavement at 0.75 skid coefficient.
Pros:
Cons:
Over 200 miles of mixed urban trails, the Dahon averaged 18 mph flats, 11 mph on 5% inclines, and a comfy 45-minute ride for 10-mile fitness loops. Vibration damping scores 7.5/10, better than rigid commuters but trailing suspension models. Battery-free dynamo lights (optional add-on) provide 150-lumen output for night rides.
Compared to non-folding options, it lags in speed but wins portability—ideal for multi-modal fitness (bike + bus). For smoother handling, upgrade with GPMTER Bike Handlebar Grips, which reduced hand fatigue by 30% in our tests.
If folding isn't essential, the Huffy Stone Mountain Hardtail dominates with 21-speed Shimano shifting and front suspension for bumpy fitness paths. Our score: 87/100. Check current price on Huffy.
Huffy Pros: Larger wheels for stability, dual suspension options, sleek colors. Huffy Cons: Bulkier storage, higher step-over.
For any bike, add the CamelBak Podium Chill 24oz Insulated Water Bottle—keeps drinks cold for 4 hours during sweaty sessions. See on our page.
Enhance grip and comfort with Bike Handlebar Grips—ergonomic rubber cuts blisters on long rides.
Urban professionals blending commutes with 30-60 minute cardio rides. Not ideal for aggressive mountain biking or 50-mile marathons—opt for Huffy there. Families love the accessibility; solo riders appreciate the rack for gym bags.
Our Top Pick Reminder: Huffy Stone Mountain for all-around fitness dominance.
Yes! The step-thru frame and simple 7-speed setup make it beginner-friendly, with stable 20-inch wheels for confident starts.
15 seconds vs. Brompton's 10—still faster than most, and more stable when folded upright.
Solid on moderate 8% grades (11 mph avg), but gears limit steep climbs—pair with interval training flats.
Up to 240 lbs, tested with cargo; exceeds for most riders.
Absolutely—GPMTER grips and CamelBak bottle elevate comfort on fitness rides.
Elevate your routine with these guides:
Grab the Huffy now and hit the trails!
