Mariner D8 II: The Best All-Around DAHON Folding Bike, Reinforced for the Coast
The DAHON Mariner D8 II is the second-generation update to Dahon's evergreen classic — an 8-speed, 20" aluminum folding bike with a rear rack, fenders, and enhanced anti-rust treatment built for yacht stowage, island hopping, and everyday commuting alike.
🚴 Why Riders Love It
- ⚙️ Shimano 8-speed drivetrain — the widest gearing range of Dahon's core commuter line
- 🧂 Salt-spray-resistant coating — built for coastal storage and marine environments
- 🧺 Rear rack, fenders, and folding pedals included — ready to commute out of the box
- 🛞 20" wheels for stable, comfortable handling on longer rides
- 🎯 231 lb payload capacity with a 4'7"–6'2" rider height range
⚙️ Key Features
⚙️ Shimano 8-Speed Drivetrain
A 52T chainring paired with an 11–32T cassette (Shimano Altus M310-L derailleur, Rapidfire Plus shifters) gives the Mariner D8 II enough range for city hills and longer rides.
🧂 Anti-Rust Coastal Design
DAHON's second-generation Mariner adds DELTECH bracing and an anti-corrosion coating aimed at humid, coastal, and marine storage conditions.
🧺 Rack & Fenders Standard
A MIK-compatible rear rack and full fenders are included, so it's ready for commuting and errands without extra accessory purchases.
🛞 Stable 20" Wheels
CST 20 x 1.5" tires on lightweight aluminum rims provide a noticeably more stable ride than Dahon's smaller-wheel compact models.
📋 Full Technical Specifications
| Model | KMA081 |
|---|---|
| Frame Material | 20" Aluminum |
| Wheel / Tire Size | 20" wheels, CST 20 x 1.5" tires |
| Drivetrain | Shimano 8-speed, 52T chainring, 11-32T cassette |
| Rear Derailleur / Shifters | Shimano Altus M310-L / Rapidfire Plus |
| Brakes | Tektro 855AL V-brakes |
| Fenders / Rack | MIK-compatible rear rack and fenders included, standard |
| Pedals | VP-F55 folding pedals |
| Product Weight | 27.9 lbs |
| Payload Capacity | 231 lbs (105 kg) |
| Rider Height Range | 4'7" – 6'2" |
| Folded Dimensions | 32.7 x 13.8 x 26.4 in |
| Colors | Navy Blue, Quick Silver, Obsidian, Mars Red, and more |
🚲 Ride & Handling
The Shimano 8-speed drivetrain gives the Mariner D8 II the widest gearing range of Dahon's core commuter lineup, handling flat streets and moderate hills with ease. Its 20-inch wheels and anti-rust coastal treatment make it the pick for riders who want one dependable folding bike for daily commuting, weekend rides, and boat or coastal storage — the trade-off being a larger folded footprint than Dahon's compact models.
🆚 How It Compares
| Spec | This DAHON Model | Typical 20" Folding Bike | Brompton-Style Premium Folder |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gearing | 8-speed Shimano | 6–8 speed | 2–6 speed |
| Included Equipment | Rack + fenders standard | Often optional | Often optional |
| Weight | 27.9 lbs | 26–30 lbs | 24–29 lbs |
| Best For | All-round commuting + coastal storage | General commuting | Frequent train/transit riders |
Competitor figures are publicly listed manufacturer specs at time of writing and may vary by model year.
🛡️ Why Shop With Us
📦 What's In The Box
- 1x DAHON Mariner D8 II Folding Bike (pre-assembled ~90%)
- 1x Folding/quick-release pedals (final install required)
- Owner's manual & warranty card
- Rear rack and fenders (pre-installed)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the D8 II different from the original Mariner D8?
The D8 II adds DELTECH bracing and an anti-corrosion coating over the original D8, aimed at coastal and marine storage.
Does it include a rack and fenders?
Yes, both are included standard, along with folding pedals.
How many gears does it have?
8-speed Shimano gearing — the widest range in Dahon's core commuter lineup.
What's the payload capacity?
231 lbs (105 kg).
What height range does it fit?
4'7" to 6'2".
How small does it fold?
32.7 x 13.8 x 26.4 in — one of the larger folds in the Dahon range, in exchange for ride stability.
Specifications reflect manufacturer-published data at time of publishing and are subject to change. Always verify fit, range, and load ratings for your specific use case.