7:12 on a spring morning in Milton Keynes. Commuters gather on the platform, already anticipating crowded underground carriages, endless escalators and the familiar stop-start rhythm of London's rush hour. One commuter's journey looks different. Beside them stands a folded DAHON Lunden GR, compact enough to travel effortlessly on the train, yet ready to transform the final miles into an adventure.
An hour later, the train glides into Waterloo Station. While thousands descend into the Underground network, the Lunden GR unfolds in seconds. Moments later, rider and bike emerge into the morning sun. The route follows the Thames. Rowers cut silently through the water. Westminster slowly awakens. A shortcut through St James's Park replaces a Tube transfer. Hyde Park becomes a different experience on a bike. A daily commute turns into a small urban adventure.
Efficiency and freedom
Dr. David Hon explains: “For many commuters living outside London, the formula is becoming increasingly simple: Home → Lunden GR → Train → Lunden GR → Office. It avoids bus delays and often proves faster than navigating multiple Tube connections. But efficiency is only part of the story. The real attraction is freedom. Freedom to leave the train one stop earlier, take the scenic route and experience the city. Along the way, enjoy fresh air and get your daily exercise. Take a gravel track, canal path or quieter back road, the Lunden GR gives riders more choice in how they move through the city.”
Inspired by London, designed for modern mobility
The name ‘Lunden’ originates from Old English and means ‘from London’, the city associated with less cars, more bikes. The new 20-inch tri-fold model represents the company’s latest interpretation of urban mobility. The ‘GR’ designation stands for Gravel and Road, reflecting the growing demand for bicycles capable of transitioning seamlessly between bike lanes, city streets, riverside paths and light gravel routes.
Dr. Hon: “Across Europe, growing cycling networks are accelerating the shift towards multimodal mobility. As a result, demand for bicycles that deliver both compact portability and full-size riding performance is increasing. We developed the Lunden GR precisely for these riders.”
Bringing full-size ride quality to a compact folding bike
For decades, folding bikes have been associated with convenience. DAHON's ambition has been to ensure riders never have to choose between portability and performance. “One of the traditional challenges of folding bike design has been balancing compactness with frame rigidity,” explains Dr. Hon. “We developed our proprietary DAHON-V technology specifically to address this trade-off. Designed to optimise frame and fork stiffness, the system improves power transfer, handling precision and overall ride responsiveness.”
“For riders, the benefit is straightforward,” he continues. “The bike folds into a compact package, yet rides with the stability of a conventional bicycle. Power transfer feels more direct, while longer rides become smoother and more enjoyable.”
Comfort creates confidence
Urban road surfaces are rarely predictable. Riders encounter potholes, tram tracks, cobblestones or rough cycle paths. “The Lunden GR is ready for the unexpected and addresses these challenges through a combination of wider 20 x 2.0-inch tires and DAHON's Dynamic Suspension System,” emphasises Dr. Hon. “The suspension can be adjusted on the move, allowing riders to balance pedalling efficiency with shock absorption. Hydraulic disc brakes further enhance confidence by providing reliable stopping power across varying weather and surface conditions, for safe year-round urban commuting.”
The bike folds into a compact package, yet rides with the stability of a conventional bicycle”
One bike, multiple roles
Urban mobility means different things to different people. For some, it means the daily commute between home and office. Others prioritise combining cycling with public transport, exploring new cities during business trips or escaping urban streets for weekend adventures.
Dr. Hon: “The Lunden GR has been designed for all of these scenarios. Its tri-fold architecture allows it to fold into a compact package that fits easily into trains, elevators, offices and apartments. When folded, it becomes a practical travel companion. Yet when unfolded, it delivers the comfort, stability and confidence riders expect from a much larger bicycle. The adjustable D2D Stem and rider-focused ergonomic design further enhance adaptability, allowing riders to fine-tune their position for best individual set-up.”
Unfolding your day
“Since pioneering the folding bike category in 1982, we played a central role in the evolution of urban mobility,” says Dr. Hon. “While our portfolio has expanded significantly, our mission remains unchanged: creating user-friendly, greener mobility solutions that prioritise performance as much as portability.”
The Lunden GR reflects that philosophy. The Thames at sunrise. A quiet ride through Hyde Park. A coffee stops beside the Serpentine before work. A spontaneous detour on the way home. Moments people often remember most about city life.
Dr. Hon concludes: “The best commute is not necessarily the shortest one. It is the one in which users can unfold their journey.”
This article is sponsored by DAHON.
