You might have a split hose. Air entering the hose will badly affect suction. This is very common and usually occurs at either end of hose. If you find split DON'T buy new hose. These cost £15 - £20 which is what a whole DC01 is worth secondhand. You can easily fix split hose with duck tape (sometimes called gaffer tape). Available at most DIY stores. I made this repair on my DC01 three years ago and it is still holding fine.
Method: No need usually to dismantle hose from machine. Get someone to outstretch hose for you whilst you wrap tape over split. Make sure you apply tape couple of inches either side of split. Squeeze tape onto hose well by gripping with your hands. One layer or maximum two should be ok. This is thick tape and if you overdo it you may not be able to concertina hose when packing it all away. Take care when re-inserting metal tube back into hose when packing machine away as the torn hose underneath the tape may catch on the tube.
Testing: Switch machine on and hold nozzle against palm of your hand. You should feel good suction. If not your repair is faulty and air is getting in through tape. Re-do repair and test again.
Doh!
July 2007