Though it is a very plausible use case for many people to go multi modal for commuting, that is not what I regularly do. My current bikes (LHT and a trek XO) work extremely well for my case and for multi day trips across the causeway.

I am considering reliable folders so I can reduce hassle during flight (I am looking at your trip to lake toba) – I suppose paying high baggage charges for a week trip is some thing I would like to avoid.

I have heard of the Xooter but it does not really fit into my needs well.

http://www.xootr.com.sg/

I’ve learned from Mr Brown that he has the chance to try it before he left for the US and its impressive. I havent ridden it so will save comments till I’ve done so.

I think if touring is clear need, speed TR seems to be a better value overall compared to the p8.

As always, appreciate your inputs – my initial idea was not to debate the choice of particular bike but to help a friend of mine to go through the thought process for choosing and buying a bike. At some point, it gets specific to models I guess and you inputs are mighty useful…

http://www.thingsasian.com/stories-photos/22956

http://www.dahon.com/us/speedp8.htm

If I have to narrow down to a commuter-tourer, it would a tikit / Speed TR. Neither is perfect but they get the job done very well.

Appreciate your comments as always.

Perhaps it would be prudent for you to test ride the tikit against the Brompton, and the TR before you sign on the dotted line. The TR while not as elegant nor compact offers an incredible gear range (21″ to 114″) for similar price, and I dare say a better ride (20″ Big Apples) – thus IMO, a more ideal tourer. But if its commuting you want, then the tikit is my first choice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zW5ALx_XjyM&feature=related

David Lam’s excellent & fair comparison on the tikit vs Brompton. Bet you’ve seen this already! But just in case Happy shopping!

I have read the story of you changing the front chain rings and is a nice trick to make the tikit more friendly on the climbs. Am expecting the travel tikit to be able to address the gearing off the shelf. When I test rode, the mechanism of hub gearing + rear sprockets seemed like it worked well. Very much like the dahon speed TR in terms of the ride…

I did spend a few hours trying out different models but unfortunately due to the high demand, they did not have any in stock in my size, bummer. Otherwise, it is highly likely I would have walked out with a small parcel too

I think I will paying a visit to the local dealer soon to check out and once my wallet allows, should be plonking down my $’s too…

I too visited the BF factory last year in Eugene and share yr impression abt their friendly and professional service. Who served you? I took the tikit for a 2 hr test ride around the small city and UO campus (I’m a Duck) and went home with a bike in a bag

A cheap way I did to make the std tikit into a “touring” one is to fit a dual chain ring, a $30 job. But fitting on a FD is difficult. I just change manually as the smaller chain ring is strictly for steep climbs.

http://lovethefold.blogspot.com/2008/06/climbing-tikit-for-30.html

All the best on your search for the “perfect” foldie. Thank you kindly for your generous words on my blog.

I ride non folding bikes regularly and as it is with most good machines, little greasing, occational cleaning etc., generally tends to keep things running in ship shape. I expect folding bikes to be similar asking for a bit more attention on the joints.

During my trip, I visited Bike Friday in Eugene and have a good appreciation for their friendliness and the way they work. I would call them organic and have a strong preference for their products. The Travel tikit seems like a great option for touring with its wide gearing range. But it does come with a high price tag.

Like you mention, there are no perfect bikes but good compromises exist.

I regularly read your blog and think it is a great site for people who wish to know the versatility of folding bikes.are

The Brompton’s strength lies in its compact folded size and comfortable ride. Weaknesses include poor brakes, limited gear range and fixed riding position due to its handlebar design. It also uses far too many propriety parts unlike the BF Tikit. Dahon is also guilty here but less so.

Vivian is right in that factory back up is impt. Problem is sometimes, the local dealer can be quite incompetent and unable/unwilling to rectify the problem. Worse still, they have no commitment to customer satisfaction and are downright rude.

So at the end of the day, choose not only the bike that suits you, but also the people backing up the bike carefully.

I own the Brompton, the tikit and several Dahons and there is no perfect bike.