Utility Cycling - Help Me Decide!

Hi folks,

I bought a bike back in June a Specialized Crossroads Sport. Its a hybrid for fat old people, which I am far from (15 yrs old at 140 pounds). So I have been making it more suitable for me and now that I have a job I have lots to spend on it. So far I have put a flimsy rear rack that I need to replace with a stronger one. With all my books and my computer it bends and rubs the tire. So when I pack heavily I need to tie a rope to the saddle to support that weight. I bought fenders, swapped out the big cushy saddle with a much thinner one. I put a cyclocomputer on it and bought panniers.

Anyway right now I'm deciding on a good Christmas Present. I'm stuck between two things. A Dahon Folding Bike or an Xtracycle Freeradical For the hybrid.

I'm leaning towards the Folding bike right now for a few reasons.
Its a little cheaper
I'm not so sure about an Extra 9 pounds on my main bike
I'm not so sure about how it would handle in Winter
I really don't need it. I could get by with a stronger rear rack, a front rack, some big panniers for the back of my bike, and I would mount my small ones on the front. Plus for heavier stuff I own a Burley Flatbed Trailer that carries 100 pounds.

Is that 9 pounds really noticeable, I commute 60 Miles a week

I think you've already answered your own question."I really don't need it. I could get by with a stronger rear rack, a front rack, some big panniers for the back of my bike, and I would mount my small ones on the front. Plus for heavier stuff I own a Burley Flatbed Trailer that carries 100 pounds."Sounds like you got it covered.
The folder won't be any better for hauling your stuff.
I'm curious why you swapped out the comfy seat.I guess it's my older butt talking.You need a comfy seat on your bike if you're gonna spend alot of time on it.

I too think you have allready answered your own question. I have a Dahon Folder, but Im not sure I would want to do 60 miles a week on it . It might just me be though.