Folding Bikes - Decision time....A choice of three

My current path to work is a bus ride and a train. I am looking for a folding bike for my new commute cos I am sick of taking the very unreliable bus service!
I have 2 options for my commute:
1. A 4 mile ride to the nearest metro station and then metro to work. I have secured bike parking at the station so don’t need to take with me.
2. A 18-20 mile commute all the way into the office (secure parking at the office)
Will probabably end up being a mix of both depending on how I feel. So my bike needs to be comfortable for longer commutes.

This is going to be an all year round activity so whatever I get needs to be able to survive the DC winters (which are not that bad).

Budget is about 700 for the bike and the bikes I am interested in are:
1. Xootr Swift (I like the ability to customize it should I want to later. Eg drop bars, IGH. It also comes in different sizes which is a big plus)

2. Dahon Cadenza 8 (2008 model is very good value. Has internal gears which I like and seems to have all I need for commuting. Multiple sizes as well)

3. Dahon Mu XL Sport (2008 model- was a little cramped but that might have been the set up. I am 6 2” and like a more stretched out position- but I am pretty confident I could get it to fit pretty well

I have gone for a very short test ride and there was no clear winner. I am sure that whatever bike I get I would get use to and could make it work.

So now I am stuck- other than rolling a dice has anyone got any thoughts on which to choose...

I think the Swift folder is the best all-rounder you listed. And it doesn't seem as if the fold is that important to you.

For an 18-20 mile commute, I would look at drop bar road bikes. Doesn't look like you have multimodal needs since it seems you have parking lined up at both ends. It is doable on a folder, but I think you'd be cramped with your height.

The Dahon Cadenza 8, with 26" wheels, disk brakes and Alfine internal hub, is the standout in this group.

Be warned that the Xootr does NOT come in different sizes - they fit longer stems and seatposts for taller riders but that only goes so far. The situation does improve with drops since they curve forwards. I am 5'10 and have a 130mm stem on mine for a medium stretched position (45deg arms and torso).

Having said that, only Bike Friday really comes in different sizes; all folders are basically sized medium.

I would also recommend the Swift as it is by far the best quality ride and the most versatile. Eminently suitable to set it up exactly as you want, and for loooooong distance rides.

Having said that, only Bike Friday really comes in different sizes; all folders are basically sized medium.
The 2008 Dahon Cadenza comes in 16", 18" and 20". See http://www.shopatron.com/products/productdetail/part_number=OA683/412.0.1.1.15787.0.0.0.0?

Suggest BF Pocket Companion or Pocket Sport - both are stock models and each comes in three sizes.

If you are 6'2" and like a stretched out riding position, you'll need a large size model. A regular sized bike is NOT going to be what you want in the long run. (I am 6'3" and have both a Dahon and a custom BF (slightly larger than a large size BF). I use bar ends on the Dahon to give me the proper riding position; the one I got out of the box with my NWT.

Of the three you mentioned, I'd lean toward the Swift due to more standard parts.

Lou