Okay, I decided I couldn't live with the stock gearing on the Nova (33-66 gear inches) and all the upgrade routes were very expensive (due to the rear freewheel, etc.) so I bit the bullet and bought a Dahon Speed P8. I'll bid my Nova adieu and move it along to a new home--it's a pity, because besides the lovely orange color, it folds very compactly and is the lightest folder I've owned to date. Hey, at least there's a new bike to look forward to! :-)