Hi, all. I posted this inquiry in the Yahoo Brompton group, but wanted to get feedback from this group as well. All responses are greatly appreciated!

I work in New York City, and I want to start biking to/from work instead of
taking the subway. For a variety of reasons, I've decided to go with a folding
bike. I started looking at Dahon models and quickly realized that the
"affordable" ones compromised on things that I needed. Most Dahons under $600
don't stay folded easily, they don't roll when folded, the gears are on the
outside when folded which makes it tough to carry, among other things. So I
started looking at more expensive Dahons. I quickly realized that if I was going
to spend $800 on a Dahon, I should spend a little bit more and look into a
Brompton.

As a kid, I was practically glued to my bike. I haven't ridden a bike regularly
in more than ten years, so I'm nervous about spending such a large amount of
money on a bike for a commute that may be really hard until I get the hang of
it. On the other hand, I can't justify spending $400 on a cheap bike only to
upgrade to a fancier one in a few months. I guess my personality is jut all or
nothing.

I've gone to a few bike shops in NYC to check out the Brompton in person. Wow!
What a beautiful machine. I know that there is a slight weight difference
between the 2 and 3 speed Brompton. I'm a short (5'1") woman (130 pounds) so the
weight of the bike is important to me. During my commute, I'll have to carry the
bike up 100 stairs. That one pound is important.

Sorry for the rambling message. On to my point: to those of you familiar with
riding in NYC, is a 2 speed bike enough? I've read reviews from some people who
say they love their 2 speeds. And I've read reviews from others who say that you
need at least 3 speeds in NYC. I've never ridden a Brompton very far, so I'm not
in a position to make this judgment. What do you think? Is the 2 speed
sufficient? Or should I forget about that extra pound and go for the 3 speed?

Many, many thanks in advance!