I was also looking into a Broadwalk S1 but that's a one speed. Also the handlebar is integrated into the handlepost. See link below:

http://www.thorusa.com/dahon/current/boardwalk1.htm

This means that if you wanted to switch out the handlebar you couldn't since it's part of the handlepost. (Folks if I'm wrong on that point please feel free to correct me).

Those two things besides wanting a shorter distance from the seatpost to the handlebars made me decide against the Broadwalk S1 - for me.

If you live in a hilly portion of town, I think you would want something that is at least three speeds or more. I live in Florida, which is mainly flat but even I switch to a lower gear to get pass an unusually steep incline.

Pardon me for saying this but you seem to be going from the lowest end to a relatively higher end of Dahon, from a 20" to a 24" and you look like you're willing to buy a cheaper Dahon folder now rather than wait and save to buy a better model.

Personally, I'd stay with your original game plan. Do your research and bye your time. Get the folder with the features you really want, which seems to be the low-step frame, that is featured in the Ciao and Glide. The multi speeds wouldn't hurt either.

I know some folks will say that the low-step frame may not be that much of an issue in a folder that has 20" wheels. I hope they're right but it does make sense in a way.

Regardless, I'll find out when I get my Speed D7 come Tuesday.

(Yes folks - I got a Speed D7 instead of an ECO/D7, as originally planned. Thor gave me an offer I couldn't refuse.)