I wouldn't agree with that statement [underlined above]. I own both a Tikit and a D7 so I've had lots of opportunity to compare them. I have several friends with D7s and one other friend with a Tikit. What makes them different are inherent differences in how they were designed and built. There really isn't a whole lot in common between these bikes other than the fact they fold, have 8spds and have wheels smaller than 26". And it's not a question of my personal evaluation. Every person I know that has had experience with a D7 and a Tikit would take the Tikit if you offered them on or the other. The only reason they'd take a D7 is if it was substantially cheaper.

Where personal preferences come into it is issues like fit, type of commute/riding you do, etc.. Which is why I suggested to the OP that if the D7 was a lot cheaper and he could handle the differences in fold/rolling he would be fine with the D7 since he seems to fit on it fine. You may also not care for any of the features that differentiates them, but that doesn't make them equivalent.

By comparison when I got to test ride a forum member's Birdy I'd say that is a comparable bike to a Tikit in so much as there is a lot of quality and thoughtfulness in the design. I'd say the same about the Bromptons I've ridden - they aren't the same as my Tikit, but the design/quality was definitely in the same class. Whether you liked one or the other would depend on preferences for design features and the type of riding you did.