I have used a Dahon Piccolo for over 5 thousand miles and a Brompton for several hundred miles. Therefore, I speak from experience having tested Dahon and Brompton bikes.

I find the suspension in the Brompton bike fine and necessary. A 16' inch folder on bad roads becomes quite uncomfortable after a short while. I needed a suspension seat post or a Brooks Champion Flyer with springs on my folding bikes. I have to say you get used to the suspension but those who never owned a Brompton will tell you different.

I happen to believe there is alot of resentment on this forum against the Brompton because it's very expensive and used Brommies usually sell for almost retail value! I used to be one of those "Haters" but decided after years of riding Dahons to buy one. I can finally say that I've seen the light on why this bike is still in production 20 years later.

You have to experience it over a period of months to fully appreciate the Brompton. My Piccolo and Presto feel cheaper compared to the Brompton. Only the Birdy costing close to 2K was better than the Brompton. In fact, if it weren't for the lack of support in the U.S., the Birdy is better value. I like Tikit alot and think this bike rides better but has a large fold. The Strida feels just as good as the Brompton but comes in one only gear. Dahon's Curve SL is very nice but they dropped the 8 speed hub and have gone to a derailluer.

All of these bike with the exception of the Strida cost close to or are over 1K. Yet, all this anger seems to be focused on the Brompton because it's the most desired of the lot. I will say this. Once you own a Brompton, all those comments on poor components become irrelevant.

Over the years we have seen good offerings from Dahon such as the Presto Lite and Curve SL but these models come and go. The Brompton lives on!