The more I learn, the more I'm leaning towards the Swift. BFs do sound nice (and I have ridden one, and thought the performance was fantastic), but I still really like the Swift design. I've also heard that BFs can be a bit flexy in the stem/riser/bar area; I'm definitely a stand-up-and-mash on the hills kind of guy, so that's a downside and I've heard that the Swifts are stiffer in front. It's entirely possible that the Llama is beefier enough to negate this issue, of course. Also, I talked to a BF NWT owner on the train the other day, and he said the chain drops every time he folds it. Not a big deal, but an annoyance. Neither of these might be enough to deter me from BF, but then there's the likelihood that I wouldn't be able to roll a disc (or drum) equipped Friday out of the factory for under $1800 or so.

And as I've mentioned on the disc brake - or not - thread, I am (gasp) considering drum brakes. Maybe even in the front, the more I'm learning about modern drums. Not only does that sidestep any bent-rotor and wet-weather concerns, but it enables me to get by with the cheaper and lighter Xootr frame. And dovetails nicely with the idea of a 5-speed Sturmey-Archer hub, which appeals to me greatly.

This could well turn out to be ultimate folding commuter bike (not coincidentally, practically the same thing as bendembroski is running). And for about a grand when it's all said and done.