Lighter weight is definitely a plus, but at this point until I shed a few more pounds myself isn't a real issue. A couple of days ago I put a nasty cut in one of my tires. Didn't puncture, fortunately, but I do a 15 mile round trip commute to work every day and I don't want to lose it en route. Why is it that the local road department sweeps accident debris into the bike lanes? Was shopping around and yes Bianchigirll, the folders are a little more expensive than the rigids, but found a good price for the Vredestein Fiammante Duo Comp folders at Sun And Ski for under $20.00 apiece, the reviews look good so I bought a couple. Cheapest wire beads at my LBS are $15 and they are really not that great. Should be here in a couple more days. I've bought stuff from them before, so I trust what I'm getting from them.