Bromptons are the near the top of the food chain for folding bikes, they are also among the more/most expensive, when fully optioned out. Apparently they last quite well, there are some people that have some early models that are still in daily use. They are built of steel or titanium ($800 upgrade). My two main reasons for wanting a Brompton are: they fit tall people and have an extremely compact fold, think small suitcase size. My second choice would be a Bike Friday Tikit.. I may still end up with a Tikit. I had a Bike Friday NWT in the past and it was a great little bike, just not a quick fold.

I will have to look for the links, but people tour all over the world on Bromptons. The Path Less Pedaled is one couple that I am aware of.

There are plenty of other folding bikes out there that are "almost" as good as a Brompton that would serve most people. The version I want is going to set me back close to $2k, but I consider it a reasonable price for a semi-custom bike. Dahon, and Downtube are two more common brands in the US that provide decent value for the dollar. Here is a listing of all folding bike manufacturers.

Aaron