Ok, this is my personal experience of a 2009 Brompton S-Type, 2 speed titanium (lightweight) raw lacquer.

To set the scene, I bought a Dahon MU SL in 2008 after trying a range of different folders (including Bromptons). Within months that first Dahon was exhibiting serious play in the frame hinge to the point you could see and feel the bike flex in the middle when riding it or lifting the bike. The bike also creaked from the seat post and the clamps needed checking regularly. The bike was sent back and replaced under warrantee. This time I knew what to look for.... and yes, sure enough the same frame wear problem became evident, along with the stupid creaks and groans. One other aspect of these bikes is that the paint is very prone to scratching and chipping. That second 2008 model MU SL was sent back under warrantee and and this time I was sent a 2009 model with supposedly improved main hinge.... as I unpacked the bike I was shocked to see that there was a big chunk of metal missing from the hinge plate... weather this was important in regards to strength or just a cosmetic defect was not the issue, that bike should not have got through quality control... these where top end, expensive models remember. That bike was sent back and I was given a refund... good riddance Dahon, NEVER again!!!

So this leads me to my custom ordered Brompton which I will have had 3 years next month. The bike has been used daily all year round for my commute to work (via train) and I use it at weekends for rides into the city. My Brompton has performed flawlessly, no squeaks, creaks or rattles. It still rides like a new bike. The only parts I have replaced are one set of brake block (inserts) and a change of tires. I switched to Kojaks, these have lasted well but I have a new set to put on once the Spring arrives. Cosmetically the only signs of wear is one of the standard foam handlebar grips is a bit tatty (the one that is nearest the ground when the bike is folded) and the "Brompton" frame sticker has a couple of scuffs.... but I have ordered spare grips and frame decals and will fit them along with the new Kojaks once Spring is finally here. The raw lacquer frame and titanium parts still look as good as new, the raw lacquer finish seems very resistant to marking. I fitted a Brooks Swift Titanium saddle and a set of Brompfication custom Brass frame clamps.

People say that Bromptons are the one of the few folding bikes that owners fold consistently.... mine is stored folded at home, at work and for every train journey (the hinge plate clamps / bolts are of course "self adjusting" )..... whereas I hardly see Dahon owners fold their bikes for train travel.... there is a University academic I know with a Dahon MU SL and I have never seen him fold it, oh and yes, he had to get the bike sorted out under warrantee for the same frame failure

As regards the components on the Brompton, they have proved to be reliable and very durable.... and they are of course readily available (try getting spares for a Dahon ) Some parts might look "cheap" (I thought the brake levers looked nasty the first time I saw a Brompton) but everything just works! I read in another post about "all roads lead to Brompton" and I can understand that! I wasted money and time on Dahons ... but at least I learnt a lesson... I learnt to appreciate just how wonderful my Brompton really is!