smallwheeler - I liked the frame (materials and perceived geometry) better than anything else I saw within several hundred dollars price range. I also wanted to support a growing business if possible. The Downtube FS was a close contender. Having owned lots of other kinds of bikes before (but not a folder) I knew that I would want to customize/upgrade as I 'grew into' the bike. I wanted to start cheap enough to be able to afford that upgrade without spending a fortune, so a good frame was my major consideration, knowing that later on I could take the rest where I want to go at my own pace and price.