We'd buy them for overseas trips, and we have some ideas in mind for those into the future.

The issues are airline transport costs, cost and convenience travelling on trains, security in keeping bikes in our rooms (some of the rooms and even elevators in Europe are remarkably small), and even taking them into pubs and restaurants (yep, we saw this done with folders, too).

Machka and I have done a fair bit of international travel with bikes, and it's getting more and more difficult with airlines to get a clear run. We figure the cost of buying the BF would be offset with only a few trips...

The security aspect figures very highly on our agenda after Machka's favourite bike was stolen less than three feet outside our tent two Easters ago.

As to handling, stiffness and comfort, we can only be guided by what others such as friends and posters on various forums have said. And the vast majority have been totally positive. We shall see.