I usually have my Brompton set up as a single or two speed although I can also go with a 3 speed internal hub giving additional gears. For me the 2 speed set up is usually fine for most riding and it is fairly bullet proof. I am with hatrack71 on the brake thing and it seems both Dahon 1 speeds also have a coaster brake, which frequently seems to be upgraded to at least a front brake. I personally prefer steel hinges and you can get a steel Dahon for even less albeit a little heavier. 5 km rides on level ground should not make a few extra pounds significant. However, you may really enjoy riding your folder and want to use the bike more and more for other riding, in which case the versatility of some gears and stouter braking may be very nice. Fenders are also a good idea and you may want a bike that has them already. If you are not fond of bike tinkering you might do well to buy a bike that has everything you need already, although I must say that modding and tinkering with mine is a lot of fun for me.In my case the more I ride my Brompton the better I like it except in snowy/icy conditions in which a 700 C bike with studded snow tires is much safer. That Brompton is now my favorite.