Hi, I am glad to share with you my experience of DAHON Speed.
I have a couple of different models of the Speed, from the basic model, to Speed Tr and Speed Pro.
And I always update them with higher performance and lighter parts.
I am not a small guy, 183cm, 85kg. The Speed fits me, so will be OK for your size as well.
Even the basic Speed has already a reatively balanced configuration. No hi-end component but the combination works well.
However, the Speed has a big potential for upgrades. The CrMo steel frame of the Speed is the most valuable component. Strong and comfortable. With this frame, you are able to set up a really high performance folding bike in a very reasonable budget.
The frame is not extremly light, as it is steel, but I was able to control the total weight of my Speed to be 8.2kg. This is no doubt an acceptable weight for any folding bike.
As your first folding bike, the Dahon Speed is a smart choice and it will not make you regret.
Thank you for sharing! I've already ridden it for a little bit and you are right, it is very sturdy. I'm already thinking about upgrades, haha