I'm doing the return process now. They want to do it that way, rather than exchange. After this rather inconvenient test ride, I have a chance to mull over whether I really want a Brompton.

While I'm going through that, I'll decide if I want to buy through Brompton online and risk shipping damage again, wait for REI to get the 12 speed C Lines, or check with the nearest Brompton dealer and see if I can pay Kenosha County, WI sales tax (5.5%) rather than Chicago's 10.25%. If so, I think I'll take a morning off of work, make the 50 miles voyage down there and get it in person. I have a feeling they'll say no, but it's worth a shot.