For most bikes, only a cursory check is needed nowadays as most wheels come pretty well (machine) made. Bromptons, in general, seem to be the only exception whether loaded or even moderately loaded; the newsgroup is full of these kinds of stories. However, I have a feeling it's because they are trying to 3 cross 13 guage spokes. When I had to get my wheel rebuilt after two months, the LBS used 14 guage for 2 cross. Not like I care what Merc does, but if they're getting their wheels built by the same builder, that's a shame.

As far as Dahon goes, my reading from various sources is that their frames are good but their components and integrated technology can be spotty, and it's not model dependent either. For me, I like what I got, except for the faulty front hub. Would I buy Dahon again? Not any time soon; I'm pretty much going to stick with Bike Friday for the forseeable future. Besides, I'm in the process of trying to turn my Bridgestone MB-6 into a road rocket, maybe with 700c wheels.