Originally Posted by JeffOYB
Is it likely that hinges/joints in folders will develop some play after, say, 20 years of hard use by a heavy rider?
Big, hard-riding riders tend to break moving parts and even some static or semi-static parts---like bars, stems or crank-arms. Are they just as exhaustive on folders?
The locking mechanisms that hold hinges closed, on Dahons for example, can develop play over time. They can be readjusted when this happens.
Miscellaneous parts can indeed break. It's hard to assess the general risk of this happening compared to non-folders, especially since we're talking about many different brands. Regular inspection to anticipate breakage before it happens is a good idea. Good brands can usually put up with quite a bit of hard usage. Bike Fridays seem to hold up well, among others.