Originally Posted by
Mr. Smith
That may be, but even so why bother with a folder for touring? Try a Ritchey. It is a superb ride, its designed to go in a suitcase, and as a true full-size it will outperform any folder. You can even go carbon fiber and titanium. For this man's purpose I don't see why you'd entertain a folding bike when there is no advantage to having the ability to fold here. Again, try a Ritchey.
I already wrote the obvious reasons for getting a folder for travel/touring below.
For touring there is a strong argument that the Bike Friday is superior to any full-sized bike. That is, I think you have it backwards.
What do you mean by outperform? If you are going to do high-end FAST club rides with a really high-end bike, I can see going for the full-sized bike for a few reasons. For instance, if you want the experience of a $5000-7000 bike, then at the moment, I don't think that one can match that combination of weight, componentry, gearing, and so on. But you don't have to go very far below that before distinguishing between the two is really about personal preference instead of measurable differences. And there is little difference between the $5K and $3K bike. Mind you, I am just considering what people do with Bike Fridays and Airnimals. Comparing it to a Moulton is a little more difficult.
That written, I would always try out the options. Although with an S&S Coupler or Ritchey bike, you are really just testing out the unpack/pack sequence.