Oh no, you're the real smart guy. If you answer my questions, I'll answer yours.

First, neither of the above, assuming you're telling the truth (or that I would even care), qualifies you as an expert in folding bikes since your DIRECT EXPERIENCE with folding bikes is so paltry. Be humble. You're never too old to learn.

Second, since this thread is about the Dahon Jack, why do you think your minimal experience with a Dahon Ciao in some way relevantly correlates either to the Jack or the Dahon line in general? Are they the same bike? Is your Ciao experience representative of the majority experience? Have you even tried a Jack? Do you have enough long-term experience with either bike to be able to state so boldly their strengths and weaknesses? Are you relating your wife's experience with riding the Ciao or is it your personal experience? What exactly are the specific problems you're referring to?

Third, you haven't even ridden a tikit yet, yet you're able to praise a company whose product you're only familiar with through reading alone. While I commend you on your dedication to research and scholarship, I really would like to know how you are able post any merits of the bike when you don't even know its strengths and weaknesses firsthand. For example, can you tell me if the folding is secure? Does the paint rub off the handlepost because of quick-folding? How does the bike handle with only one pannier in the front? Have you dealt with any corrosion problems? What do you think are the strengths and weaknesses of ETRTO 349 vs. 406 wheels? What kind of tires are you using? Do you recommend them? Are you really an engineer?

Fourth, I neither care what you drive not what you THEORETICALLY will spend on bikes. Most people in this forum have probably spent more on bikes in less time, so again you fail to impress me.

Fifth, my "ridiculous attitude" is only a product of preposterous bull**** from posts like yours which have no basis in fact but are mired in misinformation and bias, not to mention being non-topical. You've admitted in another post that you were wrong in your understanding and assessment of Bike Friday's weight limits on their bikes so how do you know you're right in your assessment of Dahon? Furthermore, this points out your weakness of knowing Bike Friday in general. This also demonstrates your naiveté when you can't even acknowledge that EVERY company has good points and bad points. Problem with you is that you're not able to accurately assess what they are, either good or bad. Why is that? It's because you just don't know, so stop posting like you do know until you really do! We're not your customers! Don't treat us like you have to sell us something otherwise you'll lose our business. Most people are in this sub-forum because they want accurate information; isn't that why you came? How would you like it if you were deluged with information that wasn't based in any tangible experience or data?

Bottom line: get your bike first and ride it a while before posting pros and cons of anything. It makes for better and more credible reading.

Secondly, but just as importantly, never throw your credentials around unless they're relevant to the discussion and/or outstanding and impressive on their own merits. Around my area, you're run of the mill.