Hi there,

I really want to buy a Brompton... one day. For me, they'd be the best equipment for the application: compact fold, and good quality. But they are expensive! €850 minimum here in France, and then I would probably get an optioned one and drive the price higher.

Now, there is a compromise decision that I could take. I am taking a vacation in the US soon, and using my strong Euro, I could get a Dahon Speed D7 for the equivalent of €250 ($400). That's a significant savings compared to the Brommie. Is the quality of the D7 good enough? Or am I going to regret buying the thing?

My basic use of the bike would be taking it on the TGV train when I go to Paris (once a month on average) and taking it with me on the plane or the trunk of the car for vacations or other travel. I bike a lot and average about 5000 km per year commuting to work on my current full size bike, and I often tour in the summer. Will the D7 ride well, fold small enough, and last...? or should I save and wait one or two years and get what I really want: a titanium Brompton with a Brooks saddle.

So the situation comes down to: is a bird in the hand worth 2 (or 3) in the bush? The debate is raging in my head, I hope to dump it on the forum a bit. Thanks for the relief.