I picked up my REI Novara Buzz Fly-By, made by Dahon. I rode it once, then it started snowing again.

It is similar to the Dahon XL Sport, but a little lower spec, at a much lower price, thus a great value.
I paid $479, which is 20% lower than the regular price of $599, for REI members during March.

( Please do not turn this thread into a discussion of REI or it's dividends, go to the other thread for that )

Some readily noticeable differences from the Dahon XL Sport include:

The Nexus 8 gearhub is the regular version, not the premium.
No front welded on mounts for the KwikFlix luggage system.

Member 4cmd3 noted some differences on the other thread. (list edited)

Seatpost:
FlyBy = pump post, XL Sport = Kore

Grips:
FlyBy = Biologic, XL Sport = Ergon

Latch mechanism:
FlyBy = 2007 style, XL Sport = 2008 style

Tires:
FlyBy = Schwalbe Marathon Racer, XL Sport = Schwalbe Kojak

Pedals:
FlyBy: folding plastic , XL Sport = MKS EZY quick release pedals

Chain:
FlyBy: KMC Z410, XL Sport = KMC Z610RB (RB = rustbuster)

Front Hub:
FlyBy = "Formula" aluminum, XL Sport = Kinetix Neutron Pro

WEIGHT:
FlyBy = 27.3 lbs, XL Sport = 26.4 lbs


So far, I like the tires, and the seatpost pump works great.

I removed the very lightweight AL kickstand, because it made the folding harder.
I removed the light plastic fenders, just for my appearance preferences. I might cut them shorter and re-install.

I want to lower the gear inches after my test ride on some nearby steep hills.

Questions I have, please advise.

The rear gear (freewheel?) is 16 tooth. Can this be fitted with an 18, 20, or greater?
Are there better ways to lower the gearing?

Changing to the Dahon Radius ProLite handlepost, with a Syntace VRO handlebar.
I believe this handlepost will fold to the outside, rather than inside of the frame. This would make folding quicker, and allow me to leave lights mounted when folding.
Is this doable, any problems?

Any good suspension upgrade ideas, such as front hubs, seatposts, Ergon grips ?