Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 575
Likes: 2
From: Cheshire, North West England, UK
Bikes: Brompton S2L-X, Bridgestone Moulton, 1963 & 1966 Moultons, Scott Mountain bike
Here in the UK riding on the pavement (sidewalk) is illegal and you can be fined so most of us stick to the road or cycle paths.
I currently ride a Dahon MU SL (even lighter than the Speed Pro) and have no problem keeping ahead of city traffic and I’ve not had anyone hit me on the open road (yet).
You mentioned a couple of Dahons, The Speed Pro and the Speed TR. Personally I would say that the heavier TR would be quicker on rough badly surfaced sidewalks than the Speed Pro simply because of the larger and more comfortable tyres. The speed Pro would be quicker on smooth roads.
If you want to ride fast (on the road) get a Speed Pro or a MU SL or go for a Bike Friday ... or what about a Birdy “Speed”, that should handle the rougher surfaces OK.