I was wondering if people here could share their experiences with certain bikes I'm looking at getting. I am basically looking to get a folding bicycle for convenience on vacations. I want to be able to go relatively long distances if need be (lets say, 20 miles max) in a reasonable amount of time and comfort. I don't care for off-roading, this is just for getting around.

I decided I want a 26" wheel, since I imagine the performance is better, plus I'm a tall guy. Though I want to get from A to B in reasonable comfort and speed, I'm not looking for really high efficiency, so I'm hoping I can get away with paying no more than $600.

I like the look of the Dahon Jack. However, there are a couple other 26" Dahon bikes in this price range, and maybe someone here would recommend one of those instead. There are a couple concerns I have, and this is mainly why I'm asking here:

* Durability: I was told at my bike shop that the $1000 range Bike Fridays have "better parts". Does this mean I'll be more likely to break down in the middle of nowhere with the Jack, or is it just worse performance?

* Performance: How much performance would I be losing by being cheap? Of particular concern, I read one review of the Jack that says that going uphill is difficult. I feel that I've attained a decent amount of stamina commuting daily in Chicago (read: no hills). Would I be able to survive a trip to San Francisco or Seattle with this thing?

* Also, while I'm at it, what about winter riding?

* Any other reason I'll be sorry for being cheap?

For reference I'm currently using (and therefore used to) a Marin Larkspur (hybrid) to commute in Chicago.

Thanks a lot!