Hmm - I ride a Dahon MU SL through London and don't have too much of an issue with vibration or commuting! Have you tried those gel pad gloves? I don't know if they're any good, but a mate uses them and says they are good. I try to avoid the underground at rush hour too, but on the occassions that I know I'm going to have to do it, I bag the bike and then it is just like trying to get on with a large suitcase. You can normally get on at the ends of the trains (or you need to spot that one carriage that has a bit more room than every other one!)
Things aren't too bad at the moment - thank god for holidays!