One caution about the Speed D7: Every Speed model *except* The D7 has a derailleur hanger. The D7 does *Not* and does not accept any rear derailleur except the Neos and Neos 2.0.

This will potentially cause the D7 to become a headache if you intend to customize the gearing, as you're quite limited in choices. A dual drive might be an option later on for wide gearing, but its an expensive fix.

The Speed P8 can be outfitted with standard components, and there are aftermarket front derailleur hangers that will allow you full gearing range when used in tandem with a larger derailleur, making the P8 more optimal for upgrading. On that note though,

I would agree with Foldable Two. The Bike Friday is a bit of a step up in cost, but a LARGE step up in performance, ease of upgrading without worrying about proprietary parts, and has other benefits such as rock solid support and being a made in the USA product. The 2009 Pocket Companion is a very reasonably priced bicycle for what you get. The frame already comes with a spec good for some longer riding, and is very worth upgrading as you go.

If you were to get a P8 and just upgrade the derailleur, buy the adapter, a front derailleur and a crank, it seems as though it would already cost more than the BF, and the BF has a nicer frame and those parts already.

The reason to go for the Speed over the Bike Friday (other than cost) is as Foldable Two also mentioned, the fold. The Dahon would make a better bike for someone wanting to fold quite often, and is more user friendly in that regard than every Bike Friday except the Tikit (which is top notch in fold). Comparatively, the Fridays are much better choices for the occasional fold, and providing pure performance as a bicycle.

I'm a Dahon Speed D7 owner, have test rode the Bike Friday Pocket Rocket and Tikit, and am now waiting on my new BTO Pocket Llama to arrive in March. Bike Fridays are great bikes.

I do enjoy the Dahon Speed D7 and think of it as a good bike and good value, but for someone looking for an affordable, reliable folder for mixing in with other transportation methods. It isn't my first choice for a "long-ish" ride bike, though.