Reread your post - sorry I forgot you're from DC area so Chicago is a little out of your way. If you can spring for a Strida consider it. Dealers are hard to find but are listed at www.strida.com. The other thing to be careful about is the weight limit. Strida is pretty good about this - 250# is a lot for most folding bikes; 210-230 is the average. Bike Friday can customize for heavier riders though you're starting at $800 min.