I know I said that I would not make any further comments but...

The first Dahon I test road was a Dahon Jack and the Bike Shop guy warned me (as someone getting back into cycling) that the “I” beam seat would be uncomfortable but I actually found it to be Ok. I did 30 miles on one of the MU SL’s and the I-beam saddle was perfectly comfortable. It is possible to use an adapter which allows any standard saddle to be fitted (12th item down on this page) http://www.thorusa.com/dahon/accessories/seatpost.htm

Yes, you will probably think the ride is harsh when you first ride a MU SL but you will soon adjust and very likely prefer the fast ride and light weight over any comfort. You would have to ride a SL back to back with another Dahon model to see how the comfort levels compare and if the difference is worth sacrificing for the lighter weight and speed of an SL.

I did not suffer any problem with numbness of the hands and I found the grips to be fine. I did notice that they have changed the grips on the SL to Ergon Leichtbau for 2009.

The Schwalbe Kojak tyres are fantastic, fast and I did not have a single puncture. I even rode on sheet ice during the winter without any problem. The wheels are a work of art.

What you could do is go for the cheaper 2008 bike and if you are unlucky and a problem develops after several months you can send the bike back under warrantee and the dealer will very likely have to replace it with a 2009 spec bike (better hinge clamp and new grips etc.). Minimal risk and you would be saving $400

My 2nd MU SL was replaced with a 2009 bike so that is how I know about the changes. By the time the 2009 bike arrived (long wait) I’d already bought my Brompton. I could have kept the 2009 bike as a spare (which was my plan) but when I unpacked the bike I found it had a nasty chip on the frame (really disappointing) so that bike was sent back and I finally was given a cash refund.

So all in all, great service from Dahon even if the dealer / importer was a bit slow at times.