Good points. I wasn't concerned about the issue until I saw the BF Tikit fork failure referenced from the other thread, but that was likely a bad weld and I probably shouldn't get too worried.

I prefer the word "demanding" :D

The more I learn, the more I'm leaning towards the Swift. BFs do sound nice (and I have ridden one, and thought the performance was fantastic), but I still really like the Swift design. I've also heard that BFs can be a bit flexy in the stem/riser/bar area; I'm definitely a stand-up-and-mash on the hills kind of guy, so that's a downside and I've heard that the Swifts are stiffer in front. It's entirely possible that the Llama is beefier enough to negate this issue, of course. Also, I talked to a BF NWT owner on the train the other day, and he said the chain drops every time he folds it. Not a big deal, but an annoyance. Neither of these might be enough to deter me from BF, but then there's the likelihood that I wouldn't be able to roll a disc (or drum) equipped Friday out of the factory for under $1800 or so.

And as I've mentioned on the disc brake - or not - thread, I am (gasp) considering drum brakes. Maybe even in the front, the more I'm learning about modern drums. Not only does that sidestep any bent-rotor and wet-weather concerns, but it enables me to get by with the cheaper and lighter Xootr frame. And dovetails nicely with the idea of a 5-speed Sturmey-Archer hub, which appeals to me greatly.

This could well turn out to be ultimate folding commuter bike (not coincidentally, practically the same thing as bendembroski is running). And for about a grand when it's all said and done.

Well this is probably out of the question then http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/shimano-nexus.html

to the flex issue, I'm actually a bit above the weight limit for a Swift but have not experienced any flex. It's a remarkably solid bike. And my chain has never dropped while folding, though that could just be a defect with your friend's bike.

If you go with drum brakes avoid the Shimano Nexave at all costs. I was just out in a downpour with the stock V-Brakes, no probs.

the internal hub is a nice idea - simplifies the suitcase packing process b/c you don't have to remove the derailleur - but I stuck with the stock setup and then added a front derailleur for an extra 8 gears on the low side.

good luck on your decsn

Here is your disc brake bike from BF http://cgi.ebay.com/Bike-Friday-Pock...item43a58ff967

Yikes that sold fast!

I just got off the phone with Walter so it was Me, I put down some deposit,
an off Ebay bypass.
Dynocoaster sent a PM as an alert. :beer:

Now I got a loose R'off hub, and a 32 hole SON 28 Hub.

I was thinking about getting built up around, in just that kind of rig.

With UnUsed V brake bosses to Mount to, may see if Lane can go take measurements to build a small Porteur rack to fit.

since they are both down there.. and I'm Not.. could take the Bus

Or use The PDX VA hospital since Oregon Does have Medical Shuttles
for us old Fools. change shuttles there?

Hey Vik , Hows that Brompton O Bag bodge for the Tikit working out?

Just curious..

I'm waiting for the rack from CETMA so I can't give you any feedback yet.

Congrats on the PL - looks sweet!

Wow, that's expensive. But then again, the hub is worth half as much as the bike!

That was a great deal. The Rohloff and SON would set you back nearly $2K on their own.

sent Lane a picture to see if a Porteur like rack might be made suitable to go on it,
the V brake bosses would be a good strut anchor + rack to provide a light mount.