Test-rode a Speed Pro recently with a view to taking it away with me on business trips and riding 30-40km before work (I'm missing my Trek road bike when away from home). All good but for the long stem, which seemed very flexible. Is this common or was the example I rode at the shop not tightened correctly? I've never seen this mentioned in roadtests etc, but it was quite noticeable (and disconcerting) on this example. Otherwise a good ride and good value for money given the weight and the gearing etc.
Very much an improvement on a spaghettii Dahon I had years ago which was just scary in its flex.

Dave, I assume it was the 2004 Speed Pro you test rode rather than the improved 2005 version which has significantly improved stiffness. 2005 models of the Speed Pro are not quite yet available for distribution in the US.

This is a feature of most folders - due to the length of the stems, compared to conventional bikes, but in use you soon get used to it.

One of the 1st folders I tried many years ago was a bickerton, which was designed to flex (the only force it would take was turning - to steer)..... OK this was extreme but it didn't stop people using them for surprisingly long distances. (eg across the US).

There should only be a slight flex on occasion... at least that's the way my Bike Friday Crusoe rides

my partner and i share a 2001 Speed 7 for BART trips into the city. Lately it had developed quite a floppy handlebar stem--about 1" of play, rather alarming, especially when starting off. Yesterday before an errand-run, I cleaned off the surfaces where it clamps together, and applied one 1.5" diameter felt furniture pad, cut in half, to the outer edges of the bottom of the joint. Now it is very tight and rides like it was brand new.

I think a proper rubber gasket glued on with loc-tite would be a more permanent solution. This works great for the time being, and it made my visit to San Francisco a speedy pleasure.