Dear bike friday owners,

I'm just starting to look in to the world of folding bikes and I was
hoping for some guidance.

In the coming months, I might have a need of a folder -- specifically,
I'll be riding from the lower west side of manhattan (chambers st and
the west side highway) to the upper east side, maybe with a loop of
the park on the way if the bike and time permits. Once there, I'll be
picking up my kids. At this point, I'll have to take the bike on the
bus or subway and thus the need for a folder.

I currently ride a specialized sequoia and the folding bikes at the
LBS's don't look like they'll be up to the extended riding I'll be
doing or they won't fold down enough. I've also heard great things
about the bike fridays.

I was hoping that some one from this group could:

1. give me an idea as to if a BF makes sense for the type of commute I
have in mind specifically in terms of folding for the bus / subway.

2. If some one in the area (I live in manhattan) would be gracious
enough to allow me to get a close up look at one of these machines. I
think I'm looking at a pocket pilot, rocket, new world tourist, or crusoe.

Thanks in advance.

Mike