I live aboard a boat in the summer, and keeping a full-sized bike onboard just wasn't working. It was always either inconveniently taking up space in the salon down below, or left outside to the elements and inviting theft. Transporting it to/from shore in the dinghy was a nightmare. I sold that bike several years ago (Giant Defy Advanced), and bought a small folding bike. They work, but it's just not a pleasant riding experience. It was (very) basic transportation, and nothing more. Rarely did I take it out for pleasure. I came across Flatbike looking for a higher end folding bike, and couldn't believe what I was seeing. After taking some measurements, I found I had a perfectly sized locker aboard that could accommodate it once folded. I emailed the company to ask about clearances on last year's 612, and they managed to find me one in my size. It arrived in Canada less than a week later. And what a machine. There is precisely no way to know that you're on a folding bike. It feels like any other high-end mountain bike. It's lightweight and absolutely solid; the brakes are phenominal, and the shifting is flawless. The front suspension is unlike anything else I've personally had on a bike. Folding is a snap, and it fits exactly where I'd hoped it would. Plus, driving a small car, I tested and it also fits perfectly in my trunk. I haven't even really begun to explore its capabilities, but I plan to hit some hydrocut and logging trails as soon as it warms up a little more. I'm stoked! My only problem? I want their roadbike, too. :)