I have some experience in this area.
We started out in the folder world with two 2005 Dahon Boardwalk D7s. About a year later, I purchased my 2005 Dahon single-speed for a remarkable $129. brand new.
In 2007 we decided we liked folders, but needed more gears, standard parts, and I wanted a bike built for my 6'3" height and long arms and legs. At that point, after a visit to Eugene, OR (about 120 miles away) earlier in the year, we ordered two custom built Bike Fridays.
We are now dividing our time between places in Ventura, CA and Vancouver, WA. A few weeks ago wife realized that when we go back, I will have my single-speed to ride, but that she has nothing. (We are going back on AMTRAK and can only carry so much.)
Soooo, we looked at a Dahon single-speed from Performance, the new Nova from Downtube and eventually the Pocket 8 from Bike Friday. My feeling was that she needed handbrakes, since she was used to them and doesn't like a coaster brake, I wanted a bike that was easy to "wrench" (i.e., standard parts) and we preferred to keep our $ at home. Result, we will pick up a new Pocket 8 from Coventry Cycles in Portland when we return. (Obviously, our budget was able to be adjusted to cover the additional amount. I know may not be able to make such an adjustment.)
The Boardwalks D7s were good riding bikes, but lacked the needed gears and were not easy easily upgraded. The Fridays are incredibly good riding bikes and easy to maintain.
My one test ride on a tikit showed its rides as good as the Boardwalk D7. The tikit folds faster, but likely not much smaller than a Dahon. Dahons do fold very easily and into a very acceptable size, IMO. The normal Fridays don't fold as easily or as small, but are acceptable for our applications.
ADD: I noticed that Performance Bike website has two applicable specials. One is the Dahon Eco 7-speed for $299.
http://www.performancebike.com/bikes..._1073625_-1___
as well as the Speed 7 for $399.
http://www.performancebike.com/bikes..._1073627_-1___
The Vitesse 7-speed is also on sale for $499.
http://www.performancebike.com/bikes..._1073629_-1___
FYI: The Dahon Mu P24 is the closest thing to a Bike Friday NWT or Crusoe.
Lou