Tired Side-mounted trigger is hard to reach. A good flashlight in a pinch: The built-in LED turns on with a switch. But we had to hold down the speed-selector switch to keep it from popping out of gear. We found it comfortable, even after driving 169 screws on one charge. $149, | Hitachi DB3DL You'll either love or hate the Halo plasma-pistol styling. Fat-barreled handle is too big for small hands. Quick charger fills battery in 15 minutes. Although petite, it's a real powerhouse: It drove 279 1-inch screws on a single charge-the most in our test.
$559, | Bosch PS10-2 I-Driver By electronically limiting the I-Driver's torque, Bosch gets rid of the bulky mechanical clutch that keeps other models out of tight spaces. Bulky frame and geriatric aesthetics (including old-fogey kickstand) make us feel like we should be wearing orthopedic shoes and Depends, not spandex and clip-ins. Tired Handlebars needed to be readjusted every time we unfolded the bike. SRAM 3.0 grip shifters and SRAM derailleur provide buttery-smooth gear switching. Folding pedals allow for a more compact package. Wired SKS fenders and flaps let riders take puddles with less splatter. $1,250, | Breezer Zag8 We're not opposed to getting a little workout (we love playing sports on Nintendo Wii), but hauling this 25-pound Breezer up a flight of stairs left us downright winded. Tired We tossed the folded bike into the trunk of a cab-and, while stowed, the chain dislodged from the gears and wedged itself between the frame and chainwheel, requiring a screwdriver (and a lot of cursing) to fix. Shimano V-brakes are precise and powerful. No-hinge design means a stronger, more durable frame. Wired Front and rear elastomers can be switched out for softer or stiffer suspension ($15 each). But the goofy front-fork suspension system on this pricey nine-speed delivers a decidedly unbumpy ride. $976, | Birdy Silver Looks aren't always deceiving: The strange aesthetics made this bike the most complex and frustrating folder we tested. Hinged rear triangle doesn't lock in place. Comes in more than a dozen colors - even "flamingo." Tired Proprietary drivetrain includes a mostly plastic, cheap-looking derailleur. Optional titanium folding pedals shave 4 inches off the profile (and add $18 to the price). Wired Massive front mudguard shields trousers. At 24 pounds, this bike isn't fun to carry, but a pair of 2-inch casters allow you to roll it. It transforms into a tidy 10 x 23 x 22-inch package in about 25 seconds. $1,000, | Brompton M6L Though the handlebar design is 30 years old, the M6L is one of the most compact quick-folders available today. No shocks, so you'll feel every bump (and the optional third-party Thudbuster suspension seat post costs $150). The thick aluminum frame and the 20-inch wheels with Rolf Paired spokes give it the appearance of a high tech BMX ride. Wired Pedals remove easily, so you can swiftly swap in ones with toe clips. Thankfully, the streamlined Mu SL also boasts enough name-brand components that it won't look like you're training for the Tour de N00b. | Dahon Mu SL The nine-speed Mu SL is no substitute for a high-end road bike, but its slight weight (19 pounds) and fast folding time (15 seconds) make it ideal for the urban commuter. We endured weeks of unsolicited remarks from strangers to see which models really help commuters get around with speed, if not with style. These collapsible rides have more heft than a Razor scooter - and are worth all the attention you'll get when you lug one onto the bus.
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