I can tell you that my understanding of the packing process is that it is is *much easier* for small frames vs large frames. One issue is how much needs to be removed. On a small frame all you need to do is unscrew the disconnectors (very easy), unscrew the cables, take off the bars (and if you didn't get a pop top stem like me (I wanted a certain aesthetic) you may need to remove the stem and disconnet the brake, but with my small fork I may just by loosening bolts be able to arrange it in the case in without disconnecting as much. Of course you also take off your wheels, pedals, and seatpost. On larger frames you sometimes need to take the fork out, and/or crank. I also think how *easy* it is depends on how mechanical you are. I have aquired good mechanical skills over the years, in part from owning my friday. I think after any bike is packed it requires adjustments, so being comfortable making brake and derailleur adjustments is a good idea for any travel biking, as is being able to make on the road repairs in foreign lands. One thing that is nice is the suitcase is larger than the friday one, so in some ways with my small frame packing looks easier to me than on my friday. My bike came with every inch of the frame wrapped in these nice soft velcro closed rolls, which would not be a bad idea for a friday either since it really protects it. If you go to the S/S site there are good links on the packing process: http://www.sandsmachine.com/index.html#pack. My framebuilder also said that women that go with 650c or 26" wheels have an easier time packing. I can see that now, as to pack my 700c wheel I need to deflate it completely and wedge it in there, although my 24" wheels just drops in anywhere (cases are 26" x 26" xx 10" to meet airline reg). So if I were doing this from scratch I might choose a bike with 650/26" wheels. I also recommend if you have a favorite frame you are considering to modify, to do it when it needs painting, since they have to remove paint to install the couplers. In my case since the frame is new I got the touch up paint job (they kept hte original blue paint and expanded the original silver fade to deal with the paint they had to remove). I will report back after taking her on some trips how I do, but I can tell for my level of packing experience and mechanical know how that it'll be a breeze. I am glad your BFs are going to work out for you. I will say the foldablity is an advantage (which I think is important for you as I recall you wanted to stow them on a boat unless I am mixing you up with someone else). I have also learned that if you are persistent and talk to the right people at bike friday you are well taken care of. You mentioned you were working with Walter, and I know Walter is very good. Lynette is also very good. I mentioned in your BF thread that a friend of mine had his air glide frame fail three times. The first two times they replaced the frame but he lost his confidence in touring with it, so this time, after a bit of prodding and Lynette's help, they made him a very generous cash settlement. I think in his case the beamed bike wasn't a good match for his height/weight/riding style. So, while sometimes it may take them a while to 'get it right' they are good people and do treat their customers fairly. FYI, if you are still searching for a laid back enough seatpost, Wallingford just got his new lot of kalloy uno 374 posts in. They are more laid back than the uno posts other distributers have. If that doesn't work, pm me as I have a used selcolf bi-position post which is very laid back I could sell you. IT worked fine with my butterfly saddle, but not with my brooks.