Sure the economy is still hobbling. And yes, the luxury market is feeling the fallout. (Bye-bye, bling.) But it s the holidays, and in the spirit of spoiling our loved ones, we came up with a list of some of the year s more indulgent practicalities. Today, folding bikes.

OUR TOP PICK:
Dahon MU P8 ($699)

RUNNERS UP:
Xootr Swift ($679)
Brompton S2L ($996)

There s nothing like a little road rage to turn even the most spirited secret Santa into a horn-honking Grinch. While we haven t yet discovered a gift that will rid the world of bad drivers, there is one way to leave the traffic behind: a bicycle.

And for commuters, few are more cubicle-friendly than a folding bike. Though still just a sliver of the $6 billion bicycle industry, these origami-style cycles have come into their own in recent years, with unit sales roughly doubling since 2006. To lose the clown bike stigma, companies have been adjusting frames to mimic the look and feel of a standard bicycle and are even offering a few full-size folding models. What s more, these formerly low-end two-wheelers are getting an image upgrade; manufacturer Bike Friday now offers a $6,898 titanium option, and Dahon s latest series comes with a pedal-powered gadget charger and optional iPhone mount.

With more models on the market, choosing the right folder has only gotten trickier. For the most stable ride, experts say, look for a solid frame (a bendy bike is a wobbly bike) and bigger wheels; the most common options are 16- and 20-inches in diameter, compared with around 27 for typical road bikes. Also key: testing the folding mechanism. It should be quick and intuitive, says industry consultant Jay Townley, who suggests skipping models that require a wrench or other tool. That s just something to lose or forget, he says.

Our pick, the 25-pound Dahon Mu P8 ($699), hits all the marks without being weighed down by unnecessary extras. Its eight gears provide enough pedaling power for even the hilliest of commutes, while the 20-inch wheels handle potholes with ease yet still fit into a carrier the size of a gym bag. Finally, the Dahon is no Bozo bike. In fact, its sporty good looks are almost enough to make you look forward to going to work almost. Kristen Bellstrom

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