Hi I need a cheap folder for an occasional commute to my boat. Trip will be 5 miles home to the station, train and 3 miles at the other end, store on a small boat. I will also probably need to carry an oversized rucksack. Repeat commute in reverse. Also possibility of 8 or 9 mile trip from alternative marina back to home port where a car will have been left.
I love Brompton’s and was a member of the Brompton Hire scheme for a 3 mile commute from the station to clients office and back however they are very expensive for what I now need.
I have been looking on ebay for a cheap folder up to £300. Most look a bit rubbish but the Mezzo D9 has caught my eye as a bit different (and I am a Whyte fan boy). There are currently 5 relatively local to me so I would hope I could get one for £300 or less.
Are they any good? Any real life experiences? Should I consider anything else for my budget? Should i be looking at 20" wheels for that mileage? I would prefer smaller folded size given tight space on the boat but could probably squeeze in a larger wheel folder if there is a cheap recommendation.
Thanks
Help?
I have a Birdy with 18 inch wheels which rides well and will easily do what you need. Before Covid I often rode it the 10+ miles each way to work just for a change. Just looked on ebay though and the second hand prices can be a bit bonkers. I paid £400 for a barely used Birdy Blue with 3x8 gearing 9 years ago. That now seems to be almost the bottom price for a lower spec Birdy Red, never mind the one with the improved hydroformed frame.
I looked at Mezzo at the time though never managed a test ride. They got well reviewed. Dahon are also worth a look and will be well capable of that distance ride.
Note that train companies sometimes only accept folding bikes of wheel size 20 inch or less so the 26 inch wheeled ones may get turned down at peak times. On our local trains I've never actually had to fold mine. In busy commuter places or to use an escalator you will have to, particularly if the guard is being jobsworth.
None of the above fold as well as Brompton. Rideability is a matter of debate. Brompton owners will claim it rides best, others say differently. I was less keen on the Brompton when I tried a mates but it had the lower straight handlebar that was not a good position for me. I think I'd have preferred an M or H bar.
Definitely try a test ride and a test fold.
Couple of links to confuse the issue further:
https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/bikes/folding-bikes/mezzo-d9-review/
https://www.cyclinguk.org/cycle/bike-test-compact-folding-bikes
We've got a mezzo i4 with nexus 4-speed. Got it years ago for commutes by train.
Common folder issue of heavy to carry far. Folds very well. Quite solid feel.
thanks both useful info.
Someone has a Bike Friday folder in the classified. I don't know how that would stack up (looks like it needs building though).
[url] https://singletrackmag.com/classifieds/advert/bike-friday-folder-350-collected/ [/url]
