I am looking for a ultra compact, trouble free bicycle that I can use and fix without getting a degree in mechanics. My goal is to upgrade the attached Merc into something like this:
(picture used without permission, let me know if this bothers you Easy Racer)
OK. i am not really thrilled with the plastic chain tensioner that came on the merc. If I count labor hours, I would rather buy ANYTHING than continue working on the internal hub/chain tensioner to make it work the way I want, so based on that, what are my options to achieve a better setup for a brompton-like Merc?
For sure, I am going with single front chainring (bigger, probably 50T);
Buy a better, 8 spd internal hub?
Fixed gear? I like versatility, so this is the last case scenario
Would a real derailleur work as a chain tensioner for folding purposes? If that's the case, I may go with a nice 9spd rear setup.