Folding Bikes - Brompton & Merc Folders

Short update ...

We have 400 or so miles on the Merc now. I installed a set of skate wheels but needed to buy a longer set of screws to securely fasten the wheels. (If you are wondering, I used M6x1.0 50 mm machine screws) Since someone is always getting rid of an old set of inline skates, this is a cheap upgrade. My wife has a much easier time moving the bike now.

I doubt that we will use it for touring or the such; but it is great for doing around town chores and such. I am calling a local welder to install brake bosses for a set of v-brakes and getting a better seatpost. As opposed to the Brompton extended seatpost, we decided to go with an EVO version to get rid of the silly penta-clip and saddle adaptor.

http://www.calhouncycle.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=10&idproduct=873

One could also use the standard Brompton telescoping seatpost and replace the extended part with any 26.6 diameter seatpost. It is a somewhat difficult size to find; but not impossible.

Update on GT3 Brakes -
I'm almost on the point of going to see Norman at the South Shields folder shop and asking him if he will be able to hold his nose long enough to rebuild my rear wheel.

Picturing him doing this - LOL - :D

I have a 20 year old Brompton and am thinking of upgrading to a new bike.
I was wondering if the merc is a copy of the newer longer wheelbase (after 2004) Brommies or the older ones. i wouldnt mind a longer wheelbase bike. Mine is 1020mm. Can someone tell me what the wheelbase of the merc is? Thanks
Geoff

I have a 20 year old Brompton and am thinking of upgrading to a new bike.
I was wondering if the merc is a copy of the newer longer wheelbase (after 2004) Brommies or the older ones. i wouldnt mind a longer wheelbase bike. Mine is 1020mm. Can someone tell me what the wheelbase of the merc is? Thanks
Geoff

I will check when I get home ...

My Merc GT3 is 1020mm. They also used the early finer rear wheel spokes. I had to replace four after a rough camping trip carrying luggage. Broke one spoke and had to carry on until I got back. Fixed that one, but three more went shortly afterwards - must have strained them badly because the wheeel was clicking horribly every turn for about forty miles before I could deal with the knackered spoke.



I'm just arranging to buy a Steve Parry front Mech bracket and a campag mirage mech. I bought a smaller 42 tooth front chainring from Merc for - wait for it £4.50! It's a really nice bit of alloy machining and I fitted it along side the old 53 tooth ring. It does just what I wanted, lowering the gearing, but with the attendant disadvantage of lowering the top end too when I'm whizzing along on the flat with a tailwind and my legs are spinning like a circus act. Also of course, to change, I need to get filthy and stop and fiddle with it, which is why I'm considering the front changer.

I didn't need to alter the chain length or anything - it works fine so far.

Has anyone fitted a front changer like this? Parry's clamp deals with the slightly odd arrangement on the Brompton of the seat tube and the bottom bracket not being directly underneath.

Did there ever appear a way to buy an inexpensive Merc in the US?

I'm almost on the point of going to see Norman at the South Shields folder shop and asking him if he will be able to hold his nose long enough to rebuild my rear wheel (reference to previous discussion of his dislke of the Merc 'Ripoff'). The only problem with this plan is that I will probably suffer from withdrawl symptoms when I have to leave it there while he's doing it (if he will).


Picturing him doing this - LOL - :D



Ha ha ha - I forgot about this. It seems unnecessary now anyway. I've had no trouble over the last five hundred miles. I reckon that the spate of broken spokes were all about fatigue having kept on riding with a broken one. Since I replaced the failures, the wheel has stayed true and strong. Thirteen gauge spokes would be better though. I see Merc will supply a new rear wheel for £45 and £16 for a new front wheel.... I'm going to go and see him about pedals though. One of the originals is on its way out.

Spare prices for Merc - compare with the price of other makers:

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Merc-Folding-Bike-Spares

Did there ever appear a way to buy an inexpensive Merc in the US?

I have not heard anything about the Flamingo.

[QUOTE=EvilV]My Merc GT3 is 1020mm.
thanks for that.
Its the same as my 20 Y.O. Brompton. I dont know the wheelbase of new Bromptons, but I believe is
it was increased in 2004.
Geoff