Folding Bikes - Mezzo dual drive conversion help

I want to convert my Mezzo I-4 to a sram dual drive 27 speed and have some questions:

1. what wheel should I buy and where to the proper 16 inch wheel in the USA?
2. What about spokes? Where do I get them, and what type/size do I need.
3. Will I need to buy a new chain, or will the current chain fit OK?
4. What modifications, if any, will I have to make to the frame to accommodate fold.
5. What gear inch span will I get (low gear, high gear)
6. What did I forget to ask?

I know bhkyte has made this mod and am hoping he can help me out here.

A wheel = rim+spokes+hub. Are you buying a wheel, getting somebody to build you a wheel or building it your self?

Give us a picture of the Mezzo, at present I do not remember what the bike is like. Is there space for the new hub?

New chain is cheap compared to what you are doing here, so new chain it is. Is the old hub a IGH?

Question 5 is a funny one. It depends on the casette/front chainring you use. Maybe buying another bike is easyer/cheaper? If not take it to a shop. f you want to be involved in doing it (more than just paying for it) I suggest you read- alot in the mechanics and folder forums first.

I will have someone build the wheel. I do want to buy the components as I do want to be sure I get the right stuff.

I'm hoping the project will come in under $500. The bike is new this year, and I like the bike and the fold,
I would, however, enjoy the wider gear range. I think the new hub and cassette would fit. It now has a nexus 4- speed hub.

I will have someone build the wheel. I do want to buy the components as I do want to be sure I get the right stuff.

I'm hoping the project will come in under $500. The bike is new this year, and I like the bike and the fold,
I would, however, enjoy the wider gear range. I think the new hub and cassette would fit. It now has a nexus 4- speed hub.

More gears does ot automaticly mean wider gear range. WHAT gears you`ve got could be more important than how many gears.

Find Sheldon Browns gear calculator on the web, and findout what gears you`ve got at present and what you can do to your present setup by changing out cog (rear) or front chainring.

Then find out what you can get w new setup and what casette and chainwheel you need to buy.

Still not at all sure you can put a dual drive 27 speed in the dropouts spaced for a Nexus4.Personally I`d just go for a IGH with wider range.

I use 7 speed IGH`s on both my folders and we went touring on them (w trailer on one) this summer.

I will have someone build the wheel. I do want to buy the components as I do want to be sure I get the right stuff.

If you are not going to build the wheel, then I would simply go through the wheel builder. He/she will have a good idea of the answers to your questions and be responsible if something is incompatible.

More gears does ot automaticly mean wider gear range. WHAT gears you`ve got could be more important than how many gears.

True. But the Dual Drive will definitely have a wider range than any IGH other than a Rohloff.


Still not at all sure you can put a dual drive 27 speed in the dropouts spaced for a Nexus4.

Good question.

The OP should get a set of calipers and measure the over the locknut dimension. If you get 135 ... then woo hoo! You got the correct spacing for a SRAM Dual Drive.

True. But the Dual Drive will definitely have a wider range than any IGH other than a Rohlhof.

Absolutely. I guess I was trying to say that often we want more gears than we need, we think many gears= good.

Personally I think the simplicity of the IGH`s in many cases more than makes up for the narrower ratio, especially on folders.

SRAM makes the dual drive hub in two forms, the 36 spoke hole model, and the 32 hole model. I searched the web looking for a 32 hole model and haven't been able to find it in the U.S.. Anybody have a clue where to get one of these beasts?

I did find that Velocity sells a 16"/349 rim.

SRAM makes the dual drive hub in two forms, the 36 spoke hole model, and the 32 hole model. I searched the web looking for a 32 hole model and haven't been able to find it in the U.S.. Anybody have a clue where to get one of these beasts?

I did find that Velocity sells a 16"/349 rim.

I have no idea. But it is a good idea to stay from the 36-hole hub for a 16" wheel.

Absolutely. I guess I was trying to say that often we want more gears than we need, we think many gears= good.

Personally I think the simplicity of the IGH`s in many cases more than makes up for the narrower ratio, especially on folders.

I'll add that in terms of need, given the small wheels a pure IGH is generally pretty good since it give a decent low end and we can always coast downhill despite Sheldon's declaration that it is pernicious.

I'll add that in terms of need, given the small wheels a pure IGH is generally pretty good since it give a decent low end and we can always coast downhill despite Sheldon's declaration that it is pernicious.

The high end on the Mezzo I-4 is 72.3 GI. That in itself isn't too bad, but, to me, it seems that I am losing about 25% efficiency in fourth gear. Now I have no way of measuring this, and I am probably way off, but
as they say, "Perception is 90 percent of reality." Also 39 GI on the low side can use improvement as I live in the hilly Berkshires.

I hope to get the range from 30 GI or lower to 96 GI with plenty of options in between. To do this I will have to change my chainring to 56t from the current 44t and add a 11 - 34 cassette. The locknut width dimension on the drop-outs is 135mm so the fit should be fine.

The high end on the Mezzo I-4 is 72.3 GI. That in itself isn't too bad, but, to me, it seems that I am losing about 25% efficiency in fourth gear. Now I have no way of measuring this, and I am probably way off, but
as they say, "Perception is 90 percent of reality." Also 39 GI on the low side can use improvement as I live in the hilly Berkshires.

I hope to get the range from 30 GI or lower to 96 GI with plenty of options in between. To do this I will have to change my chainring to 56t from the current 44t and add a 11 - 34 cassette. The locknut width dimension on the drop-outs is 135mm so the fit should be fine.

Can a LX/XT GS rear derailer -- the medium length tension pulley -- work with a 34 tooth cog? I know it works with a 32. Keep an eye on that low derailer.

I want to convert my Mezzo I-4 to a sram dual drive 27 speed and have some questions:

1. what wheel should I buy and where to the proper 16 inch wheel in the USA?
2. What about spokes? Where do I get them, and what type/size do I need.
3. Will I need to buy a new chain, or will the current chain fit OK?
4. What modifications, if any, will I have to make to the frame to accommodate fold.
5. What gear inch span will I get (low gear, high gear)
6. What did I forget to ask?

I know bhkyte has made this mod and am hoping he can help me out here.

HI

1. 349 rim. spoke number needs to mate with the rim you buy .ie. 36 spoke. I have used a Brompton rim on one ,and a "Sun" on the other conversion. I am based in UK so can not help about USA distribution. Brompton = Alesa 16 x 1 3/8 / 349 Rim - QRIM

2. You need to get a LBS to cut down some spokes.

3. You will probably need a new longer chain, I have only ever delt with D9’s

4. As far as i know there are no modifications needed to the frame as all versions are a 135mm rear axle. I am pretty certain drailer hangers thread are still located on the D4 ,but check. Else its not a big job.

5. You can also upgrade to a 56 front gog. With the standard 54 on 11= 107.3 low gear= 23- 28 according to tooth size(21t/28t) with a 56= 111.3 from Sheldron browns site.

6. You need to route the exrta cable next to the draylier cable. Due to having to locate a IHG and a drailer I have had to remove the clip that lock the forks to the rear frame when folding. I place the QR between the rear triangle stays, and then the bars press them in to place also, which is fine, but not as securely locked together. I am still thinking about this bit! See picture before the bars are folded on to the wheel.


My conclusion on the conversion. The 27 speed converted bike I have with bull bars and brifters is fabulous. The close ratio gearsing (11-23) works great on a fast road bike giving instanst fine changes to optimise cadence or gross shifts that are far superior to a front drailyer. So much so that I often overtake good cyclist just because of this shifting ability at junctions and roundabouts. This makes a big difference around town. Petty about the security of self locking fold, but I can live with it fine. (Picture) Conclusion dual drive is perfect on this fast road going folder.

The other dual drive mezzo I have is a standard handbar with 24 speed gripshifts. This is an improvement over the original bike as the gearing is better and there is a similar advantage in the shifting. However if I found a cheap 8 speed nexus hub I would try that if I converted another simular bike to this. Therefore the choice may come down to price for each hub and the cost of a drailer in your case. Once I worked out the problems in fitting the dualdrive on the first bike I was able to do the second Mezzo in about 2 hours. Any further question feel free to email me. Sorry I have no current/new pictures as by camera is broken.

BHKYTE,

Thank you for your response.

My dealer just emailed me that he did not think that I could install the Sram DD. He says, "The fender bar is in the way!" I'm guessing he means the fold clamp (see photo#1). Can you secure fold with a velcro strap, or bungy cord?

I am including some photos of some simple mods. such as inline skate wheels that substantially improve rolling when folded. The small white piece of 3/4 inch PVC extends the rest stand to make up for the extra height of the rollers.

Nice pictures,sorry I only have old pictures of mine,must get a new camera.Wish I could put some closeups on for you.

Yes the clip in picture one will need removing to fit the dual drive. You can also opt to use a 3X9 with out the clickbox,as the older picture of mine shows,but either way this has to go. I planned initially to move it to the pannier? hole that you can see above the wheel bolt. This does not quite workout. I have mentioned how I secure the fold in my earlier post. It is not ideal ,if you have any better ideas I would be very interested. Latest thought is a julibee clip with a hook or simular to secure the QR. To be honest I am too busy enjojing the bike to worry about it. It gets folded around 10 times a day and it makes little difference to me, its a slightly smaller ,but less securely locked package done this way. I use the bars to help secure the front wheel in place also. I do not need to use a bungee or strap, but it may be preferable if other people handle your bike.

If you use the click box then you need to remove the cover, (this makes the box a bit smaller and does not alter its function).One removes a single screw,from memory. I run a click box on my black bullbar3X9 and a toggle chain through a SA wheel bolt on the gold 3X7 bike. The click box is a bit smoother.

Couple of more hints ;
1. Telon cables best on a MEzzo Upgrade the rear brake and see what I mean. Allow plenty of length. Possibly use tandem if you want to be sure I will measure mine for you if you want.
2. when inserting the innercable you may find it easier to fold the bike slighty to get round the botttom bracket. General MEzzo hint anyway.
3. Around the bottom bracket area you will need to secure the extra cable to either one of the rear cables so that it keeps to one side when folding. Else the seat post tube can not go in.Couple of plastic ties does the job fine.
4. You may need to adjust the cone shaped spacer that sits at the back of the void behind the BB.I replaced mine with a screw.

The conversion should be easy now you know the things to watch out for!

ps It's great to speak some Mezzo upgrading.

Questions for you;
1. why did you choose not to use the rack mount for your rear light instead?
2.is that a cordless computer? What make is it?
3. do the rollerblade wheels get in the way of sliding the Mezzo bag on? whats the spacer made from?
4. Ever thought of puting a wheel on the front mudguard instead of a foot?

thanks

BY the way I got a new spare sach 3X7 from ebay UK. About £25 including postage. The 3X9 was off a new MBT wheel, I bought the wheel and sold some of the bits.gross cost £75.
the wheel fitted on the 3X7 bike come of an upgraded space genie bike I bought and then sold on ebay, but thats another story!

ps It's great to speak some Mezzo upgrading.

Questions for you;
1. why did you choose not to use the rack mount for your rear light instead?
2.is that a cordless computer? What make is it?
3. do the rollerblade wheels get in the way of sliding the Mezzo bag on? whats the spacer made from?
4. Ever thought of puting a wheel on the front mudguard instead of a foot?

thanks[/QUOTE]

Answers:
1. Couldn't see how to do it without interfering with parking position of the bike and/or the mounting of the Mezzo bag.
2. No it is a cheap cat-eye speedometer. There is just enough wire to not interfere with the fold.
3. The wheels don't interfere with the mounting of the bag at all. The spacer is a standard plastic spacer found in the screw bins of my local hardware store. The wheel bearings fit perfectly on the
1/4" x 2 1/2" bolts from the same bins.
4. The wheel on the mudguard is a good idea, but it would require a bit more engineering and may not work after all that effort. It was simple just to cut off a piece of PVC pipe, and it slips right on over the foot, and is held there by friction.

I tried folding the bike without using the clamp using your method. I can see that it won't work for me.
The front wheel drops and negates the wheeling aspect of the fold. Now I'm having second thoughts. I'm going to research whether an sram I motion 9 will work, or a Rohloff. Problem the I-motion 9 comes with 36 holes. That's a lot of spokes for a 16" wheel that looks crowded now with 28 spokes.
Do you think either of these will create the same problem with the clamp? Having never seen the sram dual drive hub, I can not picture what it is that causes the problem with the clamp. Is it the derailler, the cable, or what?

Thanks.
The cateye cube light does not interfere with either the parking or the rack. It is recomended by mezzo due to this reason. Properly works well on a Brompton also.

The clip needs removing due to the fact that dual drive needs a drailyer mounting and a IHG changer. There simply is not enough space for the clip also. It should not provide difficulties for other systems.

Mine is laced with 36 spokes. Maybe I should have tried seeing if a LBS would miss every 3rd to provide a 24.You could also go for 18 spokes, but I wouldn't. I have very light gauge spokes in mine.

I agree the bike is not as good for wheeling, however I have got used to tilting the bike if I chose to wheel it. Its not completely satisatory, but I rarely use this function anyway. If you do and we can not find a solution you maybe best in going for a premium quality IHG with more spoke choices. Thats the beauty of the Mezzo for upgrading.

Just remembered.
Another possible solution to the fork clip is to mount it where the rack support is. This looks a definite possibility, but will reguire a longer threaded bolt,and possibly a washer between the support and the back of the clip. This is another idea that looks good ,but I have not around to trying it yet. let me know what you think.

Ps I just discovered I can lock the fold on my black bullbared bike. I can use the seat post clamp lever to press against the brake levers locking the bars against the wheel and the wheel against the frame.

Just remembered.
Another possible solution to the fork clip is to mount it where the rack support is. This looks a definite possibility, but will reguire a longer threaded bolt,and possibly a washer between the support and the back of the clip. This is another idea that looks good ,but I have not around to trying it yet. let me know what you think.

Ps I just discovered I can lock the fold on my black bullbared bike. I can use the seat post clamp lever to press against the brake levers locking the bars against the wheel and the wheel against the frame.

It looks to me like mounting the clip on the rack support would bring the front wheel down too low, if it's what I think you mean.
Congrats on the seat clamp maneuver.

Another method which looks promising is to use the pannier? hole. but use a mending plate to postion the clip where I need it.

I tried the mending plate method idea last night on the gold bike. It works. Its really easy,talk about forgetting the bleeding obvious!

Therefore a dual drive mezzo reguires.
1.an extra cable to rout
2.a cable stopper
3. a quick plate making up to locate the frame clip.
4. the case of the click box removing if you use one.
5 a few cable tries to secure the last section of the cable run.
6. A bit of patience!

This results in a really nice bike. I feel if my black bike was but into production it would sell like hot cakes ,but what do I know. I can even come up with the idea of a simple plate! I am off to get some cake.

After racking my brains about converting my Mezzo I-4 and as I would have to change the cranks and chainwheel as well as purchase a rim and have it laced to a new hub, buy a lot of tools,etc. the cost and effort would be more than the cost of a new 2008 Dahon Mu P24. So, I decided to keep my Mezzo the way it is, and I ordered the Dahon for group rides and long individual rides. It is dual drive 24 speed with a gear inch range of 21 - 114 inches. What do you Think? Now I'll have two folders, and I'll be well on my way to owning a stable of folders like many of the contributers to this forum. Yeah, I know, I'm becoming addicted.

I may have to go to rehab... no, no, no.

Seems a good idea if you cant get a dualdrive hub cheap. However you don't need a new chainwheel or crank, don't understand that?

The disadvantage of the Dahon idea is that you will not have a really compact fast folding bike that's upgraded, but you have the advantage of a second bike. I prefer to have one flexible package, although I have 4 folders, I mainly use the black Mezzo.

It need not be as expensive as you think.
The 3X7 wheel cost £37 gross as I bought a mission space genie bike with a 3X7 fitted and swoped it for a mezzo rear wheel then sold that bike for £37 less.
The Gold 3x7 mezzo cost £389 brand new. Therefore the total cost to buy and build this dual drive mezzo = £426 including bike.

You just need to look on ebay and get a wheel built up with a bargain hub.

my other experience
Used mezzo bought with intention of upgrade £379 on ebay imaculate bike with loads of extras (quality d locks,lights,waterproofs,tools,speedo,

£100 dual drive wheel for MBT unused

£100 wheel build and lovely sram 9 speed close ratio block
rim£30
bars £ 5 used

triagia str brakes shifters 3X9 £ 60 used immaculate

cables,bits and bobs £30

total £709 including bike with bag and loads of spares.

however ,sold rear wheel for £25,sold MBT cluster for £25, total = £659


I know what you mean,upgrading can be a headache, but I am extremely pleased with my high performance compact folder! There are a issues with going for the dual drive, but it ends up being a unique bike that folds very compact ,very quickly, and has much of the dynamic capability of larger bike. I will post some recent pictures as I have a camera arriving in the post soon!

Their is a tread I started on Mezzo upgrades if anyone wants to post any upgrade ideas there also

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=510351

You did very well getting those components at those prices. If I could match your experience I would go for it.
The Mezzo I-4 has a 44 tooth four bolt chainwheel. In all my googling I couldn't find a 53 tooth four bolt chainring, hence my thinking of need for new crank. The Mezzo D-9, and D-10 already come with 53, and 56t rings and 5 bolt.
I got one price for wheel built with I-motion 9 hub 696 GBP (398USD) plus shipping then add cost of shifter, chain, cranks, misc., I would be close to, or over the 619USD (990GBP) that I paid for the Dahon Mu P24.

By the way, the price of a new Mezzo D-9 in NY is just about double what you paid for yours.

A few photos now I have a camera again.
1 folded bike
2 side profile
3 hair bobbble attached from seatpost to brakes keeps it locked in the fold! quality!
4 remote alarm,seems a good idea so far ,need a better mount for it however
5
6 Dual drive bits
7 Remove outer case form click box
8 Cateye cube rear light recommended by Mezzo
9 need to make sure this bit keeps clear when folding else seatpost will not go in
10 use existing cable routers
11 but need to secure here.make sure the ties dont push the chain off when you fold it
12 bracket added to gold bike with standard bars 3X7 sach. this is the fork clip mounted on a mending plate secures using the same screw hole,but extended behind dualdrive. No click box on this bike just a toggle changer. The slight alteration to the fold I find has no effect on the wheeling of the folded package.

Maybe you would be better off with a Sclumpf (speed) Drive.

BruceM can tell you more about it.

Maybe you would be better off with a Sclumpf (speed) Drive.

BruceM can tell you more about it.
I know this comment was proberly directed at the OP, but..........

As a poor student I used what was cheaply available,although I preferred the 3X9 as it could be mated to road STI. The 3X9 works fantastic on the black bike ,I would not swop the set up for anything. It is a fast road bike with reasonable aerodynamics, close ratio gears that change quickly,carbon crank and has clippless peddles. All the range of gears get used and it is slick changing and braking,but extremely versatile package. The set up is less optimum on the gold bike for its intended use as a general bike. I might tinker with it ,but there is little point really,it works well enough as a back up bike when folding size may be important.

Thanks for the photos. Not sure what you mean by a mending bar. looks like the clip is attached to the dropouts.

Thanks for the photos. Not sure what you mean by a mending bar. looks like the clip is attached to the dropouts.

US and UK divided by a common language again!
A mending plate is what we sometimes call a mild steel strip with some holes drilled in it for various DIY purposes.Often fixing two pieces of wood together. Usually about 3 inches long.They can be cut down to size.Just cost a few pence at your local hardware store. The mending plate/bracket screws in the same mounting as before on the dropouts.It just acts as a short extension to clear the toggle chain on the 3X7, I have not fitted one on the 3X9 black bike. Its a 5 minute job if you opt not to use the sram click box.

Hello,did you opt for anything?

Hi Bhkyte,

Thanks for your interest. It has been quite an experience dealing with this bike. As I stated in an earlier post, I have been very displeased with the performance of the I-4 internal geared hub. The hub is just too noisy when pedaling in fourth gear. Not only is it noisy, but, at 72 inches it seems to offer more resistance on the pedals than it should. It may be fine for the city, where ambient noise from traffic,etc. is so high that the hub noise is drowned out. In the country, however, where I live in the Berkshire hills of Massachusetts, the whirring noise of the hub just ruins the esthetic pleasure of a quiet bicycle ride.

Now on to my options. When told by Bfold, the shop where I bought the Mezzo, and from you, that the dual drive interferes with the fold, the idea of converting to dual drive was squashed.

I was still intrigued by the concept of dual drive so when I learned that I could buy new '08 a Dahon Mu P24 for pretty much what it would cost me to convert the Mezzo I bought the Dahon. With a gear inch range of 21 to 114 inches, the Mu P24 has been a pleasure to ride, and I might add, very quiet on country roads. So now my "stable" has increased to two folders, a campy equipped road bike, and an '80's touring bike. continued in part two

Back to the Mezzo. I still love the looks and feel of the Mezzo so I didn't give up on it. I found a good price on an Alfine 8 hub from chain reaction cycles in the UK. I am waiting for it to arrive. I have a source for 16" rim and spokes to build wheel. Now I am sourcing a means to convert cranks and chainring to 56t from the current four arm crank, 44t chainring.

The Alfine with 16t sprocket and 56t chainring will give me a gear range of 28 to 90 inches and hopefully a smooth shifting quiet ride.

Yes, I know this is nuts. If I had it all to do over again I would probably buy a Bike Friday, or a Swift with the Alfine or Sram dual drive for much less than I have on these two projects. I will probably be looking for help with wheel building and crank solutions.

I sure wish that I could get the crankset and chainring of a D-10 from Mezzo, but getting parts for a Mezzo is nearly impossible in the US. The Mezzo US website offers no way to contact Mezzo, only the US distributer Marin. Sadly, Mezzo customer support is virtually non existent.

Thanks for this.
The dual drive does not affect the fold much. I can wheel either of my bikes and the 3X7 sach conversion is a doodle. You can run a 3X9 Sram with a toggle chain, you don not need the click box.

I do not understand why you need to change your crank. A 53 chain wheel can be bought for next to nothing used. You just need a 130mm BCD pattern. There will not be much difference between 53 and 56 tooth. 56 chain wheels are also obtainable at a cost from other placers if you search,let me know if you find a cheap source. Also can you not get a smaller rear sprocekt for the Alfine.

For me all the bike friday range does not fold as well or as quickly as the Mezzo,except the Tikit. But I find the Tikit too bulky when folded and its costs more. I bought the Mezzo wanted to do the bull bar dualdrive convertion and it has worked out well. The bike I have is a perfect compromise for me that ticks all the boxes.

Mezzo support is not great in UK either, but the spare parts arrive very quickly when ordered and are about the same cost as Brompton spares. I asked a question about brake calliper reach required by email and did not get an answer.

Anyone know what reach I require for the rear wheel callipers?

16t is the smallest sprocket available for the alfine. This I got from Harris Cyclery.

One thing I notice about the dual drive P24, although technically it has 24 speed, in reality I consider it a 10 speed as most of the speeds are duplicated within two inches or less. Still, it is nice to have those two extra lower gears that make even the steepest climbs effortless. Another nice feature is that one can, most of the time, keep the chain in a straight line in a middle sprocket and change the hub gear as in a three speed. Lots of options.

Sorry I can't help with the caliper reach. Try the mechanic forum. I don't think anyone is interested in reading this thread other than you and I. It seems like we have the entire Mezzo owners collective here. All two of us.

I don't think anyone is interested in reading this thread other than you and I. It seems like we have the entire Mezzo owners collective here. All two of us.

The tide will turn!

"don't think anyone is interested in reading this thread other than you and I. It seems like we have the entire Mezzo owners collective here. All two of us."

Actually I have had a few private messages also asking about the conversion. I also get a few people asking me quite regularly about the bullbars or DD.

One thing I notice about the dual drive P24, although technically it has 24 speed, in reality I consider it a 10 speed as most of the speeds are duplicated within two inches or less.


I know I am late with this earth shattering piece of information ,but I recon the 3 X9 gives 19 speeds with a classi rear sproket a 54 front within a 1 inch range.
Gear chart using Gear Inches

For 16 x 1 3/8 / 35-349 tire with 170 mm cranks

With 9-speed "Classic 9" 13-14-15-16-17-18-19-21-24 Cassette

With SRAM/Sachs/Torpedo 3-speed, including 3 x (n), Dual Drive Rear Hub

0.73 (Low) 1.0 1.36 (High)
54
Low - High

52.8
48.7
45.2
42.2
39.6
37.3
33.3
30.2

78.9
66.8
62.0
54.2
107.3
98.3
90.8
84.3
73.8
69.4
56.2
I am not interesting enough to be a nerd!

As yet I haven't laced the Alfine to a rim. I have the rim, but still waiting for the spokes. I purchased a 53t chainring on ebay, now looking for cranks with 135 BCD arms (anybody have knowledge of the whereabouts of these animals? ).

As yet I haven't laced the Alfine to a rim. I have the rim, but still waiting for the spokes. I purchased a 53t chainring on ebay, now looking for cranks with 135 BCD arms (anybody have knowledge of the whereabouts of these animals? ).

Isn't that a Campagnolo crank?

you might have issues with changing the crank if it also requires also changing the bottom bracket. ie I changed to a carbon crank reguiring a hollow bottom bracket. I had one in but it was too wide for the bike and it would not fold. I had to get another BB and fit a spacer...or two. I recommend you get cranks that do not require a different BB.

Yes I think 135 bcd is campo road.

I found 1 cheapish 56 tooth chain ring on ebay ,has not arrived yet. I will give feedback when it does. ebay trader= " icyclesusa.com "

Yes, a campy. Question: Can I use a double or triple crankset with this one chainring? This 53t chainring has no ramps or pins. I want to run a 1/8th chain. This is an area in which I am blind and feeling my way. Considering a Campy
Veloce 170mm. Hope this is 135 BCD

I don't think that I will have to change the bottom bracket. It is square tapered.

Thanks for the heads-up on the Campy ring. It caused me to do more thinking and research, and I came up with an alternate plan. I found a 56t, 110BCD ring on ebay, and origin 8 cranks from the harris cyclery website. I hope I can use the 117mm bottom bracket that's on the bike. It may give me a fairly straight chainline. Anyway the 135 BCD ring didn't cost me much $18 with shipping. The 56t ring is cheaper still.

As you can tell, I am no bike mechanic, but I'm enjoying learning experience. Hopefully I'll have a nice bike when I'm finished.

Yes, a campy. Question: Can I use a double or triple crankset with this one chainring? This 53t chainring has no ramps or pins. I want to run a 1/8th chain. This is an area in which I am blind and feeling my way. Considering a Campy
Veloce 170mm. Hope this is 135 BCD

I don't think that I will have to change the bottom bracket. It is square tapered.

Unless you picked up a compact crank, it should be 135.

There are two types of square tape BBs: JIS and ISO.

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/bbtaper.html

where did you get the 56 tooth ring?

BB should be fine if it a square tapper.

Not sure about the ramps, I may have the same problem myself as i am still waiting for my 56t to cross the atlantic. You should need to do anything so far as I know,but it may be woth taking them of to reduce the chance of the chain getting jammed between then and the Mezzo chain guild should the chain come off. Please keep me in touch as reguards how you find the IHG. Mezzo need to offer a quality internal hub,a cespro or a dual drive option to make this upgrading unnessary.

I have put slick kojacks tyres on my sportier bull bar version, but due to the bad weather recently I have opted to use the more standard Gold 3X7 Mezzo more lately. The more compact faster fold suits shopping that requires more folding easier. I have adjusted the gearing and it changers really reliabily and there is no click box to worry about as I go through anti motor bike stills.

The 56t chainring has no ramps or pins. It came today and looks good. The brand name is "engagement ring". On ebay the seller is Bikeman. He had four of them so he should have some left. Very good deal, $6.98 + shipping. Claims to have found them in the attic :-).

anti motor bike stills?

anti motor bike stills?

pardon?

Just asking - what are they?

Here is a photo of the 56t ring with the new pedal arms.