ningnangnong

I have finally managed a test ride and borrowed a S2LX, unfortunately in Flamingo Pink!

Intial impressions:

Size:
Deserves it's reputation for the compact fold. Everything folded into a parallel form, which is a real plus for small spaces. Other brands could do with thinking about this as not all spaces on public transport are fan-shaped.
Fold:
Idiot proof.
Form/wow! factor:
A bit of wow! but let done in some areas. Cheap looking m/guards, although 2007 look better. Cheap pedals and reflector. Little details which shouldn't matter but do. Take a company like Audi - everything matters and it shows.
Ride:
More fun than I had anticipated. However, unless the road surface is perfect, it felt like I was running a very under-inflated tyre. I keep changing my mind about the 2 speed. Sometimes I think the 2nd isn't high enough and then I think, no, it suits most situations unless really wanting to hammer along.
It was wearing Brompton tyres - I guess this is a weak link?

Will I get one?
If I could afford more than one high quality folder, Yes. But I can't right now. So I'm unsure. On looks alone I really want the Birdy but all the LBS say that on the train, unless you're prepared to stand in the vsetibule on a regular basis, the only real option for a seat on the train is a Brompton. I still want to measure the space in case a Birdy, Mezzo Curve SL or MU SL would fit. Downtube Mini (in Orange) would be great but there's no aftersales support in the UK. I'm even considering the bonkers Carryme by Pacific.

I'm going to pick up a Birdy later, fortunately not in pink! I haven't found demo bikes for the Cure or MU. Mezzo ride next week and decision by the end of next week, if I want something in the next 10 weeks!

And just for fun, I'll try out a Strida 5 when abroad!

What a surprise. Rain forecast for the rest of the week. Damn Global Warming!

matt52

If you ride with the Mezzo, check out the Mezzo bag as well - really well thought out bit of luggage that fits the rear rack perfectly, and has enough space for laptop and change of clothes. It costs £65, but some dealers will throw it in for free if you ask. Oh and don't go anywhere near the metallic pink Mezzo that's graced the windows of a few London bike shops recently. It would make Little Pixel drop dead on spot from ugly shock. Very nasty indeed (in a nasty Barbie kind of way...); though saw someone out on one in Camden yesterday. Just goes to show...

JeremyZ

The S2LX is a Birdy? Have you got any pictures/links? Forgive my ignorance, but the only Birdy stuff I found online has no model numbers.

LWaB

The yellow label Brompton tyres roll well, greens are a bit slower.

CHenry

No, it's a Brompton.

ningnangnong

Borrowed a Reise und Muller "Frog" on Saturday. Like a shrunken Birdy.

Fun but surprisingly found heart rate up higher than expected as required a far amount of effort to get a reasonable speed up and so not the folder for more that a short, very local trip.

pm124

Wow! Where in the world did you find one of those? They aren't made any more. (Probably for good reason.) If you are in the Seattle area, Black Dog biks is a good place to go.

Diode100

Ive also seen the pink Mezzo in the windows, strange but it might grow on you, a bit like the new Brompton shadings, also it might be a good anti theft device !!!

ningnangnong

pm124 - In the UK.

Having test ridden a pink Brompton, I'm getting used to the idea of strange coloured bikes. And yes, threat deterrent indeed!