chemeleon26

^ I'm also curious about whether Evilv was able to replace his/her Merc. Got pretty interested in his/her posts.

bhkyte

Evilv seemed to have stopped posting over a year ago

vik 

Sorry to hear about the frame failure... Just curious why so many spare parts and any reason for the ones you have - ie. are the forks and rear triangles on a Merc likely to fail?

jerrysimon

Vik, you are replying to a post made in August 2009 and it seems the poster has long stopped posting.

Regards

Jerry

vik 

Damn I hate when that happens...

jerrysimon

Lol easily done, especially when its an interesting post like this. I am glad I have a steel framed Brompton. Mine is 15 months old and 1500 miles on the clock from commuting most days to and from work

Regards

Jerry

chemeleon26

The reason why I was interested is because I am planning to acquire a similar bike. I wasn't able to view the pictures earlier but I see now that this manufacturer has made a modification with their latest model. I'm around 5'6" and I don't plan on commuting with this so I suppose I will have less chance of encountering this problem since I won't be extending my seatpost that long.

Of course my first option would still be a Brommie but they are not readily available in my location. I'd be spending a lot more than an average person in UK or USA to procure one and have absolutely no support unlike the alternative brand.

bhkyte

Flamingo bike tawain (think thats right), have upgraded their version. In the UK its called a MERC, but it can be bought with 8 speed hud and v brakes all round. I dont think there is a real quality issue having owned a Brommie and a MERC. The merc has a poor chain tensioner, and the seat post clamp is inferior. Other than than I did not find much difference considering the price difference. Evil v was a real heavy user of the merc doing extremelty loaded touring using the seat post to attach luggage. If you saw the picture you will see why the seat post cracked. I think the same loading would result in simular effercts on a simular designed bike, not due to any failing of the Merc frame quality. I recommend the merc ,espically if you can get an up to date version with V brakes more speeds and possibly some of the few problems ironed out.

chagzuki

I've not heard any mention of Merc/Flamingo on this forum for what seems like years, I guess since the only known importer ceased. Looking at the Flamingo website the only Brompton-style folder listed is a 7 speed, a bit on the heavy side at over 13kg, but has what may worthwhile improvements such as an ahead stem and double wall rims. However, those changes don't lead to a lighter bike. . . perhaps there might be less flex in the stem. I'm guessing the rack is steel and could be swapped for the lighter Brompton version, but that costs £100.

ShinyBiker

there was recent ebay auction for one of these. I never intended to bid on it, but I did "watch" it. Seems the buyer was asking too much ($890+40 shipping):

https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...K%3AMEWAX%3AIT

bhkyte

"a bit on the heavy side at over 13kg,"

I can not remember the weight difference exactely when i weighed the two bikes before posting to sell, but I think the Merc was only around 1/2 pound heavier at about 12.6kg. My bikes had the same set up more or less. With 1/8 tyres and straight bars

chagzuki

I wonder how exact the official brompton weights are. My second-hand mark 3 Brompton with AW hub and rear rack is 12.5 kg according to the luggage scales I have. M3Ls are 11.5kg according to the Brompton site. The rack (with EZ wheels) might add 500g and hub 100. There's still 400 grams to account for. . . has the newer (post-2004)frame been optimised that much? Or perhaps my scales are inaccurate.

bhkyte

The 12.6 is from memory ,I have been to bed since then!

chemeleon26

In this side of the world, there are no Brompton Dealers. There is a Flamingo dealer though. Estimated price is 472 British Pounds. Featurewise, it is comparable to the M6R. I've already seen a unit in person. It's not light but there are EZ wheels.

I've check EvilV's pictures and its the old design with round tubes. The new design is hydroformed so its squarish. Riders who bought this have been generally been happy but have experience a little problems here and there but they've managed.

bhkyte

I would go for it. We would be interested in hearing a review,

14R 

Before Brompton upgraded their braking system, I was hunting down a Merc/flamingo on a daily basis to get the rear triangle and fork with V-Brakes. overall, I believe the Flaming is a decent bike, I would go for it!

chemeleon26

Thanks I'll get one when I have enough funds.

I'll post a review. I just hope Brompton fans won't lynch me for that..

bhkyte

I will back you up!!!

I will get the little guy ,you get the two big fellows..............

chemeleon26

thank you for the uh... encouragement

chagzuki

I'd be very curious to know whether Flamingo/Merc bikes accept larger tyres than Bromptons.

bhkyte

the Merc I had would not, but a later version............

chemeleon26

Finally got a Flamingo. I'll try to post my review later.

vmaniqui

where did you buy it and how much ? the quote i got from flamingo is $780 + 230 shipping so total of $1010 which is almost the same price a a real brompton.

chemeleon26

I bought mine at roughly $780 but shipping was already included since we have a dealer here. I live in Manila, Philippines. No Brompton dealers here so I'd probably have to pay more than $1,500 to import an entry level Brompton.

jerrysimon

Interesting some more pictures would also be good. I doubt I will ever get one as I already have a stock Brompton M3L but I am curious to see some more close up pics of this one.

Regards

Jerry