Mezzo Or Dahon need some help
 

I am looking at buying the Mezzo D-9 or the Dahon Jetstream P8 or the Dahon MU XL. My primary use for the bicycle would be for traveling and recreational.

Mezzo:
Pros: Folds Small, Components are good quality
Cons: 16 inch wheel, Bumpier ride and smaller selection of tires to choose from

Dahon Jetstream P8:
Pros: Front and Rear Shocks to smooth out ride, 20 inch tires and good components
Cons: Folds big.

Dahon MU XL:
Pros: Internal Gears, 20 inch tires and good components
Cons: Folds big.

They are all with in the same price range. The reason I am looking at the Jetstream P8 is my wife had back surgery and she will also be using the bicycle. I thout it might give a smoother ride. My main Bicycle is a Trek FX+. So any help or suggestion would be appreciated

Dahon Jetstream P8.

+1 A very good bike.


If she needs to carry the bike, what about the Dahon Mu SL? Folds same size as other Dahons here but only 9kg in weight.

How important is the small fold to you? I've got a Mezzo, and would buy it again because the small folder fold is important to me. But small folds cost, and you would almost always get a better ride on a larger fold at the same price. And of course, on a non folding, even better.

A mezzo isn't for someone with a bad back. My hands used to "buzz" from vibration after riding for 1/2 hour or so (I seem to be used to it now) and god forbid you hit a pot hole, that would jar a tender back badly. It's also awkward to wheel, and not super light.

On the other hand, what do you mean by travel? Will the larger folds fit in a suitcase? To be fair, I'm not convinced the mezzo does, but I haven't taken it apart enough to be sure. If you are going to fly with them as bikes rather than a suitcase, you might be better with a standard bicycle.

Unless you have a very specific nook the bike has to fit into, don't be too fussed about folded size. There isn't that much in it. Sure a Mezzo may be a bit smaller but so what if it will just be tucked in a corner or closet.

[edit] Oh traveling too. What mode of traveling? Do you need to put it in a suitcase, or just the trunk of the car?

So the Jetstream is it, then.

The Jetstream suspension especially the front is small travel only, just to take the sharpness off bumps, but won't absorb more than that. No question it is a very nice bike overall. Strong frame too.

Make sure you look into the riding position. Some bikes are easier on the back if your able to sit more up right when riding (although slower in speed). If you have to reach further for the handle grip you will have to ride leaning foward more and that might make your wife's back ache (maybe).

Jetstream od Downtube FS

I vote jetstream as the best suitable bike from this list.
However do not forget the wheel QR on Dahons and Downtubes reduce the size alot.
The other option is a Brompton because of the rear suspension. Also consider a Dahon Curve which is a comfortable bike for distance due to Big apple tires.

However if you are doing long distance I find the Curve, and Brompton a bit of a slow drag, but comfortable.

A sprung saddle on a Mezzo may give you a fast,small folding comprimse, but it is really a commuting bike. It can be modded to be a really fast commuting/touring bike.see the upgrading a mezzo/Ori thread.

Thank you for all your responses. It has been very helpful.

Jerry the Spinner

How important is the small fold to you? I've got a Mezzo, and would buy it again because the small folder fold is important to me. But small folds cost, and you would almost always get a better ride on a larger fold at the same price. And of course, on a non folding, even better.

A mezzo isn't for someone with a bad back. My hands used to "buzz" from vibration after riding for 1/2 hour or so (I seem to be used to it now) and god forbid you hit a pot hole, that would jar a tender back badly. It's also awkward to wheel, and not super light.

The mezzo is a great bike and you can deal with the suspension issue very easily by using a sprung saddle such as the Brooks Flyer. The standard grips are pretty good but the Ergon GC2 grips make touring very comfortable and completely eliminate (for me at least) any vibration issues that affect the hands.

Did you end up getting a bike?