Brompton copy?
#1
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Bikes: Brompton H6, Schwinn Mirada, Cruzbike Sofrider. Used to own: ICE B1, 2 F-frame Moultons, Koga Myata Elevation 5000 mtb, Challenge Hurricane, Riese & Mueller Birdy Silver, Actionbent Tidalwave 3
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Brompton copy?
Has anyone else seen these:
https://www.mercbike.co.uk/
They look like a blatant Brompton copy, at very good value compared to the Brompton... In fact, the copy seems to be so close I imagine it must be under licence or they would surely be sued????
Anyone know anything about them?
https://www.mercbike.co.uk/
They look like a blatant Brompton copy, at very good value compared to the Brompton... In fact, the copy seems to be so close I imagine it must be under licence or they would surely be sued????
Anyone know anything about them?
#2
Raleigh20 PugFixie, Merc
I found this in the Marque reviews on the A to B site:
https://www.atob.org.uk/Buyers'_Guide.html#Merc
"Merc: Dysfunctional Pirate Copy:
A bit scary this. The Merc is an attractive Chinese pirated clone of the Brompton, correct in most respects, and apparently upgraded from the classic British bike, thanks to a light alloy frame. The reality is a bike that weighs 13.2kg (heavier than the steel Brompton!), on which almost nothing works properly - the saddle slips down, the brakes barely function, the front carrier block is a bit dodgy, and the cables get in a tangle when you fold it up. If offered one at the ludicrous price of £499 - or any other price - just say no."
https://www.atob.org.uk/Buyers'_Guide.html#Merc
"Merc: Dysfunctional Pirate Copy:
A bit scary this. The Merc is an attractive Chinese pirated clone of the Brompton, correct in most respects, and apparently upgraded from the classic British bike, thanks to a light alloy frame. The reality is a bike that weighs 13.2kg (heavier than the steel Brompton!), on which almost nothing works properly - the saddle slips down, the brakes barely function, the front carrier block is a bit dodgy, and the cables get in a tangle when you fold it up. If offered one at the ludicrous price of £499 - or any other price - just say no."
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My Raleigh Twenty site | foldr : A flickr pool | #6460, #5632 & #3407 on the fixedgeargallery
My Raleigh Twenty site | foldr : A flickr pool | #6460, #5632 & #3407 on the fixedgeargallery
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Yeah i remember reading that bit, sounded like a def. no go! Buyer Beware!
That page was last updated in July, so i am assuming the review reflects the current quality of the Mercs...?
Since i am also a little intrigued by these bikes i wrote the Merc peeps the following:
---
Hey there,
A rather authorative site on folders has some words to say on your bike.. I was wondering what your response is as i am considering buying 4 or maybe 5 of your bikes but was dismayed by the review. Specifically i want to know of the problems mentioned are a thing of the past and whether you produce your bikes under license of Brompton.. Thank You.
The review on:
https://www.atob.org.uk/Buyers'_Guide.html#Merc
Reads: "Text on merc Here"
---------
Should be interesting to see if they reply and what. So i did bend the truth , i don't think i will buy 4 or 5 ha ha, but hey if they are actually pirating a rotten copy (merc as in "Mercenary...?) i can't say i feel too guilty...
Also according to the Merc site the 3 speed bike weighs 12,34 Kilo's... huh...?
That page was last updated in July, so i am assuming the review reflects the current quality of the Mercs...?
Since i am also a little intrigued by these bikes i wrote the Merc peeps the following:
---
Hey there,
A rather authorative site on folders has some words to say on your bike.. I was wondering what your response is as i am considering buying 4 or maybe 5 of your bikes but was dismayed by the review. Specifically i want to know of the problems mentioned are a thing of the past and whether you produce your bikes under license of Brompton.. Thank You.
The review on:
https://www.atob.org.uk/Buyers'_Guide.html#Merc
Reads: "Text on merc Here"
---------
Should be interesting to see if they reply and what. So i did bend the truth , i don't think i will buy 4 or 5 ha ha, but hey if they are actually pirating a rotten copy (merc as in "Mercenary...?) i can't say i feel too guilty...
Also according to the Merc site the 3 speed bike weighs 12,34 Kilo's... huh...?
Last edited by v1nce; 10-06-05 at 09:31 AM.
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That is a blatant copy but the reality is that Brompton's patents have long ago expired so there is nothing illegal here. Time for Brompton to start innovating a bit.
you should also know that the publisher's of A to B are sometime Brompton employees (they work trade shows for Brompton) so their indignation is somewhat to be expected.
you should also know that the publisher's of A to B are sometime Brompton employees (they work trade shows for Brompton) so their indignation is somewhat to be expected.
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Ah,.. that is interesting info, you gotta wonder if their review is really fair then. I must say the review seemed a little incongruous with the Merc Pics on the site. Of course you can make any bike look good on a site. What was the price diff. between the Merc and Brompton again anyway?
So far no reply from Merc btw..
So far no reply from Merc btw..