Originally Posted by
SesameCrunch
Hey Bruce:
I would love your thoughts on the Flamingo bike too. My friend is looking for a airplane travel bike. I loaned him my Brompton in a suitcase and he took it to UK and China on business trips. He liked it so much, he wants one. He's going to Taiwan next week, so I suggested this to him. Looks like $700 cost in Taiwan, so half the price of Bromptons.
http://www.flamingobike.com/products...p?pid=55&cid=3
Looks like a nice bike. If the construction quality is the same or better than the Merc, it should be good, don't you think?
PS: He was my Oregon riding buddy. He's in Oregon this week. I had to go to DC
I like the Merc .. no issues at all with it .. if the Flamingo is built as well, I would chance it if money were tight... I wouldn't be a big fan of the $700 listed 7spd Shimano hub model .. no ratio at 1:1 and some gear noise issues .. if it were me, I would look at a 3spd hub option if it is available .. lighter, simpler, quiet, and reasonable gear range.. I would also want to know if the Flamingo used off the shelf Brompton parts .. if he is in the US, Brompton parts are readily available, proprietary Flamingo, not so much ..