The Merc was ok. It was not as good quality as a Brompton but it was arguably better value for money. Flamingo's maker was never an honest business partner and doesn't deserve many accolades. As for the Flamingo we'd have to ride it in person and road test it over a period of time.

I would stand corrected that 'cheap' does not necessarily mean 'bad'. I should have been clearer :-)

I would however say that it is unfair to copy a bike in an identical fashion and this can raise copyright issues which can still be protected. Dahon's Curl is a compliment to Brompton's fold design as it is similar and yes the patent has run out so why not? However it is differentiated and not a complete clone.

What most of us would agree on is that many folding bikes are overpriced. Ask Mark Sanders.