I took it as a suggestion while I was in the "decision" mode. Actually, I had considered both of those cited (as well as many others, but the TERN was my choice at the time) before I happened upon my LBS being able to get the Mezzos. I asked if they could get Tern, as they were a Dahon dealer and was told yes, but that I might want to check out the Mezzo. He had a D10 that I could test ride and the rest is history (well almost, it will be next week when they come in). Me and the family went down there after work and all 5 rode the D10.

I am the most picky and was impressed by the responsiveness (to my pedaling that is) and thought this would be a good buy. I came back to the shop after the test ride and was told that he could get me a $400 discount on the D10, and proportionately similiar on the D9 and I4s. Yesterday I told him I would buy 5 D9s. They will be in next week. My family all (except the misses - and me with the Salsa Vaya) said they'd give up their Marin, Jamis, and Specialized for a D9 (our garage is crowded since they each have a "beater" bike for back and forth to school and I have a small "collection" - 10 in there at present). Of course I am planning a train-bike-train trip this summer with the "middle" child (not sure if I posted that here) and the folder will be perfect for the GAP trail from Washington DC (actually I think Cumberland, Maryland) to Pittsburg, PA and other city stops on our way around the eastern US.

I went with the D9s because of the extra gearing/versatility for climbing. I like the IGH, but with the I4 being discontinued I thought I'd go with deraillers. I always had good luck with them, that is I have never had a derailler issue on any of my bikes in over 100,000 miles!

I go to him (the LBS) all the time and am up to 23 bikes either purchased directly by me, or by friends who I referred to him (probable about half me and and half from referrals). After next week it will be 28! I always get good service, great deals, and he has a lifetime tune-up deal going on (I don't use it, but the people I send down - not as mechanically oriented - do).

The other cool thing about the Mezzo is that the designer is the same guy who designed my Marin Mount Vision Pro - dual suspension MTB. I don't think I will ever part with that bike - it is an awesome ride. I got it for 1/2 off retail price from the LBS above many years ago (got one for my cousin as well)!

Now I have to referee the battle to which kid gets one of the two blue ones and which will get one of the three green ones (have black, but no on that for us).

Can any of you recommend a replacement tire for the Mezzo (a.k.a., Kenda Kwest)? I'd like to go a little wider for me and like Schwalbe. Is the Big Apple too wide for the stays on these? I would still like to go with a lite one, but need better flat protection.