Having used the train twice in the last 7 days I've had a good chance to look at seat availability, crowding and potential space for a bike. Unfortunately it isn't great and having seen a bloke with a larger Dahon (maybe Jack) have to sit in the smelly vestibule, fumes and toilet odours, it emphasises the need for choosing carefully.
Those with the smaller bikes have a far greater chance of getting a seat by being able to walk along the aisle. May not sound important, but judging by the 100s of commuters sprinting for the train once the platform is announced, there is no substitute for a seat for the regular journeys.
Having taken this into account and also slightly geekily taking approximate measurements of gaps between seats and behind them, there are only realistically two bikes that will fit the bill - the Brompton and the Mezzo. Not all trains have large luggage racks, not to be safe I need to work on the principal of there not being any.
The weather here continues to be a monsoon, so I'm not getting those test rides in but I did have a long natter with a dealer of both Brompton and Mezzo. He's a great Brompton fan and thinks that even though it might only have 3 gears, it would be more than adequate whereas 6 wouldn't give me any advantage for my preferences.
They were folded side by side when I went in - two different Mezzos and 4 Bromptons. The folded Dahons suddenly seemed enormous and unsuitable. Were it an inner-city commute then the Jetstream P8 would be top of the list. But having been on the train, I realise that it will become a pain due to its size. What a pity.
Such little differences in size between the Bromtpon and the Mezzo and the Mezzo does look very tasty. Remarkable how little difference in weight there is between the Titanium and Steel Bromptons. Now just have to compare them with a Birdy City.
It was interesting to hear that about 65% of those that buy the S come back within a month and change the bars to M.
Exciting stuff, especially feeling that I've now managed to really refine the shortlist to three models.
Any words of wisdom between now and test rides next week appreciated as always.
ningnangnong