Anita at Merc buys from a Taiwanese intermediary - not direct. The manufacture has moved after Neobike and its successor closed down, and she wasn't aware that the bikes were now from flamingo until she mentioned this discussion to her agent who confirmed it. Anita is interested in selling a multi geared version and is looking into it. I have no idea whether she will deal through the agent she now uses or directly. I can see scope for some cost reduction by them dealing direct. She might be hesitant in that these bikes are all branded as Flamingo and she's been building up her own brand. I'm sure G Gallant wouldn't hesitate to do an unbranded run for a container load though. I gather from her email that she still has stock of the version I have, so there won't be any immediate increase in the range being offered.

I'm so much enjoying my three speed with the front derailier mod that I'd be interested in a seven speed - not to mention the idea of having V brakes. My version has rather feeble caliper brakes which are OK as long as you have a good grip and use it. On the other hand this little bike is a beauty. I just got back from a twenty mile spin on it. I'm trying to lose a bit of weight by increasing my energy output and reducing inputs, so I'm riding twenty miles a day now. I'm soon going to replace the rear tyre and the chain which have done 1800 miles. They're still functional if a little tired. The front tyre has plenty of tread on it and I'd guess will run 4000 miles without any drama. As I always say when I mention tyres, I've had no punctures throughout the ownership time. I've never experienced that degree of reliability from any other bike tyres I've owned.