Originally Posted by
matt52
I take the
Mezzo on the hideously crowded North London Line every morning and hammer it on London's pot-holey streets every day as well. No problems at all. Almost as small as a Brompton but faster, stiffer and better gearing. Look much more go-faster. And fun. Can't recommend enough. Though I like my DTFS, it stays in the garage even when I'm not multimodalling around...check one out - Cycle Surgery branches certainly have them to try, I guess some of other big retailers do as well.
I could not agree about the mezzo ride more.
The mezzo has a higher extending seatpost as standard and therefore you may not need to fork put more for an extended seatpost if you opt for the bromton.I thick it is possible to find more companies making seatpost options for the Mezzo as the bromptom is unusal in the diameter and the mushroom end.The mushroomed end does however make the seat and post nearly theift proof.
However you may prefer the front bag on a Brompton as it does not need taking of so early in the folding process. I find it easier to put the rear Mezzo computer bag on when I get off the train as I can easily carry my mezzo up the stairs with it fitted. Something that is more difficult with the Brompton therefore I always attach the bag last. This means I cary a soulder bag and a bike upstairs. The Mezzo is rear heavy but better to carry with the bag attached I find. However bromptons can take afront plus a rear bag, a Mezzo can not in standard form. I prefer to shop on a Brompton because of the ability to half fold and park easier with out debagging. But I enjoy the ride back home more on my Mezzo!
I found a Diblasi a great commuting bike for the train. Expensive new, but I paid £80 on ebay, used it loads and sold it for about the same money. It is not a great ride and is heavy and is not really a fun bike for leisure use. But it folds instantly, is rock solid, and stands on its end to take up less space than either my Brompton or Mezzo on the train. Plus you can leave the rear bag attached when folded!!
However this bike is best suited for short journeys and for people under 5 foot 10. So it maybe no goer.