Sound advice.

I will try out a Brompton but the price and small wheel size do put me off a bit. The Birdy looks interesting as the frame doesn't actually fold, just the wheels but at over £1000 for the basic bike, that's way way off my budget and I'd guess a secondhand Birdy will cost me at least £500, which I'd rather not pay for a secondhand bike.

Thanks to everyone for their feedback.

Johno

I haven't recommended a Strida for you because are too tall; but as a Strida rider I can assure you there's nothing wrong with 16" wheels! While it's true that 16" wheels don't work well with a derailleur, they work very nicely with an internally geared hub or, as in the case of the Strida, a single speed.

You may think they'd be worse on bumps; but I haven't found that to be the case.

The real advantage of small wheels is in inertia. Among other things, you can get up to cruising speed with less effort, which is a big plus if your commute has a lot of traffic stops.

My personal experience with hub gears hasn't been that great and that's also backed up by other people who've had hub-geared bikes including Bromptons. A few days ago a work colleague came off his Brompton when he hit a pothole on the commute to work. I've no doubt that the Brompton is a very high quality piece of kit but for me, the 16" wheels don't cut it, but having said that, I will try one for myself in the next few weeks.

Thanks to everyone for your feedback, it's been very helpful.

Cheers

John

The 20' inch wheel is safer than a 16' inch wheel. I've changed my opinion and will say that get the best bicycle that fits someone your size. You'll ride it more and have more confidence. Don't forget to buy the bag or you may not be allowed to board.

Hmm - well the 9 speed Capreo derailleur set-up on my Mezzo works fine for me for the last 6 months of 5 day a week urban commuting, with some significant hills. I guess its a matter of personal taste, but I do think the Capreo has changed the picture in terms of hub v derailleur for small wheel bikes.

That I do agree with - in heavy London traffic, getting off first from the lights is a real bonus. And the added manoeuvrability of small wheels and easy stop/startability also helps when weaving your way through congested traffic (like most of Camden High Street in rush hour at the moment).

If you're still set on a Mu P8, worth checking out http://www.wiggle.co.uk/?ProdID=5360...referid=offer6 - what Wiggle claim is effectively a rebadged P8 for only £399. Might be worth a look.

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.

Wow, bhkyte, you get points for unearthing thread ;-)
OP started question in January 2007 and is meanwhile apparently happy MU owner.

sorry I read thread as this year and current, my mistake. but some information about brompton and Mezzo luggage might interest someone?
No, your right possibly not!

no need to apologize, thats the internet and you added some timeless points ;-)