Why would it be a problem? True, the Brompton's price is a bit steep but to call it vastly inferior to the Mezzo is a bit presumptuous. I find the Brompton excellent for general and bimodal commuting here n NYC. It's all about the fold, with the rack wheels it is quite easy to maneuver it through busy subway platforms, and the lack of a rear deraillieur is ideal because the bike has one less part that can potentially snag onto something.

I understand and appreciate your arguments for the Mezzo, but you lost me when you started ragging on Bromptons. Why do some people have to lift up their preferences by stepping on others'?

@bhkyte
?? probably a slight misunderstanding here: but you mentioned that "the chain tensioner" (that's a rear mech) needs modifying for the SA-hub mod:
When I said:" No, the 2spd dérailleur can be used without modification, I meant instead of the (rear) chain-tensioner. Anyway that's details.

If you look for drops on a folder, search for Little Pixels threads where he shows more of his mod to his brommi, he has also installed a chop & flop bar. Another idea if you can bear more clamps and folding steps: the carryme uses a bar where the 22mm sides are clamped into a standard middle part and can be released. Search in the Official Carryme thread, I have posted a pic with detachable drops there.

Thanks, somnatash, for the tip about those nifty adapters. The Aberhallo/Satori would work well.

Regards
T

@Sommatash: cheapest mail order place in Europe (to Belgium) for the 2 speed Brompton derailleur? I see conversion kit at sjscycles for 61 GBP!

There are always biased people amongst every following. For example you are a Mezzonite and show bias towards the Brompton so much that you claim all the people who praise the Brompton are doing so under false pretensions. Sorry but that's absurd. People like me bought and praise the Brompton because it folds brilliantly, is durable and fun to ride. I am a general enthusiast and convert to folding bikes and have just written a review on the Dahon Mu SL I bought. I don't praise the Brompton out of bias but out of objectivity and the same goes for most people except a minority of Brompton fanboys.

You are entitled not to like the Brompton yourself but making sweeping generalisations and trying to explain away the Brompton's popularity doesn't stack up. You haven't addressed why it's such a bestseller. I'm afraid the answer is because it's a quality folder. Say what you want.

Do you need the whole kit? Including chain, shifter, cables, sprockets and all? or do you have other plans for only the dérailleur? sjscycles in general seems reasonably priced, no idea if the kit you can get somewhere cheaper.

I am glad you tried the mezzo.
This is my point. I could agure that one needs 1 1/8 tyres and to lower the bars and alter the gears, but I have made this point already. (I am boring arent I ? ).

You tried the bike and found it wobbly, I don't, but hopefully due to the forum you tried "ALL" the competition and did not over-rely on internet reviews and such.

I admit defeat!

I hope other potential folder purchasers also try it out. Some will love Mezzos, Bromptons, Birdies or other bikes.

The more choice their is for folding buyers the better the choice will be,and the more mainstream folders will become.

I do not feel all Brompton owners have always made a mistake, but I made a mistake when buying one. There is more than one great bike range on the 16" compact commuting niche.

Congratulations to the wisdom and spirit of all folding bike users !

Folding bike riders know that a good folder can be faster than a mountian bike or hyrid. They can also be quicker otherall than even a time trial bike once you have found a secure storage place and locked it up!!


I can get 4 folding bikes in the boot of an Vauxhall astra for family outings, Folding bikes are great items, but under-rated items by the general public at large.
But a general word of warning, try before you buy and dont believe the hype, not even mine!

No, just the derailleur piece itself - or what is necessary for the conversion?. I'm looking into doing the modification to the 8sp sturmey archer, I have the stock 3 speed model.

okay, then you need do not need the kit only the 2spd dérailleur
its called the "Brompton Derailleur Chain Tensioner Assembly - QCTADR" = £25.62

not the shifter (since you use the stumrey archer shifter 8spd), not the sprockets but a 19t sprocket. How about smaller chainwheel and what cranks are you going to use?

How do you plan on getting two cogs onto the SA-8 hub?