Mezzo is quicker and stiffer than a Brompton in my experience of owning both bikes. It is also easier to get a comfortable ridding position. GEnerally the mezzo is easier to upgrade than a Brompton.
However one issue that a Mezzo is difficult to upgraded cheaply is the under gearing. This can be altered to dual drive with difficulty but great on my black bike. Easier option would be a dual drive crank or a good internal hub gear see the "dual drive on a mezzo" threads. Matt52 claimed to have fitted a shimano cespro hub which occuring to mezzo does not fit, due to chain clearance.

I have ridden a birdie but never owned one. Main advantage a mezzo would be it is easier to manage on a train and are available new for half the price of a Birdie. The birdie is even more upgradable. The Birdie, (and to a less extent a Brompton), is more conformtable than a Mezzo due to suspension and wider tyre options.

Thanks for the helpful reply bhkyte - I am leaning towards a Mezzo for a few reasons, including the quicker and stiffer ride, but also the aesthetics. I was wondering how the Birdy rode in comparison to the Mezzo?

Thanks again.

Do any of you know the size of the bolt that binds the seat to the seat post? I need the diameter and thread pitch.

I purchased a Brooks B72 and it has two rails on each side and required a spacer between the two rails. The spacer makes the bolt that comes on the bike too short for the job.

I think it is an M5 with a 1.0 pitch. The length I need is either a 50 or 55 mm, but dang if I can find one anywhere local.:(

Edit: I may have asked this already, but cannot find my post.

Has anyone tried the Greenspeed Scorchers on a Mezzo? They won't fit a Brompton without modification, but they do come in the 349 wheel size. It would be a major selling point for me if I had the option of using these tires. Vik seems to really think that these tires transformed his Tikit.

I ordered one, but cancelled it because professor google told me they wouldn't fit the mezzo.

Sorry I don't have that link anymore.

IF scorchers they are any bigger than marathons they will not fit.

My bike with standard Mezzo or marathans tyres on has marginal clearance from the mud guard at the rear. I do a small regular run over about 100 yards of muddy areas on the school run. The rear wheel/mudguard area gets clogged up even with this small run. This even stops the bike wheels from turning if twigs ect get wedged.

At the front mudguard there is more clearance, so maybe ?

For softening up my bike I sometime use a spare mezzo seatpost tube with a sprung saddle. I am looking for try a cheapish suspension hub for the front.

A suspension seatpost would be great for this option if anyone has an idea. Maybe welding a tube to a thudbuster?
This would add to one of the few advangers of being able to quickly lift out the mezzo post.

That sounds like a definite no, then.

Hello all. As a fan of bikes designed by Mr Whyte (I own a PRST-1) I bought a used I4 recently and have to say its brilliant and I have been using a lot. Here is photo of my bike on the Monsal Trail.
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=269275

I have been looking at rack top bags. Has anyone had success using a bag other than the Mezzo specific bags? I would like to buy a universal bag so I can use it with my other bikes but am a little concerned about the side pockets on some of them being too big and hence getting caught whilst pedalling.

you will proberly catch side pockets on any bag not intended to be used on a folder. Brompton and mezzo side pockets are smaller than most.
What about changing your other bike racks to the mezzo system using the mezzo rack but other strunts?. Not sure how practical this would be, but its got me thinking.....

I have an Ortlieb on my Salsa that would work as it has a special attachment plate. However, with the plat on it would interfere with the folding/standing position. The pockets on the Mezzo are a little further back than most others too, but if you fill them full you can still tap them with your heel - of course depending on the angle at which you place your foot on the pedal and the length of your foot.

I would think your could look at The Touring Store website and get some good ideas for a trunk bag. Just find one without side pockets. http://thetouringstore.com/LONE%20PE...ACK%20PAGE.htm this one is 7.5 inches wide. I'm not near the Mezzo so I can't measure the rack width, but that seems close.

Thanks for the suggestions. I like the look of the Lone Peak bag but they seem to a bit of rarity in the UK. I popped into Evans Cycles yesterday with the mezzo and looked at Topeak and Altura bags. The Topeak is out of the question as it looks like it only fits Topeak carriers. The Altura looked promising and the side pockets convert in to small panniers, I think this bag would clear the pedals.
I have also come across this Mezzo review http://www.velovisionmag.co.uk/showStory.php?storynum=1240 The chap was using small panniers on the Mezzo rack, albeit on the old design of rack.
Another possibility is to use a quick release seat post rack on the mezzo, a little bit more fiddly and they usually have a limit of 10kg.

YES, BUt not sure about over stressing seatpostclamp.


Any one else had problems with the seat post clamps cracking. I have repleced 2. Mezzo ATb should add a hole drilled in them to stop the crack going further than where it tends to oringinate. (Near the clamp rear edge)

However i often run a caribina with bags attached hanging from the seat post rails.

I'm a long time fan of the commuter bag. It's Mary Poppins-ish in it's capacity, laptop just disappears, never filled it commuting, got a stupid amount of grocery shopping in it. Took it for a long weekend it France, room for 2 bottles of wine and the rest of the leftovers from the 100€ hamper we won on top of my clothes, shoes, camera, etc etc. It's neat, low center of gravity, doesn't interfere with pedalling etc etc.

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=269745

However, I picked up a carradice bag for the Dunwich Dynamo, and hardly had my other bag out since. Keep it for when I tour, or need to lug a laptop around again.

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment...3&d=1341180574

The carradice SQR doesn't go near the seat post clamps. I've not had any problem with the seat post clamps, but I did, um, snap the rails on my OEM saddle a year ago. Blamed the bag I had hanging from it.

(the mezzo bag has to be removed before folding, the carradice can be left in place though it does move the center of gravity very high when folded, and if you don't rotate the saddle, makes a much larger package on public transport.)

I like the commuter bag and have been waiting for one to pop up on ebay.
Cracking seat post clamps is a bit alarming. I have been looking at the Ori web site and came across this http://www.oribikes.com/products/det...5&cID=6&Key=36 I guess it allows the fitment of a bag to the seat post, I hope they have stronger seat post clamps.
On the subject of racks and Ori accessories, I also noticed this. http://www.oribikes.com/products/det...5&cID=6&Key=40 I have emailed Ori asking where in the UK I can buy it although I am not expecting to actually be able to buy one here. If not I can make one easy enough, but I am stuggling to find small, clear roller blade wheels at a reasonable price, any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

Not really

Only 2 in about 6 years on two heavily used bikes,it does not cause failure or seat post movement if they do go suddenly, like one did.
I think it can be cured by drilling hole to stop crack spreading. I will post some pictures when I get round to it.

Can any one get the ORI accessories?

You could be right, I have not had a reply from them yet, looks like I will be making my own rolling kit.

As a replacement for the second Ori product, I was going to suggest a bagman support from carradice: http://www.spacycles.co.uk/products....s73p1181&rs=gb

But they've changed them now, and I don't think the new one makes any sense with a folder :(

http://www.carradice.co.uk/index.php...product_id=102

(like the wheel kit: I've never really rolled my Mezzo, and I took it on a shopping trip a couple of days ago - department stores so lots of carrying - and my lower back hurts now :cry: )

I wonder if the Bagman 2 Sport can be used without the additional rods, then it might work on a folder.
I took my Mezzo shopping last week wheeling it on the small wheels which worked but you still have to lift the front off the ground for it roll and that becomes a bit of pain after a while.

I might try putting a caster in the bottom as the seat-post tube sometime. Or else where on the front mudguard for pushing along. I find it OK to move about. I also own a Brommie and this has the dissadvantagers in pushing along also I find.

It looks like I need to replace the bearing on my Mezzo D9 rear wheel hub as it is grinding something bad. It looks like it is a sealed cartridge bearing from the bike specs. Can anyone here advise what bearing part to replace it with? The hub does not have any manufacturer name on it.

This is an interesting thread and has some colorful prose. The Mezzo look like an interesting bike and I would love to see one in the flesh and try one out. Unfortunately here in the US it seems that their distribution has been limited and perhaps they may no longer be available, except possibly left over stock.

I see many comparisons to Brompton, so I have a question. I have been reading here that the Mezzo is a fast bike. It seems to me that a Brompton would be faster since the Mezzo seems under geared. If speed is important a Brompton 6 speed would have a much higher top speed, based on the available gearing on a Mezzo.

Actually, on a folding bike with 16" wheels maybe speed wouldn't be so important anyway. Does anyone have input on comfort? It seems like a steel bike with longer wheel base and suspension would be more comfortable than a short aluminum bike w/o suspension.

FWIW, I don't own a folder but an intrigued with getting a couple for my wife and me for european travel and travel in the US to cities with good mass transit. For my purposes, should I really look more into the Mezzo? From what I have read it seems that it doesn't fold as small, weighs as much, costs nearly as much, is slower, seemingly less comfortable and the luggage transport options are not as good.

I can understand that for other people with other applications it might be a good alternative, but maybe not for me?

The mezzo d10 is a lot faster than the Brompton. The undergearing is marginal and is compensated for by a large crank. It's far more comfortable than the Brompton paticularly if you are touring and parts can be bought for as little or as much as you want to spend. You can shop around which you generally can't do with the Brompton. Here in Dublin there used to be several shops which sold them but as they have sold out they have not restocked for some reason or other. Go for it , they are wonderful bikes.

Thanks for your response, silyoldtwit. The D10 looks pretty cool, I'd love to check it out.

As for fast it seems that it's top end is 81.8 gear inches vs 100.0 for the standard Brompton or if speed is a priority 108.0 for the Brompton with the larger chainring selected. Seems the Brompton would still be quite a bit faster, but then again, it seems speed should not be that high on the list of criteria when judging a folding bike with 16" wheels.

I think the other main difference is the riding postion and upgradability.
Bromptoms have less cockpit space and are less adjustable for stem height. Also a standard bromptom seatpost is only good for people up to about 5foot 8 in my experience. If you add the extened seatpost the bromptom is a taller folded package than the mezzo. I own a Brompton with an extended seat post so I can see the bikes side by side !!

Another issue is that the mezzo gearing can be altered and the bike is easier to upgrade because of the standard 135mm rear axle.

My mezzo is a 27 speed dual drive bike with roadracing bullbars and racing ulterra gear/brake levers. 56 tooth front chain wheel( largest that fit it), carbon cranks, detachable spd compatible clippless pedals, upgraded brakes, slick jokack tyres and lowered handlebar stem. Its a quick beast more like a road racing bike, with similar gearing.This bike cost less than £1000 to do.

The rear luggage rack is an improvement over the brompton offering IMO. Its is quick release and the 2 options of bags are great. Being tuck in behind the rider is quicker riding than a front bag dragging through the air.


Mezzo can be bought for less money used or on offer in the UK, I got a new one for £389!

Brompton suspension makes it a comfortable pleasure ride over the mezzo. Mezzo is more at home on roads. Though a mezzo is better on a Bmx track in my experience !!!

The bikes are very similar in size folded. And the commuting experience is similar on trains so on. The front bag of a brompton makes the bike unbalanced to carry on stairs, but offers the advantage of being able to leave on when half folding the bike. Mezzo folds and unfolds quicker, but is more difficult to do.

Thanks for the info bhkyte - It sounds like you have tweaked your Mezzo with some nice components!

Has anyone got the lightweight cover like this one http://www.mezzobikes.co.uk/UK/accessories02.php
What do you think of it and can you post some photos of it? Does it have a zip that goes along the top and down one side similar to the Brompton cover? I have the full carry bag which is great for using in the car but its a bit bulky, not always convenient and is no use if you want to pull the bike when folded on its rollers.

I think i might have one, I might have a look. I did not impress me when i got it. I will see if I can find it.

I have never tried a Brompton, but I do own a Mezzo D9.. I've looked at many reviews and many videos showing the ease of which Bromptons fold and unfold.. Here's my take on it.. In terms of more compact fold, there's no question the Brompton wins over the Mezzo, however, there's only about 10cm in it. And the Mezzo still qualifies to go on planes and trains (in the UK at least) so I don't see any problem with the fold not being as compact as the Brompton.

Now when it comes to folding and unfolding.. it's a mixed bag with the Mezzo... although it unfolds VERY QUICK compared to the Brompton thanks to its automatically locking catches (check out the "tie your shoe-laces faster" challenge videos on YouTube)... folding down is a completely different matter, and this is where I find the big difference between Mezzo and Brompton lies.. The Mezzo fold down is more complicated with more steps, and it doesn't seem to stay together naturally like Bromptons do.. I'm a new owner, so it may just be a case of gaining more experience to the "technique" but for me, it just doesn't look as easy as a Brompton fold and neither does it stay together very well unless you take extra measures.. there is a bar on the front wheel mudguard which is supposed to click into a slot which holds the fold together... for me, it's a bugger to get that bar in the slot and even if you do manage it, it doesn't seem to want to stay there.. what I do instead is hang the bar above the derailleur. That seems a quicker and more secure way to keep the fold together to me.

Saying all that, my bike is 18 months old and it's possible something has become misaligned and perhaps new bikes don't have this issue. I'd be interested to know other owners experiences.

One last thing..when comparing the Brompton with the Mezzo for fold size and compactness, you have to take into account that the Mezzo has a non-folding mainframe and better designed handlebars than the Brompton which provides an all-together superior ride to the Brompton in many ways..in terms of stability, better steering, better efficiency, better comfort etc..this is what I've seen said over and over on many reviews. So I think there is a clear trade-off on the Mezzo, and really it's a very good trade-off..for 10cm loss of compactness on the folded size you gain all that.

There's no doubt that whilst the Brompton is a superb piece of engineering which focused on providing the most compact bike and ease of use, the Mezzo is a superb piece of engineering that aims to provide the best of everything without compromise.

A key selling point and benefit for me too on the Mezzo is the purpose-designed rack bags and the convenience at which they slot on and off the rack. They're expensive, but extremely well made and I can't see them ever wearing out or needing replacing so the cost is not really an issue.. The commuter bag doubles as a brief-case, shopping bag or overnight bag.. clearly a lot of work has gone into the design of the bags...the commuter bag has removable reinforced padded walls with thick plastic sheets in the middle to protect a laptop etc.

I don't think I'd buy the cover from Mezzo..although their rack bags are a must, I think there's a nicer looking carrier bag on Amazon which looks great value at £22.50. I'd also be a bit concerned about advertising the fact you're carrying an expensive bike inside.