The MEZZO Thread
#101
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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 https://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.
I have also come across this Mezzo review https://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.
#102
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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.
#103
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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.
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.
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.)
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.
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.)
Last edited by jefmcg; 08-28-12 at 01:17 AM.
#104
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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 https://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. https://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.
Cracking seat post clamps is a bit alarming. I have been looking at the Ori web site and came across this https://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. https://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.
#105
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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?
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?
Last edited by bhkyte; 02-05-14 at 02:32 AM. Reason: added information
#107
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As a replacement for the second Ori product, I was going to suggest a bagman support from carradice: https://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
https://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 )
But they've changed them now, and I don't think the new one makes any sense with a folder
https://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 )
#108
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As a replacement for the second Ori product, I was going to suggest a bagman support from carradice: https://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
https://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 )
But they've changed them now, and I don't think the new one makes any sense with a folder
https://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 )
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.
#109
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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.
#110
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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.
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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?
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?
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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.
#113
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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.
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.
#114
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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.
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.
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.
Last edited by bhkyte; 09-22-12 at 03:09 AM.
#116
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Has anyone got the lightweight cover like this one https://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.
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.
#117
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Has anyone got the lightweight cover like this one https://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.
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.
#118
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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.
Last edited by morphix; 10-29-12 at 04:24 AM.
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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.
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Has anyone got the lightweight cover like this one https://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.
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.
#121
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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?
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?
I think the big benefit of the Mezzo is the non-folding mainframe, it's a very solid rigid bike and there's no wasted energy, all your effort goes directly to the back wheel and you just move along very smoothly. This is what sets the Mezzo apart from the Brompton and other bikes with a frame fold. On the Mezzo there's no shakes, creaks or anything. Yet you have all the flexibility of a Brompton and a very compact folding bike still, with hardly any compromise on the ride.
#122
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1)so I don't see any problem with the fold not being as compact as the Brompton.
2) The Mezzo fold down is more complicated with more steps,
3) and it doesn't seem to stay together naturally like Bromptons do..
4) 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.
.
5) 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.
2) The Mezzo fold down is more complicated with more steps,
3) and it doesn't seem to stay together naturally like Bromptons do..
4) 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.
.
5) 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.
2) not they are the same.
Brompton= rear hinge, stem,front hinge, seat post = 4 + peddles
Mezzo = Rear hinge, stem, front wheel QR , seatpost = 4 + peddles
3) I think you need to adjust the little clip. There are allen keys on it to adjust release tension.
One can have the same problem on a Brompton if the little clip on the fork bends, or the adjustment for the seat post clearance on the rear brake is out.
4) I do something simlular on my upgraded Mezzo. See the dual drive on a mezzo thread. I rest the front wheel QR on the rear triangle stays. Then ,I use an elasticated hair bobble !This is wrapped around the seat post and I simply stretch it over the bars end to hold the bike folded securely ,takes about 3 seconds extra. This is because the bike has a click box for 27 speed dual drive set up, and there is no space available for the normal clip.
5) Good balanced summing up I feel. There is more than one excellent 16inch bike out there. I also own a Diblasi, which I love, and has many advanagers over my other folders.
Last edited by bhkyte; 10-29-12 at 11:08 AM.
#123
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Sorry about dual posting, I feel its better to have one mezzo thread, So I tend to add posts here that might be added to a another Mezzo related thread to keep the information complete in at least one thread .
Re New suspension seat post using a Koga extending seatpost from Ebay and adding cheap suspesion post in to insert.
. its a tad higher when folded around 4 to 5 inches, around 1.5 to 2 inches higher than a brommie with extended seatpost.
Like the feel of it so far.
Slight problem is that the diameter is not quite right and the seatpost clamp needs a couple of extra turns between switching from mezzo seatpost. It does hold well after that. I dont need to extend the seat post with this set up I just set it to minimum insertion mark and there is 6 inches left in the frame.
Hope this extra pressure does not cause the excellent but fragile Mezzo seat clamp to crack.
Might drill a hole in the seatpost to stop it cracking beyond a certain point.
You might just be able to see a hairline crack where I might drill the hole.
Any one know of a shop that sells the mezzo clamp with out a special order premium?
Last edited by bhkyte; 02-08-13 at 08:27 AM.
#124
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Does the suspension seat post make a significant improvement in comfort?
Did the extending seat post come with a new a new clamp because the one on my Mezzo doesn't look like that.
Did the extending seat post come with a new a new clamp because the one on my Mezzo doesn't look like that.
#125
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It does make quite a difference on trails, pathways, Mezzo not best suited to pleasure riding, but this makes it work on towpaths,and such.
Have you an older mezzo? THey had a less tall clamp. Don't think there has been an upgrade to seatpost since 2008 ish. Post a picture if its newer version than mine please?
Have you an older mezzo? THey had a less tall clamp. Don't think there has been an upgrade to seatpost since 2008 ish. Post a picture if its newer version than mine please?
Last edited by bhkyte; 02-10-13 at 05:20 AM.