Good quality 16" wheel bikes?
12-03-12, 05:51 AM
#51
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Speaking of which, for those of you living in London, what good store would you recommend to check out the Mezzo?Ideally, the store should let potential customers ride around the block, and also carry the Strida and the Brompton, so I can make an informed choice the next time I'm in London.
12-03-12, 07:13 AM
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I would really recomemd you have a test ride. All the bikes mentioned are very different to ride and live with.
Last edited by bhkyte; 12-03-12 at 07:47 AM.
12-06-12, 01:59 PM
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Winfried, here is some info on the R&M Frog, taken from this site: https://www.pacific-cycles.com/produc...&cat2=5&pid=35
Originally Posted by Pacific Cycles - R&M Frog
Frame: Frog Monocoque Aluminum 6061 T6
Fork: Aluminum, leading link swingarm
Color: Magenta / Luminous Green
Head Sets: Tange STS 1-1/8”
BB Parts: TH BB-7420AL 68x113mm
Seat Post: Frog Alu 7075, 34.9 x570mm/Kalloy SP-368, Alu, 25.4 x 250mm
Tire: Schwalbe Big Apple 16x2.0 (50-305) 65PSI
Rim: Alex Y303, 16” 24/36H, black, CNC sidewalls
Hub: F: Frog 24H, 75mm silver / R: Shimano Nexus 8speed 36H
Chainwheel: Birdy 52T 170mm anodized silver w/ cover
Freewheel: 12T silver
Derailleur: Shimano Nexus 8speed
Shifter: Shimano SL-8S20 Revo Nexus 8
Saddle: Velo VL-3029
Pedal: VP-FLD50 folding pedal
Handlebar: JD-ATB01 ALU6061-T6 DB 25.4x520mm 5D silver
Stem: Adjustable stem 25 degree anodized silver
Brake: Tektro J310
Brake Lever: Tektro RS388A
Accessory: Kickstand, Bell
Suspension Unit: Birdy PU
Optional: Mudguard, Rear carrier
Dimensions: Folded: 57cm(H) x 37cm(W) x 75cm(L)
Weight: 12.3kg
12-07-12, 09:12 AM
#54
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I would recommend the place at 93 Great Portland Street W1, used to be called Velorution, but they have a new name, they certainly have the Brompton and Strida, and i think they also carry Mezzo (well they did when i bought one a few years back); so maybe best to give them a ring before hand.
Velorution 88 Great Portland Street W1W 7NS https://www.velorution.com/
They don't mention Mezzo, so it looks like they stopped selling them.
BTW, what is that "Ori" brand, that suspiciously look like Birdy but with 16" wheels and fold like Brompton?
https://www.velorution.com/ori-mi8-folding-bike/
Winfried, here is some info on the R&M Frog, taken from this site: https://www.pacific-cycles.com/produc...&cat2=5&pid=35
Last edited by Winfried; 12-07-12 at 09:19 AM.
12-07-12, 10:37 AM
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Any one mentioned the Flamingo, or Merc Brompton clone. Often much cheaper and latest models are well speced. However really an imported bike only plus wrath of Brompton Ltd !!
12-07-12, 11:39 AM
#56
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The new rear rim from Brompton, for next year looks excellent .
they really thickened up the aluminum around the spoke holes, and machined in the angle to the hub
the spoke nips are aligned..
great improvement in their 349 16" wheel for the back..
Just noted, the Frog Above is a different 16" rim, 305 ..
they really thickened up the aluminum around the spoke holes, and machined in the angle to the hub
the spoke nips are aligned..
great improvement in their 349 16" wheel for the back..
Just noted, the Frog Above is a different 16" rim, 305 ..
Last edited by fietsbob; 12-07-12 at 12:59 PM.
12-09-12, 10:11 AM
#60
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Saying .. 2 different 16 " wheels, like there are different 26" wheels, and 2 different 20" wheels..
12-10-12, 04:47 AM
#61
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Apparently, it was a cheaper Taiwanese knock-off of Brompton, and is no longer manufactured:
https://foldingbikes.wikispaces.com/Merc
https://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=8637
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/216487-Merc
12-10-12, 05:02 AM
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Thanks for the info. I didn't about Merc/Flamingo.
Apparently, it was a cheaper Taiwanese knock-off of Brompton, and is no longer manufactured:
https://foldingbikes.wikispaces.com/Merc
https://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=8637
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/216487-Merc
Apparently, it was a cheaper Taiwanese knock-off of Brompton, and is no longer manufactured:
https://foldingbikes.wikispaces.com/Merc
https://forum.dahon.com/index.php?showtopic=8637
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/216487-Merc
If you read the end of that blog someone recomends them !!
The older A to B review is very baised/ it gives only 2 stars out of 5 to MEzzo and slates the birdie, really!!!!
Not that much of a knock off, some have improvements ie 8 speeds Vbrakes alloy frame etc.........
I have owned one,and a former poster "EvilV" https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...inally-cracked
(Yes he finally broke his, but not before it did thousands of miles touring service loaded up to MAX. (not bad for a Ł200-Ł300 bike including spares, bag, luggage holder, lights)
Can not find the thread but several users recomended a newbie to go for a flamigo and they were delighted with it. ANother name another imported makes them???
Last edited by bhkyte; 12-10-12 at 05:18 AM.
12-10-12, 07:15 AM
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Last edited by tcs; 12-10-12 at 07:19 AM.
12-10-12, 07:19 AM
#64
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Hey, it's been about two weeks now since a couple of posters said they were going to go test ride the new Dahon Curl. How did those test rides go? Or have you in fact found out your assurances that the Curl is now available for retail purchase were in error?
12-10-12, 11:19 AM
#65
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I had a Merc too. I thought it was a fine bike with all of the perks and problems with an ordinary Brompton. Its value was excellent.
... and EvilV rode the bike with huge loads.
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12-12-12, 10:37 AM
#66
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I have a 16" current model Frog. It's expensive, cool, and high quality but if I had a do over, I'd probably get a Brompton instead. The Frog folds relatively small, but it's a very awkward package compared to the Brompton. It's a very stable and comfortable ride for it's size, but it's really slow, I think due to the combination of the Nexus hub (which has never really loosened up) and the small Big Apple tires. Sometimes I wonder if the chain tensioner also contributes to the drag.
Prior to the Frog, I had a cheap 3-speed Nexus bike with 20" Big Apple tires; I was disappointed when I switched and found the Frog added time to my commute.
Prior to the Frog, I had a cheap 3-speed Nexus bike with 20" Big Apple tires; I was disappointed when I switched and found the Frog added time to my commute.
12-12-12, 11:43 AM
#67
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I can see that, the fat tire, of the 305 size 16" is lower pressure, higher volume,
than the narrower 349 higher PSI tires used by Brompton , and Bike Friday's Tikit.
but, with the suspension it's bound to be more comfortable, so start earlier and enjoy the ride..
the suspension may absorb some pedal energy, that's why MTB forks have a lock out, lever.
than the narrower 349 higher PSI tires used by Brompton , and Bike Friday's Tikit.
but, with the suspension it's bound to be more comfortable, so start earlier and enjoy the ride..
the suspension may absorb some pedal energy, that's why MTB forks have a lock out, lever.
12-17-12, 03:29 AM
#68
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Thanks for the feedback. I also wondered about how fast and how compact if folded compared to the Brommie.
12-17-12, 10:45 AM
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BTW, what is that "Ori" brand, that suspiciously look like Birdy but with 16" wheels and fold like Brompton?
https://www.velorution.com/ori-mi8-folding-bike/
https://www.velorution.com/ori-mi8-folding-bike/
12-18-12, 03:23 AM
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Thanks for the info. It looks like a good, more modern and stable alternative to the Brompton.
Flamingo just replied to my query about having the Brompton-copycat FL-BP01-7 shipped from their factory in Taiwan to Europe: US$925/€700, including shipping cost. They don't have retailers in Asia.
"My Flamingo FL-BP01-7 Review"
"Flamingo FL-BP01-7 Folding Bike"
"Brompton style Flamingo vs. Legit Brompton"
The Ori and the Flamingo would cost the same. Difficult decision without actually riding them.
Flamingo just replied to my query about having the Brompton-copycat FL-BP01-7 shipped from their factory in Taiwan to Europe: US$925/€700, including shipping cost. They don't have retailers in Asia.
"My Flamingo FL-BP01-7 Review"
"Flamingo FL-BP01-7 Folding Bike"
"Brompton style Flamingo vs. Legit Brompton"
The Ori and the Flamingo would cost the same. Difficult decision without actually riding them.
12-18-12, 01:56 PM
#71
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[QUOTE=Winfried;15058327]Thanks for the info. Flamingo's site doesn't list retailes in Asia. Anybody knows?
For sure they do have retailers in Asia, their bikes are sold in many bike shops in Taiwan.
I did a quick search on the Taiwanese auction sites. Here are the cheapest prices:
-22,770nt (~$785): https://goods.ruten.com.tw/item/show?21201318054300
-24,120nt (~$831): https://tw.page.bid.yahoo.com/tw/auct...6&actsrch=srp3
Thanks for the info. It looks like a good, more modern and stable alternative to the Brompton.
Flamingo just replied to my query about having the Brompton-copycat FL-BP01-7 shipped from their factory in Taiwan to Europe: US$925/€700, including shipping cost. They don't have retailers in Asia.
"My Flamingo FL-BP01-7 Review"
"Flamingo FL-BP01-7 Folding Bike"
"Brompton style Flamingo vs. Legit Brompton"
The Ori and the Flamingo would cost the same. Difficult decision without actually riding them.
Flamingo just replied to my query about having the Brompton-copycat FL-BP01-7 shipped from their factory in Taiwan to Europe: US$925/€700, including shipping cost. They don't have retailers in Asia.
"My Flamingo FL-BP01-7 Review"
"Flamingo FL-BP01-7 Folding Bike"
"Brompton style Flamingo vs. Legit Brompton"
The Ori and the Flamingo would cost the same. Difficult decision without actually riding them.
I did a quick search on the Taiwanese auction sites. Here are the cheapest prices:
-22,770nt (~$785): https://goods.ruten.com.tw/item/show?21201318054300
-24,120nt (~$831): https://tw.page.bid.yahoo.com/tw/auct...6&actsrch=srp3
12-19-12, 08:33 PM
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maybe it's just me, but i cant understand why anybody would want to pay money to a crap company like grace gallant.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neobike
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neobike
12-23-12, 09:40 PM
#74
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Well, there's the French folder, the Mobiky MY16 models.
Living in Paris with the 12" and 16" Mobikys.
Living in Paris with the 12" and 16" Mobikys.
Speaking of the CarryMe, it should also be considered.
https://www.pacific-cycles.com/produc...?cat1=1&cat2=7
It's very strange that we have such divergent opinions because you and me are the same height and I would never consider any other folder than the CarryMe for someone that actually intends to fold it. Don't get me wrong I love 16" wheels as much as the next guy, but have not found them (or 20" or 700c) to be any faster than my CarryMe over distances up to 10 miles (and that's according to the stop watch, not just "feel").
12-23-12, 09:59 PM
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Wow, I guess "beauty is in the eye of the beholder"?...because first thing I thought after watching that video (before reading your comment) is why is the Mobiky still so slow compared to the smaller-wheeled CarryMe? I've owned a CarryMe for many years (and ridden many happy miles) and tried a Mobiky years ago and IMO there is absolutely no comparison.
It's very strange that we have such divergent opinions because you and me are the same height and I would never consider any other folder than the CarryMe for someone that actually intends to fold it. Don't get me wrong I love 16" wheels as much as the next guy, but have not found them (or 20" or 700c) to be any faster than my CarryMe over distances up to 10 miles (and that's according to the stop watch, not just "feel").
It's very strange that we have such divergent opinions because you and me are the same height and I would never consider any other folder than the CarryMe for someone that actually intends to fold it. Don't get me wrong I love 16" wheels as much as the next guy, but have not found them (or 20" or 700c) to be any faster than my CarryMe over distances up to 10 miles (and that's according to the stop watch, not just "feel").
wow...