The weight saving from not having gears isn't going to make a big difference. I use them quite a lot on my Dahon.

 

The anti-rotation washers I got on my last motors were useless - see the photos on my Rocky Mountain build. You can improve them by knocking the tabs to a right angle if you have a big hammer and a strong vice. Then you'll have to look how they sit in the drop-outs. You can deepen the drop-outs a bit to make it better if the drop-outs have enough metal arround them. If the tabs still don't look like they'll resist the torque, I don't think that you can't rely on the tightness of the nuts alone . I fitted torque plates on both sides of my Dahon because I run with 18 amps and 48v.

The weight saving from not having gears isn't going to make a big difference. I use them quite a lot on my Dahon.

 

The anti-rotation washers I got on my last motors were useless - see the photos on my Rocky Mountain build. You can improve them by knocking the tabs to a right angle if you have a big hammer and a strong vice. Then you'll have to look how they sit in the drop-outs. You can deepen the drop-outs a bit to make it better if the drop-outs have enough metal arround them. If the tabs still don't look like they'll resist the torque, I don't think that you can't rely on the tightness of the nuts alone . I fitted torque plates on both sides of my Dahon because I run with 18 amps and 48v.

 

Uh oh, that makes me nervous I'm not the engineer type...just about swapping the wheel out is my limit ;-) Well we'll see how it goes, there's always help here I guess and I'm up for learning new tricks..

 

My reason for wanting to lose the gears was not purely a weight saving exercise, but also because I hate the bloody derailleur and chain oiling up my trousers and it means I always have to wear old black trousers! Maybe with it being a smaller fold and lighter I will be able to carry it away from easier, we'll see. I just noticed the derailleur is bloody close to the floor on this bike..like 7-8cm away!

Thanks, I'm pretty much sold on the Q100 but just thought I'd check with someone more knowledgeable such as yourself about the suitability on these rear drop outs but it looks good to go then. The only other question I have is whether this rear drop outs will stand up to the torque from that motor, being an aluminium frame. I'm assuming it won't need any mods done or torque arms and what not? From what I've read on Endless Sphere aluminium frames are pretty tough.. usually it's the front hub forks you have to worry about with higher power motors 500W+? I'm only fitting 250W.

 

I will place my order with GBK tomorrow! I'm not sure about the gears situation. I think I need to ride the bike a bit and decide whether I want to ride it unpowered. If I don't plan to, then why bother with gears, just extra weight eh. In that case, I would rig it up with 2 gears, low and high or something, lose the derailleur+shift and just slip the chain down by hand if I ever lose power.

 

As Shemozzle999 says make sure you check the wheel size if ordering a complete kit as I believe the Mezzo may use the same 349mm rim as the Brompton. If you order the Q100 with their normal 16” wheel it will probably be a 305mm, which would be too small.

Whatever you get, order one of these:

torque arm for electric bicycle front fork online store for electric bicycle components-GreenBikeKit.com

Whatever you get, order one of these:

torque arm for electric bicycle front fork online store for electric bicycle components-GreenBikeKit.com

 

That says it's for front fork, can it still be used for rear?

Reading the Folding Bike Society's 2008 Mezzo review, I think Shemozzle999 is right...the Mezzo has 349mm wheels... My bike was manufactured 2009/2010 so I doubt that's changed, but I will contact the manufacturer to confirm. If they are 349 that's a bit of a let down as it means Big Apple tyres won't fit. Even if you could get Big Apple in that size the review above suggests the spacing under mudguards is too tight for Big Apple.

 

What are my options now for a good pair of puncture resistant tyres at that rim size?

 

Will GBK still be able to provide a Q100 wheeled motor at the 349 size or will the motor have to be spoked up in the UK as a custom job?

 

Some user reviews and even folding bike society suggest the Mezzo is under geared at the top end...This makes me think I will have trouble keeping up with my motor going full pelt.. I guess the only way is to try it and see...but what are my options to improve gearing there, would switching to a 56T chainset help?

Edited October 19, 201213 yr by morphix

Mezzo weighing

 

Mezzo Commuter Bag = 1.98kg

 

Mezzo Bike 12.2kg!!

 

(between 1kg and 400g bike weight difference, depending on which review you look at, they quote between 11kg / 11.8kg)... either my scale is wrong or there is some manufacturing changes happened to add more weight..there's nothing added to the bike except a bell heh, it looks all original components.

 

I *knew* the bike felt heavier than 11kg.. I'm used to carrying 10kg bags of salt for my business so I know exactly how much 10kg weighs

 

Incidentally, the wheel rim definitely does not look 349mm to me, looks more like 309mm holding a tape measure over the tyre, so that's possibly some good news... but without callipers or short of removing a tyre.. I can't be sure..

Edited October 19, 201213 yr by morphix

Hi morphix

 

Guessing or even contacting peeps is not the best way

 

Measuring the rim / tyre would be better

Hi morphix

 

Guessing or even contacting peeps is not the best way

 

Measuring the rim / tyre would be better

 

You're right, is there a proper way to do that? I have no callipers.. is it just a case of removing a tyre and measuring the actual wheel rim rather than trying to measure over the tyre?

 

Here's a pic...

 

http://i.imgur.com/0LIHT.jpg

is it just a case of removing a tyre and measuring the actual wheel rim rather than trying to measure over the tyre?

 

You know it's true

This link will show you what your measurements mean

 

Measuring Bicycle Rim Sizes

 

One measurement is worth 50 expert opinions. --Howard Sutherland

 

 

You're right, is there a proper way to do that? I have no callipers.. is it just a case of removing a tyre and measuring the actual wheel rim rather than trying to measure over the tyre?

 

Here's a pic...

 

 

The markings on your existing tyres should give you a clue as to size. If you need to measure the rim see here - you are measuring the diameter.

 

 

Sorry, crossed post. Great minds.....

Edited October 19, 201213 yr by jhruk

It will be written on the side of the tire. I would say its almost DEFINATLEY 349mm.

 

Best puncture proof tires in that size are Marathon Plus but be aware that they are weighty and will add another 0.5-0.7kg to the carry weight.

 

Building a wheel is not a problem several people on here will be able to do it for you.

 

Of course you will then have all the fun of getting these tries off and on the small 16" rims, though again with MP that should only be once when you put them on

 

There is no benefit in fitting Big Apples (even though you can't get them in 349mm) as isn't this bike full suspended back and front ?

 

If it was me I would go of for light fast rolling Kojaks though you will be fixing punctures. I am averaging about 3-4 a year but the weight saving is worth it if you want to keep the carry weight down

 

Regards

 

Jerry

That says it's for front fork, can it still be used for rear?

Yes. I just looked again and I'm not sure that GBK do the one for 12mm axle. Bafang and Cute (Ananda) motors have 12mm axle - probably Tongxin as well. Maybe someone who has one can confirm. The torque am comes in 12mm and 14mm versions. 14mm is not as good as 12mm for 12mm axles. BMSBattery do both versions.

EBike Torque Arm

 

Looks like you'll have to get a bare motor and get it built into a rim. Catsnapper can help. Unfortunately this wheel size will end up costing a lot more, and the brake prevents you from using the smaller one as far as I can see.

It will be written on the side of the tire. I would say its almost DEFINATLEY 349mm.

 

Best puncture roof tires in that size is Marathon Plus but be aware that is goung to add another 0.5-0.7kg to the weight.

 

Buidling a wheel is not a problem several people on here will be able to do it for you.

 

Of course you will then have all the fun of getting these tries off and on the small 16" rims though again with MP that should only be once when you put them on

 

There is no benefit in fitting Big apples as isn't this bike full suspension back and front ?

 

If it was me I would go of for light fast rolling Kojaks though you will be fixing punctures. I am averaging about 3-4 a year but the weight saving is worth it if you want to keep the carry weight down

 

Regards

 

Jerry

 

Thanks Jerry, I appreciate all the help with this build.. it's obviously a lot more involved than my first build!

 

I feel quite daft now re the wheel rims measuring the tyre diameter... shows how much I know :o

 

Well I've looked over every inch of the wheel rims and tyres (using the flashlight on my HTC!) and can't see any measurements.. all it has is tyre pressure info..the tyres are branded Mezzo but have "Cheng Shin Tyre" and "Kevlar inside"..a puncture resistant layer under the inner tube?

 

Here's some pix anyway, does indeed look 349mm..

 

http://i.imgur.com/6rBK6.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/kpIpq.jpg

Yep as I said these are 349mm rims.

 

E conversions always get complicated with small wheeled "compact" folding bikes.

 

I have just checked again and it looks like it does not have suspension front or rear.

 

Regards

 

Jerry

Best puncture proof tires in that size are Marathon Plus but be aware that they are weighty and will add another 0.5-0.7kg to the carry weight.

 

 

Ack! I need to get the weight down not up! I may well end up removing the gears then to compensate. I'm hoping the saddle will be comfortable enough not need to replacing with a heavier one...it feels ok to sit on but riding it will be the real test. Everything else looks ok, good comfortable grips, brakes feel good, pedals very good quality..

 

There is no benefit in fitting Big Apples (even though you can't get them in 349mm) as isn't this bike full suspended back and front ?

 

No way, this bike has zero suspension. Maybe the unusual buckle-style clips at front and back give the impression of suspension but they're just clips for the fold mechanism.

 

If it was me I would go of for light fast rolling Kojaks though you will be fixing punctures. I am averaging about 3-4 a year but the weight saving is worth it if you want to keep the carry weight down

 

I may well follow your advice here and just keeping the emphasis on simplicity and light weight..I need to think about what I'm using the bike for..really it's to be like a commuter bike for me, but I won't be commuting, just doing daily runs to the sorting office and maybe some light recreational use locally, not venturing too far on this bike..I think the risk of punctures is fairly low then.. so I could even just leave the existing tyres on with the Kevlar puncture thingy inside. I've seen it said that the front wheel is a bitch to remove on this bike and doing it roadside is not ideal, needs special tools.. but since the bike is so small folded worse case scenario call a taxi!

 

I will try to get a 20" JetStream next as a full suspension second bike for longer journeys and keep the Mezzo has my lighter and more portable daily "work bike"...saying that, it's not as light as I had hoped and weighs pretty much the same as many Dahon 20" bikes...but that is probably down the more substantial down tube, rack/aluminium mudguards! The advantage though is the small fold it's only 10cm bigger than Brompton and so it can go on trains uncovered, so reviewers claim...and of course, it will be much easier for me to carry up and down the stairs to my flat and store. Something I'm about to test out right now!

 

I'm just mastering the fold and then I'll take it out for a spin armed with a vid camera..

Edited October 19, 201213 yr by morphix

Re suspension I was muddled up with this and the Birdy which is fully suspended bother ends :o

 

Regards

 

Jerry

Mezzo D9 test ride and review..

 

Just got back from a quick 15 minute test ride.. (couldn't go much further because of my bad knee and sheer unfitness!) so here's my impressions of the Mezzo D9 and a sort of review..

 

What a fantastic bike!! I absolutely love it and didn't want to get off it. It just feels so natural and almost like a full-size bike but with much better handling... (bearing in mind this is my first time on anything other than 26" wheels and so I have nothing to compare it with smaller).. It didn't feel strange at at all riding 16" and I didn't feel at all self-conscious as I thought I would. The steering is far more responsive but not "twitchy".. turning corners quickly and going up curbs is much easier than a full size bike and the bike feels altogether a lot nippier than riding a full size bike. Riding on footpaths feels much better. The bike took hardly any space up compared to my 26" and feels a lot safer riding past pedestrians with plenty of space between them and me..this feels much more suitable as a town bike.

 

As to the bike itself, it's really really nice...faultless. I did initially have some problem with the gears but that was down to my not being used to using gears! I couldn't figure how to shift the gears and was pressing on the down lever to go up a gear like a noob and then wondering if the chain was on wrong lol..I didn't see the little thumb "up lever" hidden away underneath the handlebar grip! Once I figured that out, the gears were super smooth and simple to operate. I hardly noticed them changing..shifting up and down felt instant, no big lag or noise like on my 26"...I put it through all the gears from 1 to 9 and back down and tried a VERY steep hill.. going up in initially in 5th gear and then quickly dropping to first as the incline got steeper...it was a struggle with my bad knee but certainly possible to make it all the way to the top without needing to stand on pedals...that would have been impossible on my 26" bike. Coming down I was in 9th gear and easily able to keep up pedalling so I feel the bike is highly geared enough (for unpowered riding at least).

 

The saddle is surprisingly comfortable and I don't think I would have any problem riding several miles on it. Braking was excellent, but then the shoes have been well worn in for me! I felt the bike was a lot more comfortable than my 26" and I didn't feel bumps or shakiness to the ride.. which was surprising considering the much smaller and narrow wheels..I would have expected it to be more uncomfortable and sensitive to bumps..but it just felt a lot more comfortable...perhaps I need it to ride it further a field though, the roads around my block are all in good condition..

 

Now to the fold and carry weight... I folded it up inside the flat prior to taking it downstairs, and I followed the DVD instruction. It was fine..it folded up nice and neat quickly. The only problem I had was locking the fold/front wheel which was a bit confusing and I'm not sure I did it right..however the fold did stay together for carrying. It's surprising how small it looked folded and how easy it was to carry. Unlike my 26" which I really struggle with on the staircase...the Mezzo was like a little cube which I was able to carry close to my chest and just walk around corners without any problem at all. It did feel quite heavy, but certainly nowhere the strain and struggle with the stairs my 26" is. Carrying it on and off a train or lifting in and out of car, would be no strain.

 

http://gallery.amorphix.net/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=6513&g2_serialNumber=2

 

I dragged it along the tiled floor downstairs and it rolled along smoothly on it's little rack wheels like a luggage trolley by pulling the saddle. Unfolding it was super quick...about 10 seconds and I was ready to ride... the catches on the rear and handlebar locked with a reassuringly loud CLUNK and then it was just a matter of pushing the front wheel home into the drop outs and securing the QR lever and adjusting saddle height, unfolding the pedals, and I was off.

 

Folding it down when I returned back was a different story! That takes some practice and you have to remember the right order. I got it wrong and folded the back first and ended up making a right pigs ear of it. You have to remember the process is done in reverse.. the front folds first and the wheel comes out drop-outs and folds under the frame, then the rear unlocks and folds under, then handlebars unlock and fold down.. I guess it just takes a bit of practice.

 

All in all I would highly recommend the bike as a very nice folder and excellent ride. Everything about it feels right. Top build quality all round. It feels very sturdy. No creaks, no vibrations or movement anywhere which you get on folding downtube frames. As you pedal you feel all your effort is going into the back wheel and you move along quickly, just like a non-folding road bike.

 

I fixed up my HTC Desire onto the handlebar and used the Maverick GPS mapping Android app to track my journey route, distance and average speed..(very nice free app btw) which generated a trip stats report.

 

I shot some video both from my Vado HD mounted on my shoulder..and also from my little MD80 camera mounted onto the bikes handlebar... no idea how these came out but will upload onto YouTube and post a link if they're any good!

 

I think once it's electrified it will make an excellent e-bike and I'm satisfied I've made a good choice with this bike.

Edited October 19, 201213 yr by morphix

So glad to hear you like the Mezzo morphix. I find people who haven’t ridden a decent small wheeled folder often dismiss them as toys. I hear comments such as ‘they’re alright for short journeys, but I wouldn’t want to go far on one’. I’m not sure if this prejudice is just due to their appearance, or whether they’ve had previous experience on one of the many cheap cramped examples about.

 

Last year I gave my 20” Dahon a new lease of life by fitting a Q85 motor. This summer it has been my most used bike, with regular day trips of 50-70 miles. Other than rough offroad I haven’t found it any less comfortable than my other larger wheeled bikes. Being able to put it in the boot of the car, or not worry about cycle restrictions on trains, opens up many new possibilities for rides.

 

Last year I gave my 20” Dahon a new lease of life by fitting a Q85 motor. This summer it has been my most used bike, with regular day trips of 50-70 miles. Other than rough offroad I haven’t found it any less comfortable than my other larger wheeled bikes. Being able to put it in the boot of the car, or not worry about cycle restrictions on trains, opens up many new possibilities for rides.

 

jhruk did you do a front or rear hub? I haven't seen the Q85 motor in rear version and wondered if they actually made one? How do you find the power from the Q85 is it ok compared to other motors? There's quite a weight difference between Q85 and Q100 I see.. 1.6kg v 2.1kg.

jhruk did you do a front or rear hub? I haven't seen the Q85 motor in rear version and wondered if they actually made one? How do you find the power from the Q85 is it ok compared to other motors? There's quite a weight difference between Q85 and Q100 I see.. 1.6kg v 2.1kg.

 

It is a front hub morphix – see here. I’ve never seen the Q85 advertised in a rear version and assume they don’t make one. The attraction for folders is not only the weight but that they make it in a 83mm width, as with the Tongxin, which fits the slimmer folder forks better.

 

I find power with the supplied 14amp controller quite adequate for me and the gearing of the 328rpm version in a 20” wheel suits me perfectly. I can’t compare it with a Q100, as I haven’t tried one yet, but believe they are of similar design, with the Q100 capable of accepting more power. I would add that I use the motor to augment my pedaling, not replace it. d8veh has lots of experience of the Q100.

 

The Q85 has performed faultlessly so far and I’ve been so impressed with it that I’m planning on replacing a rather heavy old Crystalyte with a Q100 quite soon.

Video Review - Part One - Unboxing and Unfolding

 

Here's a quick video I made after delivery of the Mezzo D9 showing the initial unboxing and unfolding..

 

[video=youtube_share;tlT9582fF8U]http://youtu.be/tlT9582fF8U

 

In the second part (still uploading, will post shortly) I take it out for a test ride...

Edited October 20, 201213 yr by morphix

I'm trying to upload the second part of the video but YouTube is slooooow..says 7 hours to upload 250megs..ha! Might have to do it later tonight when it's quieter or tomorrow.

 

I've been practising folding and unfolding the Mezzo..it's definitely a lot easier to unfold than it is to fold.. I don't know if that is the same with the Brompton. There is a difficult stage in the fold on the Mezzo where you have to push a thin bar on the front wheel mudguard into a slot on the rear drop-outs frame..it doesn't go in very easy and requires quite a bit of maneuvering.. I have found that it's better not to bother slotting it in and instead I just rest the bar over the derailleur where it seems to fit quite snug with ease. It still keeps the fold together firmly just as well as using the slot.

 

Another thing.. the Mezzo manual says you're supposed to make sure the chain is in middle gear before you fold. You can fold it without doing that but the chain does get pushed over the horizontal rear drop-out arm/bar so could put oil/wear there I guess. Does the Brompton have the same issue?

 

I just found a nice silver 8GB USB stick in the Mezzo commuter bag on a neck cord..the seller said I can keep it That seller is such a nice person giving me the commuter bag, the lights and now this.. I feel I've been very lucky with this purchase..

Edited October 20, 201213 yr by morphix

Still not having any joy uploading part 2 of my video the Mezzo D9 test ride...I know you're all dying to see it and see me make a complete ass of myself with the gears lol..

 

I've made about a dozen upload attempts in the last 48 hours and each time the transfer begins it starts off with a 1% spurt and then grinds to a halt after a few seconds and then the time to upload progressively increases to 11+ days!!

 

Update: I've just discovered that either YouTube's web uploader script is duff, their webserver is overloaded or it seems that YouTube doesn't like large .avi files and relegates them to a lower upload bandwidth allocation.. I've just tried converting my video to a small .flv format (half the size at 106MB) and uploading it directly from my AVS Video Editing suite and now it's moving along nicely! 23% done.. weird!

 

Bah, seems I've hit a wall again at 23%. I'm seriously considering ditching YouTube and moving to another video hosting site.. it's just getting insanely slow. There's quite a few alternatives, this page has some reviews..

Edited October 21, 201213 yr by morphix