The Curve and I will be going on a road trip around the UK Cycling Press offices shortly, so keep an eye out for us………………….
June 23, 2010
June 22, 2010
New Mezzo arrives………………
Something has arrived in the office with beautiful curves.
Call back soon for a 1st look……………………
June 10, 2010
Join Mezzo at Bike Radar Live, 10th and 11th of July.
See the latest Mezzo range at Bike Radar Live and test them out on the closed Brandshatch circuit.
http://live2010.bikeradar.com/buy-tickets/
May 12, 2010
Interesting shots at the Mezzo R & D facility
Call back soon for the Designers insight into how to develop a folding bike……………..
April 15, 2010
Mezzo Moments # 2 – 1st ride out.
Where was John McEnroe born? *
Yup – me neither. But one of the perils of going to a pub quiz hosted by the Daily Telegraph’s sports desk is facing obscure questions like this. On the other hand the cyclist’s post-work drinking dilemma of, do you leave the bike at work and take the tube in the morning, or instead sink seven pints of Belgium’s finest and hope the gods are in a good mood as you as you tackle the Elephant & Castle roundabout was resolved .
Instead bike to the pub. Fold the bike neatly next to your table. Lose (badly) at the quiz, then tube it home and then be ready for a hangover-busting bike ride back into work the next morning.
*Wiesbaden, West Germany
“Why don’t I listen more carefully?” I whined as I failed to disentangle wires from spokes, the result of post-pub fat fingers and the failure to heed Mezzo Product Manager, Kevin Izzard’s instructions to spend 20 minutes practising how to fold the bike. The smooth sailing from work, to pub, and then tube, had ended on the KFC corner in Brixton; a strip of pavement where most things can be bought – none of them legal. And now one of its late-night residents was headed straight for me.
I was envisioning a first blog along the lines of:
11am: Given new bike to test.
10pm: Bike breaks down in Brixton.
10.01pm: Bike stolen by drug dealers. Bye bike….
Instead Mr Broken Britain quickly analysed the problem – “s’all mashed up, man – and sorted it out in seconds. The cynic in me thinks there was probably a police car nearby. The optimist thinks it’s yet another journey I’ve managed to complete through the kindness of strangers.
April 14, 2010
Mezzo Moments # 1
Mezzo have supplied a D9 to Aaron Woolner. As Editor of a Financial Services magazine in London, he is a regular commuter in the city, cycling to work, meetings and socially. He has kindly agreed to write a blog for us about the commuting experience and the practicalities of using a folding bike in the urban environment. It’s only right to start a commuting diary somewhere appropriate so we met yesterday under the new clock at Snt Pancras, the D9 replacing the traditional red carnation! After a demonstration of how the bike works Aaron cycled away into the city to start the bike’s adventure; keep an eye out soon for the D9 on the Tube, under desks, on buses and cycling between London’s famous landmarks and check in for updates from Aaron on his blossoming relationship with his new bike.
March 29, 2010
Bicycle Buyer review the D9
Mezzo, sure an extravagant Italian manufacturer of folding bikes? Er, no, the Company is bases in Hastings and the bike was developed by an ex Formula 1 suspension guru in the Cotswolds. The company makes a three model range currently offering an internal bub geared four speed bike and two derailleur versions, this nine speed model, and a racier 10 speed version. Like the considered market leader Brompton, the Mezzo is a ‘compact’ folder going down to a cosy, cupboard stowable size when folded and based around a 16” wheel, considered the minimum size before the ride stability is compromised.
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO RIDE?
As far as compact folders go this is one of the best in terms of ride quality. The heat treated deep section hinge-less main frame is stiff and strong allowing a flex-free ride. And with a slightly longer wheelbase than competitors the bike tips into corners confidently and descents without the twitchiness associated with some smaller wheeled folders. This nine-speed derailleur version is also one of our favourites as it offers a wide range of familiarly operated gears, slickly and smoothly changing as your heart desires. The position can get a bit cramped for taller riders, but for most folks it’s a nice riding position. Folding the Mezzo involves a step or two more than some competitors, but like anything, after a few goes it’s simple. Just remember front, back, front back etc.
WHAT WE LIKED…
We’ve ridden plenty of folders and a fair few Mezzos and this is one of our favourites. We love the quality construction with meticulously neat welds and extremely well designed mechanisms and catches that are designed around industry standard sizes and fitments. So if your Mezzo breaks down it wont be off the road for long as many parts are interchangeable with non-folding bikes. We also like the fact that Mezzo make their bikes in a wide range of colours, all durable quality anodized finishes that won’t chip like paint and most are available in 24 hours, whereas some folding bikes brands will have you waiting months of delivery. The ride is polished and slick, even under addition stresses up hill with a heavier ride.
…AND WHAT WE DIDN’T
This is a Bicycle Buyer first as we really struggled to find anything that we didn’t like about the Mezzo. Even if we were being hyper critical, downright picky, we just can’t fault it. And there lies the truth in a nutshell. The Mezzo delivers in full.
WOULD WE BUY IT?
Yes, yes, and yes again. OK so we need to define the user criteria and anyone looking for a compact folder is probably very tight on space either at home, in the workplace or on the train, but or car boot. If this is you then you’ll need this compact package. Mezzo might be a relative newcomer to the folding bike party but it’s wearing a Gucci suit and carrying a bottle of Champagne in each hand…
November 9, 2009
Mezzo Man On Calendar
Now here’s a thing, Mezzo features in the Cycling Plus magazine calendar for next 
year! (more…)
October 23, 2009
Mail on Sunday gives the D9 5/5
The Mail on Sunday has reviewed 6 of the best foling bikes on the market and has awarded the Mezzo D9 a 5 out of 5 stars, saying “The ride is smooth and close to the feel of a traditional bike, with nine gears giving you a good chance on hills.
Click here to read the full article.
October 15, 2009
RCUK give the D10 a 4.5 / 5
They say “Rides like a normal bike, innovative design, light weight, easy to fold and carry, easy to maintain.” To read the brilliant full review click here.