Mezzo d-10 Review

We like:

Fastest fold in the West; lighter than rivals; better gearing; standard components, so easy and cheaper to repair; excellent handling

We don't like:

The price; the marketing of a folding bike on performance rather than functionality

SmartPlanet judgement:

This Mezzo's pricey. In fact, too pricey for a folding bike. But if you have the money and the inclination, the d-10 represents the state-of-the-art of folding bikes with a great spread of gears; excellent turn of speed; zippy yet unshakeable handling; light weight; faster-than-the-rest fold and unfold action; and small folded footprint. We'd advise buying the barely heavier, barely slower, yet much more affordable d-9, which is almost as well-featured for nearly half the money.

The d-10 is the newest Mezzo in a three-strong bike stable. All three, from the four-gear bottom of the range i-4 to this, the new top-end model, feature certain aspects in common. They're designed to not include a folding break in the frame (instead the wheels fold inward), they're faster and lighter than most of their rivals and they work off standard parts (unlike the Bromptons) so they're easier to upgrade and service. Continue reading...