Folding stuff: The Mezzo D9

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Folding bike
I have a small flat and for the first time ever I was able to store my bike inside, out of the rain. Fully-folded, this machine fitted neatly into a small space between the sofa and the wall, and with a blanket thrown over it, you would barely know it was there.

The Mezzo D9 is not your standard folding bike, as there is no hinge in the middle of the frame. As a result the ride is smoother than that of most of its competitors.

The brainchild of former Formula One engineer Jon Whyte, the design is highly ingenious. The procedure for folding it does take a bit of practice but, once you've got it, it takes a matter of seconds and leaves no oily smears on your hands.

I tried taking it on the London Underground to test its portability and found it as easy as a small suitcase. With a set of tiny wheels on the bottom of the folded version you have the option of pushing it along, although it is light enough to carry in one hand over short distances. Of course, a folding bicycle does not offer the stability of a bike with full-sized wheels. Cornering, particularly while signalling, felt somewhat wobbly. And sudden changes of direction could lead to over-steering.

But this bike is surprisingly quick and, although it only has nine gears, the spread is sufficient not to leave you wanting more either down or uphill.

Add to that the smart, anodised frame with its neat clip-on brief case and you have a very classy, and clever, vehicle.

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