I bought the orange Mercier VN (Craigslist) ---brand new sorta ...the original purchaser stated bike hurt his back. He rode the bike once and had the bike one week. I drove an hour to pick up. He said a bike store called him twice about the bike but wanted him to bring the bike to the store.
First ride:
Frame should be sold for $150! Bike is ripe for upgrading and modifying. The bike should not be sold with components because the components are horrible.
I am NOT a techy, read Sheldon Brown intermittently so take this from a NON-gear head---the components are ouchy!
Crankset must be changed....never stays in gear constant clicking and/or jumping gears. Does not matter where gears are adjusted---gearing is horrific.
Handlebars---Love the look but for comfort will be switching to Nitto Alabatross...in its original form you are REALLY bent over and it is tiresome and painful.
Tires-Fast and fun!
Original owner replaced stock pedals with VERY uncomfortable spiky pedals...OUCH!
Bike is a hoot and cute. I bought for color!
I want a Brompton (bad) so this was my "Until I get the Brompton" purchase.