I'm feeling that it could be n+1 time and an getting fed up of taking a full sized bike on the train. What is the best one to get and where from?
Cheers.
Bike Forum
Talk to me about Bromptons.
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Posted 8 months ago #
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Evans usually have good deals or foldingbikes.biz (whites)
Unless you have any hills a simple 2 speed will do.
Ideally you'd want a flat bar as they are the stiffest but the "m" bars do flex to give you some more comfort.
I've had a couple and really enjoyed riding them, more than I thought i would.
Posted 8 months ago # -
Different advice...
I've a six speed with is a 2 speed with a 3 speed hub. The derailleur part is annoying an unreliable - I'd go for just a 3 speed in future (or actually look at a SS and upgrade myself to a 6 speed hub (check Kinetics site - i think you can buy with these fitted from new).
The rear rack adds stability when folded but also adds weight and is very rarely used. The front carrier and bags are excellent however, a much better way of carrying stuff on the bike. Best bag we've had is the Carradice.
Given how they get used dynamo lighting makes sense (LED lights get in the way when you fold). The hub dynamo (I think the only one they offer now) is expensive but very good.
We love ours - very useful thing to own. Various parts are shonky but the overall package just work brilliantly.
Posted 8 months ago # -
I have had a Brompton for 18 months and love it. I have the "M" style bar 3 speed and its been superb.
I have the front-mounted bag and that's really good. Saves having to use a back-pack and getting all sweaty.
I commute by train everyday and it gets folded about 6 - 8 times every day. Never had any problems and its been ridden in all weathers.
Since i've owned it i've had 2 punctures and had to change the brake pads. That's it. I've tried a Dahon and a Kansi and neither can touch it in terms of the quality of the fold - important on trains - and reliability.
Very good investment.
Posted 8 months ago # -
I also have the 'M' type, but 6 speed. Very, very useful, once you get used to the quirky ride. You may want to change the saddle and consider the longer seat post option if you are very tall. I bought mine via Ebay and was lucky to get it for a good price - they generally seem to go for silly money (ie almost 'new' price in some cases) on the 'Bay. There are very few parts that are 'standard' cycle parts which you have to bear in mind if thaking one on a trip (eg cables are 'different') but generally this is not the problem that some make it out to be. I would probably go for the 'S' version next time as it has a slightly more forward riding position.
Posted 8 months ago # -
I have a 6 speed with a few mods ( v brakes on front /granny ring /reinforced seatpost/ horizontal reach extender . If you can accept their limitations ( which are few with the right attitude ) and adjust to the "quirky" steering ( rather fast and initially disconcerting) they're a great thing to have.Was going to sell mine because of lack of use but after a recent trip to france have been reminded how useful they are.
as mentioned the big front bag is an awesome load carrier and although I've often been tempted to remove the rear rack it would be fantastic if you want to tour and support a rucksac for example.Posted 8 months ago # -
I've been running a Brommo for about a year and a half, commuting to That London with the help of the train.
Upsides:
3 gears is all you'll need unless you've got any really serious hills in the way.
I use a backpack, so flat bars = stiff and doesn't look completely naff.
Changing the rear inner tube in the event of a puncture is relatively simple (I used to own a six-speed hub-gear Ridgeback - needed an engineering degree) once you get used to it.
Folds down VERY small.
Can change the pedals for clipless - movement of crankarms when folded, but not a problem.
Saddle fixing allows for shallow or deep saddle-rails if you want to change from the supplied seat.
Easy storage at work - under the desk, even.
Minuses:
Gear shifters and brake levers are a bit cheap and plasticky for the price.
Brakes become a bit "interesting" in the wet. Rear light does not flash - eats batteries (fix another to the seatpost).
Brompton tyres are rubbish - fit Schwalbe anti-puncture type.
Looks like a clown bike.
Overall, I'd say the advantages far outweigh the minor disadvantages.
I don't see myself changing - unless they bring out a Brompton with disc brakes!
Posted 8 months ago # -
I have a vague feeling that you are Edinburgh based, if so pop into biketrax, they will be able to help with all such brompton matters. I do seem to remember, when i worked there that the three speed ones were more reliable, but might be miss remembering.
My over riding memory of bromptons and working there was me feeling the need to weep every time someone bought one; I really can't stand folding bikes, the look so horrible, but do see the advantages of them and would definitely pop into biketrax...unless you live no where near edinburgh and this post has been pointless.Posted 8 months ago # -
PS: The supplied pump is **** all use.
Posted 8 months ago # -
Posted 8 months ago #
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Brompton tyres are rubbish - fit Schwalbe anti-puncture type.
We've been running Schwalbes but were advised that the very newest stock Schwalbes are not good (impossible to get on and off?) and that you're now better off with the Brompton tyres. We picked up one last old Schwalbe so cant' confirm.
PS: The supplied pump is **** all use.
+1I use a standard saddle and seatpost in the top of the 'extending' lower post. Brompton saddle is a joke and their clamp for standard rails gives Katie trouble.
Grips were awful - a set of Ergon Gripshift grips made a big difference to mine.
So...questions. I'd like to upgrade the brakes and levers - any suggestions?
Posted 8 months ago # -
I'd like to upgrade the brakes and levers - any suggestions?
easiest option is to send the fork to Steve Parry at westonsupermare and he'll braze on some V brake pivot bosses . he didn't charge me much and it made all the difference to stopping power ..I live in Devon and fine for our hills. I used some basic avid v brake calipers (just front) and levers with the little adjuster which varies the mechanical advantage . also used cartridge V brake pads on both front and original back brake to increase pad contact with the rim. Otherwise he'll do a disc conversion for the right money !!!
search through "folding society" or "Bromptontalk " forums for more advice/infoPosted 8 months ago # -
recommend going for the shimano dynamo hub option (theres alson a son one which is v £££)
likewise avoid the rear rack and use the front bag......
on my 3rd Brompton had on Dahon as well, which performed beter as a bike but the folding mechanism and fold size wasn't in the same league...
Posted 8 months ago # -
they're great,and crap.
I've changed pedals,bars,cranks and now it feels much better.
don't be afraid to change bars,stems,etc.
for example,there's 3 different stems.so you really can dial in your position mixing them with different rise bars.
& width.stock are 52 if I remember right.bought some 25.4 drops to try out when cables need changing.
however 38mm drops on such a flexy bike with tiny wheels will probably be 'entertaining', especially in the wet.Posted 8 months ago # -
I'm lucky enough to own an S2SX, the Ti version. It's a fantastic bike...but I did make some changes -
Easton flat bars (wider than the standards)
Bar ends (be careful - you need the wider bars to fit these are they won't clear the wheel when folded)
Cranks - upgraded to Shimano Alfine cranks with 46T so slightly lower ratios and much better bearings
SPD'sReally, really pleased with it.
Is it worth the extra for the Ti version? Probably not! However, I would recommend an S2L with the changes above....
Happy Brompton riding!
Posted 8 months ago # -
Still happy with my S2L. Unless you're in a seriously hilly area, 2-speed is fine and it saves a useful chunk of weight over the hub gear. As I carry it up and down steps a couple of times a day I'll take the weight saving over a wider gear range. It's more like a SS with a bailout gear for getting up hills, the bigger deficiency IME is not going fast enough on gentle downhills, where there's just not enough gradient for a freewheel to accelerate you. Derailleur has been OK for me but it needs cleaning from time to time or it clags up. I just chuck it in the bath every few months, spray it down with cleaner and degreaser, brush into the bits like the jockey wheels and rinse it off. Lube chain, done.
The front luggage is great, saves a sweaty back, and adds some stability to the front end. Add a small dumbbell spanner to your toolkit as there's a few bolts on Bromptons, not least those to get the wheels off for punctures. Don't bother with Brompton lights - Knogs or similar are much better.
If you're willing to wait, a custom order gets you one from a wide range of colours, with whatever gearing and options you like fitted (there are some free ones like the extended post if you pick at order). If you're in a hurry, most dealers keep some in stock but they tend to be S2Ls and M3Ls, with a very limited colour choice (often black).
Posted 8 months ago # -
S2L rider here.
Honestly it's the best bike I have *ever* bought. The sense of freedom it gives me is just fab, I commute into London a few times a week, there are three stations I can now use which are all a little too far to walk to. I've now got a lot more flexibility on where I start from and finish up ( I used to drive to a station further away as it had parking). Plus a beer or two after work is now not a problem. It was a lifesaver last week as car was in being fixed and I had to get somewhere that was awkward by train, but easy to get about 3 miles away. Probably saved me about an hour and a half a day.
Does it go as fast as a carbon road bike or ride steps like my superlight? Well no. But the smile on my face as I trundle over London bridge is as big as I get from any of my other bikes and I'm saving time, so it's 'free' ( use special busy worker / parent logic here).
I've even trained clients to expect it when I turn up, it's never been a problem ( don't take it to first meetings but after that it comes).
I dropped the standard gearing down a bit as I have a bit of a hill in the morning and don't want to sweat in the suit, I find the brakes/gears/tyres fine - only thing I'd do is lighten it with ti forks/rear/seat post. The front mounted bag takes the laptop etc and is smart enough for work.
I'm a convert (can you tell)?
Posted 8 months ago # -
If you don't need such a small fold (putting it by the door as opposed to between the seats then also consider the birdy.
With the allround/sport stem, a decent saddle and slightly wider tyres (big apples for me) it rides very much like an agile full size bike.
Plus it is much stiffer than most folders as it has no hinge in the frame, all the hinges are around the suspension bushes.
I tried a brompton but it just feels too much like a clown bike.
5ft 9inches or 31 inch inside leg is about the max height for a brompton in my opinion, then you start getting into needing the extended seatpost and the bike looking a bit small.
Also look at the speed pro dahon - they are supposed to be fun, but maybe not as practical with their skinny tyres.
Posted 8 months ago # -
If you are in the Bath area my friend has a bike shop (Avon Valley Cycles) and he is a Brompton and Dahon dealer. He has some very good offers on at the moment, (he is currently staying here for a couple of days with his good lady wife and we were talking about them earlier) From what i understand you will now need to go into the shop to pick your bike up because Brompton and Dahon don't allow bikes to be sent out new they want dealers to get customers to pick them up in store for some reason.
Ask for Luke he'll help you out
Posted 8 months ago # -
5'11" on a standard seatpost.you can reverse the clamp and bring it right up,you gain about 8cm that way.
does anyone know where I can find the mks lambda/gripking pedals with the ezy detachable mechanism?uk/eu sources pref.
had 2 dahons.only worth it if they're cheap.but then they're cheap.
a brompton is a nice bike to have.Posted 8 months ago # -
Honestly it's the best bike I have *ever* bought.
def they are very useable.
PS: The supplied pump is **** all use.
yep I have knocked two out with my heels (big feet) both ended up in the rear wheel.... mangled pumps! leave it off or put a velco strap round it.
I have had 2 S2L...over that past 5 years S bars are def best.. have seen M bars snap.., another bromptoneer i see on the train alot snapped his M bars and it put him under a bus! you can get a brace for M bars to stop the flex
though now as i'm tall i use a small riser on the S stem
if you live in a hillier area consider S3L or S6L
I did Lejog on mine with the 2 speed derailluer but with a manual shift double chainset to get lower ratio for hills.
Great bikes. if you happen to be a SW Trains season ticket holder you can get one for as little a £2 a week from them...
as for upgraded lever and grips Shimano + egron
Posted 8 months ago # -
how come so many people have had multiple bromptons ?
I am on my 3rd birdy but that is 'cos the first was nicked and the 2nd is awaiting a new fork after a crash.
Posted 8 months ago # -
I've a Dahon and a Trek folder - I need to have a folding bike to get on the train, but I only ever actually need to fold it once or twice a week. As such, my (much) cheaper folding bikes do the job.
I've ridder Bromptons and wasn't impressed - my Trek, in particular, seems a lot stiffer, and a lot more like a real bike. The downside is foldability, but unless you frequently need it to fold very small, I'd not bother with a Brompton.
Posted 8 months ago # -
TurnerGuy - Member
[how come so many people have had multiple bromptons ?]1st one back in 98 changed job couple of years later sold bike
2nd one back in 2002 changed job couple of years later sold bike [had Dahon as well folding mechanism not in Bromptons league]
Posted 8 months ago # -
Had mine for a few years now. Quirky at first, but you get used to it and they really do nip along quite nicely. Changed to Marathon + tyres and haven't had a puncture since, but these tyres can make life quite 'exciting' in the wet.
Have the Shimano hub dynamo which is very good.
Mines an M6, handle bars are a bit flexy, but I managed to pick up a rare cancelled order at an Evans, so it was discounted - too good an opportunity to miss.
Only non 'Brompton' stuff I've put on are different levers, pads and grips
DSC_2474 by gary_foulger, on FlickrPosted 8 months ago # -
Piedi, how do you find the Avid (v brake?) levers with the Brompton brakes. I've got some similar levers but wasn't sure how they'd be. I know you can't use normal levers with v brakes, but v levers with normal brakes?
Posted 8 months ago # -
how come so many people have had multiple bromptons ?
Depends on how many miles you do on them and how many folds, mines gets folded at least 8 times a day - but you can replace hinge pins (two in the frame and one on the stem)
I had a cracked frame on my first after 3 years, frame replaced under warranty.
bought another I fancied a new one - just on a whim, but other one need lots of parts replacing... + evans had a deal on one - as above poster stated. £50 off + marathons, the original tyres, two spare tubes + a luggage block + just before the general brompton price rise.
As for Brompton stiffness.. The M bars contribute a lot to the flex feel, massively improved if you get the S version, the bars are also further forward on the S version as well.
Posted 8 months ago # -
Piedi, how do you find the Avid (v brake?) levers with the Brompton brakes. I've got some similar levers but wasn't sure how they'd be. I know you can't use normal levers with v brakes, but v levers with normal brakes?
I use the Shimano R550 levers, they are designed to work with caliper and canti £25 inc cables those plus swisstop pads makes a big difference
Posted 8 months ago # -
Posted 8 months ago #
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Levers are fine. Makes the brakes much better (swapped pads too) and they are small enough not to interfere with the fold
Posted 8 months ago # -
The downside is foldability, but unless you frequently need it to fold very small, I'd not bother with a Brompton.
Yep - it's the fold that's the thing. It's quicker to fold a Brompton and take it with you than it is to lock it up. The ultimate pub bike - you sit with it under the table and if you're too pished to ride home it goes in the back of a cab (Friday night!)
Posted 8 months ago # -
Fantastic bikes. I have an S2L and haven't touched the spec.
The pump disappeared in the first week and I won't be replacing it.
Probably the best bike I've ever owned!
Posted 8 months ago # -
Thanks Piedi and Rootes. I'll give the Avid levers a go. I've got old Tektro ones on at the mo, but they were meant for gripshift and aren't great.
Posted 8 months ago # -
how come so many people have had multiple bromptons ?
A mate uses his far more heavily than I do - normally 12+ miles a day, every working day, and some weekends too. He finds buying new, running it for a couple of years, then flogging on ebay (usually getting £450-500 or so for it) and replacing with new is cheaper and easier than replacing lots of parts.
Some people also will buy and "off the shelf" M3L or S2L and realise after a few months that they want different gearing or riding position - again, easier to sell and get a new custom one than to swap over parts.
Posted 8 months ago # -
if you ever need to carry a water bottle on the B:
this fits to the stem and it still means you can fold (though the bottle cage makes the folded package wider
Minoura
in use - see white waterbottle - just come down that road
Posted 8 months ago #
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