[Closed] Brompton anyone?

I got one in January, its ace fun.

Doesn't really like going much more than 12mph and a feels very short in the front end after a regular road or MTB.

Very quick off the mark and great for nipping through stationary traffic.

I gets (got) used for a 3 mile each way trip from home to the station and then another 4/5 miles at the other end several times a week and its ideal. The bag clip system for the front of it is very good, doesn't appreciatively affect the handling because its attached to the frame rather than the forks/steerer.

Its really nicely put together, everything works well and fits together in a very satisfying way.

Get mudguards if the're not already fitted.

Would definitely recommend a test ride.

EDIT

Also, they really hold their value so if you go 2nd hand you'd not lose much if you sell it if you keep it in decent nick.

Wot wombat says, although I use mine to ride the 25km into the office and train / bike back (or vice-versa).

I've done a few few longer rides (FNRttC mostly), and it's pretty comfy for that too.

I got a "C" bag and that works well for commuting amounts of stuff.

Some of the other brands ride better, but I don't think any have as good a fold.

As above, feel nippy and great for short distances but a drag for >10 miles for me.

That and my Shand are 2 bikes I can't see myself ever selling.

M3L owner here. Not used as much since I started WFH, but used whenever I need to go to That London's Famous London, or anywhere else by train. Also used for little local jaunts.

More smiles per mile than any of my bikes.

Worth every penny, IMHO.

Had one, didn't do the commute that needed it any more, then found fewer reasons to use it (used to hire cars quite often and it was handy for nipping down to collect or return) so moved it on last year.

Still don't really need one but quite tempted to use up my C2W on one anyway. Prices have gone up quite a bit in the last 8 or 9 years!

I had use of one for getting around town. Hated it and would never buy one. I'd rather walk.

Have a 2 speed with guards, not the best ride cos the iccle tyres ( at 90 psi) are lethal on potholes and stuff, however would not sell it for anything -best built in toolkit ever also!
Great pub and restaurant bike - literally take it in with you - need a bit of confidence but " im bringing my Brompton in - where can I store it out of the way" always works.

There's an Audax sub-niche of distance riding on Bromptons. There's a few do Paris Brest Paris.

There's also the Brompton pack-rafting classic up the length of the three main Shetland Islands, 60° North. I seem to recall that off the record the participants confessed that they hated the fully-loaded high-wind cycling stretches, but they are versatile bikes.

My wife and I have one each, I think they're good as commute by train option as fold small and quick. It's great supporting a British manufacturer. They ride similar to full sized bikes but still twitchy.

However, having bought two Dahon bikes for my parents 2nd hand I was impressed by these. The Dahons are light and fold reasonably small and having 20in wheels makes things easier for repairs, spares etc. Also have decent v brakes. These came fully kitted with racks and mudguards too. The Dahons were a fraction of the price I'd have to have paid for used Brommies.

If you're pack rafting won't this include some off roading? Bromptons aren't ideal despite having 'suspension'. Dahons might be possible to fit knobblier tyres and will roll over bumps better.

Yup, flat handlebar 2 speed here, in very happy daily use until corona. Wicked little things, super convenient, fun and just work and work and work without any care or love. Just keep the tyres pumped up and either keep it clean or service it every couple of years!

Tried a Brompton and a Birdy back to back. Thought the Brompton was far too twitchy, but the Birdy behaves more like a conventional bike. Bought the Birdy and never looked back. A great piece of German engineering! Try both before you buy. Also better suspension and the newer models now come with disc brakes!
Edit: They are pricy, but also hold their value well. Can't see me selling mine any time soon.

I have a Birdy too, definitely rides better but the fold does not compare.

And as Simon implies, they are pointless unless you benefit from them folding.

Yeah, if you need a bike that folds small then a Brompton is great. If you don't then a Brompton is rubbish: buy a normal bike, it'll be better in every way other than being able to sling your leg over the crazy-low frame.

I rode mine for about 10 miles once because I fell asleep on the train, and I can't begin to comprehend the masochistic misery of audaxing on one, let along doing PBP. But then I'm 6'4" and I'm guessing it's rather more bearable if you're a shortarse. (That said, I do know someone of similar height to me who used to do long rides on one.)

They'll train you to be an eagle-eyed pothole spotter, because if you hit one at any sort of speed with a 16" wheel you're basically dead.

They’ll train you to be an eagle-eyed pothole spotter, because if you hit one at any sort of speed with a 16″ wheel you’re basically dead.

lol sounds like a challenge!

As a train commuter and a 2 mile commute to the station mine has been great, even at the weekends to pop into town its just so hand. Totally worth the expenditure imo. Cheaper options available but the brommie just looks a classic. Love it.

I have a B S3L and I love it! Done over 20,000 miles over 10 years, replaced every single part on it at least once. Rides really well with a bag on the front....not so well without it. Folds small, the s model puts more of your weight over the front which makes it handle better

M3L here, love it, had it 4 years now

I have other bikes when I want to go for a ride, but when I want to use a folding bike I want the smallest, neatest folding bike, that's why I went for a Brompton. Plus I live and work in London, great for multi modal travel. Also useful for lobbing in the car 'just in case'

I have two! Soon to be just one again though. As said above, if the smallness and ease of the fold is important to you then they're pretty much peerless. Otherwise they're a compromise. A friend had a cheaper one that didn't last long whereas mine has lasted 10 years of regular use so far, with only a few bits replaced (a pedal, cables, brake blocks, a mudguard, grips, brake levers just for funsies).

I used to ride 12 miles on mine pretty regularly and it's OK. They're twitchy when you're new to them, but not at all once you're used to steering by lean a bit more.

I have the basic 3 sturmey speed high bar type from 8 years ago. The sum of the parts are greater than the specific bits. The only bike I have just oiled, cleaned and left alone to work. Get one.