Brompton Alternative

pat1cp

Sorry don't come into the commuting section very often but a colleague is thinking of buying a Brompton.

Is there a cheaper alternative ? Or have they cornered the market ?

Any advice appreciated.

estampida

well there are asian firms that make folding bikes

1 - are direct copys that breach copyright of bromptons and are scrapped when they are caught importing them into europe, not sure about warranty on them......

2 - are not bromptons but do fold 26" wheels ect..... (so dont pass size for folded on trains)

they are expensive, but it supports a uk company, and uk employees

and in 6 months time........ shoulda bought a brompton............

rolf_f

We have a couple of Dahons at work (not understanding the environmental benefits of local sourcing but never mind :roll: )

They are alright - but the folding mech is complicated and not especially well designed. And the fold is bulky enough to be awkward to carry. I wish we'd got proper Bromptons.

Resale is high but it means that they cost less if you ever decide to sell as you get more of your money back.

samsbike

No doubt, bromptons are the best. I quite liked the Tern range in Evans as the folding mech is relatively simple (like me I guess). They also have larger wheels which ride better,apparently,

mroli

There are a no of folding alternatives.

As people have already mentioned, there are Dahons and Terns - Tern is a splinter bike group from Dahon, same family. The fold isn't that tricky at all, but the Brompton fold is the best. The thing the Dahons do is have a range of gearing and accessories etc that Brompton do not have. They are also lighter, but bigger.

The Brompton is manufactured in Chiswick and is very much "buy British". If you are in London I would really rec going to fudges: http://www.fudgescyclestore.com/index.php?c=3770 to have a look at their bikes and you will see the differences in the folds and styles.

Other notable brands are Raleigh, Mezzo, Birdy, Airnimal, Moulton, Bike Friday, Kansi, strida and Xootr.

http://www.foldingbikes.co.uk/ is pretty good and there is a folding bike review magazine somewhere online, but it escapes me at the moment.

On the wheel sizes, some have teeny tiny wheels (12"), the Brompton has 16" I think and the Dahon's mostly 20". Larger wheels mean a bigger fold (usually), but a slightly better ride.

deheinz

My parents have just purchased a pair of Dahons which seem excellent. They appear to be a little lighter than other brands and easy to use. Never ridden a folding bike before and Tbh I thought they were rather silly but my ignorance has been corrected...

t4tomo

There are no alternatives to Bromptons, just inferior solutions.

Also don't believe the rubbish about bigger wheels = better rides, The Brompton rides very well, yes, different to a road bike different to a mountain bike etc, but ride & handling are still very good. Plus its built to last, i've had mine since 2005, and I've replaced tyres, brake blocks, a spocket, a chain or two and a gear cable, and that's it.

If your commute involves a train, then get a Brompton.