Shall we have a Brompton thread?

bendertherobot

As I couldn't find one.

Anyhow, thinking of getting this:

https://www.evanscycles.com/brompton-wo ... e-EV334260

I normally despise Union Jack themed products but this one feels right. And I'm a sucker for co-ordinating mudguards

I'm definitely set for a 6 speed, SL. No need for luggage just yet.

Thoughts?

veronese68

I do like a Brompton, unfortunately I have no use for one so would struggle to justify it to the EPO.

bendertherobot

It's my new commute strategy. I'm not really able to do 20 miles in and home each day. So I'm mixing it up with parking 6 miles away, 6 in, 6 back about 3 times a week. I could get away with a 3 speed, but I'd probably take this on holiday and stuff, even annoy the Sunday club run by turning up with it for the coffee ride.

veronese68

Make perfect sense for that kind of thing, you should definitely go for it. My commute is less than 6 miles so I’d struggle to do a split commute.
But they are a nice bit of engineering, made in the UK and if you don’t get on with it they hold their value really well. What’s not to like?

bendertherobot

Word. I looked at all the others. This one ticks the boxes. I do hope I never get a puncture but, tbh, on my commute, I'd just walk back to the car and do it at home!

meanredspider

Veronese68 wrote:

What’s not to like?

Horrible to ride, frames too small (or won’t fit between Dutch train seats), pull unintentional wheelies at every set of lights, very non-aero position, stupidly expensive baggage, crappy dynamo and horribly unstable - if you slide, you’re going down... :evil:

Fortunately they DO hold their value (as you said) so you can get shot of the thing without feeling too bittter about it

ETA - if I was doing a commute that was a bit too long these days, I’d get an electric assist kit rather than a Brompton.

Hope you’re all well. I’m off

orraloon

Back when I was a corporate cog on the commute, Airnimal Chameleon. Folder, and quick knock down to get it on train luggage racks, well on old school GWR 125s anyway. 24" wheel rather than those supermarket trolley things. But a bit more pricey.

TheGardenGnome

meanredspider wrote:

... pull unintentional wheelies at every set of lights

Gets me every time even with a weighty bag on the front. Then there's the faffing about with rear punctures and those little washer things that'll destroy your rear frame if they're slightly loose.

Wife loves it though...

ricky_h-2

Got to say I love mine. It's a six speed as well which I don't think is essential, a three speed would do just fine in my opinion.
Never had problems with stability on it or pulling wheelies ! I have desecended hills and hit 40 mph and no sign of speed wobble. Great for taking on holiday (the case works well), the luggage block on the front is worth fitting as it gives plenty of flexibility.
Downsides are that yes it is heavy and non aero but all of these things are good for fitness right ?
Yes punctures are a pig to change but you learn how to do them quicker over time and to check your tyres.
If you're buying from Evans, I'd try the different handlebar set ups as they do make a difference and if you're tall, think about the higher seat post.
All in all, a really durable and versatile piece of kit for me, go for it !

veronese68

meanredspider wrote:

Hope you’re all well. I’m off

You curmudgeonly old git.
All good here, hope you and yours are well.

TheGardenGnome

How much are they paying you Ricky? Fess up!

ricky_h-2

Haha ! I wish I was being paid by Brompton, they're doing rather well these days !
I am prepared to say that I think their ebike is a heavy, expensive waste of time and money for me. Hopefully that adds balance ;-)

HamishD

I love my Brompton - it’s Orange, Titanium, S2L. Doesn’t get as much use as it used to, and is currently under my desk at work waiting for a day when I can ride it home instead of the bike in the rack…

Super useful as pub bike, for when my back plays up and can’t manage the road bike, or for odd trips into town or to the football.

If I was buying again I wouldn’t get the Titanium; weight saving not worth the extra £x00 IMO.

tgotb

The wheelie / non-aero issues can be resolved by fitting a set of bullhorn bars. Doing that (and extending the seatpost) got me very close to the same position as riding on the hoods of my road bike.

cougie

I've last year's versions of that. I had no real need for it but since getting it I've found lots of excuses to use it. Great for getting to places that need a train connection too.

Never lifted the front wheel and I'm 6 foot.

Handy for shopping trips too - the Brompton luggage can take a surprising amount.

And I'm in this year's world championships. No chance of being up there but it's so much fun with the Le Man's unfolding start. Night before Ride London if anyone's near the Mall.

Much more fun than more jerseys BTR..

bendertherobot

I shall order tonight.....

mroli

Ooh - good thread. I have always wanted a brompton. Have go the Dahon MuSL which is a nice bit of kit, but the fold just isn't the Brompton fold. I'm thinking the S2L - wondering whether or not to go Ti or not, wondering whether to go normal and just update. Have the feeling that I could get a bit obsessive about updating bits and pieces though to try and get it as light as possible.

Have seen picks of a 3 speed derailleur only version, that looks good....

ricky_h-2

Just on the 2 speed version, there's a big difference in gearing between the two ratios. I tried one and really felt it was missing that "third" gear when accelerating through the gears

bendertherobot

Done.

mroli

Ricky h wrote:

Just on the 2 speed version, there's a big difference in gearing between the two ratios. I tried one and really felt it was missing that "third" gear when accelerating through the gears

I rode fixed for 8 years, so think I'd just use the harder gear, with the other for emergency hills.... like that patriotic brommie!

ricky_h-2

There is of course a single speed version for the masochists and fixie types in my opinion ! It is a touch cheaper too

TheGardenGnome

I love being able to change gears while having to stop on short notice...

elbowloh

bendertherobot wrote:

As I couldn't find one.

Anyhow, thinking of getting this:

https://www.evanscycles.com/brompton-wo ... e-EV334260

I normally despise Union Jack themed products but this one feels right. And I'm a sucker for co-ordinating mudguards

I'm definitely set for a 6 speed, SL. No need for luggage just yet.

Thoughts?

I saw a chap on one of these this morning on the A3 / stockwell. He was all Rafa'd up too (pink jersey).

He was putting in some effort to be quickish.

cougie

Nice looking bike ! Enjoy !

bendertherobot

elbowloh wrote:

bendertherobot wrote:

As I couldn't find one.

Anyhow, thinking of getting this:

https://www.evanscycles.com/brompton-wo ... e-EV334260

I normally despise Union Jack themed products but this one feels right. And I'm a sucker for co-ordinating mudguards

I'm definitely set for a 6 speed, SL. No need for luggage just yet.

Thoughts?

I saw a chap on one of these this morning on the A3 / stockwell. He was all Rafa'd up too (pink jersey).

He was putting in some effort to be quickish.

Aye, I think I'll invest in a brevet Jersey. Something to match my giro republic knit in blue

ricky_h-2

Just in case you think a Brompton is for short urban rides only, have a look at what this guy does on his. Most recently a 300km audax
http://www.fitandforty.org/a-big-day-ou ... pril-2018/

ugo.santalucia

Last weekend I rode the Heart of England 300 km Audax... at the start I spotted a guy on a white Brompton, with titanium rear triangle, customised with a rear hydraulic disc brake... front SON dynamo hub of course... very very nice... but still probably very hard work over such a distance

ugo.santalucia

Oops... yes, that is the bike that I saw on saturday...

Pretty impressed he went round only an hour slower than I did

https://www.strava.com/activities/1523141428

bendertherobot

Impressive! Mine arrives Friday.

fenix

A bloke did the full Ride London on one last year - in a suit and finished in a fantastic time too !

bendertherobot

I'll take it easy first few days but I fully intend a 20 mile commute home next week if the weather calms down.