Opinions on the new Brompton G line - 20" wheeled folder
Afternoon,
I was seriously considering a normal Brompton earlier this year, as a bung in the van bike, to take with me when I go on holiday, alternative commuter bike etc, but now this has arrived:
Reviews are mixed so far, but clearly too early for real life usage reviews.
What appeals to me is the relatively small footprint when folded, the larger wheels, and the wider tyres, and the fact I can get one on C2W (if there is any stock left) - I think I would get the one with guards and rack.
The only thing I am unsure about, is that it comes with a 54T up front, and an Alfine 10spd hub at the rear, but I have no idea how that gearing translates, so whether it is lacking bottom end, top end etc.
Marin Palisades Trail 91 and 06
Scott CR1 SL 12
Cannondale Synapse Adventure 15 & 16 Di2
Scott Foil 18
Comments
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Alfine hubs are either 8 or 11 speed iirc.
In 2008, my bargain £350 Saracen Pylon8 had Alfine 8, with 38 chainring and 19 sprocket iirc.
With a 54 ring, I expect the sprocket to be approx 27, couldn't see spec from that link.
Using the oldie but goodie gear calculator at https://www.sheldonbrown.com/gear-calc.html , that suggests the gear inch range will be approx 20-60 (if 27, slightly higher if 26).
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2020 Voodoo Marasa
2017 Cube Attain GTC Pro Disc 2016
2016 Voodoo Wazoo1 -
My mistake, it is in fact only an 8 spd.
I guess with the 20" wheels you can get away with bigger gearing.
Felt F70 05 (Turbo)
Marin Palisades Trail 91 and 06
Scott CR1 SL 12
Cannondale Synapse Adventure 15 & 16 Di2
Scott Foil 180 -
I saw a group of people test riding them in Richmond Park last week, barely noticed the difference as I was passing. Disappointingly they were on the road, I'd want to try it on the off road path. Seems like a good idea, but it will be very heavy if you're carrying it anywhere. I have a bike with an 8 speed Alfine and it's a very hefty piece of kit. For versatility and storage it will be great no doubt.
1 -
Light it most certainly is not, I think I saw the weight listed as maybe 14 or 15kg.
Mine would not be for hardcore/regular commuting on trains and planes etc, just a handy tool to have for going to pick up the car from the garage, commuter stand in, but mostly a bike to bung in the vehicle pretty much whenever we went anywhere, for the day or for a short break, would give me an easy option of popping out for a ride should the mood take me, and I'd be less worried about security as I could disguise it pretty easily in a vehicle, versus a fully assembled bike, and or take it easily into accommodation.
I'd favour drop bars and hoods, but potentially that is something that could be altered in the future, although how the 8spd hub would handle those shifters remains to be seen.
Felt F70 05 (Turbo)
Marin Palisades Trail 91 and 06
Scott CR1 SL 12
Cannondale Synapse Adventure 15 & 16 Di2
Scott Foil 180 -
Can't think what they're called, but I could have sworn there were drop bar shifter for Alfine.
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2020 Voodoo Marasa
2017 Cube Attain GTC Pro Disc 2016
2016 Voodoo Wazoo1 -
Yep I had them for 11speed Alfine on my commuter bike
2 -
How about an Airnimal folder, don't go as small, but available with drops and probably a bit lighter.
1 -
I did have a look at those, and have done in the past, but I think it will be impossible to purchase on C2W - if I am able to, then the £2500 brompton would cost me effectively £1500.
Felt F70 05 (Turbo)
Marin Palisades Trail 91 and 06
Scott CR1 SL 12
Cannondale Synapse Adventure 15 & 16 Di2
Scott Foil 180
