Tried a Brompton today...
Discussion
... And I kinda liked it!
It was the M3L version (in quite a nice white) whereas I'm after the S2L version but I found it quite a nice ride considering it folds down so impressively small. And talking of it folding down, it's easy to do and fairly fast. The model I rode had the 3 speed hub but I think I only really need a 2 speed, the route to the station is flat at both ends so not really a problem.
I'm looking at one because I'm thinking of doing a cycle-train-cycle commute to work and I believe that some train companies are fussy about some of the larger folding bikes.
So, I'm looking to buy (on cycle scheme)
Brompton S2L
Raw lacquer finish
Mudguards, no rack
Maybe the Brooks saddle (worthwhile?)
Schwalbe Marathon tyres
Basic LED lighting
It was the M3L version (in quite a nice white) whereas I'm after the S2L version but I found it quite a nice ride considering it folds down so impressively small. And talking of it folding down, it's easy to do and fairly fast. The model I rode had the 3 speed hub but I think I only really need a 2 speed, the route to the station is flat at both ends so not really a problem.
I'm looking at one because I'm thinking of doing a cycle-train-cycle commute to work and I believe that some train companies are fussy about some of the larger folding bikes.
So, I'm looking to buy (on cycle scheme)
Brompton S2L
Raw lacquer finish
Mudguards, no rack
Maybe the Brooks saddle (worthwhile?)
Schwalbe Marathon tyres
Basic LED lighting
Looking back I maybe should have gone with an M-Type rather than an S-Type. Sure it may be a little slower but you get cooler luggage options. Or you could buy both an S-Type and M-type bar ends. And switch them round come race time.
I'd also may not have gone for the Son hub (or anyhub for that matter). The rougthness of Englands roads and lack of suspension of the bike shake lose the connections of the bike lights, causing them to fail.
Even my £40 battery rear cat-eye - which I fitted later - is faulty because of this.
I'm looking for one of these (electric) to compliment my Brompton.
http://www.fudgescyclestore.com/index.php?p=167086
The brooks B17 saddle might hurt you if you lean too far forward. I've went and bought a Brooks Imperial and its heavenly. No need for cycle shorts. And have put the Brompton saddle on another bike.
I'd heavily recommend easy wheels. Other than that - you've got good taste.
I'd also may not have gone for the Son hub (or anyhub for that matter). The rougthness of Englands roads and lack of suspension of the bike shake lose the connections of the bike lights, causing them to fail.
Even my £40 battery rear cat-eye - which I fitted later - is faulty because of this.
I'm looking for one of these (electric) to compliment my Brompton.
http://www.fudgescyclestore.com/index.php?p=167086
The brooks B17 saddle might hurt you if you lean too far forward. I've went and bought a Brooks Imperial and its heavenly. No need for cycle shorts. And have put the Brompton saddle on another bike.
I'd heavily recommend easy wheels. Other than that - you've got good taste.
So is it the same stem but different bars then? I'm not sure I need the luggage options as I don't think any of the bags are suitable for a laptop anyway.
Interesting comment about the lights, the cost put memory the dynamo options.
Thanks for the heads up on the easy wheels. I assumed they were standard, useful when wheeling across the station
Interesting comment about the lights, the cost put memory the dynamo options.
Thanks for the heads up on the easy wheels. I assumed they were standard, useful when wheeling across the station
The stem is longer on S-Type models. The other 2 models have a shorter stem to accomadate the bigger bars into the folding procedure. The bar tops are around the same height (I think) its just that the S-type is further forward for a more dynamic ride.
Each stem has its pros and cons, there even in reliability stakes.
Brompton have a downloadable brouchre. Go for a Bespoke bike rather than an off the shelf. They cost the same.
If you want to go one better(maybe) than easy wheels. You could put on roller blade wheels instead - as some people have done.
Each stem has its pros and cons, there even in reliability stakes.
Brompton have a downloadable brouchre. Go for a Bespoke bike rather than an off the shelf. They cost the same.
If you want to go one better(maybe) than easy wheels. You could put on roller blade wheels instead - as some people have done.
I've had a Brompton for the last 15 years, although it gets very little use now. I originally used it for commuting in London (about 7 miles each way - Walthamstow to Liverpool St) and experienced none of the shaking apart problem listed above. I did however experience plenty of funny looks - especially as I sailed past heavy mountain bikes each day.
The easy wheels are part of the rear carrier system which I would thoroughly recommend - it occured to me recently that these could be upgraded with skateboard wheels or something. I would also recommend the mudguards as it's a commuter. Mine's got a 5 speed Sturmey Archer hub which doesn't appear to be available now but I've found it excellent. It's also black because nobody had told Brompton other colours existed at the time (red was basic model, black was carrier & stuff IIRC).
The dynamo system is awful - I'd like to see them offer a hub dynamo setup which would be more efficient. Nice and bright once you're on the move, but noticable drag on the tyre (unless this has changed in the last 15 years). However it is well integrated.
The thing I like most is not leaving it at the station when I've commuted by train. Seating position with the classic handlebars is absolutely fine - I found it very comfortable. It suits the bike well.
If I called it back into service now I'd probably add some LED lights but that's about it.
ETA I've just seen that they now offer the hub dynamo, so ignore above comments about lighting.
The easy wheels are part of the rear carrier system which I would thoroughly recommend - it occured to me recently that these could be upgraded with skateboard wheels or something. I would also recommend the mudguards as it's a commuter. Mine's got a 5 speed Sturmey Archer hub which doesn't appear to be available now but I've found it excellent. It's also black because nobody had told Brompton other colours existed at the time (red was basic model, black was carrier & stuff IIRC).
The dynamo system is awful - I'd like to see them offer a hub dynamo setup which would be more efficient. Nice and bright once you're on the move, but noticable drag on the tyre (unless this has changed in the last 15 years). However it is well integrated.
The thing I like most is not leaving it at the station when I've commuted by train. Seating position with the classic handlebars is absolutely fine - I found it very comfortable. It suits the bike well.
If I called it back into service now I'd probably add some LED lights but that's about it.
ETA I've just seen that they now offer the hub dynamo, so ignore above comments about lighting.
Edited by oldcynic on Sunday 22 May 08:32
bromptons are rapid as well when you wind them up. i have the 6 speed on the cycle to work scheme. think it cost 800 quid (red, no mudguards, no rack, brooks saddle, 6 speed) and it is a pleasure to use. nice to be able to take it into the pub or a restaurant as well and not worry about it.
I got a brompton s2l last year. Just preferred the position, and the 2-speed is a useful amount lighter than a hub gear. It's like a singlespeed but with a bail-out gear for hills.
Mine was off the shelf as I couldn't wait the 8-10 weeks quoted for a factory order. If I was, marathon plus tyres are worthwhile, one of the longer seatpost options if you're tall, and the standard saddle is fine for me - brooks would add weight. There are also much better aftermarket lighting systems. If you need to carry anything with you then the front luggage is excellent and saves a sweaty back.
Mine was off the shelf as I couldn't wait the 8-10 weeks quoted for a factory order. If I was, marathon plus tyres are worthwhile, one of the longer seatpost options if you're tall, and the standard saddle is fine for me - brooks would add weight. There are also much better aftermarket lighting systems. If you need to carry anything with you then the front luggage is excellent and saves a sweaty back.
I'd only upgrade to skateboard wheels when the easy wheels break.
Not too sure about the fittings.
I still have easy wheels on mine after 2 years. There great. I not even sure the skateboard/rollerblade wheels would be much better. Getting the easy wheels its simpler and no hassle..
The sun hub circa £300 is a kilo lighter than the shinamo. The shinamo hub on the wheel I lifted at the factory was realy bulky and heavy. Wouldn't bother with them not real bang for buck. I'm 510'' and went for the extended seat post, however half the people my height put up with the stock seat post.
Post 2008 Brompton are much better than previous incarnations. Longer wheel base and superior brakes to name but 2 improvements.
Fitting cleats may be a good idea (for going fast and acculmulating Silly commuter pooints). That way you can scare roadies up to 30mph. Theirs a guy on you tube who goes even faster.
Mines a 3 speed (small hills in London and Cambridge)
If you like to be a little looney there are (so called amateur) folding bike races coming soon but places are filling up fast.
I hope that the Brompton will be the first of many bike you own.
Not too sure about the fittings.
I still have easy wheels on mine after 2 years. There great. I not even sure the skateboard/rollerblade wheels would be much better. Getting the easy wheels its simpler and no hassle..
The sun hub circa £300 is a kilo lighter than the shinamo. The shinamo hub on the wheel I lifted at the factory was realy bulky and heavy. Wouldn't bother with them not real bang for buck. I'm 510'' and went for the extended seat post, however half the people my height put up with the stock seat post.
Post 2008 Brompton are much better than previous incarnations. Longer wheel base and superior brakes to name but 2 improvements.
Fitting cleats may be a good idea (for going fast and acculmulating Silly commuter pooints). That way you can scare roadies up to 30mph. Theirs a guy on you tube who goes even faster.
Mines a 3 speed (small hills in London and Cambridge)
If you like to be a little looney there are (so called amateur) folding bike races coming soon but places are filling up fast.
I hope that the Brompton will be the first of many bike you own.
I think I'll just order it with the led lights, purely because I know it'll all fold away neatly AND I'll benefit from the cycle scheme discount. I don't really want the expensive (of the SON) or weight (of the Shimano) dynamo systems.
When I tried the bike it was with the normal seat post and this was fine for me, I'm 6ft btw and the position on the bike seemed absolutely fine.
Cheers again
When I tried the bike it was with the normal seat post and this was fine for me, I'm 6ft btw and the position on the bike seemed absolutely fine.
Cheers again
I've got a Brompton S, 3 speed hub, LED lights, rack, mudguards and the Easy wheels
LED lights are no problem at all, would recommend the Ezy wheels for moving the bike around on railway platforms etc (my only criticism of the Brompton is that it's pretty heavy for a bike that is designed to be carried)
I prefered the S Type handlebars, and have the S Messenger bag - 20l capacity, and so easily takes a laptop plus other gubbins
As you say it rides very nicely. Ref the strange looks, I think there are so many around in London now that nobody blinks an eye when you are on one
LED lights are no problem at all, would recommend the Ezy wheels for moving the bike around on railway platforms etc (my only criticism of the Brompton is that it's pretty heavy for a bike that is designed to be carried)
I prefered the S Type handlebars, and have the S Messenger bag - 20l capacity, and so easily takes a laptop plus other gubbins
As you say it rides very nicely. Ref the strange looks, I think there are so many around in London now that nobody blinks an eye when you are on one
Burrow01 said:
I've got a Brompton S, 3 speed hub, LED lights, rack, mudguards and the Easy wheels
LED lights are no problem at all, would recommend the Ezy wheels for moving the bike around on railway platforms etc (my only criticism of the Brompton is that it's pretty heavy for a bike that is designed to be carried)
I prefered the S Type handlebars, and have the S Messenger bag - 20l capacity, and so easily takes a laptop plus other gubbins
As you say it rides very nicely. Ref the strange looks, I think there are so many around in London now that nobody blinks an eye when you are on one
Do you think the 3 speed hub was a good choice? Could you have got by with a 2 speed? I'm put off by the weight increase.LED lights are no problem at all, would recommend the Ezy wheels for moving the bike around on railway platforms etc (my only criticism of the Brompton is that it's pretty heavy for a bike that is designed to be carried)
I prefered the S Type handlebars, and have the S Messenger bag - 20l capacity, and so easily takes a laptop plus other gubbins
As you say it rides very nicely. Ref the strange looks, I think there are so many around in London now that nobody blinks an eye when you are on one
- 1 speed - 0g
- 2 speed - +188g
- 3 speed - +738g
- 6 speed - +920g
- 1 speed: 5.93m
- 2 speed: 4.45m - 5.93m
- 3 speed: 3.79m - 6.76m
- 6 speed: 2.63m - 7.94m
Edited by MagicalTrevor on Monday 23 May 12:20
I find 2-speed fine for London, the lower gear is fine even for getting up Crouch Hill (which is on my route back). If I lived somewhere really hilly, something even lower might come in handy though. I have cycled on and off for most of my life so can appreciate that those new to cycling or with weaker legs might want lower.
To be honest, for me the bigger advantage of the 3-speed (beyond changing gear at a standstill) is to have a taller gear at the top end. The 2-speed does get a little annoying when the road is pointing down, but not quite steeply enough to keep accelerating from gravity. Your legs spin out but you're still not going that fast. No real way to remedy it as you probably wouldn't want a bigger chainring (it's already huge) or anything smaller than the tiny rear sprocket. I don't find it a big thing (my town/commute bike for years was a singlespeed), you just freewheel along downhill. The bigger gear is just right for me on the flat. I don't find it enough of a problem to want to carry an extra half-kilo everywhere.
I have the old style S-bag which just about takes a 15" laptop plus room for some other bits. I think the newer S-bag is a little roomier.
To be honest, for me the bigger advantage of the 3-speed (beyond changing gear at a standstill) is to have a taller gear at the top end. The 2-speed does get a little annoying when the road is pointing down, but not quite steeply enough to keep accelerating from gravity. Your legs spin out but you're still not going that fast. No real way to remedy it as you probably wouldn't want a bigger chainring (it's already huge) or anything smaller than the tiny rear sprocket. I don't find it a big thing (my town/commute bike for years was a singlespeed), you just freewheel along downhill. The bigger gear is just right for me on the flat. I don't find it enough of a problem to want to carry an extra half-kilo everywhere.
I have the old style S-bag which just about takes a 15" laptop plus room for some other bits. I think the newer S-bag is a little roomier.
Thanks again.
I'm pretty much decided on either:
Of course, there will be a wait time for the special order... so should I just buy an off the shelf S2L and add the lights, Eazy Wheels and S Bag at the shop?
I'm pretty much decided on either:
- S Type
- 2 speed
- Mudguards
- Colour undecided - Black to save pennies or Raw Lacquer because it's superb
- Standard seat post
- Brompton Saddle
- Brompton Tyres
- Std. Suspension
- Battery LED lights (not essential straight away throughout the summer)
- S Bag
- Eazy Wheels
Of course, there will be a wait time for the special order... so should I just buy an off the shelf S2L and add the lights, Eazy Wheels and S Bag at the shop?
Sounds like a good spec
I looked at the raw lacquer, but went with the black in the end as I could not justify the extra money by the time I'd added everything else I wanted.
Black looks good, and is hard wearing, but the lacquer would definitely make the bike stand out, I've only seen a couple in that finish, even in London where you tend to see most of the options
I looked at the raw lacquer, but went with the black in the end as I could not justify the extra money by the time I'd added everything else I wanted.
Black looks good, and is hard wearing, but the lacquer would definitely make the bike stand out, I've only seen a couple in that finish, even in London where you tend to see most of the options
Burrow01 said:
Sounds like a good spec
I looked at the raw lacquer, but went with the black in the end as I could not justify the extra money by the time I'd added everything else I wanted.
Black looks good, and is hard wearing, but the lacquer would definitely make the bike stand out, I've only seen a couple in that finish, even in London where you tend to see most of the options
Raw Lacquer it is then! I looked at the raw lacquer, but went with the black in the end as I could not justify the extra money by the time I'd added everything else I wanted.
Black looks good, and is hard wearing, but the lacquer would definitely make the bike stand out, I've only seen a couple in that finish, even in London where you tend to see most of the options
MagicalTrevor said:
Thanks again.
I'm pretty much decided on either:
Of course, there will be a wait time for the special order... so should I just buy an off the shelf S2L and add the lights, Eazy Wheels and S Bag at the shop?
Holy thread resurrection I'm pretty much decided on either:
- S Type
- 2 speed
- Mudguards
- Colour undecided - Black to save pennies or Raw Lacquer because it's superb
- Standard seat post
- Brompton Saddle
- Brompton Tyres
- Std. Suspension
- Battery LED lights (not essential straight away throughout the summer)
- S Bag
- Eazy Wheels
Of course, there will be a wait time for the special order... so should I just buy an off the shelf S2L and add the lights, Eazy Wheels and S Bag at the shop?
I picked up mine yesterday in a very similar spec
M type
3 speed
Brooks saddle
Raw Lacquer (non-colour)
Battery lights
Hard suspension (Harder rubber bung anyway!)
Fitted SPDs & took it for a spin last night, very impressed.
Love the colour, my LBS has another Raw Lacquer in stock if any enthusiasts are interested, as its pretty hard to come by without bespoke order, which can take months...
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