Let's see your Brompton
Discussion
Somewhere up the thread I mentioned wanting a Bromption but commuting circumstances not justifying the spend for occasional use.
As I've mentioned on a separate thread, three weeks ago I had a heart attack - largely (in my view) to being slightly overweight/not doing any exercise. Ergo, as part of my long-term rehab I am planning on train/folding bike for my commute into the office two days a week.
Only trouble is, a) money is tight with other commitments, I can't afford to blow shedloads on something I will use only twice a week and b) through a work scheme I am able to get hold of a BMW MINI folding bike, in glorious lime green, for sub-£300 new.
So, I've gone for one of those. As far as I can make out it is a re-badged Dahon. I'll probably always pine for a Brompton - who knows circumstances may again change to make it more justifiable - for the moment I'm just looking forward to getting fitter and beating a stressful 1hr drive with a 20 minute train ride with 20 minutes cycling at each end.
As I've mentioned on a separate thread, three weeks ago I had a heart attack - largely (in my view) to being slightly overweight/not doing any exercise. Ergo, as part of my long-term rehab I am planning on train/folding bike for my commute into the office two days a week.
Only trouble is, a) money is tight with other commitments, I can't afford to blow shedloads on something I will use only twice a week and b) through a work scheme I am able to get hold of a BMW MINI folding bike, in glorious lime green, for sub-£300 new.
So, I've gone for one of those. As far as I can make out it is a re-badged Dahon. I'll probably always pine for a Brompton - who knows circumstances may again change to make it more justifiable - for the moment I'm just looking forward to getting fitter and beating a stressful 1hr drive with a 20 minute train ride with 20 minutes cycling at each end.
First things first - good luck with your recovery and change of commute.
Bromptons ARE great, but they're by no means the best of the bunch at everything. Nothing else folds as small or holds its value like a Brompton, but I'm increasingly finding that on bad roads, the small wheels are (quite literally) a pain.
Hopefully for you, the lager 20" wheels will roll a little better anyway. If the bug bites, it's worth test riding a Brompton to see if the extra cost would be justified.
PS - I think the bike looks great in Lime Green...
Bromptons ARE great, but they're by no means the best of the bunch at everything. Nothing else folds as small or holds its value like a Brompton, but I'm increasingly finding that on bad roads, the small wheels are (quite literally) a pain.
Hopefully for you, the lager 20" wheels will roll a little better anyway. If the bug bites, it's worth test riding a Brompton to see if the extra cost would be justified.
PS - I think the bike looks great in Lime Green...
Thanks, much appreciated. The way I see it it's a good way of getting into the foldie fold (sorry!) and still show's I'm a PH'er! 
I could've gone for plain old black but lime green is the colour I'd spec my Hurracan in if my Euromillions every come in, this is a mere nod to that.
Interesting times ahead. Much as I love driving, traffic where I live (Reading) does nothing for my stress levels, my hourney to work has become an utter chore. I'm really looking forward to doing the same journey in the same time and getting fitter as I do it.
And yes, I think the 20in wheel will suit my size (6ft and 15 and a half stone, but reducing) a little better.
I could've gone for plain old black but lime green is the colour I'd spec my Hurracan in if my Euromillions every come in, this is a mere nod to that.
Interesting times ahead. Much as I love driving, traffic where I live (Reading) does nothing for my stress levels, my hourney to work has become an utter chore. I'm really looking forward to doing the same journey in the same time and getting fitter as I do it.
And yes, I think the 20in wheel will suit my size (6ft and 15 and a half stone, but reducing) a little better.
Edited by PurpleTurtle on Thursday 20th April 13:23
Johnnybee said:
I've just collected mine. It's a Brompton World Championship special edition which is based on the S6L. I haven't altered the seat angle/reach yet but it feels quite comfy out of the box.
I'll just quote myself here, the seat was actually too far forward and I was hanging off the rear to try and get comfortable. Luckily I've bought the Bromton tool kit so could adjust it out on the ride.Belnot Phist said:
I'd recommend paying a bit extra for a set of Swiss Stop brake blocks. They last far longer than the Brompton ones and are kinder to the rims.
Which ones would you recommend? (Ideally with a link, as I'm a bit of a lazy bugger.)Brake blocks are my next job, to be closely followed by working out how to slightly nose-down the Brooks.
Question for the taller Brompton riders out there.
What configuration, bars and seatpost do you use? I’m 6’4” and I’d imagine I’d benefit from the telescopic post and H-Type bars.
Plan is to use it as a backup commuter and also to throw in the boot when we’re away to be used to head out and explore for a couple of hours/30 miles
I also think I’d probably add some stubby bar ends which I’ve seen used on them to provide a bit of variety if I did end up using it for longer rides.
Thanks in advance.
What configuration, bars and seatpost do you use? I’m 6’4” and I’d imagine I’d benefit from the telescopic post and H-Type bars.
Plan is to use it as a backup commuter and also to throw in the boot when we’re away to be used to head out and explore for a couple of hours/30 miles
I also think I’d probably add some stubby bar ends which I’ve seen used on them to provide a bit of variety if I did end up using it for longer rides.
Thanks in advance.
louiebaby said:
Belnot Phist said:
I'd recommend paying a bit extra for a set of Swiss Stop brake blocks. They last far longer than the Brompton ones and are kinder to the rims.
Which ones would you recommend? (Ideally with a link, as I'm a bit of a lazy bugger.)Brake blocks are my next job, to be closely followed by working out how to slightly nose-down the Brooks.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/swissstop-flash-pro-bxp-al...
They offer much better stopping power than the stock option, especially in the wet, and they don't seem to cover the rims in black gunk either.
ecs said:
louiebaby said:
Belnot Phist said:
I'd recommend paying a bit extra for a set of Swiss Stop brake blocks. They last far longer than the Brompton ones and are kinder to the rims.
Which ones would you recommend? (Ideally with a link, as I'm a bit of a lazy bugger.)Brake blocks are my next job, to be closely followed by working out how to slightly nose-down the Brooks.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/swissstop-flash-pro-bxp-al...
They offer much better stopping power than the stock option, especially in the wet, and they don't seem to cover the rims in black gunk either.
donfisher said:
Question for the taller Brompton riders out there.
What configuration, bars and seatpost do you use? I’m 6’4” and I’d imagine I’d benefit from the telescopic post and H-Type bars.
Plan is to use it as a backup commuter and also to throw in the boot when we’re away to be used to head out and explore for a couple of hours/30 miles
I also think I’d probably add some stubby bar ends which I’ve seen used on them to provide a bit of variety if I did end up using it for longer rides.
Thanks in advance.
If you're used to a roadbike, you probably don't need the tallest bars, I have them, at 6'8'' and they are a bit sit-up-and-beg.What configuration, bars and seatpost do you use? I’m 6’4” and I’d imagine I’d benefit from the telescopic post and H-Type bars.
Plan is to use it as a backup commuter and also to throw in the boot when we’re away to be used to head out and explore for a couple of hours/30 miles
I also think I’d probably add some stubby bar ends which I’ve seen used on them to provide a bit of variety if I did end up using it for longer rides.
Thanks in advance.
I suspect the telescopic post is a necessity. I'd love to find a cost effective titanium one, but the last time I looked they were £250.
ecs said:
These ones:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/swissstop-flash-pro-bxp-al...
They offer much better stopping power than the stock option, especially in the wet, and they don't seem to cover the rims in black gunk either.
Do these slot into the Brompton pad holder, or do you need to buy the SwissStop brake pad and cartridge set first?http://www.wiggle.co.uk/swissstop-flash-pro-bxp-al...
They offer much better stopping power than the stock option, especially in the wet, and they don't seem to cover the rims in black gunk either.
(I've only recently bought the Brompton, and haven't used rim brakes for about 15 years prior to this...!)
Edited by schmunk on Monday 21st August 10:37
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