Brompton... the bestest thing ever

[aclivity]

I bought a Brompton yesterday, and after my first couple of test rides (1 mile and 5 miles) I have to say I am well pleased with it. It's just so well thought out and well built (and built in Britain, no less), it's pleases the inner engineering geek in me.

I realise that I am outing myself on PH as a cyclist and as a commuter using public transport, as the primary use of this bike will be to get me to and from the train station each day, but I had to post, it's rare that something has become just "so right" so quickly.

It wasn't cheap, and in fact my intention was to go and get an idea of what they were like and to come away and cogitate some more on using the bus, or in fact walking to the station on nice days, then consider a second hand eBay special, but the bike just sold itself to me. The shop owner didn't have to do much work! That said, on eBay they seem to go for £400+, so if I get a couple of years use out of it, and then sell it on, it's well worth the investment.

That's all, I probably am still in the honeymoon period but I just wanted to share.

Oh, and it's also given me an increased desire to get my "proper" bike back from my parents shed as well, how weird is that? I'm becoming a born again bikie!

[Rob81]

I rode a Brompton for the first time a couple of months ago. I was really impressed. My mum bought one and does regular 40 mile rides on it.

[sjg]

I've had one over a year, they're ace. Expensive but in terms of cost per mile or cost per use, they're great value. Mine gets more use than all my others put together.

[anonymous-user]

I've paid a deposit on one & my cyclescheme voucher should arrive in a week or so, cant wait to pick it up!. I found the one I wanted in stock luckily, with the raw lacquer clear finish to show off the brazing!, brooks saddle as well, roll on next week...

[someday]

I saw an Airnimal the other day and thought it looked amazing for a folding bike. Dunno if it's bester than a Brompton though.

[Moobs]

someday said:

I saw an Airnimal the other day and thought it looked amazing for a folding bike. Dunno if it's bester than a Brompton though.

The 'Airnimal' has a superior ride and speed over bumpy terrains(all incarnations). More of a bike that folds than a folding bike.

Brompton is the best for constant folding and un-folding:

popping in/onto shops; car boot; hallway; cafe any other public buildings; public transport.

[hughjayteens]

I've always fancied one just for the engineering in them but don't commute on my bike so a little pointless! One word of warning from a dentist friend of mine - he calls them his cash generator as he gets a lot of commuters coming in with smashed teeth from going over OTB on them and similar small wheeled but tall machines.

[anonymous-user]

hughjayteens said:

I've always fancied one just for the engineering in them but don't commute on my bike so a little pointless! One word of warning from a dentist friend of mine - he calls them his cash generator as he gets a lot of commuters coming in with smashed teeth from going over OTB on them and similar small wheeled but tall machines.

Thats a new one on me. Google doesn't seem to show any evidence of there being any greater risk riding these compared to traditional bikes...

[hughjayteens]

Jimboka said:

Thats a new one on me. Google doesn't seem to show any evidence of there being any greater risk riding these compared to traditional bikes...

I've never heard of it either but he's a fairly prominent cosmetic dentist and also a keen MTBer hence the conversation. Applying some logic, the pivot point for an OTB is very low on a Brompton, especially if the front wheel hits a kerb or a deep pothole, the opposite of why 29ers take bumps in a smoother way then 26ers I guess.