Brompton experiences
Discussion
Looked at some closely for the first time last week. I'm really impressed by the engineering and with the cost of a decent road bike easily hitting a grand or a grand and a half, a Brompton for £800 or so seems pretty reasonable.
OK, I've been on their website and you can easily spec one to over £1200
Thinking one would kick start my cycling again especially as it can live indoors or at my places of work plus can be taken on the tube. So what are they like to ride?
I have a shed with 3 bikes that are not being put to much use as I don't really want to ride through the centre of London anymore (See other threads about those w
k stained fekers that drive tipper trucks) A heavy 26ins wheeled hybrid urban type thing, a Langster and a Spec Comp.
Would riding these make the Brompton feel inferior.
Your thoughts thanks.
OK, I've been on their website and you can easily spec one to over £1200
Thinking one would kick start my cycling again especially as it can live indoors or at my places of work plus can be taken on the tube. So what are they like to ride?
I have a shed with 3 bikes that are not being put to much use as I don't really want to ride through the centre of London anymore (See other threads about those w
k stained fekers that drive tipper trucks) A heavy 26ins wheeled hybrid urban type thing, a Langster and a Spec Comp.Would riding these make the Brompton feel inferior.
Your thoughts thanks.
Bromptons are great!, my original is a bit worn out, number 2 is on order. The steering is a bit twitchy but soon get used to it. Pretty heavy too. Will never win the TDF!.
Don't bother with the hideously expensive 'superlight'', most of the weight saving is because it doesn't come with a pump!
Don't bother with the hideously expensive 'superlight'', most of the weight saving is because it doesn't come with a pump!
I have an s-type (flat bar, more sporty riding position) with mudguards, 3 speed hub and dynamo lights. Cost me £950 but I got it on the C2W scheme so saved 41%. I love it and use it all time time for nipping around - to the shops, to the station, between offices, etc. I've even done the full 8 mile commute on it - you do get some funny looks when you steam past people on regular bikes!
Depending on where you live, have you thought about trying http://www.bromptondock.co.uk/ to have a play before committing?
I registered months and months ago, but still haven't got round to trying one myself!
(If you do register, let me know, as there's a "recommend a friend" option, where we could both get 2 days hire for free! I'll PM you my details if you decide to go for it)
I registered months and months ago, but still haven't got round to trying one myself!
(If you do register, let me know, as there's a "recommend a friend" option, where we could both get 2 days hire for free! I'll PM you my details if you decide to go for it)
Thanks for that 
I might yet try them but I did wander down to my local Evans an hour ago and they let me borrow a 3 speed one for half an hour and I have to say that I am seriously impressed.
Yes it does flex and it's wobbly but that's part of the fun. I could get quite a speed up compared to the Sunday non lycra wearing cyclists and it felt pretty stable on the go.
An absolute breeze in grid locked traffic and was much easier to thread through the gaps compared to my road bikes, helped by the tiny wheels, narrow bars and upright riding position.
Had a quick go at folding and unfolding and it really does take seconds.
If I get one I would need the higher seat post as it felt short by an inch or two and I would spec the higher gearing. Anyone has one with the dynamo lighting? Does it cause drag?
Really need to sell the Langster or the Allez Comp to finance the cost so if anyone is looking for either PM me
I might yet try them but I did wander down to my local Evans an hour ago and they let me borrow a 3 speed one for half an hour and I have to say that I am seriously impressed.Yes it does flex and it's wobbly but that's part of the fun. I could get quite a speed up compared to the Sunday non lycra wearing cyclists and it felt pretty stable on the go.
An absolute breeze in grid locked traffic and was much easier to thread through the gaps compared to my road bikes, helped by the tiny wheels, narrow bars and upright riding position.
Had a quick go at folding and unfolding and it really does take seconds.
If I get one I would need the higher seat post as it felt short by an inch or two and I would spec the higher gearing. Anyone has one with the dynamo lighting? Does it cause drag?
Really need to sell the Langster or the Allez Comp to finance the cost so if anyone is looking for either PM me
croyde said:
Thanks for that I might yet try them but I did wander down to my local Evans an hour ago and they let me borrow a 3 speed one for half an hour and I have to say that I am seriously impressed.
Yes it does flex and it's wobbly but that's part of the fun. I could get quite a speed up compared to the Sunday non lycra wearing cyclists and it felt pretty stable on the go.
An absolute breeze in grid locked traffic and was much easier to thread through the gaps compared to my road bikes, helped by the tiny wheels, narrow bars and upright riding position.
Had a quick go at folding and unfolding and it really does take seconds.
If I get one I would need the higher seat post as it felt short by an inch or two and I would spec the higher gearing. Anyone has one with the dynamo lighting? Does it cause drag?
Really need to sell the Langster or the Allez Comp to finance the cost so if anyone is looking for either PM me
I have the 6 speed with dynamo lights, I use it for the 'last mile' commute from Paddington to Victoria when I have to go to London. There's no doubt that Bromptons are more flexible, heavier, and a slower ride than a proper road bike, but to my mind that's more than compensated by the agility and portability. I might yet try them but I did wander down to my local Evans an hour ago and they let me borrow a 3 speed one for half an hour and I have to say that I am seriously impressed.Yes it does flex and it's wobbly but that's part of the fun. I could get quite a speed up compared to the Sunday non lycra wearing cyclists and it felt pretty stable on the go.
An absolute breeze in grid locked traffic and was much easier to thread through the gaps compared to my road bikes, helped by the tiny wheels, narrow bars and upright riding position.
Had a quick go at folding and unfolding and it really does take seconds.
If I get one I would need the higher seat post as it felt short by an inch or two and I would spec the higher gearing. Anyone has one with the dynamo lighting? Does it cause drag?
Really need to sell the Langster or the Allez Comp to finance the cost so if anyone is looking for either PM me
The dynamo lights and battery light is too low down to be seen in London traffic, so I've read. Probably better to get a normal LED light , high up on the seat post .
The extended seat post is a free 'upgrade' when new . If you fit a rubber band/piece of inner tube, at your height, where the seat post exits the bottom of the frame when folded, you can reset to your height every time,,
The extended seat post is a free 'upgrade' when new . If you fit a rubber band/piece of inner tube, at your height, where the seat post exits the bottom of the frame when folded, you can reset to your height every time,,
The dynamo lights and battery light is too low down to be seen in London traffic, so I've read. Probably better to get a normal LED light , high up on the seat post .
The extended seat post is a free 'upgrade' when new . If you fit a rubber band/piece of inner tube, at your height, where the seat post exits the bottom of the frame when folded, you can reset to your height every time,,
The extended seat post is a free 'upgrade' when new . If you fit a rubber band/piece of inner tube, at your height, where the seat post exits the bottom of the frame when folded, you can reset to your height every time,,
The options soon add up!. I've got a 6 speed S type on order , with rear rack. Hopefully will be here in a few weeks .., Eazy wheels are a worthwhile option too ..
S type does restrict front luggage options a bit, if that matters to you
S type does restrict front luggage options a bit, if that matters to you
Edited by anonymous-user on Sunday 17th November 18:28
Jimboka said:
The dynamo lights and battery light is too low down to be seen in London traffic, so I've read. Probably better to get a normal LED light , high up on the seat post .
That's a fair point, I use an additional LED rear light on the seat post, but the low-level front illuminates the way ok on unlit paths. As a shortish 5'8" I have no need for a longer seat post. All the nearly new and 1 year old Bromptons on eBay seem to go for close to their retail price and don't have the exact spec I need. Meaning the higher seat post, higher gearing and firmer suspension.
They certainly seem to hold their value. Of course that'll all change the day I decide to splash the cash
ETA I have a Specialized Allez Competition with 300 miles on it, cost me £1300 a couple of years ago, which I was going to stick on the eBay to help finance the Brompton. Just had a look and there are loads of lesser specced Allez on there with no bids.
What happened there then
They certainly seem to hold their value. Of course that'll all change the day I decide to splash the cash
ETA I have a Specialized Allez Competition with 300 miles on it, cost me £1300 a couple of years ago, which I was going to stick on the eBay to help finance the Brompton. Just had a look and there are loads of lesser specced Allez on there with no bids.
What happened there then
Edited by croyde on Wednesday 20th November 19:58
Bought one earlier this year, ready for a new commute. Then moved and changed jobs, so don't use it a lot. I still love it though, I use it now and again, mainly when dropping the car off for services, or when getting picked up from work.
If you compare "pushing on a bit" on the Brompton with "just riding in" on the road bike, my times to work are about the same. (It's hard to resist chasing down roadies to annoy them when you pass them on a folding bike.)
6 speed, raw lacquer, titanium, Brooks and Kojaks for me. It's easy to go nuts with the options...
If you compare "pushing on a bit" on the Brompton with "just riding in" on the road bike, my times to work are about the same. (It's hard to resist chasing down roadies to annoy them when you pass them on a folding bike.)
6 speed, raw lacquer, titanium, Brooks and Kojaks for me. It's easy to go nuts with the options...
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