Brompton options

[Roger645]

Going to get a brompton under the cycle to work scheme. Not going to get the lightweight as it's a "spare" bike. Anyone have one and know the best options, thinking of the S type with 3 speeds, rack and mud guards.

[mk1fan]

As with any bike, what type of riding are you going to do on it? What are you going to be carrying? How long is the commute? Is it hilly or flat? Are you going to be using the train as well?

I'd always recommend full mudguards on a commuter, a pannier rack and two panniers to evenly distribute loads.

I don't know any of the Brompton range so can't direct you to any specific model but I would suggest you consider my questions carefully. Buying a bike is easy, getting one you're comfortable on and enjoy riding needs some thought and consideration. If you don't enjoy riding it or it doesn't fully meet your needs and you won't ride it.

As an example, my commuter is a rigid On One Inbred with Cotic Roadhog forks mountain bike, with full mudguards, 700c touring wheels, pannier rack and one gear. It's a joy to ride and makes the commute to work 'fun'.

[sjg]

That's pretty sensible. Get a ride on them first though - the S-bars are lower which may not suit if you're tall. As the cable lengths are carefully designed for each, it's not so simple to just swap bars over. Likewise if you're tall you may want the extended and/or telescopic seatpost to get more room.

Consider the singlespeed too - if it's not too hilly it saves over 800g and is simpler to maintain. The 2-speed derailleur is worth a look as well, only a slight weight increase over the singlespeed for two well-spaced ratios.

[vx220boy]

Another option is Dahon - a little heavier than a Brompton, but the bigger wheels helped make the decision for me. I use mine most days and do up to 20 miles a day on it moving cars from one location to another.

Ultimately went for the Dahon because it had 7 gears and cost less than a Brompton! I've had it 9 months now, not one problem and its more than paid for itself in fuel saved. Riding back from Land Rover dealers yesterday I was smiling to all the drivers stuck on the A64 heading to the coast as I passed them!