anyone got a brompton?
Discussion
I'm treating myself to one on the cycle to work scheme.
Is it worth getting the 6 speed over the 3 speed? It's a £65.00 difference for the extra gearing..
Also I fancy a brooks saddle to go with it, but the place I'm buying it from want £95.00 for the saddle with the pentaclip - which seems a bit dear?
Is it worth getting the 6 speed over the 3 speed? It's a £65.00 difference for the extra gearing..
Also I fancy a brooks saddle to go with it, but the place I'm buying it from want £95.00 for the saddle with the pentaclip - which seems a bit dear?
Hi there, had a 3spd Brompton for the past 18 months which takes me from East London into the city every weekday, it's about a 16 mile round trip. The 3spd gearing has been perfectly fine for that journey. The gears seem very well spaced and I've never really struggled on any of the steeper hills I've had to climb, having said all that though as it's only £65 difference it might be worth going for the 6spd depending on what you'll be using it for.
I've got a Brookes/Pentaclip combination on mine and I think I paid over the £100 mark so £95 sounds about right.
Hope that helps.
I've got a Brookes/Pentaclip combination on mine and I think I paid over the £100 mark so £95 sounds about right.
Hope that helps.
I've got a five speed that's about 12 years old I think, so I can't help you on the gears.
As far as the saddle goes, any particular reason you want a Brookes? I bought a cheap and cheerful gel saddle from Halfords, plus a bracket to attach it to the seatpost. Total cost less than £20.
As far as the saddle goes, any particular reason you want a Brookes? I bought a cheap and cheerful gel saddle from Halfords, plus a bracket to attach it to the seatpost. Total cost less than £20.
very helpful.
the only hills I regularly go up are ludgate hill (which is nothing) and stamford hill (gentle slope) so I'm in two mind as to whether to get the extra gearing. It is only 65 quid, but when you've added the cost of the saddle and pentaclip, a bag to go on the front, a folding peddle, youre knocking onto a grand..
I fancy a brooks because the look (and I'm told feel) a lot better than the standard saddle. Also looking on ebay, they never go for less than the 40 notes mark, so bearing in mind I'm getting it discounted on the cycle to work scheme if I want to sell it,I shouldn't lose out.
On the point of the saddle, I've noticed Halfrauds sell a standard brooks saddle for 45-50 quid yet the saddle (minus the pentaclip) from Brompton is about 75 quid odd.
Buying a Brompton is like buying a BMW of old - if you want anything over and above the base product they sting you...
the only hills I regularly go up are ludgate hill (which is nothing) and stamford hill (gentle slope) so I'm in two mind as to whether to get the extra gearing. It is only 65 quid, but when you've added the cost of the saddle and pentaclip, a bag to go on the front, a folding peddle, youre knocking onto a grand..
I fancy a brooks because the look (and I'm told feel) a lot better than the standard saddle. Also looking on ebay, they never go for less than the 40 notes mark, so bearing in mind I'm getting it discounted on the cycle to work scheme if I want to sell it,I shouldn't lose out.
On the point of the saddle, I've noticed Halfrauds sell a standard brooks saddle for 45-50 quid yet the saddle (minus the pentaclip) from Brompton is about 75 quid odd.
Buying a Brompton is like buying a BMW of old - if you want anything over and above the base product they sting you...
Edited by princeperch on Sunday 2nd May 16:50
princeperch said:
very helpful.
the only hills I regularly go up are ludgate hill (which is nothing) and stamford hill (gentle slope) so I'm in two mind as to whether to get the extra gearing. It is only 65 quid, but when you've added the cost of the saddle and pentaclip, a bag to go on the front, a folding peddle, youre knocking onto a grand..
I fancy a brooks because the look (and I'm told feel) a lot better than the standard saddle. Also looking on ebay, they never go for less than the 40 notes mark, so bearing in mind I'm getting it discounted on the cycle to work scheme if I want to sell it,I shouldn't lose out.
On the point of the saddle, I've noticed Halfrauds sell the standard saddle for 45-50 quid yet the saddle (minus the pentaclip) from Brompton is about 75 quid.
Buying a Brompton is like buying a BMW of old - if you want anything over and above the base product they sting you...
I've got the bag that goes on the front, and I can honestly say I've used it half a dozen times. If I need to carry anything, normally I just bungee it on the rack. That way, you don't end up lugging the front bag around with you like a briefcase. I also have the folding pedal. Whether you need that or not depends on whether you need to get the folded bike as narrow as possible to get it between the seats on a train.the only hills I regularly go up are ludgate hill (which is nothing) and stamford hill (gentle slope) so I'm in two mind as to whether to get the extra gearing. It is only 65 quid, but when you've added the cost of the saddle and pentaclip, a bag to go on the front, a folding peddle, youre knocking onto a grand..
I fancy a brooks because the look (and I'm told feel) a lot better than the standard saddle. Also looking on ebay, they never go for less than the 40 notes mark, so bearing in mind I'm getting it discounted on the cycle to work scheme if I want to sell it,I shouldn't lose out.
On the point of the saddle, I've noticed Halfrauds sell the standard saddle for 45-50 quid yet the saddle (minus the pentaclip) from Brompton is about 75 quid.
Buying a Brompton is like buying a BMW of old - if you want anything over and above the base product they sting you...
As far as the saddle goes, you could always order the bike with the standard saddle, and then put on a Brookes or something else if you really don't like it, or as in my case, when it splits. Like I said, the generic clip you need costs a couple of quid from a bike shop, and then you can spend as much or as little as you want on a saddle after that. The saddle takes a bit of a beating, because you use it as a handle to hump the folded bike about with, so my view is to buy a cheap and cheerful one which gets replaced as and when.
Funnily enough I was browsing the Halfords website about 20 minutes ago, and came across the Brookes B17 in tan, with the laces, for £59.99 - but this weekend it appears to be on a buy 2 get one free offer.
I wanted one for the Brompton and one for my road bike when I go off cycling in the Alps in the Summer - so I've now got one to pop on ebay. Should get around 45-50 quid for it hopefully, which is a nice bonus.
I wanted one for the Brompton and one for my road bike when I go off cycling in the Alps in the Summer - so I've now got one to pop on ebay. Should get around 45-50 quid for it hopefully, which is a nice bonus.
Edited by princeperch on Sunday 2nd May 18:57
I have a 3 speed and like you deliberated for some time over the gear choice. For general riding the 3 speed is fine and have no problem with it. FWIW I have a 18 speed mountain bike and on the road only ever use two gears!
Under cycle to work you can order 'safety extras' and then claim the tax benefits under the scheme. I ordered the 'standard' bike which comes with a padded seat and finger mouldings underneath for when you carry the bike folded. I then ordered carbon bar ends (useful as the handlebars are quite narrow) a brooks sprung saddle with leather tool roll. They came additional to the standard bike for me to fit and they look great.
If you want any extras do it under the scheme.
Under cycle to work you can order 'safety extras' and then claim the tax benefits under the scheme. I ordered the 'standard' bike which comes with a padded seat and finger mouldings underneath for when you carry the bike folded. I then ordered carbon bar ends (useful as the handlebars are quite narrow) a brooks sprung saddle with leather tool roll. They came additional to the standard bike for me to fit and they look great.
If you want any extras do it under the scheme.
when I got my road bike a couple of years ago on the cycle to work scheme I didnt angle for a discount as it was already in the sale - is it worth playing a bit of hardball for a modest discount when buying a brompton? or is there a modest mark up on them for the shop? Not sure if the shop would be willing to give a discount as I'm paying under the scheme, although as I'll be spending a grand in one sitting a discount would be nice...
Out of interest, how do Bromptons go so fast. I was in Richmond Pk the other day and I was overtaken by a Road Bike all Lycraed up closely followed by a normally dressed bloke on a Brompton right on his tail.
Very impressive but how do those little wheels manage to get the bike going at such a rate. I would imagine the gearing to be monstrous yet the guy seemed quite relaxed.
Very impressive but how do those little wheels manage to get the bike going at such a rate. I would imagine the gearing to be monstrous yet the guy seemed quite relaxed.
Doubtful you will get a discount on a Brompton as the price is quite tight - remember they can sell them no problem and if you want a special configuration you will have to wait for it to be built.
I used AVC in Bath for my cycle to work. Whole thing done mail order and they have several 'black models' in stock.
If you are on cycle to work why do you want discount given that you will be getting it for ~40% cheaper on a 12 month interest 'free' purchase straight out of your salary with a 'small' balloon payment at the end - IF you want to keep it.
Yes they are fast - Roberto Heras won the Brompton World Championship at Blenheim last year (he was second the year before!) Not bad when you have to 'assemble' the bike after crossing the start line.
http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest/399834/...
I used AVC in Bath for my cycle to work. Whole thing done mail order and they have several 'black models' in stock.
If you are on cycle to work why do you want discount given that you will be getting it for ~40% cheaper on a 12 month interest 'free' purchase straight out of your salary with a 'small' balloon payment at the end - IF you want to keep it.
Yes they are fast - Roberto Heras won the Brompton World Championship at Blenheim last year (he was second the year before!) Not bad when you have to 'assemble' the bike after crossing the start line.
http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest/399834/...
Edited by Zingari on Monday 3rd May 19:25
We have two in the family - a 2 speed and a 3 speed. I much prefer the 2-speeder, it is noticeably lighter to carry about and the gearing is spot on. First is great away from the lights and as a bail-out gear, second does for everything else. The six speed is meant to be ok but I wouldn't bother if you don't have any significant hills.
To be honest I would opt for the standard Brompton saddle over a Brooks (I have both on various bikes). The Brompton std. saddle has a really comfy handgrip under the nose which is just the job for picking it up.
To be honest I would opt for the standard Brompton saddle over a Brooks (I have both on various bikes). The Brompton std. saddle has a really comfy handgrip under the nose which is just the job for picking it up.
croyde said:
Out of interest, how do Bromptons go so fast. I was in Richmond Pk the other day and I was overtaken by a Road Bike all Lycraed up closely followed by a normally dressed bloke on a Brompton right on his tail.
Very impressive but how do those little wheels manage to get the bike going at such a rate. I would imagine the gearing to be monstrous yet the guy seemed quite relaxed.
It's not the bike, it's the rider. I can comforably hold the wheel of most of my friends when they're riding fixed and i'm on my SS beach cruiser. Those tiny wheels are actually not that much of a disadvantage as think of the improved acceleration they give. The gearing will most likely be the same as any other bike, though with the small wheels giving lower gearing you need a larger chainring, which coupled with the small wheels makes it look huge. Giving the impression of huge gearing.Very impressive but how do those little wheels manage to get the bike going at such a rate. I would imagine the gearing to be monstrous yet the guy seemed quite relaxed.
I rode my fixed for the first time since September tonight. Since then i've been riding either my town bike or beach cruiser, both 17 kilos, the beach cruiser with 2.1 deep treaded tyres, the town bike ones a little thinner. Both with a riding position that effectively turns me into a sail. Tonight, on the 8 kilo fixed with 23mm slicks and a very aero position and although it was noticibly quicker. It was only 5 minutes faster over a 30 minute ride, which I mainly put down to the riding position/air resistance.
A quick rider is gonna be quick whether he's on a £5k carbon race bike, or a Brompton. Similarly, if you buy an expensive bike thinking it's gonna make you a fast rider, you're wasting your money.
mchammer89 said:
croyde said:
Out of interest, how do Bromptons go so fast. I was in Richmond Pk the other day and I was overtaken by a Road Bike all Lycraed up closely followed by a normally dressed bloke on a Brompton right on his tail.
Very impressive but how do those little wheels manage to get the bike going at such a rate. I would imagine the gearing to be monstrous yet the guy seemed quite relaxed.
It's not the bike, it's the rider. I can comforably hold the wheel of most of my friends when they're riding fixed and i'm on my SS beach cruiser. Those tiny wheels are actually not that much of a disadvantage as think of the improved acceleration they give. The gearing will most likely be the same as any other bike, though with the small wheels giving lower gearing you need a larger chainring, which coupled with the small wheels makes it look huge. Giving the impression of huge gearing.Very impressive but how do those little wheels manage to get the bike going at such a rate. I would imagine the gearing to be monstrous yet the guy seemed quite relaxed.
I rode my fixed for the first time since September tonight. Since then i've been riding either my town bike or beach cruiser, both 17 kilos, the beach cruiser with 2.1 deep treaded tyres, the town bike ones a little thinner. Both with a riding position that effectively turns me into a sail. Tonight, on the 8 kilo fixed with 23mm slicks and a very aero position and although it was noticibly quicker. It was only 5 minutes faster over a 30 minute ride, which I mainly put down to the riding position/air resistance.
A quick rider is gonna be quick whether he's on a £5k carbon race bike, or a Brompton. Similarly, if you buy an expensive bike thinking it's gonna make you a fast rider, you're wasting your money.
I used to ride from Waterloo to the office - typically doing around 20-25mph on the flat, and to be overtaken (easily) by some fella on a brompton when i was doing my normal top speed was .... surprising. Cracking bikes, could never see myself on one though. Although the number of problems I had getting the Trek onto the trains at waterloo made me consider one at times ....
clonmult said:
mchammer89 said:
croyde said:
Out of interest, how do Bromptons go so fast. I was in Richmond Pk the other day and I was overtaken by a Road Bike all Lycraed up closely followed by a normally dressed bloke on a Brompton right on his tail.
Very impressive but how do those little wheels manage to get the bike going at such a rate. I would imagine the gearing to be monstrous yet the guy seemed quite relaxed.
It's not the bike, it's the rider. I can comforably hold the wheel of most of my friends when they're riding fixed and i'm on my SS beach cruiser. Those tiny wheels are actually not that much of a disadvantage as think of the improved acceleration they give. The gearing will most likely be the same as any other bike, though with the small wheels giving lower gearing you need a larger chainring, which coupled with the small wheels makes it look huge. Giving the impression of huge gearing.Very impressive but how do those little wheels manage to get the bike going at such a rate. I would imagine the gearing to be monstrous yet the guy seemed quite relaxed.
I rode my fixed for the first time since September tonight. Since then i've been riding either my town bike or beach cruiser, both 17 kilos, the beach cruiser with 2.1 deep treaded tyres, the town bike ones a little thinner. Both with a riding position that effectively turns me into a sail. Tonight, on the 8 kilo fixed with 23mm slicks and a very aero position and although it was noticibly quicker. It was only 5 minutes faster over a 30 minute ride, which I mainly put down to the riding position/air resistance.
A quick rider is gonna be quick whether he's on a £5k carbon race bike, or a Brompton. Similarly, if you buy an expensive bike thinking it's gonna make you a fast rider, you're wasting your money.
I used to ride from Waterloo to the office - typically doing around 20-25mph on the flat, and to be overtaken (easily) by some fella on a brompton when i was doing my normal top speed was .... surprising. Cracking bikes, could never see myself on one though. Although the number of problems I had getting the Trek onto the trains at waterloo made me consider one at times ....
mchammer89 said:
clonmult said:
mchammer89 said:
croyde said:
Out of interest, how do Bromptons go so fast. I was in Richmond Pk the other day and I was overtaken by a Road Bike all Lycraed up closely followed by a normally dressed bloke on a Brompton right on his tail.
Very impressive but how do those little wheels manage to get the bike going at such a rate. I would imagine the gearing to be monstrous yet the guy seemed quite relaxed.
It's not the bike, it's the rider. I can comforably hold the wheel of most of my friends when they're riding fixed and i'm on my SS beach cruiser. Those tiny wheels are actually not that much of a disadvantage as think of the improved acceleration they give. The gearing will most likely be the same as any other bike, though with the small wheels giving lower gearing you need a larger chainring, which coupled with the small wheels makes it look huge. Giving the impression of huge gearing.Very impressive but how do those little wheels manage to get the bike going at such a rate. I would imagine the gearing to be monstrous yet the guy seemed quite relaxed.
I rode my fixed for the first time since September tonight. Since then i've been riding either my town bike or beach cruiser, both 17 kilos, the beach cruiser with 2.1 deep treaded tyres, the town bike ones a little thinner. Both with a riding position that effectively turns me into a sail. Tonight, on the 8 kilo fixed with 23mm slicks and a very aero position and although it was noticibly quicker. It was only 5 minutes faster over a 30 minute ride, which I mainly put down to the riding position/air resistance.
A quick rider is gonna be quick whether he's on a £5k carbon race bike, or a Brompton. Similarly, if you buy an expensive bike thinking it's gonna make you a fast rider, you're wasting your money.
I used to ride from Waterloo to the office - typically doing around 20-25mph on the flat, and to be overtaken (easily) by some fella on a brompton when i was doing my normal top speed was .... surprising. Cracking bikes, could never see myself on one though. Although the number of problems I had getting the Trek onto the trains at waterloo made me consider one at times ....
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