Folding insults and Brompton S-types

[folding_wonder]

Hello all. I've been heckled by at least three people about my Brompton on my way home from work this evening. All of them were spotty youths with clearly no understanding of the delights of folding bikes. But I was wondering if anybody had any particularly witty put-downs? Turning the other cheek isn't very satisfying sometimes!

On a more serious note, I have the opportunity to purchase a new Brompton at a big discount, and am considering an S-type. I run a 2004 L3 at the moment (basically the same as the current M-type, I think), and the flat bars, lower weight and sporty riding position of the S-type appeal greatly.

But I've read different things about the seating position. Sporty and fast, it claims in some places. But elsewhere I've read the S-type is ideal for smaller people. I'm 6'3", and use a telescopic seatpost for a fair amount of extra height. As I say, a lower riding position appeals, but not if it's going to cause any discomfort. Can anyone put my mind at rest before I go for a test ride?

Also, what do folk think about clipless pedals on Bromptons? I can't see that they'd stick out much more than the standard pedals (even the folder), and I'm sick to death of my feet falling off when pressing on. The benefits of being fixed to the cranks are obvious, but would anyone recommend/discourage this?

Cheers, folding_wonder

[yangmusa]

I'm 6'4" and have test-ridden the S-type fairly extensively. I love the looks and performance compared to the M-type Brompton, but I just found the handlebars too low for comfort over any kind of distance. Given your height, it isn't necessarily hopeless - you might not mind the low bars as much as me? Definitely worth a test ride, but make it a few miles at least - so you get time to tell if your neck gets tired of the position..

/. Magnus

[DaFriMon]

Since you have a chance to test ride the S-type, seems like that might answer your question better than anything anyone could tell you here. :)

I keep toying with the idea of getting a Brompton, and have gone over the specs extensively, but haven't had a chance for a test ride. At 5' 7", it seems like the S type bars might be the only ones that are low enough for me. The M type seem like they would be much higher than I want them, although I know that shorter people than me use them.

Which leads me to my point, such as it is; I don't understand why Brompton can't have adjustable height handlebars without compromising the fold. You'd probably have to put them at one exact height before folding, which would add a little time, but it seems like this could be solved with a decent quick-release and markings to let you know what height to set it for. Fixed height bars just don't seem to make sense on such an expensive bike.

Oh, by the way. The wittier the put downs you use for morons, the less likely they are to understand them. Just let it go. ;)

[Scooper]

Hello all. I've been heckled by at least three people about my Brompton on my way home from work this evening. All of them were spotty youths with clearly no understanding of the delights of folding bikes. But I was wondering if anybody had any particularly witty put-downs? Turning the other cheek isn't very satisfying sometimes!
Most of the comments I've received while riding my M6L have actually been complimentary. I'm six feet tall, weight 190, have the telescoping seat post, and on the few occasions when someone makes a nasty crack about the Brompton, I usually respond with something self-deprecating, like "I finally found one in my size."

Most of the time they break up laughing..

[LittlePixel]

Sounds to me like your pedal solution might be in this (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=215924) recent thread about quick release clipless pedals.

Insults? People mostly just gawp but usually kids love my suspension forks. One kid recently offered me a swap for his mtb beater heh. not likely kiddo!

[Fear&Trembling]

When I was considering getting an S-type (I'm 6" 2) I felt the bars were too low for longer rides. My plan was to put on some 40mm risers (chopped by a few inches). I didn't think the fold would be compromised either. The ride of the S-Type was much sportier and more rigid than the M-type.

QR clipless pedals are worth considering if folded size is important. I have Time Atacs on all my bikes, including my folders.

[dalmore]

The MKS EZ-Cube Quick-Release clipless pedals are nice.

Regarding insults and witty comebacks. If it's mean spirited stuff, I'd ignore it. If it's the good natured ribbing that I get at times from friends try self-deprecating humor. Things like -

You like this? I got it at a half-off sale.

The bike fit me great last week but I had this crazy growth spurt.

I washed it and it shrunk.

I've been fertilizing it but it's just not growing.

I'm hoping it will grow into a <insert your favorite bike here.>

Or try a challenge:

I had to do something so you could keep up.

I haven't ridden a big wheel since I was 5!

[Dahon.Steve]

Hello all. I've been heckled by at least three people about my Brompton on my way home from work this evening. All of them were spotty youths with clearly no understanding of the delights of folding bikes. But I was wondering if anybody had any particularly witty put-downs? Turning the other cheek isn't very satisfying sometimes!


I found that riding any 16' inch wheel folding bike generates this kind of response. On the other hand, riding a 20' inch wheel folder gets a more positive response. It's stange what a 4 inch wheel difference makes.

[folder fanatic]

Hello all. I've been heckled by at least three people about my Brompton on my way home from work this evening. All of them were spotty youths with clearly no understanding of the delights of folding bikes. But I was wondering if anybody had any particularly witty put-downs? Turning the other cheek isn't very satisfying sometimes! -folding wonder

Welcome to this folding forum, Folding Wonder. You will have a accepting group of members here that will not heckle you in any way (unless someone decides to flame you). As for the young people who does not show you the proper respect I say sc%*w them! They do not have your good taste or knowledge about these little marvels. I find these type of bikes-the ones that are not considered "in" or part of the widely known styles like mountain or road-suits my needs perfectly in a hostile urban enviroment that I am forced to stay in for now. My "oddball" folders seem to protect me from the bike jackers that are now part of the scene here. That is why no matter where you are located or travel to, you will have some protection from these dangerous jerks. Please keep that thought in your mind every time someone yells some nasty negative comment at you.

[Crankypants]

Just give them the birdy after giving them a swift kick in the downtube!

[gbcb]

Just give them the birdy after giving them a swift kick in the downtube!

:lol:

I've never been heckled about my folder. I suppose there are enough of them here that it's not really noticeable. I've heard a few calls of "nice bike!", since I keep it in much better shape than the average Beijing bike. Once, when I was speeding along with traffic, a motorcylist came up beside me and gave me a big smile and a thumbs-up.

I think reactions depend a lot on where you are. When I took my bike to Toronto in January, I didn't hear anything. When I took it to the less bike-aware Calgary in May, however, pedestrians would giggle and shriek "look at that bike!!!" as I rode by. I also managed to impress a large queue of people waiting to get into a sports bar for a Calgary Flames game when I just folded it up and carried it inside. No comments that time -- people were just gaping at the bike :D

[catatonic]

I get a mix of heckles and compliments on my 20" folder. One of the better heckles was "Did you rob a midget?" (no, it fit me this morning, but I drank Milk, look at me now!) And the compliments were pretty cool. I get plenty of call outs "Hey, cool bike!"

Only downside to a folder is getting it locked up if you are going inside for a second. I don't feel safe leaving a bike inside a store...it's gotta be locked.

[caotropheus]

Many people are impressed with my Kama made in USSR bicycle. Once a fellow saw me riding the bicycle and when I stoped to speak with him he asked:

"Is this a big childrens bicycle?"

I answered, "no this is an adult's bicycle" and the fellow again, "but, but aren't these wheels the same size of children's bicycles?" I answered "well, you know, like Victor Hugo said, habit is the nursery for mistakes" ;) (This one I learned with Sheldon Brown)

[Bacciagalupe]

Oddly enough, I get more negative "weird bike" comments about my Swift than my Dahon.

Bromptons are excellent bikes, but let's face it, they do look a little weird. Maybe that's why they photographed all those hipsters for their latest promo materials....