Folding Bikes - Best looking brompton I've seen so far.

Actually this brompton is not my mate's. It was built for a bike show by a japanese custom shop.
Their homepage address is http://bike.gn.to/
They build lot of interesting products for folders as well (Ti spokes, bladed spokes, anodized rims, 74mm front hubs and so on)

Anyway..



Bullhorn bar makes a very racy look. BTW the black seatpost is made of carbon.



Vision carbon bullhorn bar and STI levers.. Satori stem is used (a la speed pro TT)



FSA carbon crank and carbon-wrapped TT chainring (55-44T)
It has a front derailleur too.



Custom 130mm spacing rear frame with derailleur hanger.
Wheels are built using american classic hub, Titanium spokes and 18" rims.
There are 10 cogs... so 2*10 speeds.



As the rim diameter is bigger, standard ultegra caliper brake can be used.



This bike does fold. (you will need hex wrench to fold the handlebar though)

Here is the translated page specific to folding bikes ...

http://www.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fbike.gn.to%2F&langpair=ja%7Cen&hl=en&ie=UTF8

Neat hubs. Although I wonder how low those handlebars are ...

That's a really nice conversion - I love white bikes!
Funnily enough - I just fitted a Syntace stem extension similar to the Satori you mention this weekend so I can have a more forward riding position. Naturally - it means the bars don't fit into the clip anymore so I have two options I'm considering at the moment. One is adapting some seatpost quick-release bolts to fit instead of the current allen-key bolts so I can rotate the bars when I fold; The other being the fabrication of an extension to the protruding part on the stem that attaches to the clip so the bars can still fasten shut in a fold with the bars still in their forward position (my bars just have bar ends - this wouldn't work with bullhorns or drops).

The main problem I'm finding with a lightweight Brompton with things on the bars is balance when it's folded - the bar side of the fold is a lot heavier than the other without a rack or mudguards fitted so it isn't exactly happy to sit on it's base without being up against a wall.

Thanks for the links - I look forward to perusing them in good time.

Oh - a query - you mention it has bigger rims - are these the Moulton size or maybe the Birdy?

OK, so how many millimeters off the ground is the rear derailleur? 6 or 7? ;)

Awsome, But I'd ditch those adjustable forward 'bars to save some weight.

Hi
Best looking Brommie I’ve seen too.



The main problem I'm finding with a lightweight Brompton with things on the bars is balance when it's folded - the bar side of the fold is a lot heavier than the other without a rack or mudguards fitted so it isn't exactly happy to sit on it's base without being up against a wall.

I converted Merc to a ti-version too, and noticed also that when the bike is folded the front and rear wheels are not on the same level – the folded bike tends to fall on the front wheel side. All I can think of is that the ti-front fork differs from Merc’s fork. The difference is about 5mm.
I also had the following experiences:
- Rear triangle wasn’t assembled properly. When I dropped the wheel axle into the slot of the triangle, there was like 15mm distance between the triangle and the rim on the left side, and 25mm on the right side. There wasn’t play enough to turn the wheel so that it would be in the centre. So I filed off some material from the axle slot. The package was intact, no marks of harsh handling. For the price one should get good quality. I didn’t send it back to the British bicycle shop, because it would have meant a month’s waiting. And before that a couple of weeks e-mail correspondence trying to convince them that I’m not a monkey.
- There is only 1 mm – or even less - distance between the tyre and the triangle’s vertical short tube when the axle is seated against the end of the slots.

why dont they get bolts for the stem that can be undone by hand.

Either quick releases or just L shaped bolts.

The difference is about 5mm
I've noticed this too.


Rear triangle wasn’t assembled properly... When I dropped the wheel axle into the slot of the triangle, there was like 15mm distance between the triangle and the rim on the left side, and 25mm on the right side

I have to say I'd doubt a part so strong and mass produced is 'assembled wrongly' - these things are made on a jig. Perhaps there is a built in offset you weren't expecting compared to the Merc part or maybe the problem is to do with the dish of the wheel? Did you put in the Merc rear hub or something else?

When I got my track hub for mine I was momentarily dismayed because I thought all track hubs were positioned dead-centre on the axle (mine isn't as it's not a flip-flop) and it seemed like it just wasn't going to fit in the frame; at least - not with a centred rim. But then I took a deep breath built the rear wheel with the correct dish (my first dished wheel) and the rim is dead-centre while the flanges are offset slightly to the left to allow for the sprocket. It's a tight fit but it works.

why dont they get bolts for the stem that can be undone by hand.

Either quick releases or just L shaped bolts.

I'm hoping to experiment with exactly this idea with a seatpost QR in the next few days if it's the right size.

- Rear triangle wasn’t assembled properly. When I dropped the wheel axle into the slot of the triangle, there was like 15mm distance between the triangle and the rim on the left side, and 25mm on the right side. There wasn’t play enough to turn the wheel so that it would be in the centre. So I filed off some material from the axle slot. The package was intact, no marks of harsh handling. For the price one should get good quality.

The Brompton rear triangle is designed to be like that, mostly for chainline and folded clearance reasons. The rear wheel still sits on the centreline of the frame. You shouldn't have filed the dropouts before asking the question.

...? Did you put in the Merc rear hub or something else?
I used the Merc rear wheel.


The Brompton rear triangle is designed to be like that, mostly for chainline and folded clearance reasons. The rear wheel still sits on the centreline of the frame. You shouldn't have filed the dropouts before asking the question.

I can’t explain without a picture (This is not the ti-version). The clearance in A between the wheel and the frame tube on the left side was almost 1 cm greater compared to the clearance on the right side. But in B the clearance differences were vice versa – left side clearance was 1 cm less. This asymmetry is not present with Merc.

I did ask the question some months ago in this forum – “Are the Merc and Brompton frame parts identical?” The answer was “Yes”.

I can’t explain without a picture (This is not the ti-version). The clearance in A between the wheel and the frame tube on the left side was almost 1 cm greater compared to the clearance on the right side. But in B the clearance differences were vice versa – left side clearance was 1 cm less. This asymmetry is not present with Merc.

I did ask the question some months ago in this forum – “Are the Merc and Brompton frame parts identical?” The answer was “Yes”.

Hmmm, I never noticed this on the Merc nor the old Brompton. Then again, I never gave it a good look. EvilV? SC? Rafael? Anyone else?

Sorted out my quick release this afternoon - works a treat - (I love the smell of dremel in the morning)
I could fit any bars now - moustache, bullhorn, risers; Drops would be a bit of a push though what with the width.

Sorted out my quick release this afternoon - works a treat - (I love the smell of dremel in the morning)
I could fit any bars now - moustache, bullhorn, risers; Drops would be a bit of a push though what with the width.

Sweet. How did you get it to work?

I cut off the 'rocker' half of a spare seat release clamp to use on one side of the stem's clamp, so that the lever still applied tension in the desired incremental manner, and used the same bolt as well, with a little of the head removed so that the bars can actually rotate over this setup when you want to fold. I might put the bolt in a drill chuck and sand off a bit more of the inner shoulder for a more snug fit at some point but it all works for now. Stem 'risers' are Syntace. Pictures below:

could have just got a countersunk bolt from a hardware store.

LP ... excellent instructions.

could have just got a countersunk bolt from a hardware store.

This is a possibility :)
Was just working with the parts I have to hand. If it was totally countersunk it'd be harder to finger-tighten on the knurled end if it gets loose for any reason though so this is pretty good. Just need to 'lathe' off some of the shoulder and I'll be happy...

Sweet Pics on nice work again Littlepixle!


Hmmm, I never noticed this on the Merc nor the old Brompton. Then again, I never gave it a good look. EvilV? SC? Rafael? Anyone else?

Jepp, just checked a merc and a new b.: the ti-rear-triangle is asymmetrical with the wheel while the merc steel triangle is not (at least not as far as I can see). The parts of the two bikes are not identical. I believe, it was said here that the merc is an almost one-to-one copy to pre 199x bromptons. The Ti-parts definitely have slightly different measures. But does it matter in terms of fitting the ti-triangle to merc frame? Did others need to file also?

I cut off the 'rocker' half of a spare seat release clamp to use on one side of the stem's clamp, so that the lever still applied tension in the desired incremental manner, and used the same bolt as well, with a little of the head removed so that the bars can actually rotate over this setup when you want to fold. I might put the bolt in a drill chuck and sand off a bit more of the inner shoulder for a more snug fit at some point but it all works for now. Stem 'risers' are Syntace. Pictures below:
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Very nice work. Be careful with this – if the quick release gives while riding the consequences can be serious. I have experience with handle-bar vertical adjustment quick-release giving and I was lucky to survive with only some bruises. Now I wouldn’t trust my life on a quick-release in a place like this.


Jepp, just checked a merc and a new b.: the ti-rear-triangle is asymmetrical with the wheel while the merc steel triangle is not (at least not as far as I can see). The parts of the two bikes are not identical. I believe, it was said here that the merc is an almost one-to-one copy to pre 199x bromptons. The Ti-parts definitely have slightly different measures. But does it matter in terms of fitting the ti-triangle to merc frame? Did others need to file also?

Thanks for the information. I guess nobody needs to file anything – obviously I was wrong. I just couldn’t believe that the rear brake & wheel would be on the side of the frame, not in the centre!

Nice White Brommie, definately not one to leave outside, even for a nano second .. what is the overall weight ?

Very Nice Syntace Mod Little Pixel ... is the adjustment worth the extra weight ? (how many precious grams does it 'cost').

I haven't weighed them but they're pretty chunky seemingly made from cast aluminium; I dunno - 150g each?
Is it worth it? It's not much more reach but it does help - especially when out of the saddle. Makes for a more sporty, purposeful side profile too.

I've actually just ordered some of the Zoom/Satori clamps as they look like they've got a bit more reach, are a bit more elegantly put together and you can take the bars out without having to remove all the levers/grips. I might run drops every now and again so this will be ideal for hot swapping them.

I've actually just ordered some of the Zoom/Satori clamsp ...

Where did you order them from? Please let us know how it turns out.

Ordered from here: http://www.bicyclerepair.co.uk; Branded Zoom not Satori but they're the same. If you search for the product name 'Aberhallo' you should be able to find a US stockist maybe?

By the way, I like Lil' Pixel's red bike more than this white one... Just my two cents, pesos or pences...
(His red bike seems to be a bit more innovative, not to mention its a Sexy Single Speed...)

R-20's : If you wanna spend thousands of dollars, one buck at a tme :)

come check the progress...
http://web.mac.com/phatatude/Green_Space/Raleigh_Twenty_Blog/Raleigh_Twenty_Blog.html

Just an update showing the wee B trying the bullhorns off my Twenty for size.
TT bars might be amusing, though I'm thinking flipped north-road bars (aka shallow drops) might be the thing for the B in speed pursuit mode.

It looks really nice LP. Grey, red or even black tape for that final touch and you might win the "Best Looking Brompton I've seen so far" contest.

It looks really nice LP. Grey, red or even black tape for that final touch and you might win the "Best Looking Brompton I've seen so far" contest.

I cut down and flipped some North Road bars today to make some shallow drops, snipped up a 7 Up-can to make a shim for the brake lever, then wrapped some nice black cork tape on them today. I'm pretty stoked with look and feel of the outcome. Riding position is great - I can get into a really fast and forward sprint position... just about in time for the Smithfield Nocturne then... :)

Littlepixel you are the honorary poser of this sub-forum lol!

Having said that, congrats you have great taste and have a right to be proud of this beauty. What weight is it overall? Remind me!

Littlepixel you are the honorary poser of this sub-forum lol..What weight is it overall? Remind me!


As I see it - form should follow function, as long as the function has room for sweet components and plenty of unique character! :)

It's in the high 8kg/low 9kg ballpark at the moment. I have skinnier rims and tyres on order though and really need to do something about those half/half SPD pedals as they are crap. The SPD side always bobs to the top so it's pretty much pointless trying to ride them with normal shoes on. Which is the point of the two sided pedal (Doh!).

I have the same pedals and I manage to keep the SPD side down with a little "tip-of-the-shoe-trick" but honestly, I am considering something lighter and more unique to amplify the Q factor of my Brompton.

I have the same pedals and I manage to keep the SPD side down with a little "tip-of-the-shoe-trick" but honestly, I am considering something lighter and more unique to amplify the Q factor of my Brompton.

I can't decide whether to go for Eggbeaters or KHS removables. Eggbeaters allow for silly-expensive Titanium options but still stick out; KHS sound quite good too; but both mean new cleat systems meaning needing nu shooz and no flexibility of shoes with other bikes. Ah - a conundrum!

Even though I ride for speed and enjoy having clipless pedals on my Brompton, while riding in traffic in Rio as well as socially around (using my B. to go to the movies, etc) I do enjoy having a flat surface, so egg beaters is a no-no for me.

Ideally, a Ti Campus pedal that folds would be a gift from the gods. :)

Doesn't Brompton make a Ti folding pedal?

--sam

Doesn't Brompton make a Ti folding pedal?

--sam

It has a Ti axle but is still pretty hefty; Now if they did a Ti Folding SPD pedal... ;)

LP, that is really one sweet bike! I really like the mods that you have done to your bike. That stem assembly is simply a stroke of genius. I like that chopped North Road bar too, I bet it gives you a lot of hand positions. I do have a Moustache and AllRounder bar which are similar to the North Road - man if only I have an S-stem assembly instead of the M-type.

As for pedals, I have eggbeaters on my other bikes and I really like them. I have Candy pedals on my singlespeed and I can use ordinary shoes on them comnfortably. If only they made detachable pedals like the MKS EZY line!

One of my friends machined eggbeater axle so it can be used with MKS EZY adaptor.
BTW MKS makes a detachable SPD pedal named EZY-cube or something.

One of my friends machined eggbeater axle so it can be used with MKS EZY adaptor. Snap! I've had this idea for about a year now! :) Just the pedal I have in mind (Eggbeater SL) is too thin on the pedal side of the mounting flange; which one did your friend start with?

He started with egg beater C. Here's some pics:
http://cafe.naver.com/minisprinter/3328

Interesting prospect that -I wish I had my own machine shop for just such clever fixes...

He started with egg beater C. Here's some pics:
http://cafe.naver.com/minisprinter/3328
I absolutely cannot make that page load. Can someone who can, pls post pics on this site as attachments?

this ok??

I see nothing...

I absolutely cannot make that page load. Can someone who can, pls post pics on this site as attachments?

Hmmmm, at first I could not see doco's pictures. But now I see them too ...

I am running out of gas Jur ... but if you still cannot see them tomorrow morning, I will download and e-mail them to you.

Here you go Jur, in case you don't see the other photos posted. I cannot see them as well.





That is a sweet conversion. I wish I can get one, all of my bikes have eggbeaters on them, except for my two folders.

EDIT: Wow that is strange. Now I see both Doco's and InvisibleHand's photos.

I see them,they are there


that is so strange you can't see them

I have no idea what is causing this for you Jur..

I see them all but the ones loaded by bykerouac.

Hi Boys,

I would like to see them also! I only see "Content Protected by owner" :(